Does Ensure Clear Have Red 40? Investigating Ingredients

According to Ensure's official website, the Mixed Fruit flavor of Ensure Clear lists "Red 40" among its ingredients. While the name suggests a transparent liquid, certain versions of Ensure Clear do contain artificial colorings like Red 40, which is important for consumers with specific dietary needs or color sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Yes, some flavors of Ensure Clear contain Red 40, despite the product's name. The Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate flavors include this artificial dye, while the Apple flavor does not. This is crucial for individuals on clear liquid diets for medical procedures like colonoscopies or those avoiding food colorings.

Key Points

• Flavor Dependent: Whether Ensure Clear contains Red 40 depends on the flavor. The Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate varieties include the artificial coloring, while the Apple flavor does not.

• Read the Label: The most reliable way to check for Red 40 is by reading the ingredient list on the specific product packaging, as the name "Ensure Clear" can be misleading.

• Unsuitable for Some Medical Diets: Due to the red dye, the Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate flavors are not suitable for patients preparing for a colonoscopy or other procedures requiring a clear liquid diet without red coloring.

• 'Clear' Refers to Fat Content: The term "Clear" describes the fat-free, juice-like consistency of the drink, not that it is transparent or free of all color additives.

• Allergen and Sensitivity Consideration: Individuals with sensitivities to artificial food dyes, like Red 40, or parents of children with ADHD concerns should opt for the Apple flavor or a different supplement entirely.

• Product Line Consistency: The ingredients for Ensure Clear can vary by flavor and may also differ from other products in the Ensure lineup, like Ensure Original or Ensure Plus.

Understanding Ensure Clear's Ingredients and Flavors

Many consumers are surprised to learn that a product named "Ensure Clear" can contain artificial colorings. The confusion stems from the name, which implies a lack of color, and its intended use for clear liquid diets. The key is that not all Ensure Clear varieties are colored, and the distinction depends on the flavor.

Which Ensure Clear Flavors Contain Red 40?

By examining the ingredient lists on Abbott Nutrition's official product pages, we can clearly see which varieties include the red dye. The inclusion of Red 40 is flavor-dependent, with only the red-hued options containing the additive. This makes reading the label essential for anyone needing to avoid this specific ingredient.

Flavors that contain Red 40:

• Mixed Fruit: This flavor, available in the US and Canada, explicitly lists Red 40 on its ingredient panel.
• Blueberry Pomegranate: Similar to the mixed fruit, the blueberry pomegranate version also contains Red 40. It is often colored with a combination of Red 40 and Blue 1 to achieve its final hue.

Flavors that do not contain Red 40:

• Apple: The Apple-flavored Ensure Clear does not contain Red 40 and is typically clear in appearance.

This discrepancy is especially important for medical patients who are prescribed a clear liquid diet, such as before a colonoscopy. The presence of red dye could interfere with the procedure's results, and even a fruit-flavored drink like Ensure Clear needs careful inspection. Healthcare providers generally advise against consuming any red-colored liquids during the preparation phase of a colonoscopy to avoid confusion with blood.

Why Do Some "Clear" Products Contain Dyes?

The primary purpose of Ensure Clear is to offer a fat-free, protein-rich nutritional supplement that is easy to digest and suitable for certain restrictive diets. The "clear" name refers to its composition—fat-free and with a juice-like consistency, not necessarily its transparency. Artificial food colorings like Red 40 are often added to enhance the visual appeal and influence the consumer's perception of the product's flavor. This practice is common in the food and beverage industry to meet consumer expectations for a product's appearance.

Comparison: Ensure Clear vs. Other Ensure Products

Feature	Ensure Clear	Ensure Original	Ensure Plus
Fat Content	0 grams	Contains fat	Contains fat
Calories	180-240 per serving	~250 per serving	~350 per serving
Protein	8-9 grams	~9 grams	~13-16 grams
Texture/Consistency	Refreshing, juice-like	Creamy shake	Creamy shake
Best For	Clear liquid diets, fat-restricted diets, those who prefer fruit flavors.	General daily nutrition, weight maintenance.	Weight gain, higher caloric needs.
Red 40 Status	Yes, in some flavors (Mixed Fruit, Blueberry Pomegranate).	Generally does not contain Red 40, though ingredients can vary by flavor.	Generally does not contain Red 40, though ingredients can vary by flavor.

