Is BOOST protein drink better than Ensure?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional experts, both BOOST and Ensure offer a range of products designed to provide supplemental nutrition, though key differences exist across their specific product lines. Determining whether a BOOST protein drink is better than Ensure ultimately depends on your specific health goals, including your target protein intake, caloric needs, and dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

This comparison details the differences between Boost and Ensure across their various product lines, examining nutritional content like protein and sugar, ingredient quality, and suitability for different health needs. It offers a comprehensive guide to help consumers choose the right supplement based on their specific dietary goals and preferences.

Key Points

Nutritional Content Varies: The best option depends heavily on the specific product line; comparing Boost Original to Ensure High Protein is not an accurate assessment.
Protein and Sugar Differences: Ensure High Protein typically offers a better protein-to-sugar ratio compared to Boost High Protein.
Targeted Formulas: Boost offers a specific Glucose Control line for managing blood sugar, while Ensure's comparable line is under the sister brand Glucerna.
Micronutrient Variance: While both are rich in vitamins and minerals, Ensure Original notably contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which Boost Original lacks.
Side Effects and Safety: Both can cause digestive issues, but these often decrease with consistent use. Individuals with galactosemia or on blood thinners should consult a doctor.
Taste is Subjective: Customer reviews suggest taste and texture can differ, and personal preference plays a significant role in which drink is preferred.
Consider Your Goals: Your decision should be based on your specific nutritional needs, such as muscle growth, weight management, or a balanced snack, rather than a generic comparison.

A Detailed Look at BOOST vs. Ensure

For many people seeking supplemental nutrition, especially older adults, individuals recovering from illness, or those needing a convenient protein source, the choice often comes down to two major brands: BOOST and Ensure. Both offer a variety of ready-to-drink shakes, but a closer look at their nutritional profiles reveals important distinctions. Deciding which is "better" is less about brand loyalty and more about aligning a product with your specific dietary and health objectives.

Nutritional Comparison: Original and High-Protein Variants

To understand the core differences, it's best to compare the most popular product types from both brands: the Original and High-Protein shakes. The following table provides a breakdown based on an 8 fl oz serving (or the closest equivalent) of the vanilla flavor, using the most current nutritional data available.


Feature	BOOST Original	Ensure Original	BOOST High Protein	Ensure High Protein
Calories	240	220	250	160
Protein	10g	9g	20g	16g
Carbohydrates	41g	32g	28g	19g
Sugar	15g	10g	11g	4g
Fat	4g	6g	6g	2g
Fiber	0g	<1g	0g (High Protein w/ Fiber has 3g)	<1g
Vitamins & Minerals	27	27	27	27
Notable Difference	No Omega-3s	Omega-3s included	Higher calories and protein than Ensure counterpart	Lower calories and sugar than BOOST counterpart

Other Specialized Product Offerings

Beyond the standard formulations, both brands have expanded their lines to target more specific nutritional needs. Your particular goal will heavily influence your choice here.

For high protein needs: Both offer a maximal protein product. Ensure Max Protein provides 30g of protein with only 1g of sugar, while Boost Max also offers 30g of protein and 1g of sugar. The main distinction lies in formulation, fiber content, and potentially taste.
For diabetes management: This is a key area of differentiation. Boost offers a specific product line called Boost Glucose Control, formulated to help manage blood sugar levels. Ensure does not have a comparable line under its own brand but directs consumers to its sister product, Glucerna, which is specifically designed for people with diabetes.
For weight gain: Both brands offer products with extra calories. For instance, Ensure Plus provides 350 calories, while Boost Plus has 360 calories.

Taste, Texture, and Ingredients

Consumer preferences for taste and texture are subjective, but general patterns exist.

