Helvetic Kitchen

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Rivella

Of course the national soda pop of Switzerland is made with milk.

First produced in 1952, Rivella is one of Switzerland's most iconic drinks. According to their website, it is made from milk serum (also known as whey), herb and fruit tea extract, water, sugar and fizz.

The whey is what makes the drink particularly Swiss. For centuries, dairy farmers enjoyed drinking this byproduct of cheese production. This was later adopted as a health product by early Swiss nutritionists. Already in the 1800s, health tourists to Swiss sanitariums were taking whey baths.

The whey that is used in today's Rivella is more processed than the unfiltered product of the past. However, much like another famous Swiss drink, Ovomaltine, its connection with overall health, outdoor living, and its so-called nutritional advantages are still heavily advertised.

On average, the Swiss drink 10 litres of Rivella every year.

Recipes featuring Rivella:

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