Core Ingredients of Original Up&Go
At the heart of the original Up&Go liquid breakfast is a blend of key components, which can vary slightly by region but generally follow a similar formula. The most prominent base ingredient is reconstituted skim milk powder mixed with water. Unlike fresh milk, this allows for a longer shelf life, making it a convenient, shelf-stable product.
Primary Energy and Protein Sources
- Skim Milk Powder: Provides a source of dairy protein and calcium.
- Soy Protein: Included alongside milk protein to boost the overall protein content.
- Oat Flour: Contributes to the drink's texture, fibre content, and provides carbohydrates.
- Various Sugars and Carbohydrates: A significant source of energy comes from multiple forms of sugar, including cane sugar, maltodextrin, and fructose. Maltodextrin, in particular, is a high-GI carbohydrate that provides quick energy, but is highly processed.
Additives and Fortification
Up&Go is not simply a mix of milk, oats, and protein. A number of additives are used to create its desired consistency, flavour, and nutritional benefits. The fortification with essential vitamins and minerals is a key marketing point for the brand.
- Vitamins: Commonly fortified with a range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), as well as vitamins A, C, and D.
- Minerals: Includes essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and sometimes iron.
- Vegetable Gums: Ingredients like carrageenan, cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are used as thickeners and stabilisers to prevent separation and maintain a smooth texture.
- Vegetable Oils: A blend of sunflower and canola oils is included to provide some fats.
Understanding Different Up&Go Formulations
Up&Go offers different product lines designed to appeal to varying dietary needs. The ingredients are adjusted for each specific formula.
Dairy Free
For individuals with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet, Up&Go offers a dairy-free variant. This version replaces the skim milk powder and milk protein with soy protein. Its other ingredients remain largely consistent with the original formula, but rice flour is sometimes used as a carbohydrate source.
No Added Sugar
Addressing concerns about sugar content, the No Added Sugar range replaces cane sugar and fructose with low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol and steviol glycosides. It still contains naturally occurring sugars from the milk powder. This allows it to achieve a 5-star Health Star Rating in some markets, though critics note it remains a highly-processed product.
Protein Energize
This version is marketed for muscle recovery and higher energy demands. It contains a higher concentration of protein, achieved by increasing the amounts of soy protein and milk protein concentrate. The protein boost increases the satiety factor of the drink.
Comparison of Up&Go Variants
| Nutritional Aspect | Original (250ml) | Protein Energize (250ml) | No Added Sugar (250ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~195 kcal | ~201 kcal | ~138 kcal |
| Protein | ~8.3 g | ~17.9 g | ~8.9 g |
| Fat | ~4.2 g | ~4.2 g | ~3.7 g |
| Sugars | ~16.1 g | ~16.6 g | ~10.8 g* |
| Dietary Fibre | ~4.0 g | ~2.6 g | ~4.0 g |
| Calcium | ~300 mg | ~300 mg | ~300 mg |
*Note: 'No Added Sugar' sugar content is from naturally occurring lactose and fruit components, not added cane sugar or fructose.
The Ultra-Processed Food Debate
While Up&Go is fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains protein and fibre, it is classified as an ultra-processed food. This means its ingredients have been heavily modified and combined with various additives. Nutrition experts often advise that while convenient, ultra-processed foods should not be the foundation of a healthy diet.
Critics highlight the high sugar content in the original variants and the use of multiple forms of sugar, which can contribute to negative health outcomes if consumed frequently. Supporters, on the other hand, point out that for busy individuals or those who skip breakfast, having a convenient, balanced option is preferable to having nothing at all.
Ultimately, whether Up&Go is a 'good' choice depends on a person's overall diet and lifestyle. It can serve as a quick nutritional supplement, but it is not a replacement for whole, unprocessed foods like oats, nuts, and fruit.
Conclusion
So, what are up and gos made of? Primarily, they consist of a base of reconstituted skim milk, soy protein, and carbohydrates like maltodextrin and sugar. They are then fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals. While the brand offers variants like 'Protein Energize', 'Dairy Free', and 'No Added Sugar', each is still a manufactured product containing a list of functional additives. For convenience, it offers a balanced macronutrient profile, but it is important to be aware of the processed nature of the product and moderate intake, especially of the sugar-heavy versions.
