Pauls PLUS+ Protein Vanilla yoghurt pouch
Pauls PLUS+ Protein Vanilla yoghurt pouch: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 8.0/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
15g protein per serve · 92 cal · 5.1g sugar · 63mg sodium · 150g serve.
Overview
High-protein yoghurt has traditionally been the domain of big, take-home pouches. Pauls shifts the format here, packing a significant protein hit into a single-serve pouch that's clearly aimed at the lunchbox and gym-bag crowd, without the need for a spoon. Compared to the brand's own PLUS+ Protein Vanilla Yoghurt in a pouch, this pouch version matches it exactly on protein and sugar, showing impressive consistency across formats. At 10g of protein per 100g, it sits well above the category average for yoghurt (7.4g) and firmly in Greek-style territory, despite being a smoother, thinner-style product. The sugar story is a good one, with the 3.4g per 100g coming entirely from naturally occurring lactose in the milk. To keep it palatable without adding sugar, Pauls uses artificial sweeteners (acesulphame potassium and sucralose). A thickener (1442) is also used to build back some of the body you'd otherwise get from more fat or straining, which explains the smooth but not overly thick texture. Ultimately, this is a convenience play. We see it as a smart, portion-controlled option for getting a quick protein top-up post-workout or as a simple breakfast anchor on the run. It's less a traditional dessert-style yoghurt and more a functional, protein-delivery snack.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
A foundation of skim milk and milk solids delivers the protein here, pushing this pouch well beyond standard yoghurt benchmarks. The 15g of protein per serve is a strong showing for a single pouch, earning a Protein Score/10. At 10g of protein per 100g, it matches the density of high-performance Greek yoghurts and effectively doubles the protein of a standard plain yoghurt. Protein-per-calorie is also a key strength, with 16.4g delivered for every 100 calories consumed, making it a very efficient choice. This makes it a legitimate option for a post-workout protein hit without needing a shaker, or a simple way to anchor breakfast with a substantial protein serve. It's a far more protein-dense choice than the brand's own custards or kids' yoghurts.
Clean Score: 8.0/10
The Pauls PLUS+ Protein range consistently lands on a similar ingredient strategy: no added sugar, leaning on artificial sweeteners instead. This Vanilla pouch is no different, with 11 ingredients and three additives earning it a Clean Score/10. The score is nudged down by the presence of thickener (1442) and two artificial sweeteners (950 and 955). These are functional additions: the thickener creates a consistent, smooth texture, while the sweeteners provide flavour without the sugar and calories, a common trade-off in this category. Sitting right on the category average for ingredient count and additives, this isn't a minimalist, three-ingredient yoghurt. It's a moderately processed product designed for convenience, shelf stability, and specific nutritional targets. For shoppers comfortable with sweeteners, it's a standard profile for a 'plus protein' product.
Wins
- 15g of protein per 150g pouch is a substantial serve.
- No added sugar, with only 5.1g of natural lactose per pouch.
- Convenient pouch format requires no spoon or preparation.
Watch outs
- Contains two artificial sweeteners (950, 955).
- Uses a thickener (1442) to create its texture.
- Live culture strains are not individually named on the pack.
Ingredients
Skim milk, water, milk solids, thickener (1442), flavours, lemon pulp, sweeteners (950, 955), vanilla bean (0.01%), salt, live cultures (from milk).
11 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the sugar in this yoghurt added or natural?
- All of the sugar in this yoghurt is naturally occurring. The 5.1g of sugar per pouch comes from lactose, which is the natural sugar found in the skim milk and milk solids base. The product contains no added cane sugar, which is why it relies on artificial sweeteners (950, 955) for its sweet vanilla flavour. This makes it a strong choice for those tracking added sugar, but less so for those avoiding sweeteners altogether. We'd grab it for a low-sugar protein hit.
- How does this compare to plain Greek yoghurt for protein?
- It compares very favourably, sitting at the top end of the Greek yoghurt benchmark. This pouch contains 10g of protein per 100g, while traditional Greek yoghurts typically range from 6g to 10g per 100g. It's significantly denser in protein than standard plain yoghurt, which usually offers only 4-6g. The protein has been concentrated by using milk solids, delivering a protein density that rivals thicker, strained yoghurts. In our view, it's a strong performer on protein.
- Does Pauls PLUS+ Protein yoghurt have live cultures?
- Yes, it does contain live cultures. The ingredient list confirms the presence of 'live cultures (from milk)', which are added during the fermentation process. However, the packaging does not specify the exact strains, such as L. acidophilus or B. lactis, so it's not possible to know which particular probiotic bacteria are included. If you're looking for specific, named cultures for gut health reasons, you might prefer a product that lists them. For a general yoghurt, it ticks the box.
- Who owns the Pauls brand and where is this yoghurt made?
- Pauls is an Australian dairy brand owned by Lactalis Australia. The company confirms its range of milk and yoghurt products are manufactured in Australia. Pauls has a long history in the Australian market, offering a wide variety of dairy goods. For more detailed information about the company's history or specific manufacturing sites, the brand's own website is the best source of information.
- Where can I buy the Pauls PLUS+ Protein Vanilla pouch?
- This yoghurt pouch is widely available in major Australian supermarkets. It is catalogued at both Coles and Woolworths, making it a convenient option to pick up during your regular grocery shop. You'll typically find it in the chilled dairy aisle alongside other single-serve yoghurts and custards. Availability at specific local stores can vary, so it's always worth checking their online portals if you're planning a trip.