Flavor Variety: Ensure typically offers a wider range of flavors than Boost. However, some consumers find Boost's flavors, such as Rich Chocolate and Creamy Strawberry, to be more palatable and less chemical-tasting than Ensure.
Texture: Both are generally creamy, but texture can vary slightly by product line. Factors like fiber content can affect the consistency.
Ingredients: Both brands use milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. Key ingredient differences include the addition of Omega-3s in some Ensure products and the use of different vegetable oil blends. Ensure also uses a blend of corn maltodextrin and sugar, along with sucralose, while Boost uses glucose syrup and sugar, along with stevia leaf extract and glycosides.

Potential Side Effects

As with any dietary supplement, side effects are possible, particularly with regular or heavy consumption.

Digestive Issues: Some users experience minor digestive problems like bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially when first starting the shakes. These often subside with consistent use. Consuming products with a higher sugar content can sometimes exacerbate these issues.
Galactosemia: Individuals with this rare genetic disorder should avoid both brands, as they are not formulated for those who cannot process galactose.
Blood Thinners: Individuals on blood-thinning medication like Warfarin should exercise caution and consult a doctor, as many shakes contain high levels of Vitamin K, which can interfere with the medication.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between BOOST and Ensure comes down to an evaluation of your personal health needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Nutritional Goals: If you need a drink with slightly more protein and calories in the standard version, Boost Original is a good option. For a significantly higher protein-to-calorie ratio in the high-protein versions, Ensure High Protein offers fewer calories and less sugar than its Boost counterpart, making it a better choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Medical Conditions: For individuals managing diabetes, Boost offers a dedicated Glucose Control line, which might be a more direct solution. For other conditions, always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best choice.
Personal Preferences: Taste and texture are major factors. Reading customer reviews or trying a small quantity of each can help determine which one you prefer.
Cost and Availability: Price can vary depending on the retailer and product line. Checking local availability and comparing per-serving costs can be beneficial for budget-conscious consumers.

Ultimately, neither brand is universally superior; the best one for you is the one that best meets your health needs and tastes good enough to be a regular part of your diet. For more information, you can compare products directly on the Abbott Nutrition and Nestlé Medical Hub websites to see the full range of offerings.

Conclusion

In the debate of whether a BOOST protein drink is better than Ensure, the answer is nuanced and individualized. While both brands provide valuable supplemental nutrition, key differentiators exist in their formulations. Boost Original has slightly more calories and protein than Ensure Original, but Ensure's high-protein options often have a more favorable sugar-to-protein ratio. Ensure also uniquely offers Omega-3s in some products, whereas Boost has a dedicated line for glucose control. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific nutritional requirements, taste preferences, and budget. It's best to review the nutritional labels of specific products and consult with a healthcare provider to find the optimal fit for your health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both Boost and Ensure are suitable for seniors, but the best option depends on their specific needs. For extra calories and nutrients, Boost Plus or Ensure Plus might be best. For those with difficulty swallowing, the ease of access is a benefit of both.

Boost offers a specific line, Boost Glucose Control, designed for people with diabetes. Ensure does not, but directs consumers to its sister brand Glucerna. Those with diabetes should always consult a doctor and read labels carefully to manage sugar and carbohydrate intake.

Yes, some common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially when first consumed. Most symptoms decrease with consistent use. Individuals with galactosemia should avoid them entirely.

For the original formulas, Boost Original has slightly more protein (10g) than Ensure Original (9g). For high-protein versions, both Boost Max and Ensure Max Protein offer 30g of protein, but Ensure's High Protein shake (16g) has a lower protein count than Boost High Protein (20g).

For those aiming for weight gain, products like Boost Plus (360 calories) and Ensure Plus (350 calories) offer higher caloric density. Consuming these alongside or between meals, rather than as a replacement, is often recommended.

Cost can vary by product, retailer, and location, but some reports suggest that Boost can be slightly more affordable than Ensure. It's best to compare prices at your specific store or online before purchasing.

While both can serve as a meal replacement, they are most effective as nutritional supplements to fill gaps in a regular, healthy diet. Relying solely on them may not provide the same nutrient diversity as whole foods.