The Importance of Reading Labels

For consumers with sensitivities, allergies, or specific dietary requirements, reading the ingredient label is non-negotiable. Red 40, a common azo dye derived from petroleum, has been associated with potential health concerns, such as allergic reactions or behavioral issues in sensitive children. While approved by the FDA for use in foods and beverages, some individuals still choose to avoid it. Furthermore, the presence of Red 40 highlights the broader issue of product naming versus actual ingredients. A product marketed as "clear" can still contain color additives, making due diligence vital for informed choices. Always check the specific flavor's ingredient list to be certain.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Does Ensure Clear have Red 40?" the answer is: it depends on the flavor. The Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate varieties contain Red 40, making them unsuitable for clear liquid diets related to medical procedures or for individuals with sensitivities to artificial food dyes. The Apple flavor, however, is dye-free. The name "Ensure Clear" refers to its fat-free, juice-like profile rather than a complete absence of color. Consumers, especially those with specific medical or dietary needs, should always read the ingredient label for the specific flavor they are considering. The inclusion of this dye is a key consideration for anyone trying to avoid artificial colorings in their nutritional supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ensure Clear used for? Ensure Clear is a fat-free, high-protein nutritional drink intended for individuals on a clear liquid diet, recovering from surgery, or who simply prefer a fruit-flavored alternative to creamy shakes.

Is Ensure Clear okay to drink before a colonoscopy? No, the Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate flavors of Ensure Clear are not recommended before a colonoscopy due to the presence of Red 40 and other dyes. The Apple flavor may be acceptable, but you should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for precise dietary instructions before the procedure.

Which Ensure Clear flavor has no Red 40? The Apple flavor of Ensure Clear does not contain Red 40 and is colorless, making it a safer option for those avoiding the artificial dye.

Why does a drink called "Clear" contain color dye? The term "Clear" in Ensure Clear primarily refers to its liquid consistency (like juice) and its fat-free composition, not that it is transparent or free of all color additives. The dye is added for aesthetic reasons to match the perceived fruit flavor.

Can people with lactose intolerance drink Ensure Clear? Yes, Ensure Clear is suitable for people with lactose intolerance, though it does contain a small amount of lactose. It is not for individuals with galactosemia.

Are there any side effects from Red 40 in Ensure Clear? Most people can consume Red 40 without issue, but some individuals may experience allergic reactions or behavioral changes, particularly children with ADHD. Anyone with sensitivities to artificial dyes should avoid flavors that contain it.

Where can I find the most accurate ingredient list for Ensure Clear? The most reliable source for the ingredient list is the official Abbott Nutrition or Ensure website, or by reading the physical label on the product packaging. Ingredient formulations can sometimes vary by country or product line.

Citations

• Ensure. (2025). Ensure® Clear Mixed Fruit Nutrition Drink. Retrieved from https://www.ensure.com/nutrition-products/ensure-clear-protein-drink/mixed-fruit-drink
• HealthProductsForYou. (2025). Shop Abbott Ensure Clear Nutrition Drink [High Protein]. Retrieved from https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-abbott-ensure-clear-blueberry-pomegranate-nutrition-drink.html
• ActiveForever.com. (2025). Ensure Clear® Therapeutic Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.activeforever.com/pdf/ensure-clear-therapeutic-nutrition.pdf
• AbbottStore. (2025). Ensure Clear Therapeutic Nutrition Drink / Apple / 8 fl oz Tetra / Case of.... Retrieved from https://abbottstore.com/adult-nutrition/ensure/ensure-clear/ensure-clear-therapeuticnutritiondrink/ensure-clear-institutional-apple-8-fl-oz-case-of-24-64903.html
• Healthline. (2023). Red Dye 40: Safety, Side Effects, and Food List. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-dye-40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ensure Clear used for?

Ensure Clear is a fat-free, high-protein nutritional drink intended for individuals on a clear liquid diet, recovering from surgery, or who simply prefer a fruit-flavored alternative to creamy shakes.

Is Ensure Clear okay to drink before a colonoscopy?

No, the Mixed Fruit and Blueberry Pomegranate flavors of Ensure Clear are not recommended before a colonoscopy due to the presence of Red 40 and other dyes. The Apple flavor may be acceptable, but you should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for precise dietary instructions before the procedure.

Which Ensure Clear flavor has no Red 40?

The Apple flavor of Ensure Clear does not contain Red 40 and is colorless, making it a safer option for those avoiding the artificial dye.

Why does a drink called "Clear" contain color dye?

The term "Clear" in Ensure Clear primarily refers to its liquid consistency (like juice) and its fat-free composition, not that it is transparent or free of all color additives. The dye is added for aesthetic reasons to match the perceived fruit flavor.

Can people with lactose intolerance drink Ensure Clear?

Yes, Ensure Clear is suitable for people with lactose intolerance, though it does contain a small amount of lactose. It is not for individuals with galactosemia.

Are there any side effects from Red 40 in Ensure Clear?

Most people can consume Red 40 without issue, but some individuals may experience allergic reactions or behavioral changes, particularly children with ADHD. Anyone with sensitivities to artificial dyes should avoid flavors that contain it.

Where can I find the most accurate ingredient list for Ensure Clear?

The most reliable source for the ingredient list is the official Abbott Nutrition or Ensure website, or by reading the physical label on the product packaging. Ingredient formulations can sometimes vary by country or product line.