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Oak (flavoured milk)

{{short description|Australian brand of flavoured milk}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}

{{Use Australian English|date=May 2020}}

{{Infobox drink

|name = Oak

|image = Oak-milk-logo.jpg

|type = Flavoured milk

|manufacturer = Lactalis

|origin = Australia

|introduced = 1967

|discontinued =

|flavour = {{hlist|Chocolate|Strawberry|Vanilla Malt|Banana|Iced Coffee|Egg Nog|Gold Caramel White Choc|Pineapples|Peppermint Crisp|Fantales|Death by Chocolate|Vanilla Killa|Salted Caramel|Banana & Honey|Cookies & Cream|Strong Iced Coffee|Choc Mint|Caramel Coffee|Mocha|Cinnamon Donut|Molten Caramel|Chilly Choc Chili|Choc Peanut Butter|Blue Heaven|Lime Spider|Mocha|Rocky Road|Caramel Popcorn|Cola Spider|Jaffas|Chokito|Redskins|Jam Ball Donut| Choc Honeycomb }}

|variants = Full cream, light and strong flavours

|related =

|region = New South Wales

}}

Oak (stylised OAK) is an Australian pasteurised flavoured milk brand owned by a French multinational corporation, Lactalis. It was first established in 1967 in New South Wales, as the general dairy brand of the Raymond Terrace Co-operative and its successor the Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Company. The origin of the Oak brand goes back to 1903.{{cite news|title=The Hunter Valley Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd.|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/107766770|work=The Muswellbrook Chronicle|date=25 March 1947|access-date=15 May 2020}} Oak flavoured milk was launched in Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria in 1998. It was discontinued in Victoria in 2006 but relaunched in 2010. Oak launched in Western Australia in October 2013.{{cite news|last=Thompson |first=Brad|date=2 July 2014|title=Parmalat milks local supplies to grow Oak|url=https://thewest.com.au/business/finance/parmalat-milks-local-supplies-to-grow-oak-ng-ya-373482|work=The West Australian|access-date=16 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/598285996897691/?type=3&theater|title=OAK launches in Western Australia|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}}

Products

File:Oak Chocolate Milk 750ml.jpg

Oak flavoured milk comes in the following flavours:{{cite web|url=https://effies.com.au/attachments/oak.pdf|title=OAK|publisher=The Australian Effie Awards|date=2014|access-date=17 May 2020}}

  • Chocolate (core product)
  • Strawberry (core product)
  • Banana (core product)
  • Vanilla Malt (core product)
  • Iced Coffee{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/623168374409453/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Iced Coffee|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}}
  • Egg Nog{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/626009197458704/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Egg Nog|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (available in South Australia)
  • Gold Caramel White Chocolate{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/3215010081891923/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Gold|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched May 2020)

In collaboration with Allen's (a confectionery company owned by Nestlé) and Nestlé, Oak has also offered the following limited edition flavoured kinds of milk:{{cite news|title=Oak flavoured milk launches lolly range with Allen's and Nestle|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/drink/oak-flavoured-milk-launches-lolly-range-with-allens-and-nestle-ng-b881533871z|work=Perth Now|location=Perth|date=29 April 2020|access-date=15 May 2020}}

  • Allen's Jaffas{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2799392333453702/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Allen's Jaffas|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2019 – no longer available)
  • Allen's Red Skins{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2799392333453702/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Allen's Red Skins|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2019
  • Allen's Chokito{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2799392333453702/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Allen's Chokito|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2019
  • Allen's Pineapples{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/3198668603526071/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Allen's Pineapples|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched April 2020)
  • Nestle Peppermint Crisp{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/3198668603526071/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Nestle Peppermint Crisp|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched April 2020)
  • Allen's Fantales{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/3198668603526071/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Allen's Fantales|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched April 2020)

Oak limited edition flavours are no longer available:

  • Cookies & Cream{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/967418109984476/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Cookies & Cream|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched September 2015)
  • Strong Iced Coffee{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1051107064948913/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Strong Iced Coffee|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched March 2016)

  • Mocha{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/vb.174830125909949/372084680280311/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Mocha|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2018)
  • Cinnamon Donut{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/vb.174830125909949/1507244039418680/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Cinnamon Donut|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched August 2019, exclusive to Woolworths)

In collaboration with 7-Eleven, Oak released the following limited edition flavours exclusively for their stores:

