Core ingredients of Up&go Iced Coffee
The ingredient list for Up&go Protein Energize Iced Coffee provides insight into its composition and nutritional profile. The primary components are water, various milk-based and soy proteins, and carbohydrates derived from sugar and maltodextrin. These ingredients are combined with vegetable oils, fibers, and a comprehensive vitamin and mineral mix to create a balanced liquid meal replacement.
Milk and protein sources
At the heart of the drink are its protein sources, which include:
- Skim milk powder: This provides a concentrated source of dairy protein and calcium.
- Soy protein: A plant-based protein source that contributes to the drink's overall protein content.
- Milk protein concentrate: Another form of dairy protein, it boosts the total protein count for the "Protein Energize" variant.
Carbohydrates and sweeteners
The energy in Up&go comes from several carbohydrate sources. A blend of different sugars and starches is used to achieve the desired energy level and taste:
- Wheat maltodextrin: A carbohydrate derived from wheat, it serves as a source of energy.
- Cane sugar: A common sweetener used to improve taste.
- Fructose: A type of sugar found in fruits, it also adds sweetness.
Fats and oils
Unlike traditional breakfast smoothies, Up&go includes added fats from vegetable oils. For the Iced Coffee flavor, these include:
- Sunflower oil: A common vegetable oil.
- Canola oil: Another vegetable oil source.
These oils contribute to the drink's texture and fat content, which is kept low in this specific product.
Coffee, flavors, and fiber
The distinguishing characteristic of the iced coffee flavor comes from a specific ingredient, while other additives round out the profile:
- Decaffeinated coffee powder: At 0.1%, this is a small but critical ingredient for the coffee taste.
- Flavors: Used to enhance the overall taste experience.
- Plant fibre: Contributes to the drink's dietary fiber content.
Vitamins, minerals, and additives
To be a formulated supplementary food, Up&go is fortified with a range of essential micronutrients and uses various food additives for texture and preservation.
Fortified vitamins and minerals
Each serving contains a list of vitamins and minerals, helping to provide a significant portion of daily nutritional needs:
- Vitamins: Including C, B3 (Niacin), A, D2, B2 (Riboflavin), B1 (Thiamin), B12, and B6.
- Minerals: Notably, a good source of calcium is added.
Stabilizers and gums
To ensure a consistent and appealing texture, the product contains several food additives:
- Vegetable gums (460, 466, 407): These are thickening agents that provide a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
- Stabilizer (452): A stabilizer to maintain the product's consistency.
- Acidity regulator (Potassium Citrate): Helps maintain the correct pH balance.
Up&go Iced Coffee vs. other variants
While this article focuses on the coffee flavor, it's useful to compare its ingredients with other flavors to understand the key differences. This table compares the core ingredients of the Protein Energize Iced Coffee with the Original Vanilla Ice flavor.
| Ingredient Category | Protein Energize Iced Coffee | Original Vanilla Ice | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Proteins | Skim milk powder, soy protein, milk protein concentrate | Skim milk powder, soy protein | Coffee variant has added milk protein concentrate for higher protein content. |
| Carbohydrates | Wheat maltodextrin, cane sugar, fructose | Wheat maltodextrin, cane sugar, fructose, oat flour, corn maltodextrin | Original contains oat flour and corn maltodextrin, contributing to its different carbohydrate profile. |
| Flavors | Flavors, decaffeinated coffee powder (0.1%) | Flavors | The addition of decaffeinated coffee powder is the primary distinction. |
| Energy & Fibre | Low GI, Fibre + Protein formula | Low GI, Fibre formula | Protein Energize has a higher protein concentration for muscle recovery, while Original emphasizes balanced energy and fiber. |
Conclusion: Up&go's role in a nutritional diet
Understanding what are the ingredients in up and go coffee shows it's a formulated supplementary food designed for convenience. The blend of skim milk powder, soy protein, and added vitamins and minerals makes it a high-protein, nutrient-rich option, particularly in the Protein Energize variant. However, its inclusion of cane sugar and other additives means it's not a whole food. As part of a balanced diet, it can serve as a quick breakfast or snack, especially for those with busy lifestyles. For a more complete understanding of its nutritional claims, referencing the manufacturer's website is recommended.
