Pauls PLUS+ Protein Summer Berries Flavoured Milk
Pauls PLUS+ Protein Summer Berries Flavoured Milk: independently scored 9.8/10 on Protein Score and 8.1/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30g protein per serve · 258 cal · 20.4g sugar · 270mg sodium · 400mL serve.
Overview
This isn't your corner-store flavoured milk. With 7.5g of protein per 100mL, it offers more than double the protein of a regular chocolate milk, placing it well above the category average for ready-to-drink protein products. The trade-off for that convenience is the sugar content: a full 20.4 grams in one 400mL bottle, which is a hefty single serve, even if it is naturally occurring milk sugar rather than added sucrose. Compared with others in the brand's lineup, it's a consistent performer. The Pauls PLUS+ Protein Flavoured Milk Banana & Honey, for instance, has the same 7.5g of protein and 5.1g of sugar per 100mL, so you're choosing on flavour alone. The ingredient list is kept to nine items, which is leaner than the typical protein drink we see, though it does rely on artificial sweeteners to get there. Ultimately, this bottle is about convenience. It's a grab-and-go solution from the supermarket fridge that delivers a significant protein hit without the shaker. We see it as a solid post-gym option or a substantial desk-side snack when you need something more than a piece of fruit.
Protein Score: 9.8/10
Is 30 grams of protein in a single bottle a genuine post-workout recovery tool? In this case, yes. It's a substantial serve that lands far beyond what standard flavoured milk offers, earning it a 9/10 for protein. The density is also strong, delivering around 11.5 grams of protein for every 100 calories consumed. This score is well above the average for the ready-to-drink category, putting this bottle towards the top of the class. It's a convenient way to hit your protein goals without needing to measure out powders or deal with a shaker bottle, using familiar skim milk and milk solids as its base. The protein source is straightforward dairy, which is easily digested by most and provides a complete amino acid profile. For anyone needing a quick, effective protein top-up on the run, this is one of the more potent options in the supermarket chiller.
Clean Score: 8.1/10
To deliver a smooth, consistent drink without added sugar, the formula relies on a handful of functional ingredients. A stabiliser (407) prevents separation, while two artificial sweeteners (950, 955) create the sweet berry taste, resulting in a Clean Score/10. This is the result for a flavoured milk that needs to hold up on the shelf. The ingredient list is shorter than the category average, with just nine items in total. This demonstrates a fairly restrained approach to formulation, avoiding a long list of gums, emulsifiers, or preservatives. The use of lactase enzyme is a thoughtful touch, making it easier to digest for many. The result is a drink that feels less processed than many of its shelf-stable counterparts. While ingredient-conscious shoppers might prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, the short list and lack of added sugar make it a cleaner choice than many alternatives in the chiller.
Wins
- A substantial 30g of protein in a single 400mL bottle.
- No added sugar, sweetened with artificial sweeteners instead.
- Just nine ingredients, which is fewer than the category average.
Watch outs
- Contains 20.4g of total sugar in one bottle from milk.
- Uses artificial sweeteners (950, 955) which some shoppers avoid.
- Not shelf-stable, requires refrigeration.
Ingredients
Skim milk, milk, milk solids, polydextrose (1200), natural flavours, colour (120) enzyme (lactase), stabiliser (407), sweeteners (950, 955).
9 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much sugar is in a whole bottle?
- A single 400mL bottle of Pauls PLUS+ Protein Summer Berries contains 20.4 grams of sugar. It's important to note this is not added sugar; it's naturally occurring lactose from the milk ingredients. However, it is still a significant amount of sugar to consume in one go. For context, that's about five teaspoons. We think it's a fair trade-off for the protein, but something to be aware of.
- Is this a good drink for after the gym?
- Yes, with 30 grams of protein per bottle, it's a very effective option for post-workout recovery. This is a substantial serve of dairy protein, which provides the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair. It's a convenient choice when you don't have a protein shaker and powder on hand. We'd grab it as a reliable way to get a protein hit within the post-exercise window.
- Does Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk contain lactose?
- This drink is designed to be low in lactose. The ingredient list includes lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. This makes it much easier for people with lactose sensitivity to digest compared to regular milk drinks. While it is still a dairy product, the addition of lactase addresses that specific concern. We see it as a thoughtful formulation choice.
- Where can I buy Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk?
- Pauls PLUS+ Protein drinks are typically found in the chilled dairy aisle of major Australian supermarkets. This Summer Berries flavour is catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths, making it widely accessible for a regular grocery shop. As it is a refrigerated product, you won't find it on the ambient or long-life shelves. Availability at specific local stores can vary, so checking online first is always a good bet.
- How does this flavour compare to others in the range?
- The nutritional profiles across the Pauls PLUS+ Protein milk range are very consistent. For example, the Banana & Honey flavour has the exact same 7.5g of protein and 5.1g of sugar per 100mL. This means you can generally choose based on your flavour preference without worrying about a difference in protein or sugar. In our view, this consistency makes the range reliable for shoppers tracking their macros.