  • Mocha{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/885963428129945/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Mocha|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched March 2015, re-released as non-exclusive in October 2018)
  • Choc Peanut Butter{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/939720609420893/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Choc Peanut Butter|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched July 2015)
  • Caramel Coffee{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1126099387449680/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Caramel Coffee|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched June 2016)
  • Choc Malt{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1438196246239991/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Choc Malt|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched April 2017)
  • Blue Heaven{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1604763709583243/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Blue Heaven|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2017)
  • Lime Spider{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/7ElevenAustralia/photos/the-only-kind-of-spider-we-want-near-us-spy-the-new-oak-lime-spider-flave-in-our/1617850528252768/|title=OAK Lime Spider|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched March 2018)
  • Caramel Popcorn{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2093547247371551/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Caramel Popcorn|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched September 2018)
  • Rocky Road{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2368683899857883/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Rocky Road|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched March 2019)
  • Cola Spider{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2720941567965446/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Cola Spider|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (launched October 2019)

Oak also mocked up packaging for, but never produced, the following flavours:

  • Vegan Carob{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1073043136088639/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Vegan Carob|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (part of an advertising campaign that mocked vegan foods){{cite news|title=Oak milk ad calling vegan sausages 'pathetic' upsets Aussie vegans|url= https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drinks/oak-milk-ad-calling-vegan-sausages-pathetic-upsets-aussie-vegans/news-story/f5f4fbd68226bcabb5a57daca44b70bb|work=News.com.au|location=Sydney|date=8 September 2016|access-date=17 May 2020}}
  • Choc Hazelnut{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1597685960291018/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Choc Hazelnut|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (proposed new 7-Eleven exclusive flavour that lost in selection competition to Blue Heaven flavour)
  • Vanilla Crumble{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1597685960291018/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Vanilla Crumble|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (proposed new 7-Eleven exclusive flavour that lost in selection competition to Blue Heaven flavour)

Oak has also been sold in frozen chocolate soft serve form (since January 2017) in limited locations seasonally.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/1350560831670200/?type=3&theater|title=Frozen OAK Chocolate|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} Oak also is available in UHT long life format, in strawberry and chocolate flavours.

In 2013, Oak released 'The Max' range, beginning with Cool Choc Mint in May 2013,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.318397641553196/517744158285209/?type=3&theater|title=OAK THE MAX Cool Choc Mint|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} Molten Caramel in October 2013{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/601094776616813/?type=3&theater|title=OAK THE MAX Molten Caramel|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} (Oak's first shake to thicken drink), and the limited edition Chilly Choc Chilli in March 2015.{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/869449736447981/?type=3&theater|title=OAK THE MAX Chilly Choc Chili|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}}{{cite web|url= https://lactalis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1501-OAK-The-MAX-Choc-Chilly_SA.pdf|title=OAK THE MAX Range|publisher=Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd|access-date=16 May 2020}} In November 2017, the Oak Thick range was also released, that thickens after shaking to give a thick-shake like mouthfeel. It launched in Death by Chocolate,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/1664658610260419|title=OAK Thick Death by Chocolate|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} Vanilla Killa,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/1664656966927250|title=OAK Thick Vanilla Killa|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} Choc Mint,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/vb.174830125909949/1664654843594129/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Thick Choc Mint|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} and Salted Caramel{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/videos/1664660350260245|title=OAK Salted Caramel|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} flavours, at Woolworths. A similar product, Oak mini shake was released in October 2019 in chocolate and strawberry flavours. Oak mini shakes contain less sugar and are sold in 250ml.{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/HinbroPtyLtd/photos/pcb.1218594141681869/1218593758348574/?type=3&theater|title=OAK mini shake|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}}

In April 2017, Oak launched Oak Plus, a sports recovery flavoured milk drink, with added protein.{{Cite web|url=http://www.delicious.com.au/food-files/health/article/oak-plus-drink-makes-going-gym-worth/DmgShHtz|title=OAK Plus: the drink that makes going to the gym worth it – delicious.com.au|date=27 April 2017|website=Delicious.com.au|access-date=2 June 2017}} It is available in vanilla,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.181696118556683/2218408341552107/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Plus Vanilla|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} chocolate,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.318397641553196/1475805455812403/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Plus Chocolate|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} banana & honey{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/oakmilk/photos/a.318397641553196/2187353181324290/?type=3&theater|title=OAK Plus Banana & Honey|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} flavours.

