What is a good substitute for Ensure? Exploring healthy alternatives

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 study, the global nutritional drink market continues to see robust growth, driven by a consumer demand for diverse and specialized health products. For many, the popular supplement Ensure is a dietary staple, but what is a good substitute for Ensure when other options are needed for cost, preference, or dietary restrictions?

Quick Summary

Several commercial and homemade options exist that serve as effective alternatives to Ensure. Choices range from other balanced nutritional shakes like Boost and plant-based varieties from brands like Orgain and Kate Farms, to customizable, budget-friendly homemade smoothies made with whole foods. The best option depends on individual dietary needs, cost, and personal taste.

Key Points

Boost Nutritional Shakes: A primary competitor to Ensure, offering similar products like Boost Original and High Protein, often at a comparable or lower price point.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Options from brands like Orgain, Kate Farms, and OWYN offer vegan, dairy-free, and allergen-friendly nutrition with varying protein and calorie counts.
Homemade Shakes: Making your own shakes allows for complete control over ingredients, customizing for protein, calories, and sugar content while avoiding additives.
Specialized Medical Formulas: For conditions like diabetes or GI issues, alternatives such as Glucerna (for blood sugar management) or Peptamen (for digestive sensitivity) are designed for specific needs.
Whole Food Supplements: Nutrient-dense foods like Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, and avocado can be incorporated into diets to boost protein, calories, and healthy fats, often cheaper than pre-packaged options.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider or dietitian before switching supplements, especially for medical or specific health-related purposes.

Commercial Nutritional Shake Alternatives

For those seeking a convenient, ready-to-drink option, several brands offer products comparable to or specialized beyond standard Ensure.

Boost

Boost is Ensure's primary competitor and offers a range of products, including their Original, High Protein, and Very High Calorie options. Boost Original contains slightly more calories, protein, and sugar than Ensure Original, while the Max protein varieties are very similar. Boost is generally considered a strong, often more affordable, alternative.

Plant-Based Options (Orgain, Kate Farms, OWYN)

For individuals with dairy sensitivities or those on a vegan diet, several plant-based nutritional shakes are available.

Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake: Offers a certified organic, plant-based blend with 16g of protein, and is free from soy and gluten. It is a good choice for those prioritizing organic ingredients. However, some find its fiber content lower and texture less smooth than other options.
Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shake: Made from organic pea protein, it is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it suitable for sensitive digestive systems. It provides 16g of protein and 5g of prebiotic fiber.
OWYN (Only What You Need): Delivers 20g of plant protein and is free from the top eight allergens. The drinks are also fortified with omega-3s.

Specialty Medical Formulas (Glucerna, Peptamen)

For specific medical needs, Ensure offers specialized products, but alternatives exist as well.

Glucerna: Designed for people with diabetes, this shake has a lower glycemic index and a unique carbohydrate blend to help manage blood sugar levels. It is from the same company as Ensure but specifically targets diabetic nutritional management.
Peptamen: A whey protein-based formula for people with gastrointestinal issues, offering hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion.

Homemade Shakes and Whole Foods Substitutes

Making your own shakes at home provides maximum control over ingredients, allowing you to tailor them to your precise dietary needs and avoid additives or high sugar content. Many whole foods also offer excellent nutritional profiles.

High-Protein Homemade Shake Recipes

Creating a balanced shake at home is simple with the right ingredients.

Base Liquid: Use whole milk, lactose-free milk, soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Protein Source: Add a scoop of whey, casein, pea, or egg white protein powder. For a non-powder option, include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or nut butter.
Healthy Fats and Carbs: Incorporate avocado, nut butter, flax seeds, chia seeds, or oats. Dates or bananas can add natural sweetness and calories.
Vitamins and Minerals: Blend in frozen fruits and leafy greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.

For example, a robust weight-gain shake could include: 1 cup whole milk, 1 scoop protein powder, 2 tbsp nut butter, 1 frozen banana, and 1 tbsp chia seeds.

Whole Foods for Enhanced Nutrition

Incorporating nutrient-dense whole foods can replace some or all of a supplemental drink, depending on your needs. For boosting calories and protein, options include:

Greek Yogurt: Excellent source of protein and probiotics.
Nuts and Nut Butters: Calorie-dense with healthy fats and protein.
Eggs: A highly bioavailable source of protein and fat.
Milk: A complete source of protein, carbs, and fat.
Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and fiber.

