Why is Protein Drink classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra‑processed because its ingredient list is composed mainly of industrially derived components such as milk protein powder, coffee extract, stabilisers (gellan gum E418 and carrageenan E407), an acidity regulator (sodium citrate), potassium carbonate flavourings and the artificial sweetener acesulfame‑K; these undergo multiple processing steps beyond simple preparation.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3.8 g of sugars and 0.16 g of salt per 100 ml, the drink provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so diabetics should count it toward their daily sugar allowance, while the relatively low salt level is acceptable for most hypertensive individuals but should still be considered within total daily sodium intake.

Is the milk ingredient in this drink a concern for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance?

Yes, the product contains 1.3 % fat milk and milk protein powder, which are declared allergens; anyone with a cow‑milk allergy should avoid it, and those who are lactose intolerant may experience discomfort even though the lactose content is not specified.

Starbucks • 330 ml

Protein Drink

Beverages

Product Insights

The Protein Drink is a 330 ml ready‑to‑drink beverage marketed as a high‑protein, unsweetened coffee‑based supplement. It belongs to the Beverages PNNS group, carries a Nutri‑Score of B, and is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), providing 6.1 g of protein, 3.8 g of sugars, 1.1 g of fat and 0.16 g of salt per 100 ml. While the protein content is well above typical drinks, the product contains dairy (milk) allergen, stabilisers (gellan gum, carrageenan) and the artificial sweetener acesulfame‑K, which may be concerns for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal51 kcal

Fat1 g

Saturated Fat0.6 g

Carbohydrates4.2 g

Sugars3.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average beverage in its category, this drink delivers roughly eight times more protein (6.1 g vs 0.74 g per 100 ml), slightly more fat (1.1 g vs 0.81 g), less sugar (3.8 g vs 5.24 g) and lower salt (0.16 g vs 0.21 g).

Ingredients

1.3% fat milk (75%), Starbucks® Arabica coffee (water coffee extract) (20.8%), milk protein powder (3.8%), stabilisers (gellan gum, carrageenan), acidity regulator (sodium citrate, potassium carbonate natural flavourings (contains milk), acesulfame-K forallergens, see ingredients in bold. *contains naturally occuping sugas Committed to 100% Ethical Coffee Sourcing in partnership with Conservation International.

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