A convenient breakfast alternative
Sanitarium’s Up&Go – Liquid Breakfast has been known for years as a convenient way to consume two Weet-Bix and milk. Up&Go must be popular as it’s withstood the test of time and the flavours available are displayed top to bottom in the aisle.
Sanitarium, it’s fairly safe to say, is a wellknown brand. Considering the variety of Up&Go available, I’m interested to see if there is much difference nutritionally.
Vanilla is a classic flavour; let’s compare the protein, fat, sugar and fibre of standard vanilla, no-added-sugar vanilla and dairy-free vanilla.
Out of interest, two Weet-Bix and one cup of blue top milk contains 11.9g protein and 8.9g of total fat. The total carbohydrate content is 32g of which 11.9g is lactose, 0.8g is added and there is 3g of fibre.
The original vanilla flavour contains 8.3g protein, 4.3g fat, 28.4g total carbohydrates (carbs) of which 15.8g is either lactose or added sugar and 4g of dietary fibre.
The no-added-sugar vanilla contains 8.1g protein, 3.7g fat, 15.5g total carbs of which 10.1g has been highlighted as lactose.
There is also 4g of dietary fibre. So, similar protein and fat content to the standard vanilla but over 12g, or 3 teaspoons, less sugar.
It’s hard to know how much of the sugar is lactose as it’s not listed on the label but based on the ingredients list it’s likely been added to the standard vanilla whereas sweeteners are used for the no added sugar version.
The dairy-free vanilla contains 8.7g protein, 4.4g fat, 22.6g carbs of which 11.4g is added. Because this is a dairy-free product, it shouldn’t contain lactose meaning the sugar listed is likely added. This flavour also contains 4g of dietary fibre.
All three products have similar protein, fibre and fat, but their carbohydrate and sugar content varies.
The no-added-sugar has less sugar; however, sweeteners are used.
The dairy-free version is in between the standard and no-added-sugar option but unlike those flavours, it is both dairy and gluten-free.
As the carbohydrate content differs, you can tailor your choice to your needs – everyday snack, coeliac-friendly food or a post-event recovery.
Although Up&Go is a convenient alternative, taking time to enjoy your meals and snacks should be a priority.