Optimum Nutrition High Protein Strawberry Shake
Optimum Nutrition High Protein Strawberry Shake: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 7.9/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30g protein per serve · 206 cal · 8.7g sugar · 433mg sodium · 375mL serve.
Overview
This is a straight-up convenience play for anyone who wants a proper protein hit without the fuss of powders and shakers. With 30 grams of protein in a single 375mL bottle, it more than doubles the dose you'd get from a standard flavoured milk, making it a genuinely useful tool for a post-gym top-up or a substantial afternoon snack that actually tides you over. The sugar number is one of the first things shoppers look for, and at 8.7 grams for the whole bottle, it's impressively low. That sweetness isn't from a pile of added sugar; it's the naturally occurring lactose from the milk base, with the artificial sweetener sucralose doing the rest of the work. The trade-off is a longer-than-average ingredient list, with 14 ingredients in total, just above the typical 13 we see in this category, used to keep it stable and smooth. Compared with other products in the brand's lineup, this Strawberry flavour sits alongside the High Protein Vanilla Shake, which delivers an identical protein and sugar profile. It's a consistent formula across the range, aimed squarely at the mainstream supermarket shopper who has graduated from regular flavoured milk and is looking for a proper protein upgrade. Ultimately, we see this as a fridge staple for the time-poor and protein-focused. It's the bottle you grab on the way out the door when you know you need something solid, but don't have a spare minute to make it yourself. It's processed, yes, but it solves a very specific problem very effectively.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
This is the bottle you grab when you need a serious protein top-up without the shaker. Its 30 grams of protein from a blend of milk solids and casein is a substantial serve that easily justifies its place in the post-workout window, earning a 9.4/10 for protein. That figure puts it well ahead of the typical ready-to-drink product in this category. The protein-per-calorie metric is also strong, delivering 14.5 grams of protein for every 100 calories consumed. This makes it an efficient choice for getting quality protein into your diet without a significant calorie cost, unlike many other flavoured drinks that are mostly empty calories. Stack this against a regular strawberry milk from the same fridge, and the difference is stark. You're getting more than double the protein, which is the entire point. It's a purpose-built drink for those who are tracking their macros and need a reliable, convenient source of protein on the go.
Clean Score: 7.9/10
No added sugar is the key win here, with the sweetness coming from the artificial sweetener sucralose instead of table sugar. However, the path to a smooth, stable, low-sugar shake involves a notable list of additives, which is why the Clean Score/10 sits just under the category average. The ingredient list totals 14, with eight of those being additives. This includes a suite of five different stabilisers such as Carrageenan (407) and Gellan Gum (418) to create the consistent, smooth texture and prevent the contents from separating on the shelf. It also uses Carmine (120) for its strawberry-pink colour. This is the classic trade-off for a ready-to-drink product. The processing and additives are what make the convenience, shelf-life and pleasant mouthfeel possible. For shoppers who are comfortable with a longer ingredient list in exchange for a high-protein, low-sugar outcome, it's a fair deal. Those chasing a more minimalist, whole-food approach will likely pass.
Wins
- A substantial 30g of protein in a single 375mL bottle.
- No added sugar, with sweetness from sucralose instead.
- More than double the protein of typical flavoured milk.
Watch outs
- Contains 8 additives, including carrageenan and other stabilisers.
- Uses the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some shoppers avoid.
- Sodium is 433mg per bottle, about 22% of the daily guideline.
Ingredients
Water, Protein Blend (12%) (MILK Solids, Sodium Caseinate (MILK), MILK Protein Concentrate), Dietary Fibre (Inulin), Flavours, Stabilisers (Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Cellulose Microcrystalline, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Carrageenan, Gellan Gum), Colour (Carmine), Sweetener (Sucralose).
14 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is actually in the whole bottle?
- There are 8.7 grams of sugar in a full 375mL bottle. This sugar is naturally occurring lactose from the milk ingredients, not added table sugar. For context, a standard flavoured milk of the same size could contain 35-40 grams of sugar. This drink uses the artificial sweetener sucralose to provide sweetness without the extra sugar. We'd say it's a good low-sugar choice if you're comfortable with sweeteners.
- Does this work as a post-workout shake?
- Yes, it's a very effective option for post-workout recovery. The 30 grams of protein per bottle is a substantial serve, well within the range typically recommended to support muscle repair and growth after exercise. The protein comes from a blend of milk solids and casein, providing a sustained release of amino acids. For a convenient, no-mess alternative to a powder-and-shaker, we think it's an excellent grab-and-go solution.
- Where can I buy the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake?
- This shake is catalogued in the chilled drinks aisle at major Australian supermarkets, including Coles. You can typically find it alongside other high-protein drinks and flavoured milks. While it's widely available in supermarkets, it may also be available for purchase directly from the brand's official Australian website. We'd suggest checking the fridge section of your local Coles first.
- How does this compare to a regular strawberry milk?
- The two aren't really in the same league. This High Protein Shake has 8g of protein per 100mL, whereas a regular strawberry milk typically has only 3-4g. On the sugar front, this shake has just 2.3g per 100mL, while regular versions can have 10-12g. This is a purpose-built protein supplement, while regular strawberry milk is a sweet, milk-based treat. If your goal is protein intake, this is by far the superior choice.
- Is this an Australian-made product?
- No, it is not. Optimum Nutrition is a well-known American supplement brand, and its parent company is the global nutrition group Glanbia. The products sold in Australia, including this high-protein shake, are manufactured in the US and imported. We haven't independently verified the exact manufacturing locations beyond this. If buying Australian-made is a key factor in your purchasing decision, you may want to consider other brands.