Trip down memory lane: Milo van photo takes Singaporeans back to the past

An old, faded photo of a Milo van outside a school has taken many Singaporeans on a trip down memory lane. Many have responded to the throwback post showcasing the nostalgic scene by sharing their fond memories of the childhood staple.

On Monday (Nov 21), an online Singaporean community page, The Singapore Conscience shared a special photo that sparked a lot of talk among Singaporeans who once had the chance to experience grabbing a drink from the sweet treat-carrying truck.

“There’s just something special about the milo from milo vans,” the caption read. “I don’t know if it is the special formula or maybe it just feels extra rewarding having that cup of milo after completing that run.”

It seems as though Milo, a chocolate-flavoured malt powder drink, was a staple for many Singaporeans’ childhood memories. From an after-school treat to a post-cross country race refresher, many shared what the drink meant in the post’s comments section.

“I remember it so well. Those days, practically everyone I knew was poor, and this was a super yummy treat for us,” one wrote. Another mentioned how tickets for a free Milo drink would also be given in schools as a reward, saying, “Ticket for free milo was a privilege only to certain classmates who assisted the teachers during school sports days…what a treat!”

Others talked about how the taste of the modern Milo is different from before. “Beverages from then had a special formula,” one said, “even the instant Nescafe coffee (was) nice, we don’t get those tastes now.”