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 slang.

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 per cent) agreed that drinking MILO is part of the Australian experience. A third (32 per cent) of Aussies think everyone should try MILO at least once, alongside visiting the outback (56 per cent), having a sausage sizzle (51 per cent) and watching a footy match (48 per cent).

“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,” said Nestlé head of dairy marketing, Sid Kajale.

More than half (54 per cent) of Aussies consider MILO the most nostalgic non-alcoholic drink, with two in three (66 per cent) describing it as a childhood favourite. The survey also unveiled that drinking a MILO (39 per cent) is considered one of the most Australian activities, alongside watching Aussie sports like AFL and NRL (63 per cent), using Australian slang like “yeah nah” (60 per cent), and seeing native animals like kangaroos and koalas (59 per cent).

When it comes to Aussies’ dedication to drinking MILO, the research has revealed that six in ten (62 per cent) consume the iconic beverage at least once a week, and a quarter (25 per cent) regard it as an everyday staple, drinking it one or more times a day. The research also found that Aussies choose to drink MILO for a wide variety of reasons, including its unique malty chocolatey taste (50 per cent), warmth on chilly mornings (49 per cent), a refreshing chill on hot days (44 per cent), a constant companion before and after school (30 per cent), and as a drink after sports or physical activity (26 per cent).

MILO fans can sign the petition to get the iconic Aussie drink officially recognised in the Australian citizenship test by visiting milo.com.au.