Is Ensure Plus an energy drink? Unpacking the Difference

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Ensure Plus is often confused with energy drinks due to its high calorie count, but unlike energy drinks that rely on stimulants, it provides sustained energy from a balanced mix of nutrients. It is a nutritional supplement designed to provide complete, balanced nutrition, not a quick, caffeinated boost.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the distinction between Ensure Plus and energy drinks, detailing the different sources of energy and key ingredients. It outlines the purpose and benefits of Ensure Plus as a nutritional supplement designed for weight gain and recovery, in contrast to the stimulating effects of typical energy drinks.

Key Points

Nutritional Supplement: Ensure Plus is a complete and balanced nutritional supplement, not an energy drink, designed for weight management and recovery.
Stimulant-Free: Unlike energy drinks which rely on caffeine, Ensure Plus provides sustained energy from a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Clinically Proven: It is clinically proven to help gain or maintain a healthy weight and combat malnutrition, especially for those recovering from illness.
High in Nutrients: Each serving contains a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and immune function.
Balanced Energy: The energy derived from Ensure Plus is sustained, a stark contrast to the quick, stimulant-fueled energy boost from typical energy drinks.
Specific Use: It is recommended for seniors, those recovering from surgery, and individuals with a decreased appetite, unlike energy drinks intended for a temporary boost in alertness.
Doctor-Recommended: Ensure is the #1 doctor-recommended brand, indicating its medical and nutritional purpose.

Understanding Ensure Plus: A Nutritional Supplement

Ensure Plus is a product from Abbott Nutrition and is categorized as an oral nutritional supplement, or a specialized meal replacement. It is specifically formulated to provide concentrated calories, high-quality protein, and a complete blend of 27 essential vitamins and minerals. The primary purpose of Ensure Plus is to help individuals gain or maintain a healthy weight, especially for those experiencing involuntary weight loss, malnutrition, or during recovery from illness or surgery. Instead of providing a burst of energy from stimulants, Ensure Plus delivers sustained energy through its balanced macronutrient content, which includes carbohydrates and fats.

How Ensure Plus Creates Energy

Ensure Plus's energy comes from its composition of macronutrients, which are metabolized slowly by the body. A standard 8 fl oz serving provides around 350 calories, sourced from a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Carbohydrates: The primary energy source, providing fuel for the body's cells. Ensure Plus contains sources like corn maltodextrin and sugar.
Protein: Important for tissue repair, muscle health, and the production of hormones and enzymes. Protein sources in Ensure Plus include milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate.
Fats: High oleic safflower oil, canola oil, and corn oil provide energy and essential fatty acids.
Vitamins and Minerals: A comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals supports overall bodily functions and the efficient metabolism of energy.

The Key Differences from Energy Drinks

Energy drinks, such as Red Bull or Monster, are fundamentally different from Ensure Plus. Their stimulating effect is derived primarily from high levels of caffeine and other added stimulants like taurine and guarana. This leads to a rapid, but often short-lived, spike in alertness and energy.

Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:


Feature	Ensure Plus	Energy Drinks
Primary Purpose	Nutritional supplement for weight management, recovery, and addressing malnutrition.	Stimulant-based boost for alertness and performance.
Main Energy Source	Balanced macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) for sustained energy.	High doses of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants.
Caffeine Content	Contains no caffeine in its standard formula. Specific variants, like some Max Protein shakes, may contain caffeine, but not the standard Plus version.	Very high, often ranging from 80mg to over 300mg per can.
Nutrient Profile	Complete and balanced nutrition with 27+ vitamins and minerals.	Contains minimal nutritional value beyond vitamins added for marketing purposes.
Recommended Use	Under medical supervision or as a dietary supplement for individuals with specific needs.	General consumption for a quick energy boost, not for medical purposes.
Potential Health Concerns	Potential for weight gain if not monitored, or mild digestive issues initially.	Associated with increased heart rate, anxiety, jitters, and potential for addiction.

Who Should Use Ensure Plus?

Ensure Plus is best suited for individuals with specific dietary needs, and it is frequently recommended by healthcare professionals for several reasons.

Weight Gain or Maintenance: Its high caloric content makes it an effective tool for those needing to increase their daily calorie intake.
Recovery from Illness or Surgery: For patients who have difficulty eating solid foods, Ensure Plus provides a convenient and palatable way to receive essential nutrients for healing.
Seniors: Older adults often have a decreased appetite or difficulty with chewing, making Ensure Plus a simple method to ensure they receive balanced nutrition.
Malnutrition: It is clinically proven to help address disease-related malnutrition.

Potential Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when first introduced. The caloric density can also lead to unwanted weight gain if not properly monitored. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the correct usage and dosage for individual needs.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Shake, Not a Stimulant

In summary, Ensure Plus is not an energy drink. While it provides sustained energy, it does so through a complete and balanced nutritional profile of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, rather than relying on stimulants. The main goal of Ensure Plus is to support the nutritional needs of individuals who need to gain weight, recover from illness, or supplement their diet. In contrast, energy drinks provide a temporary, stimulant-driven boost for alertness. For anyone needing nutritional support, Ensure Plus offers a reliable, well-rounded option recommended by healthcare professionals. Consulting a doctor or dietitian is the best way to determine if it is the right choice for your specific health goals.

A list of reasons why people might choose Ensure Plus over an energy drink:

It is a nutritional supplement, not a stimulant-based beverage.
Provides balanced nutrition with vitamins and minerals.
Designed for long-term health and recovery, not a temporary boost.
Offers a complete meal replacement option for those with limited appetite.
Aids in healthy weight gain and muscle support.
Recommended by healthcare professionals for specific dietary needs.
Available in a variety of flavors and formulations to meet different needs.

What to consider when choosing a nutritional supplement:

Your personal health goals (weight gain, recovery, daily nutrition).
Your tolerance for different ingredients, such as lactose or soy.
Any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
The desired nutrient profile (e.g., higher protein, lower sugar).
Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard Ensure Plus formulation does not contain any caffeine. However, some specialty products within the Ensure brand, like specific Max Protein flavors, may contain caffeine, so it's important to check the label.

Yes, Ensure Plus can be used as a meal replacement or supplement, especially for individuals who have difficulty eating solid foods or need additional nutritional support.

Ensure Plus is primarily intended for individuals who need to gain or maintain weight, those recovering from illness or surgery, seniors with reduced appetite, and people at risk of malnutrition.

The primary purpose is to provide complete, balanced nutrition with concentrated calories and protein to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Yes, Ensure Plus is formulated with concentrated calories and protein to help individuals gain or maintain a healthy weight and is clinically proven for this purpose.

Ensure Plus offers complete, balanced nutrition with 27 vitamins and minerals, while many standard protein shakes focus primarily on a higher protein content with less attention to other micronutrients.

Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea or bloating, particularly when they first start using the product. The high calorie count also means it can cause weight gain if not used as directed.

The recommended intake can vary based on individual nutritional needs and health goals. For some, one per day is sufficient, while others may require more under medical supervision. It is best to consult a healthcare professional.