Oak Plus Protein Chocolate No Added Sugar Flavoured Milk
Oak Plus Protein Chocolate No Added Sugar Flavoured Milk: independently scored 9.4/10 on Protein Score and 7.4/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30g protein per serve · 310 cal · 26.5g sugar · 390mg sodium · 500mL serve.
Overview
This isn't your standard chocolate milk hiding in the fridge aisle. Oak is a household name, and this 'Plus Protein' version aims to bridge the gap between a familiar treat and a functional sports drink. The key detail is the 'No Added Sugar' claim; the 26.5 grams of sugar in this 500mL bottle is naturally occurring lactose from the milk, not sucrose from the cane fields. That's still a hefty sugar load to finish in one go. Compared with its sibling, the regular Oak Plus Protein Chocolate Milk, this version is practically identical on the numbers. Both deliver 6g of protein and 5.3g of sugar per 100mL, meaning the 'no added sugar' formulation is the standard for the protein-boosted lineup, not a special deviation. Against the broader category of ready-to-drink protein shakes, this Oak bottle sits right in the middle of the pack. It has slightly less protein and a little more sugar per 100mL than the category average we track, showing it leans more towards a mainstream flavoured milk than a hardcore, gym-focused shake. Ultimately, this is a convenience play. It's for the person who wants a protein top-up that tastes exactly like a classic chocolate milk, without the faff of powders and shakers. It's a familiar grab-and-go option from the supermarket fridge, with a nutritional panel that walks the line between treat and tool.
Protein Score: 9.4/10
As a grab-and-go option from the supermarket fridge, this bottle makes hitting a 30-gram protein target incredibly simple. That convenience and significant protein serve land it an 8.7/10, clearing the average for ready-to-drink products and making it one of the more substantial options in the chiller. The protein is entirely from milk, which is what you want for a smooth texture and a complete amino acid profile. It's a far cry from the 3-4g of protein you'd find in a standard, non-protein-fortified flavoured milk, putting it squarely in the post-workout replacement territory. For a single 500mL serve, 30 grams of protein is a solid return. The catch is the 310 calories it costs to get it, which is higher than a typical whey isolate shake you'd mix yourself. It suits someone prioritising convenience and taste over a leaner macro profile.
Clean Score: 7.4/10
The label rightly claims "no added sugar," which is a strong start. However, the sweetness has to come from somewhere, and in this case it's from artificial sweeteners acesulphame K (950) and sucralose (955). Those, along with two colours and a stabiliser, give it a Clean Score/10, which lags the typical product in this category. The ingredient list totals 12 items, which is right on the category average. The stabiliser (carrageenan, 407) is there to ensure a consistent, smooth texture and prevent the cocoa from settling, while the colours (155, 133) give it that classic deep chocolate milk look. This is the trade-off for a mass-produced drink that needs to taste and look the same every time, while also keeping the added sugar off the panel. If you're an ingredient purist, you might pause, but for most shoppers, it's a standard formulation for a modern protein milk.
Wins
- A substantial 30g of protein in a single 500mL bottle.
- No added sugar, with sweetness from sweeteners and natural lactose.
- Delivers a solid 9.7g of protein for every 100 calories.
Watch outs
- Contains 26.5g of total sugar per bottle from milk lactose.
- Uses artificial sweeteners acesulphame K (950) and sucralose (955).
- Includes artificial colours (155, 133) and a carrageenan stabiliser (407).
Ingredients
SKIM MILK, MILK, MILK SOLIDS, POLYDEXTROSE, COCOA POWDER (1%), FLAVOURS, SALT, COLOURS (155, 133), STABILISER (407), SWEETENERS (950, 955).
12 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in the whole bottle?
- The entire 500mL bottle contains 26.5 grams of sugar. It's important to note this isn't added sugar; it's lactose, which is naturally present in the milk ingredients. While it's not added cane sugar, it's still a significant amount to consume in one sitting. For context, that's similar to the sugar load in many standard, non-protein flavoured milks. We'd say it's fine as a convenient post-workout option, but less suited as a casual daily snack if you're watching total sugars.
- Is this a good post-workout recovery drink?
- Yes, with 30 grams of protein per bottle, it's a very effective post-workout option. The protein comes from milk solids, providing a quality source of amino acids for muscle repair. It offers the same protein hit as a standard scoop of protein powder, but with zero preparation. The convenience factor is its biggest strength. If you need a quick, easy and familiar-tasting recovery drink right after a gym session, it's a great choice.
- Where can I buy Oak Plus Protein milk?
- Oak Plus Protein milk is a mainstream product typically stocked in the chilled dairy aisle of major Australian supermarkets. It is currently listed at both Coles and Woolworths, making it widely available. You may also find it in convenience stores and petrol stations that have a good refrigerated section. While it's broadly distributed, the brand may also sell products directly from their own website.
- How does this 'No Added Sugar' version compare to other Oak protein drinks?
- This 'No Added Sugar' version is nutritionally almost identical to the standard Oak Plus Protein Chocolate milk. Both drinks provide 6 grams of protein and 5.3 grams of sugar per 100mL. This shows that the 'no added sugar' approach, using sweeteners instead, is the default for Oak's protein-fortified range rather than a unique variant. The main difference you'll find across the range is in the flavours, not the core nutritionals. We think it's best to choose based on your flavour preference.
- Does this drink contain artificial sweeteners?
- Yes, it contains two artificial sweeteners: acesulphame potassium (950) and sucralose (955). These are used to deliver a sweet, classic chocolate milk taste without adding cane sugar, which keeps the "no added sugar" claim accurate. This is a very common formulation strategy in the ready-to-drink protein category to balance taste with nutritional goals. If you prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, you would need to look for products sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, or those with no sweeteners at all.