Boost vs. Ensure: What is better to gain weight?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

While both Boost and Ensure are popular nutritional supplements, a 2024 article from Verywell Fit highlights that Boost Original typically contains more calories per serving than Ensure Original. When comparing what is better to gain weight, the choice often comes down to the specific product formulation and your individual dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide compares Boost and Ensure nutritional shakes for weight gain, examining key differences in calorie count, protein content, and specific formulas. Understand how to select the best option based on individual needs and health goals, differentiating between standard and specialized high-calorie products.

Key Points

Boost Very High Calorie has more calories: Provides 530 calories per 8oz serving compared to Ensure Plus's ~350, making it ideal for those needing maximum calorie density.
Ensure includes omega-3s: The omega-3 fatty acids in Ensure formulas can provide heart-healthy benefits not found in most standard Boost products.
Protein content varies by product: Both brands offer high-protein options, but comparing specific product labels is necessary as amounts differ significantly between lines.
Shakes are supplements, not replacements: For effective weight gain, use these drinks in addition to meals and snacks, not as a replacement for solid food.
Check ingredients for sensitivities: Those with allergies or sensitivities should check specific labels, as Boost and Ensure offer specialized options like dairy-free or gluten-free versions.
Individual needs dictate choice: The 'better' option depends on your precise goals, appetite, and nutritional requirements, so personal assessment is crucial.

Boost vs. Ensure: A Detailed Comparison for Weight Gain

When looking for a nutritional supplement to aid in weight gain, the market is dominated by two primary brands: Boost and Ensure. Both offer a wide range of products tailored for various nutritional needs, but their specific formulations can make one more suitable than the other depending on your goals. Achieving healthy weight gain requires a consistent calorie surplus, and these products are designed to make increasing your caloric intake easier. However, simply picking a brand name isn't enough. A closer look at their nutritional profiles is necessary to determine which product is truly better for your weight gain journey.

Understanding the Core Differences

While Boost and Ensure appear similar, their standard and high-calorie offerings have distinct nutritional compositions. Your decision should be based on a thorough review of their calorie density, protein sources, and other key ingredients. For example, some Boost products have been noted to contain slightly more calories and protein in their standard formulas compared to Ensure, but Ensure has unique benefits like its omega-3 fatty acid content.

Comparing Standard and High-Calorie Formulas

The fundamental difference lies in the specific product line. For weight gain, you will want to look beyond the "Original" versions and focus on the "Plus" or "High Calorie" options designed for this purpose. The key is finding a formula that provides a high number of calories in a single, manageable serving.

Boost Very High Calorie: This specialized Boost product provides a calorically-dense formula, packing 530 calories and 22 grams of protein per 8-ounce serving, specifically targeting individuals with increased energy needs or diminished appetites. It is a very direct option for those seeking a major calorie boost in a small volume.
Ensure Plus: Ensure's comparable option, Ensure Plus, is formulated to provide concentrated calories and protein to help patients gain or maintain a healthy weight. While the exact nutritional content can vary by region and formulation (e.g., liquid vs. powder), Ensure Plus typically offers around 350 calories and 13-16 grams of protein per serving.

Nutritional Comparison Table


Feature	Boost Plus	Ensure Plus
Calories (per 8 fl oz)	~360	~350
Protein (per 8 fl oz)	~14g	~13-16g
Omega-3s	Absent in most formulas	Present, containing ALA
Primary Goal	Extra calories and protein for weight gain	Concentrated nutrition for weight gain or maintenance
Target User	Individuals needing extra calories/protein	Patients at nutritional risk or with involuntary weight loss
Primary Sweeteners	Glucose syrup, sugar	Sugar, corn maltodextrin

Factors to Consider Beyond Calories

Choosing the right nutritional drink for weight gain involves more than just a numbers game. You should also consider the following aspects:

Macronutrient Ratio: Look at the balance of carbs, protein, and fat. For healthy weight gain, a balanced approach is best, and you should not binge on high-sugar options. The ratio of macronutrients can influence your overall energy levels and how your body processes the calories.
Protein Quality: Both brands utilize high-quality protein sources like milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, which contain all nine essential amino acids. These are crucial for muscle building, a key component of healthy weight gain.
Ingredient Sensitivities: If you have dietary restrictions or sensitivities, carefully check the ingredient list. Ensure Plant-Based Protein is a dairy-free option, while many standard Boost and Ensure products are suitable for lactose intolerance but not for galactosemia.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For those interested in added health benefits, Ensure Original and Plus formulas often contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits. This is a unique feature to consider if heart health is a priority.

Integrating Nutritional Shakes into Your Diet

To effectively gain weight, these shakes should be used as a supplement in addition to your regular meals, not as a replacement. Here are some practical tips:

Use as a Snack: Incorporate a shake as a mid-morning or afternoon snack to boost your daily caloric intake without overwhelming you at mealtimes.
Combine with Meals: Drinking a shake alongside your main meals can help increase your calorie consumption. Try it with a snack of nuts, dried fruit, or full-fat yogurt.
Post-Workout Fuel: A high-protein, calorie-dense shake is an excellent way to aid muscle recovery and growth after resistance training.
DIY Smoothie: You can also use Boost or Ensure as a base for a homemade smoothie by blending it with other high-calorie ingredients like nut butter, oats, or avocado.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Determining what is better to gain weight Boost or Ensure ultimately depends on your specific caloric goals and nutritional preferences. For maximum calories per serving in a compact bottle, Boost Very High Calorie appears to have the edge with its 530-calorie formula. However, Ensure Plus offers a balanced nutritional profile with added omega-3s, making it a strong contender, especially for those with specific health considerations. Before making a decision, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status, dietary needs, and weight gain objectives.

Key Takeaways

Higher Calorie Option: Boost Very High Calorie provides a potent 530 calories per 8oz serving, making it a top choice for concentrated calorie intake.
Balanced Nutrition: Ensure Plus offers complete, balanced nutrition with about 350 calories, focusing on both weight gain and overall health.
Omega-3 Content: Ensure Original and Plus formulas often contain omega-3 fatty acids, a beneficial differentiator for heart health.
Protein Varies: Depending on the specific product line, protein content can vary. Always check the nutritional label, especially for high-protein versions.
Dietary Needs: Both brands offer multiple product lines to cater to different needs, including high-protein, low-sugar, and plant-based options.
Consult a Professional: Discussing your weight gain plan with a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure the supplement is right for your individual health profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boost Very High Calorie, with its higher caloric density (530 calories per 8oz), is generally better for quickly increasing calorie intake compared to Ensure Plus (~350 calories), but rapid weight gain should be medically supervised.

Protein content varies significantly by product line. For example, Boost Max offers 30g of protein, while Ensure Max Protein provides 30g per serving, but standard versions may differ.

For weight gain, it's best to use these shakes as a nutritional supplement between meals rather than a replacement. Swapping a meal for a shake can decrease overall calorie intake.

Some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating or gas initially. Always discuss starting a supplement with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing conditions like kidney disease.

The cost can fluctuate based on the specific product, store, and location. Some comparisons suggest Boost may be slightly more affordable than Ensure on average, but this is not a universal rule.

Taste is subjective and varies by flavor. Some users find Boost to be sweeter and richer, while others prefer the lighter sweetness of Ensure. Trying a single bottle of each brand is the best way to decide.

Both Boost and Ensure offer lactose-free options or products suitable for lactose intolerance. However, specific formulas should be checked, as some may not be suitable for individuals with severe milk allergies or galactosemia.