Comparison Table: Ensure vs. Popular Alternatives


Feature	Ensure Original	Boost Original	Orgain Organic Plant Protein	Homemade Shake (Base recipe)
Protein	9g	10g	16g	Varies (e.g., 20-30g+)
Calories	220	240	230-240	Varies (e.g., 400-600+)
Sugar	15g	20g	Low/Variable (Stevia/Monk Fruit)	Control your own
Protein Source	Milk, Soy	Milk	Pea, Chia, Brown Rice	Whey, Casein, Plant-based, Yogurt
Primary Goal	Complete Balanced Nutrition	High Protein options	Organic, Plant-Based	Customizable, whole-food
Dairy-Free	No	No	Yes	Depends on ingredients
Cost	Mid-Range	Often Lower	Mid-Range	Highly Variable (often lower)
Key Benefit	Convenient, Widely Available	Strong value, high protein options	Organic, allergen-free	Custom nutrition, no additives

Choosing the Right Substitute

When selecting a substitute for Ensure, consider your primary nutritional goals. For balanced, convenient nutrition, another commercial product like Boost is a direct competitor. If you have specific dietary restrictions, need a vegan option, or want to avoid artificial sweeteners, a plant-based commercial shake or a homemade concoction is a better choice. For example, individuals with diabetes should opt for specialized drinks like Glucerna rather than standard Ensure due to sugar content.

To ensure your substitute meets your health needs, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific nutritional requirements, especially if the shake is intended for weight gain, recovery from illness, or managing a chronic condition.

Important Considerations

Cost: Homemade shakes are often the most budget-friendly option, especially when using seasonal ingredients and bulk protein powder. Generic store brands, like Equate, also offer lower-cost nutritional shakes.
Digestive Sensitivity: Plant-based shakes or homemade options using easily digestible ingredients can be beneficial for sensitive stomachs. Formulas like Peptamen exist for severe gastrointestinal issues.
Specific Goals: For significant weight gain, a calorically dense homemade shake with added nuts, seeds, and healthy fats may be more effective than a standard supplement shake.

Conclusion

While Ensure is a popular nutritional supplement, numerous excellent alternatives exist to meet different needs, budgets, and dietary restrictions. Commercial options like Boost, Orgain, and Kate Farms provide convenient, ready-to-drink choices, each with unique advantages. For those seeking maximum control over ingredients and cost, homemade shakes using whole foods offer a highly customizable and nutritious solution. By understanding the available alternatives, you can make an informed decision to find the best nutritional shake to support your health goals. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure your choice aligns with your dietary and medical requirements. (Note: This link is to a senior health article with useful, authoritative information on selecting protein drinks for elderly adults, a common Ensure demographic).

Frequently Asked Questions

Boost is a direct and often more affordable competitor to Ensure. Another low-cost option is to create homemade protein shakes using a combination of a budget-friendly protein powder, milk, and calorie-dense ingredients like nut butters and oats.

Boost and Ensure are very similar in purpose, offering balanced nutritional support. However, they differ in specific nutrient content and product lines. For instance, Boost Original has slightly more protein and sugar than Ensure Original, while both offer similar Max protein options.

A natural alternative to Ensure is a homemade smoothie. By blending whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nut butters, and Greek yogurt, you can create a shake free of artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Glucerna, which is manufactured by the same company as Ensure, is specifically formulated for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and is a recommended alternative. Other low-sugar or zero-sugar protein shakes also exist.

Yes, several brands offer dairy-free, plant-based nutritional shakes, including Orgain Organic Nutrition Shakes, Kate Farms Nutrition Shakes, and OWYN. These use plant proteins like pea or soy.

Yes, you can create a nutritious homemade shake by blending a liquid base (milk, almond milk), a protein source (powder, yogurt), healthy fats (nut butter, avocado), and complex carbs (oats, banana).

For weight gain, look for a calorically dense substitute. This can be a commercial 'Very High Calorie' shake like Boost VHC or a homemade shake enriched with calorie-dense ingredients such as heavy cream, nut butters, and avocado.