Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35 Protein Shake Coffee 355ml
Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35 Protein Shake Coffee 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 · 257mg sodium · 355mL serve.
Overview
This is a protein drink that puts the protein first, pushing past the typical 7g per 100mL you see in the category to hit a huge 9.9g. That translates to 35g of protein in the full bottle, a number that rivals most powder-based shakes. The sugar, meanwhile, is almost non-existent at just 1.1 grams for the whole drink, all of it naturally occurring lactose from the milk protein base. Compared with the brand's own Chocolate version of the Pure Pro 35, this coffee flavour delivers the exact same high-protein, low-sugar nutritional profile. It sits well above Optimum Nutrition's standard ready-to-drink shakes, which contain around a third less protein. It's a clear step-up for those wanting a bigger protein hit in the same convenient format. We see a familiar blend of milk proteins doing the work here: milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate and whey protein concentrate. This trio provides a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins. To keep it smooth and shelf-stable, the formula relies on a suite of four stabilisers, including carrageenan. Sweetness comes from sucralose, which gets the sugar down but won't suit shoppers who prefer natural sweeteners like stevia. As a chilled, grab-and-go bottle, this is built for convenience. It's a straight replacement for a post-gym shake, a genuinely filling snack for the office desk, or a simple way to boost your daily protein intake without touching a scoop or shaker. It does one job, and does it with very strong numbers.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
The trade-off for such a high protein dose is usually calories or sugar, but here it's neither. Instead, you get a massive 35 grams of protein in a single 167-calorie bottle, a performance that earns it a 9.9/10. The protein-per-calorie metric is in the expected range, delivering over 21 grams of protein for every 100 calories consumed. This protein density is well ahead of the typical product in this category. It's also more than double the protein found in standard flavoured milk, making it a genuinely functional drink, not a milk drink with a sprinkle of extra protein. The protein itself comes from a blend of milk concentrate, casein and whey, offering a complete amino acid profile for recovery. For anyone needing a serious protein hit on the run, this is one of the strongest options in the chiller. It effectively replaces a scoop-and-shaker deal without the faff, making it ideal for that post-workout window when convenience is everything.
Clean Score: 8.5/10
The 13-ingredient formula, this shake sits right on the category average for list length, landing an 8.5/10. The score is primarily influenced by the presence of five additives: the artificial sweetener sucralose and a team of four stabilisers (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Carrageenan, and Sodium Phosphate Dibasic). These additives are doing a specific job. The stabiliser blend ensures the drink stays smooth and doesn't separate, while sucralose allows for a sweet taste without any added sugar, keeping the total sugar to just over a gram per bottle. It's a common trade-off in ready-to-drink formats designed for a long shelf life and consistent texture. This product is made in the USA for the Australian market by parent company Glanbia. While it doesn't carry third-party certifications for banned substances, its ingredient list is straightforward for a processed protein drink. It suits the person prioritising macros over an all-natural ingredient list.
Wins
- A huge 35g of protein per bottle supports recovery.
- Just 1.1g of total sugar in the entire 355mL serve.
- Delivers 21.1g of protein for every 100 calories.
Watch outs
- Uses the artificial sweetener sucralose, not stevia or monk fruit.
- Contains four stabilisers to manage texture, including carrageenan.
- Not suitable for anyone avoiding dairy or milk proteins.
Ingredients
Water, Protein Blend 11.5% (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate [MILK], Whey Protein Concentrate [MILK]), Natural Flavors, Coffee Powder (0.5%), Stabilisers (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Carrageenan, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Sweetener (Sucralose)
13 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much caffeine is in this coffee protein shake?
- The exact caffeine content is not listed on the label. However, the drink contains 0.5% coffee powder, which means it will contain some caffeine, though likely less than a standard barista-made coffee. The coffee is included primarily for flavour rather than a significant stimulant effect. In our view, it's best treated as a coffee-flavoured recovery drink, not a pre-workout energy boost.
- Is this a good shake for post-workout recovery?
- Yes, it's an excellent choice for post-workout recovery. The bottle contains 35 grams of protein from a blend of milk protein concentrate, casein, and whey, providing both fast and slow-digesting proteins to aid muscle repair. This high dose is well-suited for the post-exercise window. It's a highly convenient way to get a quality protein serve without needing powders or a shaker.
- Where can I buy the Optimum Nutrition Pure Pro 35 shake?
- This ready-to-drink protein shake is stocked in the chilled drinks aisle at Woolworths supermarkets in Australia. It may also be available from other supplement retailers or directly from the Optimum Nutrition website. We'd suggest checking the Woolworths website to see if it's available at your local store.
- How does this compare to other Optimum Nutrition shakes?
- This 'Pure Pro 35' shake sits at the top of Optimum Nutrition's ready-to-drink range for protein content. It offers significantly more protein than the brand's standard 'High Protein Shake' line, which provides around 25g of protein per serve. This coffee flavour has the same high-protein, low-sugar profile as the chocolate version, making it one of the most potent options in their lineup.
- How much sugar is in the whole bottle?
- There is just 1.1 grams of sugar in the entire 355mL bottle. This is not added sugar; it's the naturally occurring milk sugar (lactose) from the dairy ingredients. The drink's sweetness comes from sucralose, an artificial sweetener, which is used to keep the sugar and calorie count extremely low. We'd consider this a very low-sugar option.