Crankt Premium Protein Shake Chocolate
Crankt Premium Protein Shake Chocolate: independently scored 9.6/10 on Protein Score and 8.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
20.8g protein per serve · 180 cal · 10.4g sugar · 340mg sodium · 400mL serve.
Overview
For a ready-to-drink protein shake you can grab from the supermarket fridge, this bottle gets a lot right. The total sugar load is just 10.4g in the entire 400mL bottle - a fraction of what you'd find in a standard flavoured milk - with all of it coming from the milk itself, not from added sugar. It sits alongside the brand's Protein Shake Choc Honeycomb flavour, matching it on both protein and sugar, so the choice between them comes down to taste preference. Both offer a reliable protein dose in a convenient format. While its protein density of 5.2g per 100mL is a touch under the category average for RTDs we track, its sugar content is also lower. The ingredient list is slightly longer than typical, a trade-off we see often for a shelf-stable drink that needs to maintain its texture and flavour without refrigeration before opening. Ultimately, this is a convenience play. We see it as a solid replacement for a post-gym shake when you're short on time, or a smarter alternative to a sugary afternoon snack from the office fridge. It doesn't ask you to compromise much on protein to skip the shaker.
Protein Score: 9.6/10
Stacked against its Choc Honeycomb sibling, this chocolate shake delivers an identical protein punch. The 20.8g of protein in the 400mL bottle is a significant step up from standard milk drinks, earning a 9/10 that puts it ahead of the typical product in this category. The protein comes from a blend of milk solids and caseinate, a slow-digesting milk protein known for promoting satiety. This makes it a decent option for an afternoon snack to tide you over, not just a quick post-workout refuel where faster-acting whey is often preferred. At 11.6g of protein for every 100 calories, it's an efficient source of fuel. This lands it well above the category average, making it a strong choice for anyone prioritising protein without a major calorie cost.
Clean Score: 8.3/10
A suite of stabilisers (Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Polyphosphates) and an emulsifier (mono- and diglycerides) are used to create the smooth, consistent texture. With 15 ingredients and six additives on the list, it scores an 8.2/10. This ingredient profile is common for a shelf-stable drink designed to sit in a gym bag or pantry for weeks without splitting or spoiling. The trade-off for that convenience is a higher level of processing than a simple chilled milk drink you'd make at home or buy from the fresh dairy aisle. It cleverly avoids added sugar, using the artificial sweetener sucralose to achieve its flavour while keeping the total sugar per bottle to just 10.4g from milk's natural lactose. For shoppers comfortable with artificial sweeteners and common food additives, it's a well-formulated convenience drink.
Wins
- A solid 20.8g of protein in every 400mL bottle.
- Contains no added sugar, with only 10.4g of natural sugar per serve.
- Shelf-stable bottle is convenient for the gym bag or office desk.
Watch outs
- Uses the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some shoppers prefer to avoid.
- Contains six additives, including stabilisers and an emulsifier.
- Protein per 100mL is slightly below the RTD category average.
Ingredients
Water, Milk Solids, Milk Protein Powder (Caseinate), Cocoa Powder (1.3%), Stabilisers (Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Polyphosphates), Emulsifier (Mono & Diglycerides & Fatty Acids), Dietary Fibre (Inulin), Flavour, Guarana (Caffeine), Salt, Sucralose, Ginseng Extract.
15 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in a whole bottle of Crankt Chocolate shake?
- There are 10.4 grams of sugar in a 400mL bottle. Importantly, this is not added sugar; it's lactose, which is naturally present in the milk ingredients. This is significantly less than a typical flavoured milk, which can often contain 30-40 grams of sugar per bottle. The sweetness comes from sucralose, an artificial sweetener. We think it's a good trade-off if you're watching your added sugar intake.
- Does this protein shake need to be kept in the fridge?
- No, it does not require refrigeration before you open it. Crankt shakes are shelf-stable (or 'ambient'), meaning you can store them in the pantry, your gym bag, or at your desk. This makes them very convenient. However, like most drinks, it's best served chilled for better taste. We'd recommend popping it in the fridge for a while before drinking.
- Is this a good shake for after the gym?
- Yes, with 20.8 grams of protein, it's a solid option for post-workout recovery. The protein blend is based on milk solids and caseinate, which is a slower-digesting protein. This can be beneficial for sustained muscle repair and satiety, keeping you fuller for longer. If you typically use a fast-acting whey isolate immediately after training, this will feel a bit different but still does the job effectively. It's a great choice when convenience is key.
- How does this compare to a regular protein powder shake?
- This ready-to-drink bottle offers ultimate convenience over a powder-and-shaker combo. You trade the ability to customise your scoop size and liquid for a pre-mixed, smooth shake that requires no prep. It uses a blend of milk proteins, similar to many powders, but also contains stabilisers and emulsifiers to keep it from separating on the shelf. If you prioritise convenience over a minimal ingredient list, this is a great alternative.
- Where can I buy Crankt protein shakes in Australia?
- Crankt protein shakes are widely available in major Australian supermarkets. They are typically stocked in the long-life milk aisle or with other ready-to-drink beverages at both Coles and Woolworths. Availability can vary by store location, and the brand may also sell products directly from their own website. We'd suggest checking the shelves at your local major supermarket first.