Core Macronutrient Ingredients
At its foundation, Fresubin strawberry drinks and desserts are designed to provide complete nutrition. The primary ingredients focus on delivering essential macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat—in a carefully balanced ratio.
Protein
High-quality milk protein is a central component in most Fresubin strawberry products, sourced to provide essential amino acids. This protein content is vital for individuals at risk of or experiencing malnutrition, helping to maintain or rebuild muscle mass.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide the main source of energy. The formulation includes several carbohydrate types for sustained release:
- Maltodextrin: A polysaccharide used for thickening and as a quickly digestible energy source.
- Sucrose: A simple sugar that contributes to the product's overall caloric content and sweetness.
- Glucose Syrup: Another form of carbohydrate that provides energy.
Fats
A blend of vegetable oils supplies the fat content, which is another crucial energy source. This includes healthy oils like sunflower oil and rapeseed oil. Some specific formulations may also include medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) for easier digestion.
Flavor, Color, and Emulsifiers
To create the familiar strawberry flavor and appearance, Fresubin utilizes several functional ingredients.
Flavoring
Both natural and artificial flavourings are added to give the product its specific strawberry taste. The precise blend is proprietary and can differ slightly between product types.
Coloring
Beetroot powder is commonly used as a natural colouring agent to provide the appealing pinkish-red colour associated with strawberries. This avoids the need for synthetic dyes.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are necessary to ensure the liquid or dessert maintains a smooth, consistent texture and that the fat and water components don't separate. Key examples include soya lecithins and E471.
Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Blend
A key feature of Fresubin products is the extensive list of vitamins and minerals they contain, ensuring they are a nutritionally complete source of food when used as recommended under medical supervision. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on the specific product line (e.g., Energy Drink, Protein Energy Drink), but generally includes:
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, E, A, D3, K1, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.
- Minerals and Trace Elements: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum, and selenium.
Comparison: Fresubin Energy Drink vs. 2 kcal Crème (Strawberry)
While both products provide strawberry flavour, their formulations are adapted for different dietary needs and textures. Below is a comparison of some key ingredients based on product information.
| Ingredient Category | Fresubin Energy Drink (Strawberry) | Fresubin 2 kcal Crème (Wild Strawberry) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Liquid drink | Thickened, spoonable dessert |
| Carbohydrates | Maltodextrin, Sucrose | Sucrose, Glucose syrup, Maize starch, Maltodextrin |
| Fats | Rapeseed oil, Sunflower oil | Sunflower oil, Rapeseed oil |
| Texture Additives | Emulsifiers only | Emulsifiers, Thickeners (E1442, E407) |
| Coloring | Beetroot powder | Beetroot powder |
| Protein Source | Milk protein | Milk protein |
| Main Use Case | Malnutrition risk with high energy needs | Increased energy/protein needs, fluid restriction, or dysphagia |
Conclusion
The ingredients in Fresubin strawberries products are a sophisticated blend of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals designed to provide complete nutrition for individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those at risk of malnutrition. While the core components like water, milk protein, vegetable oils, and carbohydrates remain consistent, the specific formulation and texture additives (like thickeners for crème products) can vary across the different Fresubin lines. Understanding this allows users and healthcare providers to select the most appropriate product for their clinical requirements. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any nutritional supplement regimen. More detailed information on specific products is available on the manufacturer's website.
