Flavoured milk

A milk-based drink with added flavours and sweeteners. Originally cow’s milk with chocolate or strawberry, today the category also includes oat, soy, almond and more.

Banana Milk Caramel Milk Chocolate Milk Strawberry Milk Vanilla Milk
What's inside

Key ingredients

Tap any ingredient to learn what it does in flavoured milk.

Milk or plant base

The body

Sweeteners

Sugar or low-cal

Flavours

Natural or artificial

Vitamins & minerals

Fortification

Nutrient line-up

Nutrients found in milk

Flavoured milk provides essential nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin, and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Sugar content varies, with standard, low- and no-sugar sweetened options available.

Protein

Muscle repair and recovery

Calcium

Strong bones and teeth

Vitamin D

Helps calcium absorption

Vitamin B12

Energy and nerve function

Potassium

Heart and muscle function

Phosphorus

Bone strength

Riboflavin

Energy metabolism

Niacin

Skin, nerves, digestion

The sugar question

Intrinsic and added sugars

Milk naturally contains a sugar called lactose. This is an intrinsic sugar, a sugar that occurs naturally within the food, alongside its protein, calcium and other nutrients.

Flavoured milks can also contain added sugars, which are sugars added during manufacturing for sweetness and flavour balance. The total sugars on the nutrition panel include both. Reduced-sugar and no-added-sugar options use less added sugar or low-calorie sweeteners while keeping the intrinsic lactose from the milk.

Intrinsic

Naturally present in the food. In flavoured milk, that's lactose in the dairy.

Added

Sugars added during manufacturing for sweetness and flavour. Low- and no-added-sugar versions use less of these or approved low-calorie sweeteners.

Look for it: on the nutrition panel, intrinsic and added sugars are combined in the total "Sugars" line. To tell them apart, check the ingredient list - sugar, cane sugar, glucose syrup or honey indicate added sugars.

When it shines

Moments people reach for it

Breakfast

Quick source of protein, calcium and carbs to start the day.

Post-workout

Protein and carbohydrates support muscle recovery.

On the go

Shelf-stable and chilled formats fit in any bag.

After school

Filling, nutrient-rich snack between meals.

Regulation

How is flavoured milk regulated?

Flavoured milk is strictly regulated by the Food Standards Code in Australia and New Zealand. This includes both dairy-based and plant-based versions, which are regulated as general foods and require accurate information on the label across both the nutrition panel and the ingredient list.

Any additional ingredients must meet the requirements of the code. Health and nutritional claims on pack, if any, are strictly regulated, cannot be misleading, and must be scientifically accurate.

Did you know?

Flavoured milk has been enjoyed in Australia since the 1960's with the first flavours including chocolate, strawberry, banana, and spearmint.

Did you know?

A 250 mL serve of flavoured milk counts as one of your recommended serves of dairy under the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Did you know?

Dairy flavoured milks provide essential nutrients that support bone health, cardiovascular health, metabolism and overall wellbeing.

Did you know?

Dairy flavoured milks provide essential nutrients that support bone health, cardiovascular health, metabolism and overall wellbeing.

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Milk or plant base
Dairy milk or plant-based milk is the base of this drink, providing protein, calcium and vitamins. Plant bases include soy, almond, oat, rice and coconut.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners are used to provide sweetness and balance flavour. This may include sugar, low- or no-calorie sweeteners, or a mixture of both to meet consumer preferences.
Flavours
Flavourings create the distinctive taste of each flavoured milk drink. These may be natural or artificial, and include banana, caramel, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and many more.
Vitamins & minerals
Some varieties also include added protein, as well as added vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and calcium, to support bone health and overall wellbeing.