Health score
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/ 100Verdict: moderate
Key takeaways
- Provides 7.5g of high-quality protein per 100ml.
- Contains only 3.5g of sugar via non-caloric sweetener.
- Uses milk protein concentrate for a complete amino acid profile.
- Features a high environmental impact due to dairy production.
- Stabilized with gums to ensure consistent texture.
Our read on this product
With 7.5g of protein per 100ml derived from milk protein concentrate, the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake effectively supports muscle maintenance. The use of sucralose as a sweetener ensures a low-sugar profile while keeping calorie content at a modest 62 kcal per 100ml. Stabilizers like gellan gum maintain texture, and dipotassium phosphate acts as an essential emulsifier. It remains a balanced, moderate option for health-conscious consumers.
Best for
This shake is ideal for athletes and busy professionals looking for a high-protein, low-sugar snack to support muscle recovery.
Approach with care
Individuals with dairy allergies or lactose sensitivities should avoid this product as it contains skimmed milk and milk protein concentrate.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Skimmed Milk
The primary liquid base providing protein and calcium. It is low in fat while maintaining essential dairy nutrients.
Milk Protein Concentrate
A refined milk product used to boost the protein content significantly. It provides a complete amino acid profile for muscle support.
Water
Used as the solvent base for the shake to achieve the desired consistency. It is essential for hydration and product texture.
Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder
Adds the chocolate flavor and antioxidant properties. It is processed to lower fat content while retaining cocoa flavor intensity.
Flavoring
Added to enhance the sensory experience of the chocolate profile. These are typically synthetic or natural compounds used in small quantities.
Stabilizers (Gellan Gum, Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum)
Used to maintain texture and prevent the settling of milk proteins. They are generally recognized as safe for human consumption.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100ml
Energy
62 kcal
Protein
7.5g
Carbs
3.8g
Fat
1.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
3.5g
Sodium
45mg
Saturated fat
1g
Fiber
0.5g
How it scores against your goal
Mood Effect
Prevents sugar crashes due to its low glycemic profile, supporting stable mood levels.
Muscle Gain
The high quality of milk-based protein provides an excellent amino acid profile for muscle synthesis.
Weight Loss
Low calorie and low sugar content make this a helpful snack for weight management.
Flu Recovery
Contains cocoa antioxidants, but is not a significant source of immune-supporting micronutrients like Vitamin C.
Fever Recovery
Provides basic hydration and protein, though lacks specific immune-boosting vitamins for acute recovery.
Pcos Management
The low sugar profile is beneficial for managing insulin resistance associated with PCOS.
Diabetes Management
Low sugar and minimal glycaemic impact make this a safer option compared to sugary beverages.
Myth busters
Contains high amounts of sugar
Contains only 3.5g of sugar per 100ml, relying instead on sucralose for sweetness.
Provides a complete protein source
Uses milk protein concentrate, which naturally contains all essential amino acids required for muscle synthesis.
Is carbon-neutral
The high carbon score reflects the significant environmental impact of dairy sourcing and processing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake healthy?
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Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake is considered a moderate choice, as it provides quality muscle-supporting protein with very low sugar content but carries a high environmental footprint.
What is the main concern with the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake?
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Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake has a significant environmental impact, primarily due to the carbon footprint associated with large-scale dairy production.
Which is the key ingredient in the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake?
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Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake utilizes milk protein concentrate as the primary functional ingredient to boost amino acid profiles for muscle support.
Does the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake fit a keto diet?
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Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake contains 3.8g of carbs, making it a potentially suitable choice for those on a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet.
What is a better alternative to the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake?
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Optimum Nutrition High Protein Shake can be replaced by plant-based protein alternatives if you are looking to lower your carbon footprint while maintaining protein intake.