Core Ingredients in Up and Go Dairy Free
Up and Go Dairy Free is formulated to provide a portable, nutritious liquid breakfast or snack without relying on animal-derived products. The core structure is a blend of liquid, plant-based protein, and carbohydrates. The primary liquid base is water, which serves as the foundation for all other components.
Plant-Based Protein
To achieve its protein content, the dairy-free Up and Go uses soy protein, a high-quality plant-based protein source. Soy protein is used as a direct replacement for the skim milk powder found in the original Up and Go formula, making it suitable for those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet. It provides essential amino acids and contributes to the beverage's satisfying profile.
Carbohydrate Sources
The energy in Up and Go comes from a blend of carbohydrates to provide sustained energy. Key carbohydrate ingredients include:
- Corn Maltodextrin: A complex carbohydrate that helps provide a steady release of energy.
- Cane Sugar and Fructose: Added for sweetness.
- Brown Rice Flour (Vanilla) or Rice Flour (Choc): Contributes to the carbohydrate content and texture.
This blend ensures the product maintains its Low GI status, meaning it offers a more sustained release of energy compared to high-sugar alternatives.
Fibre and Fats
The formulation includes plant fibre to increase the beverage's dietary fibre content, contributing to feelings of fullness. For its fat content, Up and Go Dairy Free uses a mixture of vegetable oils, specifically sunflower and canola oil. These oils contribute healthy unsaturated fats to the product.
Fortified Vitamins and Minerals
To ensure it remains a nutritionally complete option, the drink is fortified with a range of essential vitamins and minerals. A typical serving provides a significant percentage of the recommended daily intake for many of these micronutrients.
Key vitamins include:
- Vitamin A
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
Essential minerals are also included, with a particular emphasis on calcium, which is crucial for bone health and is often missed in dairy-free diets. Other minerals include potassium and phosphorus.
Additives and Stabilisers
A number of additives are used to create the signature smooth texture, shelf stability, and flavour.
- Vegetable Gums: Stabilisers such as gums (e.g., E460, E466, E407) help to prevent separation of ingredients and maintain a consistent texture.
- Acidity Regulator: Potassium citrate helps to regulate the acidity of the beverage, which aids in preservation.
- Stabiliser (E452): Polyphosphates are used to further stabilise the drink and maintain its shelf life.
- Flavours: Natural and/or artificial flavours are added to create the distinct Vanilla Ice or Choc Ice taste.
Comparison: Dairy-Free vs. Original Up and Go
To highlight the differences, here is a comparison of the key ingredient categories between the Dairy-Free and Original Up and Go variants.
| Feature | Up and Go Dairy Free | Original Up and Go | Major Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Soy protein | Skim milk powder, soy protein | Swaps milk powder for exclusively soy protein. |
| Carbohydrates | Corn maltodextrin, cane sugar, fructose, rice/brown rice flour | Maltodextrin (wheat, corn), cane sugar, fructose, oat flour | Primarily replaces oats with rice flour for gluten-free status. |
| Dairy | No dairy ingredients | Contains skim milk powder | The core functional distinction. |
| Gluten | Gluten-free | Contains gluten from wheat maltodextrin and oat flour | Suitable for coeliacs and those with gluten sensitivities. |
| Dietary Status | Vegan friendly | Not vegan, contains milk derivatives | Appeals to a different dietary market. |
Final Takeaway: A Plant-Based Nutritional Option
Up and Go Dairy Free is a carefully constructed beverage that delivers a similar nutritional profile to its dairy-based counterpart using only plant-derived ingredients. By replacing milk powder with soy protein and adjusting the carbohydrate sources to be gluten-free, it caters to consumers with specific dietary needs, including vegans and those who are lactose or gluten intolerant. While it contains added sugars, its fortification with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre makes it a convenient and balanced option for a quick energy boost. As always, it is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet alongside whole foods, such as a piece of fruit. For further nutritional information, you can visit the official product page here.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what are the ingredients in Up and Go Dairy Free showcases a commitment to providing an inclusive and nutritious product for a wider audience. The use of water, soy protein, and a fortified vitamin and mineral blend provides a dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly alternative that does not compromise on core nutritional value. The combination of protein, fibre, and low GI carbohydrates makes it a satisfying and convenient option for those on the go.
