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Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour by Optimum Nutrition — product pack

Pack image shown to identify the product. Decode Label is independent of Optimum Nutrition and is not sponsored or endorsed by it. Trademarks

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Optimum Nutrition

Brand owned by Glanbia (Ireland) · about the brand

Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour

Veg status unverified supplement
5.0 Moderate

Decode Label Safety Score

Nutrition · 40% 10.0/10
Ingredient safety · 30% 10.0/10
Processing · 20% 4.5/10
Marketing · 10% 8.6/10
How we got 5.0 Show
Weighted score 8.8/10
Capped — Emulsifier not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is ≤ 5.5
Capped — Contains an intense artificial sweetener (named by INS code). Sweeteners are judged by name, and a protein powder is not exempt ≤ 6.0
Capped — Stacks several synthetic additives (intense sweetener + 3 thickeners/gums). Each is permitted on its own; the combination is what makes this a heavily engineered powder ≤ 5.0
Final score 5.0/10 · Moderate

Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed

This protein supplement provides a substantial amount of protein from whey sources, fortified with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals. The product also contains a blend of thickeners, contributing to its ultra-processed nature. While generally suitable for healthy adults, individuals sensitive to artificial sweeteners or those seeking products with fully disclosed ingredients should exercise caution.

At a glance

From the declared label — not a lab test

Findings to weigh

Score limiter Emulsifier not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is See which concerns held the score down. → Declared allergens Milk + Soy Matters if you have any of these allergies; check the pack’s own allergen statement. →

What’s favorable

  • Whey Protein Isolate
  • L-Ascorbic Acid
  • Zinc Gluconate
  • DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate
  • Pyridoxine hydrochloride
  • +6 more →

Whey Protein with Artificial Sweetener.

This protein supplement is rich in whey protein and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. The formulation also includes several thickeners, making it an ultra-processed product.

Okay for: Healthy adults seeking protein supplementation

Declared allergens: Milk and Soy

Milk· Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate Soy· the pack’s allergen statement

Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.

Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.

Concern breakdown What drives the score, concern by concern · score out of 10, higher = fewer concerns
Key risks: Emulsifier not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is

Concern breakdown

Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concerns

How this product performs on each concern we check for supplement. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.

Artificial Sweeteners Significant concern · 3.5/10
Proprietary Blends & Dosing Moderate concern · 4.0/10
Fillers & Additive Burden Moderate concern · 5.0/10
Banned & Adulterant Risk Minor concern · 6.5/10
Added & Hidden Sugar Minor concern · 7.5/10
Micronutrient Overdose No concern identified · 8.0/10
Stimulant Load No concern identified · 8.0/10
Artificial Colours & Dyes No concern identified · 8.0/10
Excess Sodium & Salt No concern identified · 10.0/10

Other audiences

Avoid
Not intended for children

This is an adult sports-nutrition supplement, formulated for adults for exercise and training. It is not intended for infants or young children.

Why the score is capped

Emulsifier not disclosed — the label does not say which substance this is

Rule F-CAP-13

Contains an intense artificial sweetener (named by INS code). Sweeteners are judged by name, and a protein powder is not exempt

Rule S-CAP-01 · Source: Declared ingredient list; EFSA and JECFA acceptable-daily-intake reviews of the named sweetener

Stacks several synthetic additives (intense sweetener + 3 thickeners/gums). Each is permitted on its own; the combination is what makes this a heavily engineered powder

Rule S-CAP-05 · Source: Declared ingredient list and the printed additive codes; one additive is not penalised here, the combination is

What's good

High-quality whey protein sources (concentrate and isolate)

Fortified with a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals

Contains both natural and artificial flavors for taste

Watch out for

Undisclosed specific emulsifier

Presence of artificial sweetener (sucralose)

Multiple thickeners (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan) contribute to ultra-processed nature

DigeZyme® enzyme blend is present in trace amounts, so its efficacy as a formulation strength is limited

Decode Label Analysis

Contains sucralose (INS 955), an artificial sweetener. While approved for use, some individuals prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners.

The product is an ultra-processed formulation, combining isolated proteins, artificial sweeteners, and multiple thickeners.

Claim check

Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.

?
"SUPPORTS IMMUNITY, STRENGTH AND METABOLISM" Can't verify

The label does not provide sufficient information or scientific evidence to verify these broad health benefit claims.

?
"SUPPORTS MUSCLE RECOVERY" Can't verify

The label does not provide sufficient information or scientific evidence to verify this health benefit claim.

?
"PROTEIN POWDER DRINK MIX FOR HEALTHY ADULTS" Can't verify

The claim about suitability for 'healthy adults' is a general product designation that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or nutrition facts.

✓
"NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA: NOW WITH ADDED DIGESTIVE ENZYMES" Checks out

The ingredient list includes DigeZyme® and an Enzyme Complex composed of Alpha Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, and Lactase, which are digestive enzymes.

DigeZyme® (0.14%) Enzyme Complex composed of Alpha Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, and Lactase
✓
"24g PROTEIN" Checks out

The nutrition information states that there are 24g of protein per serving.

protein g 24 (per serving)
✓
"PROVIDES ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT" Checks out

The ingredients list several vitamins with antioxidant properties, such as L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E).

