Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35 Protein Shake Chocolate 355ml
Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35 Protein Shake Chocolate 355ml: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.5/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
35g protein per serve · 167 cal · 1g sugar · 182mg sodium · 355mL serve.
Overview
Just over one gram of sugar in the entire bottle is the number that defines this drink, putting it leagues ahead of typical flavoured milks that can pack 30-40g. It's a ready-to-drink protein shake designed for pure convenience, sidestepping the shaker and powder mess entirely for a straight-from-the-bottle option. This Chocolate version sits alongside the brand's Pure Pro 35 Coffee flavour, matching it gram-for-gram on protein and sugar. The protein comes from a blend of milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein concentrate - a common trio in dairy-based drinks aiming for a smooth texture and sustained release. Compared to the typical ready-to-drink protein product we track, it lands with a similar ingredient count but offers significantly more protein per serve. The average RTD has around 7g of protein per 100mL, whereas this bottle pushes that to nearly 10g, making it one of the denser options in the chiller. The trade-off for the low sugar and high protein is a reliance on several stabilisers and an artificial sweetener, sucralose. For the shopper who just wants a huge protein hit on the go without the sugar load of a classic choc milk, we think it's a smart compromise. It's a gym-bag staple that doesn't need a fridge until it's opened.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
A blend of milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein concentrate drives the protein story here. This dairy-based trio delivers a substantial 35 grams of protein in a single 355mL bottle, earning a Protein Score/10 and putting it well ahead of the category average for protein density. That 35-gram serve is about ten times the protein you'd find in a standard flavoured milk. At 21.1 grams of protein for every 100 calories, it's also one of the most efficient ways to get your protein in from a ready-made drink, minimising the calorie cost for the result. This isn't a casual drink; it's a direct replacement for a post-workout powder shake. The convenience of a pre-mixed, shelf-stable bottle is the main draw for anyone who wants to skip the shaker and the associated clean-up.
Clean Score: 8.5/10
Four stabilisers - sodium phosphate dibasic, gellan gum, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose - are used to create the smooth, consistent texture. Despite these, the list avoids colours and preservatives, landing a Clean Score/10, which is just ahead of the typical drink in this aisle. The ingredient list sits right on the category average of 13 ingredients. The use of sucralose is the key trade-off, allowing for a sub-2 gram sugar count in the whole bottle while still delivering a sweet, chocolatey flavour. This is a common strategy in high-protein drinks where taste is paramount. This product is made in the US for the Australian market by parent company Glanbia. While it's not a 'clean label' product, the additive list is focused purely on texture and sweetness, which is a compromise many shoppers are willing to make for the convenience and strong macros.
Wins
- A huge 35g of protein per 355mL bottle.
- Less than 2g of total sugar in the entire bottle.
- Delivers 21.1g of protein for every 100 calories.
Watch outs
- Uses artificial sweetener (sucralose) to achieve low sugar.
- Contains five additives, including four different stabilisers.
- Not suitable for those avoiding dairy or milk proteins.
Ingredients
Water, Protein Blend 11.5% (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate (MILK), Whey Protein Concentrate (MILK)), Cocoa Powder (1.3%), Natural Flavours, Stabilisers (Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Gellan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose), Sweetener (Sucralose), Salt.
13 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in a whole bottle?
- There is just 1.1 grams of sugar in one 355mL bottle of Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35. This is naturally occurring sugar (lactose) from the milk ingredients, with no added sugar. For context, a regular flavoured milk of a similar size can contain 30-40 grams of sugar. The sweetness in this drink comes from the artificial sweetener sucralose. We'd say it's a great choice if you're watching your sugar intake closely.
- Does this protein shake need to be kept in the fridge?
- No, this drink is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated before opening. This makes it a convenient option to keep in a gym bag, desk drawer, or pantry. However, the brand recommends serving it chilled for the best taste. Once you've opened the bottle, you should keep it in the fridge and consume it promptly. For convenience, it's one of the easiest protein sources to have on hand.
- How does this compare to a regular protein shake from powder?
- This ready-to-drink bottle delivers a nutritional profile very similar to a standard scoop of whey protein powder mixed with water. With 35 grams of protein and very low sugar and fat, it's a direct equivalent in terms of macros. The main difference is convenience; you're paying for a pre-mixed, smooth-textured drink that requires no prep or clean-up. If you hate the mess of shakers, this is a solid alternative.
- Where can I buy this protein shake in Australia?
- Optimum Nutrition's Pure Pro 35 shake is stocked in the drinks aisle at Woolworths supermarkets across Australia. It may also be available directly from the brand's Australian website or other supplement retailers. We'd suggest checking the chiller section of your local Woolworths first. If it's not there, the brand's own online store is your next best bet.
- Is this a good option for post-workout recovery?
- Yes, with 35 grams of protein per bottle, it's an excellent option for post-workout recovery. The protein blend includes whey and casein, which are digested at different rates, providing a sustained release of amino acids to support muscle repair. The high protein dose is more than enough to kickstart the recovery process after a tough training session. We'd grab one if you need a reliable, high-protein option on the go.