Crankt Banana Protein Shake 400mL
Crankt Banana Protein Shake 400mL: independently scored 9.6/10 on Protein Score and 8.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
20.8g protein per serve · 187 cal · 12g sugar · 288mg sodium · 400mL serve.
Overview
This isn't your standard sugar-loaded flavoured milk; it's a proper protein drink that lands with less sugar than the typical ready-to-drink option we see. With 12 grams of sugar in the entire 400mL bottle - all from milk, not added - it sidesteps the high-sugar trap of many supermarket drinks. Compared with the brand's Protein Shake Choc Honeycomb flavour, this banana version packs the same protein punch but carries a fraction more sugar. The protein source is milk-based, using caseinate, which generally gives a smoother, less chalky mouthfeel than some plant proteins, though it relies on a handful of stabilisers and emulsifiers to achieve this texture. The real win here is convenience. As a shelf-stable bottle, it's a gym-bag-friendly option for a post-workout top-up without needing a fridge or the hassle of powder and a shaker. We see it as a solid desk-drawer snack for the office worker needing a protein hit to get through the afternoon, offering a more substantial option than a sugary snack. Ultimately, it's a trade-off. You get a significant 20.8 grams of protein in a convenient format, but the ingredient list is longer than a simple powder-and-water shake. For those prioritising ease and a decent protein serve on the go, it's a smart choice in the supermarket chiller.
Protein Score: 9.6/10
Getting over 20 grams of protein for under 200 calories is a strong trade-off in the ready-to-drink aisle. This bottle delivers a solid 20.8g of protein from milk solids and caseinate, earning an 8.9/10 that puts it ahead of the typical RTD we track. That 5.2g of protein per 100mL is a significant step up from the 3-4g found in regular flavoured milk, making it a genuinely functional drink. Protein per calorie is also strong, with 11.1g for every 100 calories, meaning you're getting a dense protein source without a huge energy load. For someone needing a quick post-gym recovery drink or a satiating snack, the protein hit is effective. It's a convenient way to meet protein goals without resorting to a shaker, making it a practical choice for busy office workers or anyone on the move.
Clean Score: 8.3/10
No added sugar is the key story here, with the sweetness coming from naturally occurring milk sugars and a single artificial sweetener, sucralose. With 14 ingredients and six additives, its 8.3/10 Clean Score sits right on the category average for processing. The additive list includes stabilisers like carrageenan and cellulose gum, which are common in shelf-stable drinks to prevent separation and create a smooth, consistent texture. An emulsifier also helps keep everything blended, ensuring the last sip is as good as the first. While ingredient-conscious shoppers might prefer a shorter list, these additives are what make a convenient, ready-to-drink format possible. They deliver shelf stability and a pleasant mouthfeel, which is the trade-off for not having to mix a powder yourself. It's a standard level of processing for this kind of product.
Wins
- A solid 20.8g of protein in a single 400mL bottle.
- Contains no added sugar, with only 12g of natural milk sugar per serve.
- Shelf-stable format makes it a convenient gym-bag or desk-drawer option.
Watch outs
- Uses the artificial sweetener sucralose instead of a natural alternative.
- Contains six additives, including stabilisers and an emulsifier.
- Lower protein density at 5.2g/100mL than the category average of 7g/100mL.
Ingredients
Water, Milk Solids, Milk Protein Powder (Caseinate), Stabilisers (Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Polyphosphates), Emulsifier (Mono & Diglycerides & Fatty Acids), Dietary Fibre (Inulin), Flavour, Guarana (Caffeine), Sucralose, Ginseng Extract, Colour (Turmeric).
14 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in a whole bottle of Crankt Banana shake?
- A single 400mL bottle contains 12 grams of sugar. Importantly, none of this is added sugar; it's all naturally occurring lactose from the milk ingredients. This is significantly less than a standard flavoured milk, which can have up to 12g of sugar per 100mL. The sweetness is topped up with sucralose, an artificial sweetener. We think it's a smart choice if you want a sweet-tasting drink without a high sugar load.
- Does this Crankt shake need to be kept in the fridge?
- No, it doesn't need to be refrigerated before you open it. This shake is a shelf-stable, ambient product, which is a big part of its convenience. You can keep it in a gym bag, a desk drawer, or your pantry without any issues. That said, like most milk drinks, it tastes best when chilled. We'd recommend drinking it cold for the best flavour and texture.
- How does this compare to a real protein shake from powder?
- It's a very close match in terms of protein, but wins on convenience. The 20.8g of protein is similar to what you'd get from a standard scoop of whey or casein powder. The main difference is that a ready-to-drink product like this contains stabilisers and emulsifiers to keep it blended and shelf-stable. A powdered shake gives you more control over ingredients, but this bottle saves you the prep and clean-up. We'd grab this for convenience when you're out and about.
- Where can I buy the Crankt Banana protein shake?
- This Crankt protein shake is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. We've seen it catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths in the long-life drinks or health food aisles. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always a good idea to check their respective websites for local stock. The brand may also sell it directly from their own website. It's one of the more accessible RTD protein options on the market.
- Is this a good drink for post-workout recovery?
- Yes, with 20.8 grams of protein, it's a very effective option for post-workout recovery. That amount is well within the ideal range to help with muscle repair and synthesis after exercise. The protein comes from milk solids and caseinate, a slow-digesting protein that can help with satiety and provide a sustained release of amino acids. For a convenient, no-fuss recovery option you can grab on the way out of the gym, it's a solid performer.