How to Drink Ensure Original for Maximum Nutritional Benefit

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Ensure, each prepared 8-fl-oz serving of Ensure Original Powder provides 240 nutritious calories and 8 grams of high-quality protein to deliver complete, balanced nutrition. Maximizing these benefits requires proper preparation, timing, and sometimes, creative mixing techniques.

Quick Summary

This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to drink Ensure Original from both ready-to-drink bottles and powder, with tips for improved taste, ideal consumption times, and creative recipe ideas to meet your dietary needs.

Key Points

Mixing Ensure Powder: To prepare Ensure Original powder, mix 1/2 cup (leveled) of the powder with 3/4 cup of cold water until fully dissolved.
Enhancing Flavor: Boost the taste of Ensure by blending it with frozen fruits, nut butters, or spices like cinnamon.
Consider Consumption Time: Drink Ensure as a meal replacement, a between-meal snack, or for post-workout recovery, depending on your health goals.
Proper Storage: Unopened Ensure Original powder should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within three weeks of opening. Prepared powder or opened liquid should be refrigerated and consumed within 24-48 hours.
Serving Temperature: Ensure tastes best when served cold. Ready-to-drink bottles should be chilled, while prepared powder can be made with cold water and ice.

Preparing Ensure Original: Powder vs. Ready-to-Drink

Ensure Original is available in two main forms: a ready-to-drink bottle and a powder. While the bottles offer ultimate convenience, the powder provides more versatility in preparation.

Preparing Ensure Original Powder

To prepare an 8 fl oz serving from the powder, begin by pouring 3/4 cup (approximately 195 mL) of cold water into a glass. Then, gradually stir in 1/2 cup (leveled) of Ensure Original Powder until it is completely dissolved. For a fluffier, smoother consistency, you can also use a shaker bottle or blender to mix the ingredients. The prepared drink should be consumed promptly or refrigerated and used within 24 hours. For the unopened can, store it in a cool, dry place and use the contents within three weeks of opening.

Preparing Ready-to-Drink Ensure Original

For the ready-to-drink bottles, preparation is even simpler. Just shake the bottle well before opening and serve chilled for the best flavor. Once opened, any unused portion should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours for quality and safety. These are convenient for a quick, on-the-go snack or meal replacement.

Enhancing the Taste of Ensure Original

If you find the standard flavors monotonous, there are several ways to customize and improve the taste of your Ensure Original, especially with the powder version.

Smoothies: Blend vanilla or strawberry Ensure with frozen fruit like bananas, berries, or mango for a vibrant flavor boost.
Flavor Extracts: Add a drop of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can transform your drink into a seasonal treat.
Hot Chocolate: Warm up chocolate Ensure in a microwave-safe container for a comforting hot beverage.
Nut Butters: For added protein and healthy fats, blend in a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter.

Optimizing Your Intake: When and How Often to Drink

The best time and frequency for consuming Ensure Original depend on your specific nutritional goals.

As a Meal Replacement: Enjoying a shake for breakfast or lunch can be an effective way to manage your caloric intake and ensure you receive complete, balanced nutrition.
As a Snack: Drinking Ensure between meals can help bridge nutritional gaps and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
For Weight Gain: Those looking to gain weight can drink Ensure as a supplement to their regular meals. Ensure Plus offers even more calories and protein for more significant weight gain goals.
For Recovery: Post-workout, the blend of protein and carbohydrates can aid in muscle repair and energy restoration.

Comparison Table: Ensure Original Powder vs. Ready-to-Drink


Feature	Ensure Original Powder	Ensure Ready-to-Drink Bottle
Convenience	Requires preparation and mixing, less convenient for on-the-go.	Ready-to-consume immediately, highly convenient.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective per serving.	Typically more expensive per serving due to packaging and convenience.
Versatility	Excellent for customization with added fruits, extracts, and spices.	Limited to the pre-packaged flavor, though some variations can be added post-pouring.
Storage	Opened can stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks. Prepared drink refrigerated for 24 hours.	Unopened bottles stored at room temperature. Opened bottles refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours.
Preparation	Requires measuring and mixing with water.	Shake and serve chilled.
Flavor Control	Full control to adjust flavor and consistency.	Fixed flavor, designed for consistent taste.

Conclusion

Drinking Ensure Original is a straightforward process, but understanding the nuances of preparation, customization, and timing can significantly improve your experience and nutritional outcomes. Whether you prefer the convenience of the ready-to-drink bottles or the versatility of the powder, Ensure can be effectively incorporated into your diet to support muscle health, boost energy, and fill nutritional gaps. By experimenting with different flavors and timing your intake strategically, you can make this nutritional supplement a regular and enjoyable part of your health routine.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or using nutritional supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can mix Ensure Original powder with milk instead of water to increase the calorie and protein content. This is a common practice for those looking to gain weight.

Yes, it is perfectly fine to drink Ensure on an empty stomach. Since it is a meal replacement, it can be consumed on its own or alongside a meal, depending on your dietary needs.

Yes, ready-to-drink Ensure can be warmed. Use a microwave-safe container and a gentle heating technique, such as low-power microwaving or a hot water bath. Avoid boiling the product.

After opening, cover the can of Ensure Original powder with its overcap and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate it. Use the contents within three weeks.

Ensure Plus is designed for individuals who need to gain or maintain weight, containing more calories and protein per serving than Ensure Original. Ensure Original is for general nutritional support and weight maintenance.

Yes, adding fruit to your Ensure shakes is encouraged. Blending with berries, peaches, or bananas can increase the vitamin and calorie content and improve flavor.

Ensure Original is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, but it is not recommended for people with galactosemia. Always check the product label for specific dietary information.