Core Dairy and Protein Base
At its heart, Brooklea protein pudding is a dairy-based dessert. The primary ingredients, as listed on product labels, form a creamy base designed to deliver a high protein content. The main components across all varieties are skimmed milk and milk protein, which give the pudding its thick texture and nutritional profile.
- Skimmed Milk: This serves as the liquid base for the pudding, providing a dairy foundation without excessive fat.
- Milk Protein: This is the key ingredient that boosts the protein content, making the pudding a popular choice for those looking for a high-protein snack. For example, the caramel and vanilla flavors list 9% milk protein, while the chocolate flavor contains 8%.
- Whipping Cream: Included to create a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel, whipping cream adds a small amount of fat and creaminess to the product.
Thickeners and Stabilizers
To achieve its signature thick, pudding-like consistency, Brooklea uses a combination of thickening agents. These additives are standard in many processed foods and play a crucial role in preventing separation and maintaining texture over time.
- Modified Maize/Corn Starch: This ingredient is a common food additive used to thicken and stabilize the pudding.
- Carrageenan (E407): Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is a gelling and thickening agent used in many dairy products to improve texture.
- Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (E466): This cellulose derivative is another thickener that helps stabilize the product and gives it a smooth mouthfeel.
Sweeteners and Flavoring Agents
Since these puddings are marketed as low-sugar options, artificial sweeteners are used to provide the sweet taste without adding calories. The specific flavor profile of each pudding is created using different additives.
- Acesulfame K (E950) & Sucralose (E955): These are the primary artificial sweeteners used across all Brooklea protein pudding flavors to replace sugar.
- Flavoring: Generic 'flavouring' is listed to provide the distinct taste of each pudding, from vanilla to caramel.
- Cocoa Powder (for chocolate flavor): For the chocolate variety, cocoa powder and low-fat cocoa powder are included.
- Coloring: Flavors like caramel and vanilla use added coloring to enhance their visual appeal, such as Sulphite Ammonia Caramel and Carotenes.
Lactase Enzyme for Digestibility
For consumers who have difficulty digesting dairy products, Brooklea includes an enzyme to make the pudding more accessible. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, making the product more tolerable for those with lactose intolerance. This makes the pudding suitable for a wider audience, though it should be noted that it is not dairy-free. Brooklea also explicitly states that the product 'Contains: Milk' due to the base ingredients.
Comparison of Key Flavor Ingredients
While the core dairy, thickening, and sweetening ingredients remain consistent, the flavoring and coloring agents differ based on the specific pudding flavor. The following table compares the unique ingredients for some of the most popular varieties.
| Flavor | Main Flavoring Agents | Added Coloring | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Cocoa Powder, Low Fat Cocoa Powder | N/A | Features a double dose of cocoa for a richer taste. |
| Caramel | Flavouring, Salt | Carotenes, Sulphite Ammonia Caramel | Uses color additives to create the familiar caramel color. |
| Vanilla | Flavouring | Plant Extract (safflower Concentrate) | A more natural coloring agent is used for the vanilla flavor. |
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Brooklea protein pudding are a combination of dairy essentials and a variety of additives. The high protein content comes from skimmed milk and added milk protein, while thickeners like modified starch and carrageenan create the creamy texture. To keep the product low in sugar, artificial sweeteners are used. Additional flavorings and colorings give each pudding its unique characteristics, and the inclusion of lactase makes it more digestible for some individuals. For those with dietary concerns, particularly regarding ultra-processed foods or specific additives like carrageenan, reviewing the ingredient list is recommended. A detailed breakdown of food additives can be found on sites like Open Food Facts.