L-Ascorbic Acid DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
✓
"27 SERVINGS" Checks out

The label explicitly states '27 SERVINGS'.

27 SERVINGS
✓
"NET WEIGHT 1 kg (2.2 lb)" Checks out

The label explicitly states 'NET WEIGHT 1 kg (2.2 lb)'.

NET WEIGHT 1 kg (2.2 lb)

Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.

  • 1.
    Whey Protein Concentrate
    Whey Protein Concentrate (Emulsifier: INS 322(i))
  • Emulsifier within Whey Protein Concentrate
    Lecithin (INS 322)
    INS 322(i)
  • 2.
    Whey Protein Isolate
  • 3.
    Cocoa Powder
    Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali)
  • 4.
    Whey Powder
  • 5.
    Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder
  • 6.
    Natural and Artificial Flavors
    Natural and Artificial Flavors (Chocolate, Vanilla, Vitamins & Minerals Blend (L-Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, D-Biotin, Ergocalciferol), DigeZyme® (0.14%), Sweetener (INS 955), Thickeners (INS 466, INS 415, INS 407))
  • Vitamins & Minerals Blend within Natural and Artificial Flavors
    Vitamins & Minerals Blend (L-Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, D-Biotin, Ergocalciferol)
  • L-Ascorbic Acid within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Zinc Gluconate within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Pyridoxine Hydrochloride within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Retinyl Palmitate within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Riboflavin within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Thiamine Mononitrate within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Folic Acid within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • D-Biotin within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • Ergocalciferol within Vitamins & Minerals Blend
  • DigeZyme® 0.14% within Natural and Artificial Flavors trace amount
    DigeZyme® (0.14%)
  • Sweetener within Natural and Artificial Flavors
    Sucralose (INS 955)
    Sweetener (INS 955)
  • Thickeners within Natural and Artificial Flavors
    Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (INS 466), Xanthan gum (INS 415), Carrageenan (INS 407)
    Thickeners (INS 466, INS 415, INS 407)
  • 7.
    Enzyme Complex
    Enzyme Complex composed of Alpha Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, and Lactase

Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.

In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.

These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.

Milk Allergen on the label: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Powder
Allergen
Soy Allergen on the label: the pack’s allergen statement
Allergen

The label declares each of these as a blend and then lists what is in it. The components appear in the groups above on their own merits, so the blend itself is shown here rather than counted a second time.

Learn More

Google Wikipedia EWG Skin Deep Open Food Facts
High in saturated fat
Nutrition (per serving) Serving: 37 g
Energy 139 kcal
Protein 24 g
Carbohydrate 7.6 g
Total Sugars 2.2 g
Added Sugars 0 g
Total Fat 2.9 g
Saturated Fat 2.2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Sodium 51 mg
Cholesterol 136 mg
Vitamin A 185 mcg
Vitamin D 3 mcg
Vitamin E 3 mg
Vitamin B6 0.6 mg
Vitamin C 40 mg
Folic Acid 9 mcg
Biotin 9 mcg
Selenium 12 mcg

Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), calculated from the declared serving — this label prints per-serving figures only.

Compare with other protein supplement products

Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.

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Gold Standard 100% Whey Unflavoured

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7.5

OPTIMUM NUTRITION.
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7.5

Nutrabay
OZiva Protein & Herbs for Women (Chocolate)

OZiva Protein & Herbs for Women (Chocolate)

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Protinex Lite Zero Added Suger Vanilla Flaour

Protinex Lite Zero Added Suger Vanilla Flaour

6.5

Protinex
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100%

Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100%

6.0

Optimum Nutrition

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What are the ingredients in Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?

The label of Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour lists 22 ingredients, in label order: Whey Protein Concentrate, Emulsifier, Whey Protein Isolate, Cocoa powder, Whey Powder, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Vitamins & Minerals Blend, L-Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic acid, D-Biotin, Ergocalciferol, DigeZyme®, Sweetener, Thickener, Enzyme Complex. Flagged by the analysis: Sweetener.

Is Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour safe to eat?

Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This protein supplement is rich in whey protein and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. The formulation also includes several thickeners, making it an ultra-processed product.

Why does Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour score 5.0/10?

Flagged in the score: Presence of artificial sweetener (sucralose). Also noted: Undisclosed specific emulsifier. Multiple thickeners (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, carrageenan) contribute to ultra-processed nature.

Who should avoid Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?

The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive to artificial sweeteners (sucralose); Seeking full ingredient transparency (undisclosed emulsifier); Avoiding ultra-processed foods; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.

Does Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain allergens?

Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Powder) and soy (the pack’s allergen statement). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.

Does Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain milk?

Yes — the ingredient list names Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Powder. People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.

Does Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour contain soy?

Yes — the ingredient list names the pack’s allergen statement. People with soy allergy should treat it as containing soy, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.

How much sugar is in Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour?

5.9 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 0 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.

Are the claims on the Performance Whey Chocolate Milkshake Flavour pack accurate?

Decode Label checked 8 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "SUPPORTS IMMUNITY, STRENGTH AND METABOLISM" — can't be verified from the label. "SUPPORTS MUSCLE RECOVERY" — can't be verified from the label. "PROTEIN POWDER DRINK MIX FOR HEALTHY ADULTS" — can't be verified from the label.

Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.

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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.

Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.

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