Pauls PLUS+ Protein Double Espresso Caramel Flavoured Milk
Pauls PLUS+ Protein Double Espresso Caramel Flavoured Milk: independently scored 9.8/10 on Protein Score and 8.3/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30g protein per serve · 270 cal · 20.4g sugar · 260mg sodium · 400mL serve.
Overview
This drink lands as a significant step-up from standard flavoured milk, more than doubling the protein and halving the sugar of the old-school stuff. The headline number is the 30 grams of protein in a single 400mL bottle, putting it squarely in the territory of a proper post-workout shake, but the convenience of the chiller aisle is the main drawcard. The trade-off for that convenience is a sugar load of 20.4 grams in the full bottle. While there's no added sugar - it all comes from the milk itself - that's still a figure worth noting. This Double Espresso Caramel flavour sits alongside the brand's Plus+ Protein Flavoured Milk Banana & Honey, which matches it on protein and sugar, suggesting a consistent formula across the range. We see this as a smart move by Pauls, targeting shoppers who are already in the dairy aisle but want better numbers. Compared to the typical ready-to-drink protein product we track, this bottle has a higher protein density and a leaner ingredient list. It uses skim milk as its base and relies on artificial sweeteners (950, 955) to deliver flavour without tipping the sugar count even higher. It's a calculated compromise for a smooth, non-chalky texture that you can grab straight from the fridge.
Protein Score: 9.8/10
This is a genuinely protein-dense drink that holds its own in the chiller aisle. With 30 grams of protein packed into the 400mL bottle, it delivers a substantial hit that earns it a 9/10 for protein. The density is strong too, offering 11.2 grams of protein for every 100 calories consumed. That protein serve is more than double what you'd find in a standard flavoured milk, pushing this bottle firmly into the post-exercise recovery space. It clears the category average for protein content, making it one of the more effective options for shoppers who want to skip the shaker and powder. The protein source is a blend of skim milk, milk, and milk solids, a common and effective combination for taste and absorption. For anyone needing a quick, no-fuss protein top-up on the go, this is a reliable choice that delivers on its core promise.
Clean Score: 8.3/10
How does this drink get its sweet coffee flavour without any added sugar? The answer lies in a short ingredient list that uses a few common additives to get the job done. With a total of 10 ingredients, it scores 8.8/10, landing ahead of the typical RTD in our database. The sweetness comes from a combination of acesulfame potassium (950) and sucralose (955), two artificial sweeteners that keep the calorie count in check. The smooth, consistent texture is thanks to a stabiliser, carrageenan (407), which prevents the milk solids and coffee from separating out. While some shoppers prefer to avoid artificial additives altogether, their use here is what makes a shelf-stable, palatable high-protein milk drink possible. Pauls has built a product with a cleaner profile than the category average, avoiding colours and preservatives entirely, which is a positive signal for ingredient-conscious buyers.
Wins
- A substantial 30g of protein in a single 400mL bottle.
- No added sugar, using sweeteners for a caramel coffee flavour.
- Lactose-free, thanks to the addition of a lactase enzyme.
Watch outs
- Contains 20.4g of sugar per bottle, all from milk lactose.
- Uses artificial sweeteners (950, 955), which some shoppers avoid.
- Relies on carrageenan (407) as a stabiliser for texture.
Ingredients
Skim milk, milk, milk solids, polydextrose (1200), coffee (1%), natural flavour, enzyme (lactase), stabiliser (407), sweeteners (950, 955).
10 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk lactose-free?
- Yes, this drink is lactose-free. The ingredient list includes lactase, an enzyme specifically added to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This makes it suitable for many people with lactose intolerance who still want a dairy-based protein drink. Despite being lactose-free, it still contains 20.4 grams of sugar per bottle from the broken-down milk sugars. We think it's a great option if you're sensitive to lactose but want the taste of real milk.
- How much caffeine is in this coffee-flavoured milk?
- The product contains 1% real coffee, but the brand does not specify the exact caffeine content in milligrams. As a guide, a typical 250mL cup of instant coffee has about 60-80mg of caffeine. Given this is a 400mL bottle with 1% coffee, the caffeine level is likely to be noticeable but less than a standard barista-made coffee. It should provide a mild energy boost. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you might consider one of the non-coffee flavours in the range.
- Is this a good drink for after a workout?
- Yes, with 30 grams of protein per bottle, it's a strong option for post-workout recovery. This level of protein is comparable to a standard scoop of protein powder and helps with muscle repair and growth after exercise. The milk-based protein is readily absorbed, and the convenience of a ready-to-drink format means you don't need a shaker or powder. We'd grab this for a simple, effective recovery drink when you're short on time.
- How does this compare to regular flavoured milk?
- Pauls PLUS+ Protein is a significant step up from regular flavoured milk. It contains 7.5g of protein per 100mL, which is more than double the 3-4g typically found in standard chocolate or strawberry milk. It also has about half the sugar, with 5.1g per 100mL compared to the usual 10-12g. This makes it a much more nutritionally dense choice for someone looking for a protein boost without the high sugar load of a traditional milkshake.
- Where can I buy Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk?
- Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk is a mainstream product typically found in the chilled dairy aisle of major Australian supermarkets. It is currently catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths, making it widely accessible. You won't need to visit a specialty supplement store to find it. We'd suggest checking the refrigerated drinks section next to other flavoured milks and iced coffees.