What is the difference between Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear?

Ensure Plus provides approximately 350 calories and 16 grams of protein per serving, while Ensure Clear offers only about 180 calories and 8 grams of protein. This significant nutritional variation is the main difference between Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear, designed for distinct dietary purposes.

Quick Summary

Ensure Plus is a high-calorie, high-protein opaque shake intended for weight gain and nutritional support, while Ensure Clear is a lower-calorie, fat-free, fruit-flavored beverage formulated for clear liquid diets or fat-restricted diets.

Key Points

• Nutritional Density: Ensure Plus is a high-calorie (350 kcal), protein-dense (16g) shake for weight gain, while Ensure Clear is a lower-calorie (180 kcal), moderate-protein (8g) clear liquid supplement.

• Fat Content: Ensure Plus contains fat (11g) for extra calories, but Ensure Clear is fat-free, making it suitable for fat-restricted diets.

• Texture and Appearance: The creamy, opaque texture of Ensure Plus contrasts with the light, juice-like consistency of Ensure Clear.

• Intended Use: Ensure Plus is for those needing extra nutrition for weight management or recovery, whereas Ensure Clear is formulated for clear liquid diets or individuals who prefer a lighter supplement.

• Nutritional Completeness: Ensure Plus offers complete, balanced nutrition, but Ensure Clear is not nutritionally complete due to its lack of fat.

Core Nutritional Differences: Ensure Plus vs. Ensure Clear

Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear are both nutritional supplements produced by Abbott Nutrition, but they serve very different purposes based on their unique nutritional profiles. The primary distinctions lie in their calorie density, protein content, fat composition, and overall texture. Ensure Plus is a complete nutritional shake, whereas Ensure Clear is a fat-free, clear liquid beverage.

Ensure Plus: Calorie-Dense for Weight Management

Ensure Plus is specifically formulated for individuals who need to gain or maintain a healthy weight. Its rich, creamy texture and higher caloric content make it suitable for those with involuntary weight loss or malnutrition.

Nutritional highlights of Ensure Plus (per 8 fl oz serving):

• High Calories: Provides around 350 calories, offering a significant energy boost.
• High Protein: Contains 16 grams of high-quality protein to support muscle health.
• Essential Nutrients: Includes 27 essential vitamins and minerals for complete, balanced nutrition.
• Fat Content: Contains 11 grams of fat, contributing to its high-calorie count and creamy texture.
• Fatty Acids: Contains beneficial plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health.

Ensure Clear: Light and Refreshing for Specific Diets

In contrast, Ensure Clear is a fat-free, light, and refreshing nutritional supplement with a fruit-flavored profile. It is not a source of complete, balanced nutrition but is ideal for specific dietary restrictions.

Nutritional highlights of Ensure Clear (per 8 fl oz serving):

• Fewer Calories: Delivers approximately 180 calories, making it a lighter option.
• Moderate Protein: Supplies 8 grams of high-quality protein.
• Fat-Free: Contains zero grams of fat, which is critical for fat-restricted or clear liquid diets.
• Key Vitamins and Minerals: Provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Alternative Texture: Offers a clear, juice-like alternative to the traditional milky shakes.

Comparison Table: Ensure Plus vs. Ensure Clear

Feature	Ensure Plus	Ensure Clear
Primary Goal	Weight gain, nutritional support, recovery	Clear liquid diet, fat-restricted diet, refreshing supplement
Calories (per 8 fl oz)	~350	~180
Protein (per 8 fl oz)	16g	8g
Fat Content	11g	0g (Fat-Free)
Texture	Creamy, milky shake	Clear, juice-like liquid
Flavor Profile	Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry	Fruit flavors (e.g., Apple, Mixed Berry)
Nutritional Completeness	Complete, balanced nutrition	Not a source of complete nutrition

Who Should Use Which Product?

Choosing the right Ensure product depends heavily on individual health goals and dietary needs. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Consider Ensure Plus if you:

• Need to increase your calorie and protein intake to gain weight or prevent weight loss.
• Are recovering from an illness or surgery and require extra nutritional support.
• Can tolerate a creamy, opaque shake consistency.

Consider Ensure Clear if you:

• Require a clear liquid diet, such as before a medical procedure like a colonoscopy.
• Are on a fat-restricted diet.
• Prefer a light, refreshing, fruit-flavored beverage over a milky shake.
• Experience difficulty with dairy-heavy products, though all Ensure products are suitable for lactose intolerance in small amounts.

Conclusion

While both Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear are valuable nutritional supplements, their differences in composition, calorie count, and intended use are significant. Ensure Plus is a high-calorie, complete nutritional shake designed for weight management and general recovery, packed with a higher concentration of protein and fat. Ensure Clear, on the other hand, is a lighter, fat-free, fruit-flavored drink tailored for clear liquid diets or fat-restricted diets, providing fewer calories and a different protein source. By understanding these distinct features, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific health requirements.

For more detailed product specifications and clinical information, you can visit the Abbott Nutrition Ensure page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ensure Clear be used for weight gain like Ensure Plus?

No, Ensure Clear is not designed for weight gain. With only 180 calories and no fat, it lacks the caloric density of Ensure Plus (350 calories), which is specifically formulated to help individuals gain or maintain weight.

Which Ensure product is better for someone on a fat-restricted diet?

Ensure Clear is the ideal choice for someone on a fat-restricted diet. It is a fat-free supplement, whereas Ensure Plus contains 11 grams of fat per serving.

Is Ensure Clear a complete nutritional meal replacement?

No, Ensure Clear is not a complete, balanced meal replacement because it is fat-free. It serves as a nutritional supplement to fill specific dietary gaps, not as a sole source of nutrition.

What kind of flavors do Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear come in?

Ensure Plus typically comes in creamy, dessert-like flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Ensure Clear is available in refreshing fruit flavors like mixed berry and apple.

Are both Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear suitable for lactose intolerance?

Yes, both Ensure products contain very small amounts of lactose and are generally suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, but not for those with galactosemia.

Can I use Ensure Clear for a pre-surgery clear liquid diet?

Yes, Ensure Clear is often recommended for clear liquid diets, such as before a colonoscopy or other medical procedures. It is important to follow a healthcare professional's instructions for diet preparation.

How do the protein sources differ between Ensure Plus and Ensure Clear?

Ensure Plus uses a combination of milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, while Ensure Clear's protein comes from whey protein isolate, which contributes to its clear liquid consistency.