Calorie Breakdown for Meiji High Protein Coffee
The calorie content of Meiji high protein coffee depends on the specific product. The 'Meiji High Protein Zero Sucrose Added Coffee Flavor' is designed for health-conscious consumers. A 350ml bottle has 170 calories, making it a low-calorie choice for a protein boost. This is achieved by removing added sucrose and reducing lactose, a naturally occurring milk sugar. This differs from other Meiji coffee-flavored milk products which contain more sugar.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
Several factors can influence the final calorie count of a protein coffee beverage. Understanding these can help consumers make informed choices when selecting a product.
- Added Sugars: The 'Zero Sucrose Added' version excludes added sugar, using substitutes to keep calories low. Older or non-high-protein Meiji coffee milk products often contain significant amounts of added sugar and fructose syrup, increasing the calorie count.
- Milk Fat Content: The Meiji High Protein beverages are low in fat, contributing to the reduced calorie load. Other coffee drinks may use full-fat milk or non-dairy creamers, adding more calories and saturated fat.
- Protein Concentration: The high protein content itself doesn't contribute excessive calories but is a key differentiator from standard coffee drinks. The whey protein used in Meiji's formula is a concentrated source of protein, but the formulation is designed to be low-fat and low-sugar.
Nutritional Information Across Meiji Coffee Varieties
To show the difference in nutritional profiles, here is a comparison of two Meiji coffee products. The comparison emphasizes the importance of checking the label.
| Nutritional Aspect | Meiji High Protein Zero Sucrose Added Coffee (350ml) | Meiji Coffee Flavored Milk (200ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal | 174 kcal (per 200ml) |
| Protein | 28 g | 5 g (per 200ml) |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g | 32 g (per 200ml) |
| Sugar | 5 g | 19 g (per 200ml) |
| Fat | 1 g | 5 g (per 200ml) |
| Key Feature | High protein, zero added sucrose, low fat | Standard flavored milk, higher sugar, lower protein |
Note that the standard coffee flavored milk has a similar calorie count per portion size but offers less protein and more sugar. The high protein version has more nutrients per volume.
Ingredients in Meiji High Protein Coffee
The ingredients list shows the product's nutritional profile. The Meiji High Protein Zero Sucrose Added Coffee Flavor includes concentrated milk protein and coffee powder, but without added sucrose. Instead, it uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium as sugar substitutes. The drink also includes vitamins B3, B6, and B12, and is high in calcium, making it a functional beverage for post-workout recovery or a nutrient-dense snack. The use of whey protein from the USA is also a feature.
Is Meiji High Protein Coffee Good for Fitness?
For fitness enthusiasts, the Meiji High Protein Zero Sucrose Added coffee is an excellent choice. The 28 grams of whey protein supports muscle repair and growth after exercise. The low fat and low sugar content helps manage caloric intake. The B vitamins aid in energy metabolism, while the caffeine (73mg per 350ml bottle) provides an energizing boost.
Comparison with Other Coffee Options
Compared to black coffee, which has 2-5 calories, Meiji high protein coffee has more calories due to added milk, protein, and flavorings. However, compared to a specialty coffee shop latte with added sugar and syrups, the Meiji product is often better for nutritional value. A large cafe latte can exceed 200-300 calories, mostly from sugar. The ready-to-drink format and balanced profile make the Meiji product a convenient alternative. Making your own protein coffee at home by adding whey protein powder to black coffee is another low-calorie option.
Conclusion
The calorie count for Meiji high protein coffee depends on the specific product, but the 'Zero Sucrose Added Coffee Flavor' has 170 calories per 350ml bottle, alongside 28 grams of protein. This is a good choice for those prioritizing fitness and mindful eating, offering a high-protein, low-fat, and low-sugar beverage. It's a more calorie-controlled option than many cafe lattes but has more calories than black coffee. Always check the label for the specific variety.
