What Can I Drink in Place of Ensure? Healthier Alternatives Explained

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published by Abbott Nutrition, one of the most significant differences between Ensure and alternatives like Glucerna is the intended user. This highlights that Ensure may not be the optimal choice for everyone, leading many to ask: what can I drink in place of Ensure that is better suited to my specific needs?

Quick Summary

This guide outlines a variety of homemade and commercial nutritional drinks that can serve as healthier, less processed alternatives to Ensure for different dietary goals and health conditions.

Key Points

Homemade Shakes: Control ingredients, avoid artificial additives, and customize nutrition by blending whole foods like fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Commercial Alternatives: Consider specialized options like Glucerna for diabetes or Premier Protein for high protein needs, which offer targeted nutrition in a convenient format.
Cost-Effectiveness: Homemade shakes are generally more affordable in the long run than regular purchases of commercial meal replacements.
Read Labels Carefully: Be mindful of high sugar content in many commercial products, and opt for options with minimal added sugars.
Nutrient-Dense Add-ins: Enhance your shakes with nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt for protein, chia seeds for fiber, and nut butters for healthy fats.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider or dietitian before changing your nutritional supplements, especially for medical conditions.

Why seek alternatives to Ensure?

While Ensure is a convenient source of nutrition, especially for those with poor appetite, it is often criticized for its high sugar content and processed ingredients. For individuals who are not malnourished or recovering from specific medical procedures, many healthcare professionals and nutritionists recommend opting for less processed, whole-food-based sources of nutrition. Additionally, for people with specific dietary needs, such as diabetes, the regular version of Ensure is not suitable, necessitating a targeted alternative like Glucerna. Opting for alternatives can offer more control over ingredients, reduce artificial additives, and allow for customization based on personal health goals, such as weight management, blood sugar control, or simply consuming more wholesome nutrients.

Commercial alternatives to Ensure

For those who prioritize convenience, several pre-made nutritional shakes offer different nutritional profiles compared to standard Ensure products. When selecting one, it is important to check the nutritional information to align with your health objectives.

Boost: Similar to Ensure, Boost offers a variety of products, including high-protein and glucose-control versions. The Boost High Protein shake provides 20 grams of protein and 240 calories per serving, though some versions contain more sugar.
Glucerna: Specifically formulated for people with diabetes, Glucerna contains a blend of slowly digested carbohydrates to help minimize blood sugar spikes. It typically offers lower calories and carbs but higher fiber and fat than standard Ensure, making it a better option for blood sugar management.
Premier Protein: A very popular option known for its high protein content. A single serving delivers 30 grams of protein with only 1 gram of sugar, making it ideal for those focused on muscle maintenance and lower sugar intake.
Orgain Organic: For those seeking a plant-based, organic, and preservative-free alternative, Orgain offers a line of nutritional shakes. They are often less appealing in taste and texture compared to artificial-flavored products but provide clean, whole-food-based nutrition.
Kate Farms: This brand specializes in plant-based, organic, and allergen-free formulas suitable for various medical and dietary needs. They focus on clean ingredients, making them a premium alternative for those with sensitivities.

Homemade shake recipes for complete nutrition

Making your own shakes at home provides the ultimate control over ingredients, allowing you to tailor them perfectly to your nutritional needs, taste, and consistency preferences. Here are some recipes to get you started.

1. High-Calorie Nut Butter and Banana Shake

1 frozen ripe banana
2 tbsp natural peanut or almond butter
1 cup whole milk or full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp chia or flax seeds
1 scoop whey or plant-based protein powder (optional)

2. Mixed Berry Antioxidant Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk
1/2 cup mixed frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp hemp seeds
Handful of spinach for extra fiber and nutrients

3. Creamy Avocado and Spinach Shake

1 ripe avocado
1 cup unsweetened milk of choice (almond, soy, or cow's milk)
Handful of spinach
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Homemade vs. Commercial Alternatives


Feature	Homemade Shakes	Commercial Drinks (Boost, Premier Protein)
Control over Ingredients	Full control; avoid artificial flavors, preservatives, and excess sugars.	Ingredient lists vary; many contain artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective in the long run by using bulk ingredients.	Higher cost per serving, but prices are transparent and stable.
Convenience	Requires preparation time and cleanup.	Ready-to-drink format requires no prep.
Nutrient Density	Can be highly nutrient-dense by packing in whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats.	Often fortified with vitamins and minerals, but may lack the fiber and phytochemicals of whole foods.
Allergen Management	Easily adapted for specific allergies (e.g., dairy, soy, nuts).	Requires careful label reading; plant-based options available but less varied.
Specialized Formulas	Difficult to precisely match formulas for specific conditions like diabetes without expert advice.	Purpose-built formulas available for diabetes (Glucerna) or higher calorie needs.

Conclusion

For those questioning what can I drink in place of Ensure, the options are plentiful and varied, catering to different budgets, dietary needs, and health goals. Commercial alternatives like Glucerna or Premier Protein provide convenient, targeted nutrition, particularly for those with diabetes or high protein requirements. However, homemade shakes and smoothies offer a healthier, more cost-effective solution with full control over ingredients and the inclusion of wholesome foods like fruits, nuts, and seeds. The best choice ultimately depends on your priority, whether it's convenience, clean ingredients, or cost. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your nutritional intake, especially if managing a medical condition.

Choosing the right approach for you

If your primary goal is clean, whole-food-based nutrition, investing in a blender and quality ingredients for homemade shakes is the ideal path. For individuals managing diabetes, commercial options like Glucerna offer scientifically formulated carbohydrate blends that are difficult to replicate precisely at home. If high protein is your only concern, simple protein powders mixed with milk or a milk alternative can suffice. By considering your specific nutritional goals, you can find a suitable, and often healthier, replacement for Ensure.

For more detailed information on comparing commercial nutritional shakes, read the comprehensive guide on Everyday Health.

Ingredients to look for in alternatives

When seeking alternatives, focus on high-quality protein sources (whey, casein, pea, brown rice), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds), complex carbohydrates (oats, fruits), and a good mix of vitamins and minerals. For fiber, ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and greens are excellent additions. Avoid excessive added sugars and artificial ingredients where possible to maximize the health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A natural homemade alternative is a blended smoothie using whole foods. A great recipe combines a ripe banana, a handful of mixed berries, a scoop of Greek yogurt, a tablespoon of peanut butter, and a liquid base like almond milk or water.

Yes, Glucerna is designed specifically for people with diabetes as a supplement. It contains a specialized blend of slow-release carbohydrates to help manage blood glucose levels, unlike the higher-sugar content in standard Ensure.

If you need a higher protein drink, consider a Premier Protein shake, which delivers 30 grams of protein with less sugar than many Ensure varieties. Alternatively, a whey or plant-based protein powder mixed with milk is a versatile option.

Homemade shakes can be very effective for weight gain by using high-calorie ingredients. For example, blending whole milk, nut butter, a frozen banana, and a scoop of protein powder can create a calorie-dense drink customized to your goals.

Absolutely. You can use plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Soymilk is a good option for a plant-based protein source, while coconut milk can add healthy fats for extra calories.

You can increase fiber by adding ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, oats, or a handful of spinach or other leafy greens. These additions also contribute to a smoother texture and thicker consistency.

Yes, but it is important to ensure the shake is nutritionally complete. Using a recipe with high-quality protein (e.g., protein powder, Greek yogurt), fruits, and vegetables can provide essential nutrients. Always consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized recommendations for seniors.