Pauls PLUS+ Protein Chocolate Flavoured Milk
Pauls PLUS+ Protein Chocolate Flavoured Milk: independently scored 9.8/10 on Protein Score and 8.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30g protein per serve · 265 cal · 20.4g sugar · 284mg sodium · 400mL serve.
Overview
Pauls is a familiar name in the dairy aisle, and this PLUS+ Protein bottle is their tilt at the serious protein crowd. The first thing to note is the sugar: 20.4 grams in the full 400mL bottle. While that's all from milk's own lactose and not added sugar, it's a number to be aware of if you're tracking sugars tightly. Protein-wise, it sits slightly above the average for ready-to-drink products we track, packing 7.5g per 100mL. This is double the protein of a regular flavoured milk, which is where the 'PLUS+' name earns its keep. The protein comes from skim milk and milk solids, a familiar dairy base that helps it avoid the chalky texture some whey-based drinks can have. Compared with the brand's Plus+ Protein Flavoured Milk Banana & Honey, it offers the exact same protein and sugar, making flavour the only real decider. The ingredient list is kept to a respectable ten items, using sweeteners (950, 955) to deliver the chocolate taste without adding more sugar. As a chilled, ready-to-go drink, we see this as a direct competitor to a post-gym protein shake. It's for the shopper who values the convenience and smooth mouthfeel of a classic flavoured milk but wants a legitimate 30-gram protein hit without the faff of powders and shakers. It's a solid grab-and-go option from the supermarket fridge.
Protein Score: 9.8/10
This is a strong performer in the ready-to-drink category, landing well ahead of the pack. The 30 grams of protein in a single 400mL bottle is a serious contribution, earning it a 9/10. It's one of the more protein-dense milk drinks you'll find in the supermarket chiller. That 30g serve is significant, clearing the typical 20-25g benchmark for a single scoop of whey powder. It's also more than double the protein you'd get from a standard, non-protein flavoured milk, making it a genuine upgrade for recovery or as a filling snack. The protein-per-calorie metric is also solid at 11.4g per 100 calories. This means you're getting a decent amount of protein for the energy cost. For anyone looking for a convenient, no-fuss protein source after a workout, this bottle delivers.
Clean Score: 8.3/10
Is this just another highly processed flavoured milk? The ingredient list suggests not. With just 10 ingredients and three additives, it scores an 8.8/10, sitting comfortably above the category average for how 'clean' it is. The recipe is surprisingly simple for a supermarket flavoured milk. The additives are a stabiliser (carrageenan, 407) for texture and two artificial sweeteners (acesulphame potassium, 950, and sucralose, 955) for taste. These are common in sugar-free drinks and are the trade-off for getting a sweet chocolate flavour without any added sugar. The base is simple: skim milk, milk solids, and cocoa. Pauls also includes lactase enzyme, which breaks down the milk sugar (lactose). This not only makes it easier to digest for some people but also underlines that the 20.4g of sugar per bottle is naturally occurring. It's a thoughtful touch that elevates it beyond a simple milk-and-sugar drink.
Wins
- A substantial 30g of protein in a single 400mL bottle.
- Contains no added sugar, with sweetness from sweeteners.
- Just 10 ingredients, which is fewer than many RTDs.
Watch outs
- Contains 20.4g of naturally occurring sugar per bottle.
- Uses artificial sweeteners (950, 955), which some shoppers avoid.
- Still a dairy product, so not for milk-allergy sufferers.
Ingredients
Skim milk, milk solids, polydextrose (1200), cocoa powder (1%), natural flavour, enzyme (lactase), salt, stabiliser (407), sweeteners (950, 955).
10 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in a whole bottle of Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk?
- A 400mL bottle contains 20.4 grams of sugar. It's important to know this is all naturally occurring lactose from the milk, not added sugar. The sweetness comes from artificial sweeteners (950, 955). While it's not 'free' sugar, it's still a significant amount to factor into your daily intake. We'd say it's a trade-off for the high protein content.
- Does this milk need to be kept in the fridge?
- Yes, this is a chilled dairy product and must be refrigerated both before and after opening. It's found in the supermarket fridge aisle, not on the long-life UHT milk shelf. This means it's not a bottle you can keep in a gym bag or desk drawer for later. Think of it as a fresh, grab-and-go option.
- How does it compare to a real protein shake for post-workout recovery?
- It compares very well on the key metric. With 30 grams of protein per bottle, it delivers a serve equivalent to a standard scoop of protein powder. The protein source is milk solids, providing casein and whey. For many, it's a much more convenient and better-tasting option than mixing a powder. We'd grab it for a post-gym recovery drink without hesitation.
- Is Pauls PLUS+ Protein lactose-free?
- It's technically low-lactose, not completely lactose-free. The ingredient list includes lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. This makes it much easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest. However, as it's a milk-based product, it's not suitable for anyone with a dairy allergy.
- Where can I buy Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk in Australia?
- Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk is widely stocked in the chilled dairy aisle of major Australian supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths. It's typically found alongside other flavoured milks and high-protein drinks. Availability can vary by store location, but it's a mainstream product, not a specialty item.