Core ingredients of Nurri ultra filtered protein shakes
Nurri protein shakes leverage an advanced process called ultra-filtration to achieve their high-protein, low-sugar, and lactose-free status. While specific ingredients can differ slightly between the available flavors, the foundational elements remain consistent. The base of the shake is a unique, ultra-filtered milk, which is concentrated to remove much of the natural sugar (lactose) and water while retaining and concentrating the protein and calcium.
The milk base
- Ultra Filtered Skim Milk: The primary ingredient, sourced from Midwest dairy farms, provides the bulk of the 30 grams of high-quality, lactose-free milk protein.
- Water: Used to achieve the proper consistency after the ultra-filtration process has concentrated the milk solids.
- Cream: A small amount of cream is added back to provide a rich, creamy texture and improve the overall mouthfeel of the shake.
Specialized additives
- Lactase Enzyme: Included to break down any remaining trace amounts of lactose, ensuring the product is genuinely lactose-free and easily digestible for those with sensitivity.
- Pectin: A naturally occurring carbohydrate used as a thickener and stabilizer to prevent ingredients from separating.
- Potassium Phosphate: A salt that acts as an emulsifier to keep the shake's ingredients well-blended and also serves as a source of potassium.
- Sea Salt: Added for flavor enhancement, helping to balance the taste profile of the shake.
Sweeteners and flavors
Nurri shakes are designed to be low in sugar, with only one gram per serving. To achieve this, the company uses a combination of low-calorie and natural sweeteners.
Sweeteners
- Monk Fruit Extract: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from monk fruit, known for its pleasant taste without a bitter aftertaste.
- Sucralose: A high-intensity artificial sweetener that is calorie-free and significantly sweeter than sugar, used in small quantities.
- Acesulfame Potassium: Another non-caloric sweetener often used with sucralose to create a more sugar-like flavor profile.
Flavor-specific ingredients
While the vanilla and chocolate flavors share many common components, specific ingredients are added to define each taste profile.
- Cocoa (processed with alkali): Found in the chocolate shake, this ingredient provides the rich chocolate flavor.
- Natural Flavor: This is a general term used on ingredient lists, with the specific composition varying by flavor (e.g., vanilla, strawberry).
- Tomato Lycopene Extract (color): Used in the strawberry flavor to give it its distinctive red hue.
Vitamins and minerals
Nurri protein shakes are fortified with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellness.
Fortified nutrients
- Vitamin A Palmitate: A fat-soluble form of Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Vitamin D3: The most effective form of Vitamin D, which is vital for calcium absorption and bone health.
Ingredients by flavor: a comparison
To illustrate the minor differences, let's compare the ingredients of the vanilla and chocolate Nurri ultra filtered protein shakes.
| Ingredient | Nurri Chocolate Shake | Nurri Vanilla Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Base | Ultra Filtered Skim Milk, Water, Cream | Ultra Filtered Skim Milk, Water, Cream |
| Flavoring | Cocoa (processed with alkali), Natural Flavor | Natural Flavor |
| Emulsifier/Stabilizer | Potassium Phosphate, Pectin | Potassium Phosphate, Pectin |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Monk Fruit Extract | Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Monk Fruit Extract |
| Digestive Aid | Lactase Enzyme | Lactase Enzyme |
| Vitamins | Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 | Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 |
| Color | N/A | N/A |
| Other | Sea Salt | Sea Salt |
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Nurri ultra filtered protein shakes are selected to create a high-protein, low-sugar, lactose-free beverage using an ultra-filtration process. The core components include ultra-filtered skim milk, water, and cream, providing the base for the 30g of protein. This is supplemented with natural and artificial sweeteners, flavor-specific ingredients like cocoa, and a blend of vitamins and minerals. For those with dietary restrictions or specific nutritional goals, understanding this ingredient profile is essential for making informed decisions about their supplement choices. The inclusion of a lactase enzyme also makes it an accessible option for those with lactose intolerance.
For more information on the processing of dairy products, you can explore resources from organizations like Dairy West, which can offer broader context on the industry practices that contribute to products like Nurri shakes.