Nutrition Diet: Demystifying What Percent Protein is MILO?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While often associated with energy, the protein content of MILO varies significantly based on the specific product and preparation. A serving of standard MILO powder contains a moderate amount of protein, which is often boosted by the milk it is mixed with. Understanding what percent protein is MILO requires a closer look at its full nutritional makeup.

Quick Summary

The protein content of MILO depends on the product variant and preparation, with standard powder containing around 12-13g per 100g. Mixing with milk significantly increases total protein. It also provides carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The protein percentage in MILO differs depending on the specific product (e.g., standard vs. PRO) and preparation method.
Milk is Key: A significant portion of the protein in a glass of MILO comes from the milk it is mixed with, not just the powder.
Standard Powder: Regular MILO powder typically contains around 12-13% protein by weight (before mixing).
Higher Protein Option: MILO PRO is a variant specifically designed for higher protein intake, offering a greater concentration per 100g.
Not a Protein Shake: While a source of protein, MILO is primarily an energy drink with significant carbohydrates and sugars, and should not be considered a dedicated protein supplement.
Part of a Balanced Diet: MILO can fit into a healthy diet, particularly for active individuals needing energy and muscle recovery, but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.

Understanding MILO's Protein Content

For those managing their nutrition diet, knowing the precise protein content of popular drinks is crucial. The question of "what percent protein is MILO" does not have a single answer, as it depends on the product variant and how it is prepared. The primary protein source in a glass of MILO often comes not from the powder itself, but from the milk it is mixed with.

Protein in MILO Powder (Per 100g)

On its own, MILO powder provides a moderate amount of protein. The exact figures can vary slightly between different global markets and formulations, but generally fall within a similar range.

Standard MILO Powder: An average figure for standard MILO powder is around 11.7g to 13.3g of protein per 100g. This makes it roughly 12-13% protein by weight before it is mixed into a drink.
MILO PRO: A high-protein variant, such as MILO PRO in New Zealand, offers more protein per 100g, with sources indicating approximately 19.0g. This version is explicitly marketed for muscle repair and replenishment after exercise.
MILO 30% Less Added Sugar: This variant offers a similar protein level to the standard powder, around 11.9g per 100g.

The Effect of Preparation on Protein Content

The type of liquid used to prepare the drink has a major impact on the final protein percentage and total grams per serving. The common practice of mixing MILO with milk drastically increases the protein content of the final beverage.

Here’s a comparison:

A 20g serving of standard MILO mixed with 200ml of water provides 2.5g of protein.
The same 20g serving mixed with 200ml of skim milk provides approximately 10.0g of protein, a four-fold increase.

MILO's Overall Nutritional Profile

Beyond protein, MILO is a fortified malt drink with a blend of nutrients designed to provide energy. Its ingredients include malt extract, milk solids, sugar, cocoa, and various vitamins and minerals.

Key components of MILO's nutrition include:

Carbohydrates: As an energy drink, MILO is primarily composed of carbohydrates, which fuel the body. The malt extract (Protomalt®) and sugars provide both immediate and sustained energy.
Vitamins and Minerals: MILO is typically fortified with essential micronutrients. These often include a unique combination of B vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B12) to help release energy, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
Fats: MILO contains a small amount of fat from milk solids and added vegetable oil.
Sugar: All MILO products contain sugar, both naturally occurring (lactose and maltose) and added sucrose. Some variants offer a lower sugar content.

Comparison of MILO Variants and Preparation


Feature	Standard MILO Powder (per 100g)	MILO PRO Powder (per 100g)	Standard MILO + Skim Milk (per serve)
Protein (g)	~12.3g	~19.0g	~10.0g (20g powder + 200ml milk)
Carbohydrates (g)	~59.5g	~50.1g	~22.8g (20g powder + 200ml milk)
Energy (kJ/kcal)	~1610kJ / 400kcal	~1560kJ / 370kcal	~620kJ / 150kcal (20g powder + 200ml milk)
Primary Use	General energy drink, snack	Post-workout recovery	General energy drink, snack
Added Sugar	Higher content	Higher content	Higher content (from powder and milk)
Marketing Focus	Energy for daily activities	Muscle repair, athletic performance	Energy and nutrition

Fitting MILO into a Healthy Nutrition Diet

While MILO is a source of protein and other nutrients, it is important to consume it as part of a balanced diet, not as a primary protein supplement. For individuals with higher protein requirements, such as athletes, the MILO PRO variant or mixing with milk can help meet goals, but it should still be complemented by other whole food protein sources. The significant sugar content in most MILO variants means moderation is key, especially for those mindful of their sugar intake.

For active individuals, MILO can be a beneficial part of a post-workout recovery plan due to its combination of carbohydrates for energy replenishment and protein for muscle repair. The added vitamins and minerals also support overall health and energy metabolism.

For a balanced diet, it is essential to combine drinks like MILO with a variety of other foods. This includes lean meats, legumes, and dairy for protein, whole grains for complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for fiber and micronutrients.

Conclusion

So, what percent protein is MILO? The answer is nuanced. Standard MILO powder contains approximately 12-13% protein by weight, but the total protein content in a prepared drink is often much higher, especially when mixed with milk. MILO PRO offers a greater concentration of protein for specific athletic needs. While it provides essential nutrients and can be a good source of energy, MILO should be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of protein sources and limits sugar intake. For tailored nutritional advice, consulting a registered dietitian is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

The protein content of standard MILO powder is typically around 12-13% per 100g, but this can vary slightly depending on the market and specific formulation.

A typical 20g serving of standard MILO powder contains 2.5g of protein when mixed with water. However, if prepared with 200ml of skim milk, the protein content jumps to around 10g per serving.

MILO contributes protein, especially when mixed with milk, but it is not a primary protein source. Its main function is to provide energy from carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

MILO PRO is a specific high-protein variant that contains more protein per 100g than standard MILO powder. For example, some MILO PRO variants have around 19g of protein per 100g compared to standard MILO's 12.3g.

While MILO contains protein, its amino acid profile is not typically promoted as complete on its own. When prepared with milk, the combination of proteins from both the malt and milk provides a more robust amino acid profile.

Yes, for many individuals, MILO (especially the PRO version mixed with milk) can be a suitable post-workout drink. Its combination of carbohydrates helps replenish energy stores, while the protein aids in muscle repair.

A dedicated protein powder will have a significantly higher protein percentage and concentration per serving compared to MILO. MILO is primarily a malted energy drink, whereas protein powders are formulated specifically for maximum protein delivery.