Midnight Oil Protein Coffee

Scanning the label, you're looking at a straightforward blend: whey protein concentrate and instant Arabica coffee, with MCT oil and acacia hydrolysate for body. The pink salt is a subtle nod to electrolytes. With a near-perfect score and zero sugar, it promises a clean, jitter-free lift. The ingredient list suggests a smooth, medium-bodied cup, not an acidic blast. It's the kind of thing you can stir into your pack for a backcountry start without worrying about clumps or weird fillers. The trade-off is the price per serving; it's a premium play for a simple mix.

This dark roast version swaps the instant coffee for a liquid coffee base and uses a milk protein isolate plus collagen. The phosphate blend is likely there for pH balance, preventing that chalky curdle some mixes suffer. You're getting a deeper, roasted profile here, likely more astringent than the standard version. The collagen adds a different mouthfeel—some find it adds a slight silkiness, others might notice a faint, dry finish. It's a solid pick for a late-night desk session where you want the flavor of coffee first, protein second. The trade-off is the texture; collagen can feel distinct.

The label reads 'Caramel,' but the zero sugar is achieved via Sukre® (acacia hydrolysate) and natural flavors. You're getting the whey and MCT base again, which usually blends creamy. The sensory expectation here is a sweet, buttery note without the sticky mouthfeel of syrup. It's designed to hit that dessert craving on trail. The trade-off is the flavor intensity; without sugar, the 'caramel' might taste more aromatic than truly sweet, which can be polarizing. It's a solid gym bag staple for post-workout when you want a treat but need the macros.

The ingredients list is currently updating, so we can't verify the sweetener source or protein type. With a 9.9 score and zero sugar, it's clearly aiming for the top tier, but the lack of transparency on the specific blend is a pause point. It might be a variation of the caramel or mocha profile, or something entirely new. Until the label is finalized, this is a speculative buy based on the brand's track record. The trade-off is obvious: you're buying on trust rather than verified specs. Keep it in the office drawer until the full breakdown drops.

Just like the Salted Caramel, the ingredients here are in flux. 'Javy Mocha' suggests a concentrated liquid coffee style, likely with a chocolate note. The zero sugar and 9.9 score are consistent, but we don't know if it uses the same whey/MCT blend or if it's a different formulation entirely. It's a 'wait and see' product. If it follows the brand's pattern, it'll be smooth and potent, but right now, it's a blind spot. The trade-off is the uncertainty—you're essentially pre-ordering a formula that hasn't been locked in.