Decoding the Label: What are the ingredients in Up&Go?

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Originally launched in 1997 to address breakfast skipping, Up&Go has become a dominant liquid breakfast brand. This widespread popularity has led many consumers to question exactly what are the ingredients in Up&Go?.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the composition of Up&Go, analyzing the core components like skim milk, maltodextrin, and vegetable oils, along with fortified nutrients and common additives across different product variants.

Key Points

Processed Base: Up&Go is made from water and reconstituted skim milk powder, not fresh milk.
Variety in Sweeteners: Original versions use a combination of cane sugar, fructose, and maltodextrin, while 'No Added Sugar' variants use non-nutritive sweeteners.
Protein Sources: The drink's protein comes from a combination of skim milk powder and soy protein, sometimes with added milk protein concentrate in 'Energize' variants.
Fortified with Vitamins: Up&Go is fortified with numerous vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and several B vitamins.
Convenience vs. Whole Foods: While marketed as a nutritious and convenient option, particularly for busy mornings, it remains an ultra-processed product.
Varying Fibre Content: Different product variants contain varying amounts and sources of fibre from ingredients like oat flour and plant fibre.

The core composition of original Up&Go

Up&Go is a liquid breakfast drink made primarily from reconstituted dairy, plant-based protein, and carbohydrates. The core ingredients for standard flavours like Choc Ice and Vanilla Ice are:

Base: Filtered water and skim milk powder.
Protein: Derived from skim milk powder and soy protein.
Carbohydrates: Includes maltodextrin, cane sugar, and fructose.
Fats: From vegetable oils such as sunflower and canola.
Fibre: Contains plant fibre and oat flour.

Navigating the ingredients list: Additives and fortification

To ensure consistency and extend shelf-life, Up&Go contains various additives and is fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Additives: These include vegetable gums, stabilisers, and acidity regulators to maintain texture and stability, along with added flavours.
Fortification: Up&Go is enriched with essential micronutrients like Vitamin C, A, D, various B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, aiming to provide a nutritional boost.

Ingredient variations across Up&Go variants

Up&Go offers different versions with varied ingredient profiles:

Protein Energize: These have increased protein from additional sources like milk protein concentrate. The sugar balance may differ slightly from the original.

No Added Sugar: These variants use non-sugar sweeteners such as erythritol and steviol glycosides instead of cane sugar and fructose. Any sugar present is naturally occurring, like lactose from milk powder.

International Versions (e.g., UK): Formulations can vary by region. For instance, some UK versions use an oat drink base and faba bean protein.

Nutritional considerations and dietetic perspectives

Up&Go is seen by some dietitians as a convenient source of fibre, protein, and nutrients for busy individuals. Low GI options offer sustained energy. However, it is a highly processed product with additives, multiple sugars, and reconstituted milk. The sugar content is a notable factor, varying between original and 'No Added Sugar' versions.

Comparison Table: Up&Go Product Variants


Feature	Original	Protein Energize	No Added Sugar
Protein Content	Moderate (e.g., 8.4g per serve)	High (e.g., 17.7g per serve)	Moderate (e.g., 8.9g per serve)
Sweeteners	Cane sugar, fructose	Cane sugar, fructose	Erythritol, steviol glycosides
Fibre Source	Plant fibre, oat flour	Plant fibre	Plant fibre, cereal flour
Key Claim	Balanced energy	Muscle support	Reduced added sugar

Summary of key ingredients

Common ingredients in Up&Go products include Filtered Water, Skim Milk Powder, Soy and/or Milk Protein, Cane Sugar, Fructose, or Non-Sugar Sweeteners, Maltodextrin, Vegetable Oils, Oat Flour and Plant Fibre, various Vitamins (C, A, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folate), Minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus), Food Additives, Salt, and Flavours.

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Up&Go? shows it is a convenient, nutrient-fortified, but processed drink. The specific ingredients differ across Original, Protein, and No Added Sugar versions. While useful as a quick option, it is not a whole food. Consumers should check labels for specifics like sugar and protein content. Consulting a non-diet dietitian can provide perspective on incorporating such products into a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite marketing that compares it to a meal with Weet-Bix, Up&Go does not contain any actual Weet-Bix. The product uses a combination of different ingredients to provide a similar nutritional profile.

Maltodextrin is a high-glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrate derived from wheat or corn starch. It is used in Up&Go as a source of energy and acts as a thickener, contributing to the drink's texture.

Not all variants are the same. While the original flavours contain added cane sugar and fructose, the 'No Added Sugar' versions are sweetened with alternative sweeteners like erythritol and steviol glycosides.

The protein is a blend from dairy and plant sources, specifically skim milk powder and soy protein. The 'Protein Energize' variant includes additional milk protein concentrate for a higher protein count.

Common allergens in most Up&Go products include milk, soy, and gluten from wheat maltodextrin and oat flour. It's always best to check the specific product label for the most accurate allergen information.

While it offers a mix of protein, fibre, and fortified nutrients, many dietitians suggest it's not as filling as a solid food meal. It is best used as a convenient option for busy mornings or as a snack.

The food additives used in Up&Go, such as vegetable gums and stabilisers, are approved for use in food production by regulatory bodies. They are included to maintain the product's quality and texture.