Millions of Aussies are supporting a move for the Australian citizenship test to include knowing how to make a MILO, alongside identifying native flora and fauna, Aussie foods, and understanding Australian slang1.
Who better to lead the charge than Australian star goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, aka our unofficial ‘Minister of Defence’. The MILO ambassador has kicked off a national petition, writing to Minister for Immigration, Hon Tony Burke MP, to include MILO in the test.
“As a lifelong MILO fan, I know just how much this iconic Australian drink means to us all. With MILO celebrating its 90th birthday this year, I’m calling on Aussies to help get the iconic drink officially recognised in the Australian citizenship test,” said Arnold.
Affirming its position as one of the MVPs of Aussie culture, the research revealed that three in four people (76%) agreed that drinking MILO is part of the Australian experience1. A third (32%) of Aussies think everyone should try MILO at least once, alongside visiting the outback (56%), having a sausage sizzle (51%) and watching a footy match (48%)1.
Nestlé Head of Dairy Marketing, Sid Kajale, said, "As we celebrate 90 years of MILO, it’s clear that this choc-malty drink holds a special place in the hearts of Australians. The new research highlights just how deeply rooted MILO is in Australian culture – from childhood memories to sporting traditions. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, making a MILO is a rite of passage and one we hope all future citizens of Australia will learn to create and enjoy.”
More than half (54%) of Aussies consider MILO the most nostalgic non-alcoholic drink, with two in three (66%) describing it as a childhood favourite1. The survey also unveiled that drinking a MILO (39%) is considered one of the most Australian activities, alongside watching Aussie sports like AFL and NRL (63%), using Australian slang like “yeah nah” (60%), and seeing native animals like kangaroos and koalas (59%)1.
When it comes to Aussies’ dedication to drinking MILO, the research has revealed that six in ten (62%) consume the iconic beverage at least once a week, and a quarter (25%) regard it as an everyday staple, drinking it one or more times a day1. The research also found that Aussies choose to drink MILO for a wide variety of reasons, including its unique malty chocolatey taste (50%), warmth on chilly mornings (49%), a refreshing chill on hot days (44%), a constant companion before and after school (30%), and as a drink after sports or physical activity (26%)1.
MILO fans can sign the petition to get the iconic Aussie drink officially recognised in the Australian citizenship test by visiting milo.com.au.
1YouGov research commissioned by MILO surveying 1,013 Australians aged 16 years and older.
About the survey:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,013 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th – 11th November 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 16+).