Can Ensure Be Taken on an Empty Stomach? A Complete Nutrition Guide

November 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to Ensure's manufacturer, many of its products can be consumed as a meal replacement or supplement, meaning it is generally considered acceptable to take them on an empty stomach. However, the experience can vary from person to person, and several factors—including your overall health and the specific product—are important to consider before making it a regular practice. This guide delves into the nuances of consuming Ensure without food.

Quick Summary

It is generally safe to drink Ensure on an empty stomach, though some individuals may experience minor digestive discomfort like nausea or gas. It is often recommended to prioritize whole foods first if you are not using it as a meal replacement and to consider timing based on your personal tolerance and health goals. For those with sensitive stomachs or specific conditions, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Generally Safe: Yes, Ensure can be taken on an empty stomach, as it is formulated as a meal replacement or supplement.
Potential Side Effects: Some users might experience minor digestive issues like nausea, gas, or bloating, especially when first starting.
Best Practices: To minimize discomfort, sip Ensure slowly, stay hydrated, and consider consuming it between or after meals instead of right before.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with specific medical conditions like diabetes, or those with sensitive stomachs, should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Not a Full Replacement: While convenient, Ensure is intended to supplement or occasionally replace a meal, not to be a long-term substitute for a balanced diet of whole foods, unless directed by a doctor.
Blood Sugar Impact: Since some Ensure products contain sugar, drinking on an empty stomach can cause quicker blood sugar fluctuations, especially for diabetics.
Different Formulations: Different Ensure products may have varying effects. Experimenting with different versions or asking a doctor for recommendations can help find the best fit.

Can You Drink Ensure on an Empty Stomach?

For many people, the question of whether it is safe to drink Ensure on an empty stomach is common. As a nutritionally complete, balanced supplement, Ensure is explicitly designed by Abbott, the manufacturer, to be consumed with or between meals, and in some cases, as a total meal replacement. This means that for a healthy individual, there is no major safety concern with consuming it on an empty stomach. The convenience of a quick, nutrient-dense drink makes it a viable option for those who are on the go, have a poor appetite, or need to boost their calorie and protein intake quickly.

However, while it is technically safe, the experience can differ depending on your body's sensitivity and the specific Ensure product you are using. The rapid delivery of nutrients and calories in liquid form can affect different people in different ways. Some people find it a smooth, energizing start to their day, while others may experience mild digestive issues, which are often temporary.

Potential Side Effects of Drinking Ensure on an Empty Stomach

Although most people tolerate Ensure well on an empty stomach, a small percentage may experience minor side effects, especially during the initial stages of use.

Nausea and Upset Stomach: The sudden influx of concentrated nutrients, including fats and sugars, can be jarring for some digestive systems, potentially leading to feelings of nausea. For those with a history of acid reflux or gastritis, this could be more pronounced. WebMD suggests that for certain oral supplements, taking them slowly in small amounts can mitigate this effect.
Bloating and Flatulence: Ensure contains various ingredients like corn maltodextrin and can cause some gas or bloating, particularly when the body is not used to it. This is often a temporary issue as your digestive system adjusts.
Blood Sugar Fluctuation: Certain Ensure products, especially those not specifically formulated for diabetics, contain a notable amount of sugar. Consuming these on an empty stomach can cause a quicker spike in blood sugar levels compared to consuming them with a solid meal that contains fiber. Individuals with diabetes should always monitor their blood sugar and consult their doctor.

Factors to Consider Before Taking Ensure

Before you decide to make drinking Ensure on an empty stomach a regular habit, consider the following:

Your Nutritional Goals: If you need a quick energy boost or are using Ensure as a supplement to meet nutritional gaps, drinking it on an empty stomach is an efficient method. If your goal is weight management, remember that Ensure is calorie-dense, and drinking it on its own might not provide the same satiety as a solid meal, potentially leading to overconsumption later.
Your Digestive Sensitivity: If you know you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to gas and bloating from rich liquids, starting slowly is a good strategy. Try half a serving to see how your body reacts before consuming a full bottle or serving.
Medical Conditions: For individuals with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, it is critical to speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and help you determine the best time and frequency for consumption.

