How to Make Homemade Boost Plus: The Ultimate High-Calorie Shake

A single serving of a commercial Boost Plus nutritional drink contains 360 calories, 14 grams of high-quality protein, and 27 vitamins and minerals. Learn how to make homemade Boost Plus with a blend of natural, high-energy ingredients to create a customizable and nutrient-dense shake at home.

Quick Summary

Craft a high-calorie nutritional shake using whole milk, protein powder, and healthy fats. This simple recipe provides a dense, satisfying drink for weight gain or as a meal replacement.

Key Points

• Control Your Ingredients: Making a homemade shake lets you choose natural, wholesome ingredients over artificial flavors and sweeteners found in commercial drinks.

• High-Calorie Foundation: Start with a high-fat liquid base like whole milk or soy milk and add calorie-dense ingredients such as frozen bananas, oats, and nut butters.

• Easy Customization: Easily switch up the flavor by adding different fruits, cocoa powder, or extracts, allowing for endless variety and preventing flavor fatigue.

• Boost Calories Naturally: Incorporate healthy fat sources like avocado, coconut oil, and seeds (chia, flax) to naturally increase the caloric density of your shake.

• More Cost-Effective: Over time, preparing your own nutritional shakes at home is generally more affordable than purchasing pre-packaged bottles.

• Focus on Whole Foods: Use this method to build a shake rich in fiber and essential nutrients that come directly from whole food sources, rather than relying on fortified additives.

Why Choose a Homemade High-Calorie Shake?

Store-bought nutritional drinks like Boost Plus are convenient, but making your own version offers several benefits. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the macronutrients to your specific needs. This often means you can use natural sweeteners, avoid artificial flavors, and save money in the long run. Whether you need a boost for weight gain, require extra nutrition due to illness, or are looking for a convenient meal replacement, a homemade shake is a flexible and effective solution.

The Foundational Ingredients

The key to a high-calorie shake is combining a quality liquid base with sources of high-energy fats and carbohydrates. This recipe is inspired by the nutritional profile of Boost Plus, aiming for a similar blend of protein, calories, and essential nutrients using whole foods. The result is a richer, creamier texture and a flavor you can customize to your liking.

Homemade Boost Plus: Classic Vanilla Recipe

This base recipe focuses on a smooth, vanilla flavor profile and can be modified with a variety of add-ins to increase calories and change the taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk or full-fat soy milk
• 1 scoop (approx. 25-30g) vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
• 1 large frozen banana, chopped
• 2 tablespoons nut butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter)
• ½ cup (50g) rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust for sweetness)
• ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt (or extra milk/soy milk for a thinner consistency)
• Pinch of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Add all liquid ingredients to a high-speed blender first, including the milk and yogurt. This helps the blades spin properly.
2. Next, add the dry ingredients: protein powder, rolled oats, and nut butter.
3. Add the frozen banana and any optional sweeteners.
4. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the shake is completely smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, add a few ice cubes or a bit more yogurt.
5. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Supreme: Replace vanilla protein powder with chocolate protein powder. Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and swap the nut butter for a chocolate spread like Nutella or Biscoff.
• Tropical Twist: Substitute the vanilla protein with unflavored or vanilla, and use pineapple juice instead of milk. Add ½ cup frozen mango or pineapple, and a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a beachy flavor.
• Berry Blast: Keep the vanilla base but add 1 cup of frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries). This version is rich in antioxidants.
• Coffee Kick: Use vanilla or coffee-flavored protein powder. Add 1 teaspoon of instant decaffeinated coffee powder and a splash of hot water to dissolve before blending.

High-Calorie Add-Ins

To further increase the caloric density of your shake, consider these additions:

• Avocado: A quarter to a half of an avocado adds healthy fats and a velvety texture without overpowering the flavor.
• Seeds: Chia, flax, or hemp seeds are great sources of fiber, protein, and omega-3s. A tablespoon or two can significantly boost nutrition.
• Dried Fruits: Dates, apricots, or raisins can add natural sweetness and calories. Just a few dates can add a significant energy boost.
• Coconut Oil: A tablespoon of coconut oil adds healthy fats and calories, and it blends seamlessly into the shake.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Nutritional Comparison

Feature	Homemade High-Calorie Shake	Store-Bought Boost Plus (Vanilla)
Calories	Highly customizable (approx. 600-1000+)	360 calories
Protein	Variable (approx. 25-40g), depending on powder	14g
Fat	Healthy, natural fats from whole foods	Canola, sunflower, and corn oils
Carbohydrates	Natural carbs from oats, fruit, and honey	Corn syrup, sugar
Micronutrients	Present through whole foods, but not fortified	Fortified with 27 vitamins and minerals
Ingredients	Whole foods, natural sweeteners, no additives	Includes modified milk ingredients, soy protein isolate, and artificial flavor
Cost	Typically more cost-effective over time	Priced per single-serving carton
Customization	Complete control over flavor and consistency	Limited to pre-set flavors

Conclusion

Making your own homemade Boost Plus is a simple and rewarding process. By blending a few key ingredients, you can create a high-calorie, nutrient-dense shake that is superior in flavor and can be customized to your specific dietary requirements. Whether you're seeking to gain weight, replace a meal, or simply add more nutrition to your diet, this DIY approach provides a delicious and wholesome alternative to commercial products. It's a testament to how whole foods can be combined to achieve powerful nutritional results, one delicious shake at a time. For a deeper look into the nutritional composition of Boost Plus, you can visit the product information page on the Nestle website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a homemade Boost Plus more nutritious than the store-bought version?

A homemade version is often richer in whole-food nutrients and healthy fats, without the artificial ingredients and high amounts of corn syrup and sugar. While it may not contain the same fortified vitamin and mineral profile, the overall quality of ingredients can be higher.

Can I make a homemade Boost Plus without dairy milk?

Yes, absolutely. You can substitute whole milk with high-protein, full-fat plant-based alternatives like soy milk. For extra richness, use full-fat oat milk or a combination with coconut cream.

How can I increase the calories in my homemade shake?

To increase calories, add ingredients like extra nut butter, avocado, chia seeds, rolled oats, or a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. Using frozen fruit instead of ice also adds calories and a creamier texture.

What is the best type of protein powder to use?

Whey protein is a great option for a classic profile, while plant-based protein powders (pea, soy) are excellent for those with dairy sensitivities or who follow a vegan diet. Choose a flavor that complements your other ingredients.

Can I prepare this shake ahead of time?

You can prepare a base powder mix of oats, protein, and other dry ingredients ahead of time. However, for the best flavor and consistency, it is best to blend the liquid and fresh ingredients right before you plan to drink it.

How does a homemade version compare in cost to the store-bought option?

Per serving, a homemade shake is typically more cost-effective. While there is an initial investment in ingredients like protein powder and nut butters, the cost per glass is significantly lower than purchasing pre-made cartons.

How can I make this shake thinner or thicker?

To thin out the shake, simply add more milk or liquid of your choice. To make it thicker, add more frozen fruit (especially frozen banana), Greek yogurt, or a handful of ice cubes before blending.