Fortisip vs Fortisip Compact: Understanding the Key Differences

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer data, while a standard 200ml bottle of Fortisip contains 300 kcal, the Fortisip Compact Protein variant packs the same 300 kcal into a smaller 125ml bottle, highlighting the primary difference in volume and nutritional density. This distinction is crucial for patients experiencing poor appetite or fluid intolerance.

Quick Summary

A comparison of Fortisip and Fortisip Compact reveals different volumes and protein levels. Fortisip is a standard 200ml supplement, while Fortisip Compact is a denser, lower-volume 125ml option, with specific versions offering higher protein or fibre tailored to patient needs.

Key Points

Volume Difference: Standard Fortisip is a 200ml drink, whereas Fortisip Compact is a smaller, more concentrated 125ml drink.
Nutrient Concentration: Both provide 300 kcal per serving, but Fortisip Compact's smaller size means it has a higher energy density (2.4 kcal/ml) compared to standard Fortisip (1.5 kcal/ml).
Target Audience: Fortisip Compact is ideal for patients with poor appetite or fluid restriction who find it difficult to finish larger drink volumes.
Specialised Formulations: The Compact range includes specialised versions like Fortisip Compact Protein and Fortisip Compact Fibre for specific nutritional needs.
Compliance: The smaller, more manageable volume of Fortisip Compact often leads to better patient compliance and less wastage in clinical settings.
Protein Content: Fortisip Compact Protein offers a higher protein content (18g) in its 125ml bottle compared to the standard Fortisip (approx. 12g).
Medical Supervision: All Fortisip products are Foods for Special Medical Purposes and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Comparing Fortisip and Fortisip Compact: Key Product Features

Both Fortisip and Fortisip Compact are oral nutritional supplements (ONS) manufactured by Nutricia, designed to support individuals with disease-related malnutrition or increased nutritional needs. However, the key distinctions lie in their volume, energy concentration, and specialised formulations. Understanding these differences is essential for both patients and healthcare providers to select the most appropriate product.

The Standard: Fortisip (200ml Bottle)

The original Fortisip comes in a 200ml bottle, providing a high-energy intake with standard protein levels. Each bottle typically contains 300 kcal and around 11.8–12g of protein. This larger volume is suitable for patients who are able to tolerate a standard fluid intake and need a reliable source of energy and nutrients throughout the day.

Key features of the standard Fortisip include:

Larger volume: The 200ml size is the classic ONS bottle, familiar to many patients.
Standard protein: Provides adequate protein for general nutritional support.
Nutritionally complete: Offers a balanced profile of vitamins and minerals.

The Specialist: Fortisip Compact (125ml Bottle)

Fortisip Compact is a range of low-volume, high-energy supplements available in a 125ml bottle. The primary benefit is its compact size, which is highly advantageous for patients with poor appetite, early satiety, or fluid restriction. This means patients receive a concentrated dose of nutrients in a smaller, easier-to-manage serving, which can significantly improve compliance.

The Fortisip Compact family includes several variants to meet different nutritional needs:

Fortisip Compact (Standard): Delivers 300 kcal and 12g of protein in the smaller 125ml bottle, effectively matching the calorie content of the larger standard Fortisip.
Fortisip Compact Protein: This version is specifically formulated for patients with higher protein requirements, such as those recovering from illness, surgery, or with conditions like COPD. It provides 300 kcal and a significantly higher 18g of protein per 125ml bottle.
Fortisip Compact Fibre: Designed for patients requiring additional dietary fibre, this supplement contains 4.5g of fibre per 125ml bottle, alongside 300 kcal and 12g of protein.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Fortisip vs. Fortisip Compact

To illustrate the core differences, consider the following comparison table. It's important to note that specific nutrient details can vary between flavours and national formulations, so always check the product packaging or consult a healthcare professional for the most accurate information.


Feature	Fortisip (Standard)	Fortisip Compact Protein	Fortisip Compact (Standard)	Fortisip Compact Fibre
Volume	200 ml	125 ml	125 ml	125 ml
Energy	300 kcal	300 kcal	300 kcal	300 kcal
Energy Density	1.5 kcal/ml	2.4 kcal/ml	2.4 kcal/ml	2.4 kcal/ml
Protein	11.8–12g	18g	12g	12g
Protein Density	Standard	High	High	High
Fibre	0g	0g	0g	4.5g
Typical Patient Use	Patients with standard volume tolerance	Patients with increased protein needs and low volume tolerance	Patients needing energy density in low volume	Patients needing fibre and low volume tolerance

Who Should Use Which?

The choice between Fortisip and Fortisip Compact largely depends on the patient's specific nutritional requirements and tolerance for fluid volume.

Choose Standard Fortisip when: The patient can easily consume larger volumes and requires a balanced, high-energy supplement. It's often the go-to option for general dietary support.
Choose Fortisip Compact when: The patient has a poor appetite, experiences early satiety, or is on a fluid-restricted diet. The smaller volume makes it much more manageable, reducing the risk of supplement wastage and improving patient compliance.
Choose Fortisip Compact Protein when: The patient's protein needs are elevated, such as during or after a serious illness, surgery, or for conditions that lead to muscle loss. The higher protein content in the small volume is a major advantage.
Choose Fortisip Compact Fibre when: The patient benefits from added dietary fibre to support digestive health, as is often the case with certain gastrointestinal issues.

Final Takeaway

In summary, the core difference between Fortisip and Fortisip Compact is the concentration of nutrients relative to volume. While both offer high energy, Fortisip Compact provides a more nutritionally dense option in a smaller bottle, catering to patients with lower fluid tolerance. Specialized compact variants further tailor this to specific needs for higher protein or fibre content. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable supplement.

For more clinical guidance and product specifications, healthcare professionals can consult the Nutricia product information available on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the volume and nutritional density. Standard Fortisip comes in a 200ml bottle, while Fortisip Compact is a smaller, more concentrated 125ml drink that provides the same or even more calories and protein.

Fortisip Compact is generally better for patients with a poor appetite or early satiety. Its smaller volume is easier to consume, which can help increase the likelihood of the patient finishing the full supplement and meeting their nutritional requirements.

No, the standard versions of both drinks provide the same amount of energy (300 kcal) per bottle. However, because Fortisip Compact achieves this in a smaller volume, it is considered more energy-dense.

The Fortisip Compact Protein variant is higher in protein, containing 18g of protein per 125ml bottle, compared to the approximately 12g found in a standard 200ml Fortisip or the regular Fortisip Compact.

Yes, Fortisip Compact Fibre is a specific formulation that includes 4.5g of dietary fibre per 125ml bottle, in addition to the high energy content.

While Fortisip Compact can be used as a sole source of nutrition under medical supervision, it's generally used as a supplement to the diet for patients unable to meet their requirements from food alone.

Fortisip products are generally not suitable for children under 3 years of age, or for patients with galactosaemia. Specific formulations may have additional contraindications, so always consult a healthcare professional.

Fortisip supplements are ready-to-drink and are best served chilled. They should be shaken well before opening. Dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on individual needs.