Ensure vs. Real Food on an Empty Stomach


Feature	Ensure on an Empty Stomach	Real Food on an Empty Stomach
Absorption Rate	Very fast due to liquid form, leading to a quick nutrient and energy boost.	Slower and more gradual, as solid food requires digestion.
Fullness/Satiety	May provide less lasting fullness compared to solid food. Chewing action helps register satiety better with the brain.	Provides a more sustained feeling of fullness due to fiber and bulk.
Nutrient Profile	Complete, balanced profile of macronutrients and vitamins/minerals in a concentrated dose.	More diverse range of nutrients, phytochemicals, and fiber that work synergistically.
Calorie Control	Easier to track and manage precise calorie intake.	Can be more variable and requires more effort to track.
Preparation	No preparation needed for ready-to-drink. Quick and easy for powder.	Requires preparation and more time to consume.
Potential Side Effects	Can cause gas, bloating, or nausea in some, especially initially.	Generally well-tolerated, though certain foods can cause issues.

Tips for Minimizing Empty-Stomach Discomfort

If you plan to take Ensure on an empty stomach, here are some tips to make the experience as comfortable as possible:

Sip slowly: Instead of downing the entire serving quickly, sip it gradually over 15-20 minutes. This gives your digestive system time to adjust.
Stay hydrated: Ensure you are also drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can exacerbate some digestive issues.
Use it as a supplement first: If your goal isn't a meal replacement, try having Ensure an hour or so after a lighter meal, rather than before, to avoid dulling your appetite for solid food.
Try different formulations: Ensure offers different products, including those with higher protein or fiber content. Experimenting might help you find a version that sits better with your stomach. Some versions are also lactose-free, which can help those with an intolerance.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you consistently experience significant discomfort, it may not be the right choice for you on an empty stomach. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action.

Conclusion

In short, you can take Ensure on an empty stomach, and for many people, it is a convenient and effective way to get a quick dose of nutrition. As a balanced meal replacement or supplement, it serves its purpose well. However, the experience depends on individual tolerance and health goals. While minor digestive side effects are possible, they can often be managed by sipping slowly and staying hydrated. For those with specific health concerns, especially diabetes or a sensitive stomach, discussing your plan with a healthcare professional is the best way to ensure it aligns with your overall nutritional needs. Ultimately, Ensure is a tool to complement, not replace, a healthy, varied diet of whole foods unless medically necessary.

For more detailed nutritional information and guidance, it is recommended to consult the official Abbott Nutrition website and talk to a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally considered okay to drink Ensure for breakfast on an empty stomach, as it is designed to be a nutritionally complete and balanced meal replacement or supplement. However, some individuals might prefer to have it with or after a light snack to prevent any potential digestive discomfort.

Yes, for some individuals, drinking Ensure on an empty stomach can cause gas or flatulence, especially when they first start consuming it. This is often a temporary issue as the body's digestive system adjusts to the new nutrient intake.

Ensure is a liquid nutritional supplement and may not provide the same lasting feeling of fullness as solid, whole foods, which require more digestion. The physical act of chewing and the fiber content in whole foods contribute to greater satiety.

If you have a sensitive stomach, it's best to start by sipping Ensure slowly and in smaller quantities to see how your body reacts. For those with conditions like acid reflux or gastritis, consulting a healthcare provider is especially important.

People with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before drinking Ensure on an empty stomach. It's crucial to understand how the product's carbohydrate content affects their blood sugar levels, and they may need to monitor their blood sugar and adjust their intake accordingly.

Some people may experience mild nausea when taking Ensure on an empty stomach, especially initially. Sipping the product slowly can help reduce this effect.

The best time depends on your nutritional goals. Ensure can be consumed at any point, including with or between meals, as a snack, or as a bedtime supplement. If using it as a supplement, having it an hour after a meal can prevent it from curbing your appetite for solid food.