Yes, Ensure now has a vegan option
For a long time, Ensure products were known for their milk-based formulas, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, the brand has expanded its product line to include Ensure Plant-Based Protein, a dairy-free and soy-free nutritional shake. This was a significant step to accommodate the growing demand for plant-based and allergen-friendly options. The vegan-friendly shakes use a blend of pea and fava bean protein, and they are free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
This specific product provides a convenient and balanced nutritional supplement for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone who prefers a dairy-free option. It offers 20 grams of plant-based protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 25 essential vitamins and minerals in a ready-to-drink format.
Key ingredients in vegan Ensure
- Protein Sources: The primary protein comes from a blend of fava beans and peas, which provides a complete amino acid profile necessary for muscle support and repair.
- Sweeteners: Instead of using artificial sweeteners, Ensure Plant-Based Protein uses a combination of organic cane sugar, stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit extract for a naturally sweetened taste.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The shakes contain a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins for energy, antioxidants like vitamins C and E for immune health, and important minerals such as zinc and selenium. A plant-based source of vitamin D3 is also included.
- Fiber: With 5 grams of dietary fiber per shake, it aids in digestive health, a common concern for those consuming meal replacements.
- Fats: High oleic safflower oil is used to provide a source of healthy fats.
Ensure vs. Traditional Plant-Based Options
When considering a vegan nutritional shake, it's helpful to understand how Ensure's offering compares to other plant-based alternatives on the market. Key factors include nutrient composition, ingredients, and flavor. While Ensure provides a convenient, well-balanced option from a trusted brand, dedicated vegan brands often specialize in unique formulas.
Comparison of nutritional shakes
| Feature | Ensure Plant-Based Protein | Other Plant-Based Shakes (e.g., OWYN, Orgain) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Fava bean and pea protein. | Varies, can be a blend of pea, hemp, or pumpkin seed protein. |
| Protein Amount | 20 grams per serving. | Varies, often ranges from 16 to 20 grams. |
| Fiber | 5 grams per serving. | Varies, but many include fiber. |
| Vitamins & Minerals | 25 essential vitamins and minerals. | Varies; some include vegetable blends. |
| Sweeteners | Organic sugar, stevia, monk fruit. | Varies; some use erythritol or monk fruit. |
| Flavors | Vanilla and Chocolate. | Wider variety, often including coffee, strawberry, and others. |
| Availability | Becoming more available in stores and online. | Often widely available in health food stores and online. |
Why choose a vegan nutritional shake?
Opting for a vegan nutritional shake like Ensure Plant-Based Protein or other alternatives can be a valuable dietary choice for many reasons:
- Allergen Avoidance: Many standard nutritional shakes contain dairy and soy, which are common allergens. Vegan versions remove these risks, making them suitable for individuals with related sensitivities.
- Ethical Considerations: For vegans and vegetarians, choosing a plant-based shake aligns with their ethical stances against animal products.
- Digestive Comfort: Dairy can cause digestive issues like bloating and discomfort for those who are lactose intolerant. Plant-based options provide a gentler alternative.
- Targeted Nutrition: Vegan shakes are formulated to provide complete nutrition, including essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, in a simple, on-the-go format.
Other noteworthy vegan nutritional shakes
While Ensure offers a great vegan option, it's not the only player in the game. Several other brands specialize in plant-based nutrition:
- OWYN (Only What You Need): These shakes are allergen-free and contain 20g of protein from a blend of pea, organic pumpkin seed, and flax oil. They are also known for having low sugar content.
- Orgain Organic Vegan: Orgain offers a range of vegan nutritional shakes with varying protein contents. Their shakes often contain a blend of protein from pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, along with a fruits and vegetable blend.
- Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shakes: Evolve provides shakes with 20g of plant protein and is known for being dairy, soy, and gluten-free.
- Kate Farms Organic: Specializing in formulas for medical nutrition, Kate Farms offers an organic, plant-based meal replacement option that is soy and dairy-free.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Can you get vegan Ensure?" is a resounding yes. Ensure has successfully entered the plant-based market with its specific line of vegan-friendly shakes, providing a reliable and accessible option for those who avoid animal products. This product uses a blend of fava bean and pea protein to deliver 20 grams of protein, along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, in a convenient ready-to-drink carton. For individuals with specific dietary needs or ethical preferences, this offers a trusted brand choice without compromising nutritional goals. However, as the market for plant-based nutrition grows, many other excellent vegan shake options are available, each with its own unique formulation and flavor profile. Comparing these alternatives, such as those from OWYN or Orgain, can help you find the perfect fit for your taste and nutritional requirements. Ultimately, having more high-quality, plant-based options from reputable brands like Ensure empowers consumers to make informed choices for their health and lifestyle.
Resources
For those interested in the Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake, more information and product details can be found on the official Abbott Nutrition website: https://www.abbottnutrition.com/our-products/ensure-plant-based-protein
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or adding new supplements.
