What Are the Ingredients in Ensure? A Comprehensive Guide

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Ensure is the #1 doctor-recommended brand of nutritional shakes for adults. But what are the ingredients in Ensure that provide its balanced nutrition, and how do they differ across popular product lines like Original, High Protein, and Plant-Based?

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the ingredients found in various Ensure formulas, including the primary protein sources, vitamin and mineral blends, carbohydrate types, and other additives for flavor and texture.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Ensure shakes are built on a base of water, carbohydrates like corn maltodextrin, and vegetable oils from canola, corn, and soy.
Variable Protein: Protein sources differ significantly, ranging from milk protein and soy protein isolate in Original and High Protein to a vegan blend of fava bean and pea protein in the Plant-Based formula.
Rich in Micronutrients: Ensure is fortified with a wide range of essential vitamins (like A, C, D, E, K, B-complex) and minerals (including calcium, iron, zinc) to provide complete nutrition.
Tailored Formulas: Different Ensure products have unique compositions; for example, Max Protein is very low in sugar, while Plant-Based is dairy and soy-free.
Allergen and Health Warnings: Most formulas contain milk and soy and are not for individuals with galactosemia; those on blood thinners should also consult a doctor.
Fiber for Digestion: Many Ensure formulas include prebiotic fiber, like short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS), to support digestive health.

Core Components Found Across Ensure Products

Ensure's formulation is built on a foundation of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, designed to provide complete, balanced nutrition. The base ingredients often include water, corn maltodextrin for readily available energy, and a blend of healthy vegetable oils like canola, corn, and high oleic sunflower oil for fat content.

Carbohydrates and Sweeteners

The carbohydrate profile in Ensure products is primarily designed for energy. Corn maltodextrin is a common source, providing quick calories to the body. Sugar levels vary significantly by product, with some formulas like Ensure Max Protein containing only 1 gram of sugar, while others have more added sugars. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium are also used to enhance flavor without adding significant calories.

Protein Sources: Key Formula Variations

One of the most significant differences between Ensure products lies in their protein sources. The protein blend is tailored to specific nutritional goals:

Ensure Original: Contains a mix of milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate.
Ensure High Protein: Features milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate.
Ensure Max Protein: Primarily uses milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate.
Ensure Plant-Based: Relies on a vegan-friendly blend of fava bean and pea protein, containing no dairy or soy.

The Vitamin and Mineral Complex

Each Ensure shake is fortified with a wide array of vitamins and minerals. The specific amounts can differ slightly between products and regions, but a comprehensive list typically includes:

Vitamins: Vitamin A, C, D3, E, K, and a full B-complex (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid).
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Chloride.
Other Nutrients: Choline, which is important for cell function and metabolism.

Additional Ingredients

To ensure palatability, texture, and stability, other ingredients are added to the formula:

Fiber: Many shakes, such as Ensure Max Protein and Plant-Based, include soluble corn fiber or short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) for digestive health.
Emulsifiers: Soy lecithin is used to help keep the oil and water components mixed together.
Stabilizers: Ingredients like carrageenan and cellulose gel and gum prevent ingredients from separating.
Flavors and Colors: Natural and artificial flavors are included to create the different taste profiles, along with caramel color or other colorings.

Comparison of Ensure Product Ingredients

To better understand the variations, here is a comparison of the key ingredients in three popular Ensure shakes.


Ingredient Category	Ensure Original (Vanilla)	Ensure High Protein (Vanilla)	Ensure Plant-Based (Vanilla)
Protein Sources	Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate, Nonfat Milk	Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate	Fava Bean Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Concentrate
Primary Carbohydrates	Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar	Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar	Organic Sugar, Chicory Root Fiber
Added Sugars	Approx. 14g (8 fl oz)	Approx. 4g (8 fl oz)	Approx. 7g (11 fl oz)
Fiber Content	0.5g Dietary Fiber (8 fl oz)	<1g Dietary Fiber (8 fl oz)	5g Dietary Fiber (11 fl oz)
Notable Differences	Balanced macronutrient blend, moderate sugar.	Higher protein concentration, low sugar.	Vegan and soy-free, higher fiber.

Potential Allergens and Dietary Concerns

While Ensure is a trusted nutritional supplement, it is crucial to be aware of potential allergens and other considerations:

Milk and Soy: Most dairy-based Ensure products contain milk and soy ingredients due to the protein sources and soy lecithin.
Galactosemia: Ensure products are not suitable for individuals with galactosemia, a genetic disorder where the body cannot process the sugar galactose.
Blood Thinners: Individuals on blood-thinning medication like Warfarin should consult a doctor, as the high vitamin K content in some formulas may interfere with treatment.

For a complete list of ingredients and allergens for specific products, it is always best to consult the product label on the manufacturer's official website or packaging. You can find detailed information and product labels for various Ensure products at the Abbott Nutrition website.

Conclusion

Ensure's comprehensive formula is designed to provide balanced and complete nutrition for adults. However, the specific ingredients can vary significantly across its product lines, such as Original, High Protein, and Plant-Based, to address different dietary needs. By understanding the composition of each shake, from its core blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to its enriched vitamin and mineral complex, consumers can make informed choices to meet their nutritional goals while being mindful of allergens and health considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source in Ensure Original is a blend of milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. These ingredients provide a mix of protein types to support nutritional needs.

Yes, most Ensure products are labeled as suitable for lactose intolerance. However, they are not completely lactose-free and are not suitable for people with galactosemia.

This depends on the product. Some formulas, like Ensure Original, contain added sugars and corn syrup, while others, like Ensure Max Protein, contain very low sugar and use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose.

Ensure High Protein has a higher concentration of milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate compared to the Original formula and significantly less added sugar. The Original version has a more balanced macronutrient profile.

Ensure's Plant-Based shakes use a blend of fava bean protein isolate and pea protein concentrate. These products are dairy-free, soy-free, and suitable for vegan diets.

Yes, Ensure products are generally gluten-free, making them safe for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, it is always recommended to check the product packaging for the most current information.

No, Ensure is formulated specifically for adults. Abbott Nutrition offers a separate product line called Pediasure that is designed for children's nutritional needs.

Ensure uses a blend of vegetable oils, such as canola and high oleic sunflower oil, to provide a source of healthy fats. These are included for complete nutrition, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.