The Oak brand has also stretched across a range of dairy foods in the past, such as ice cream, cottage cheese, butter, custard, cream, and frozen yoghurt.

Nutrition

The nutritional values vary by flavour, however, chocolate, strawberry, banana, vanilla malt, and iced coffee are similar. The Oak Max and Light Chocolate contain approximately 25% fewer calories and approximately half the fat of chocolate milk. In contrast, Egg Nog has approximately 25% more energy and 50% more fat than chocolate milk, and Oak Plus, which was launched in early 2017, contains around 30g more protein. The values for chocolate milk are:{{Citation needed|date=May 2020|reason=Previous citation a dead link, new one needed}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
Chocolate Milk

! style="width:150pt;"| Per 300ml Serve

! style="width:150pt;"| Per 100ml

style="text-align:left;"| Energy1128kJ376kJ
style="text-align:left;"| Protein9.9g3.5g
style="text-align:left;"| Fat10.8g3.4g
style="text-align:left;"| – Saturated6.6g2.2g
style="text-align:left;"| Carbohydrate33.0g11.0g
style="text-align:left;"| – Sugars31.8g10.6g
style="text-align:left;"| Sodium150 mg50 mg
style="text-align:left;"| Calcium (%RDI*)345 mg (43%RDI*)115 mg

Ownership

Since 2019, the Oak brand has been wholly owned by Lactalis – a multinational French dairy and food corporation. Lactalis acquired Parmalat in stages between 2011 and 2019, who in turn acquired the Oak brand from Dairy Farmers in July 2009, six months after Dairy Farmers was bought by National Foods.{{cite web|url=http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2009/07/30/parmalat-completes-purchase-of-nat-foods-assets.html |title=Parmalat completes purchase of Nat Foods assets | Australian Food News |publisher=Ausfoodnews.com.au |date=2009-07-30 |accessdate=2012-03-11}}

Sponsorship

Oak was the naming rights sponsor of the National Rugby League team, the Penrith Panthers from 2012 until 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/penrith-panthers-extend-with-shirt-sponsor-oak/|title= Penrith Panthers extend with shirt sponsor Oak|date= 26 September 2019|publisher=SportBusiness|access-date=16 May 2020}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20230629010726/https://westernweekender.com.au/2023/06/exclusive-sponsorship-shake-up-as-oak-exits-front-of-penriths-playing-strip-from-2024/ Sponsorship shake up as Oak exits front of Penrith's playing strip from 2024] Western Weekender 29 June 2023

Oak has previously been sponsors of the Newcastle Jets, the Newcastle Knights, the Melbourne Stars, and the Port Adelaide Football Club.{{cite web|url=https://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/251650/port-adelaide-thanks-lactalis-australia-for-their-outstanding-support|title=Port Adelaide thanks Lactalis Australia for their outstanding support since 2015|date=13 September 2019 |publisher=Port Adelaide Football Club|access-date=16 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.melbournestars.com.au/news/oak-announcement/2018-12-19|title=OAK Plus to power Melbourne Stars as official hydration partner|publisher=Melbourne Stars|access-date=17 May 2020}}{{cite web|url= https://www.newcastlejets.com.au/news/oak-join-jets-and-knights|title=OAK join Jets and Knights|date=6 February 2012 |publisher=Newcastle Jets|access-date=17 May 2020}}

Oak Milk Bars

Several Oak-branded milk bars have operated in the Hunter Valley in the past, in locations such as Newcastle, Hexham, and Peats Ridge,{{cite web|url=http://www.mangrovemountain.nsw.au/peatsridge.html |title=Peats Ridge|publisher=Mangrove Mountain |date= |access-date=11 March 2012}} and Freemans Waterhole. Many of the milk bars were mapped out down the main route north of Sydney. There were also stores at Jesmond, Greenhills, Liverpool and Chatswood.

The Oak Milk Bar at Freemans Waterhole still operates as a milk bar.{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/OakMilkBar/|title=OAK Milk Bar Freemans Waterhole|publisher=Facebook|access-date=17 May 2020}} An Oak Milk Bar opened in Rutherford in September 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=124773675974948&id=109795507472765|title=OAK Dairy Bar|publisher=Facebook|access-date=4 December 2020}}

References

{{Reflist}}

Category:Australian companies established in 1973

Category:Lactalis brands

Category:Australian drinks

Category:Brand name dairy products

Category:Flavored milk

Category:Products introduced in 1967

Category:Dairy products companies of Australia