What is a good substitute for Ensure for adults?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Over half of all nutritional supplement consumers are over the age of 50, often seeking to fill dietary gaps or manage health conditions. For those exploring different options, knowing what is a good substitute for Ensure for adults? is crucial, as alternatives can offer varied nutritional profiles, better flavor, or cater to specific dietary needs like lower sugar or plant-based ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide explores various options for replacing Ensure, from commercial nutritional shakes tailored for different health needs to nutrient-rich, homemade smoothie recipes. It details the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative, focusing on factors like nutritional content, cost, and dietary suitability for adults seeking a different nutritional supplement.

Key Points

Consider Commercial Brands: Alternatives like Boost and Premier Protein offer different nutritional profiles, including higher protein or lower sugar options.
Choose Formulas for Specific Needs: Individuals with diabetes can benefit from formulas like Glucerna, which helps manage blood sugar levels.
Explore Plant-Based Options: Vegan nutritional shakes from brands like Orgain, OWYN, and Kate Farms provide complete nutrition for those with dairy allergies or who follow a plant-based diet.
Create Homemade Shakes for Customization: Blending your own smoothies allows for complete control over ingredients, sugar content, and flavor, using whole foods like milk, fruit, and protein powder.
Consider Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing bulk or store brands, or making shakes at home, can offer a more affordable alternative to Ensure.
Consult a Professional: Discussing your needs with a healthcare provider or dietitian is essential to ensure the chosen supplement is safe and effective for your specific health goals.

Commercial Nutritional Drink Alternatives

Ensure is a popular nutritional supplement, but it is not the only option available. Many commercial alternatives exist, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. These products often vary in their protein sources, sugar content, and overall formulation.

For Better Blood Sugar Management

For adults with diabetes or those monitoring their sugar intake, options with a specific nutritional profile can be more suitable. Glucerna, also made by the same company as Ensure, is scientifically designed with slow-release carbohydrates to help manage blood glucose levels. Other brands offer low-sugar or zero-sugar options specifically for this purpose.

Glucerna: Formulated for individuals with diabetes, it contains a blend of carbohydrates that are digested more slowly.
Premier Protein: Offers a high protein, low-sugar shake that is often found at a lower cost, especially when purchased in bulk.

For High Protein or Vegan Diets

Adults looking for more protein, or those following a vegan or plant-based diet, can find several suitable commercial shakes.

Premier Protein: Known for its high protein content, with many varieties containing 30 grams of protein per serving.
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake: Provides a significant amount of plant-based protein from sources like pea and brown rice, along with added vitamins and minerals.
OWYN Vegan Protein Shake: A plant-based option that is free from dairy, soy, and gluten, and contains a protein blend from pea, pumpkin seed, and flax oil.
Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shake: Features organic yellow pea protein and is free from many common allergens.
Ripple Protein Shake: Uses pea protein and is a great dairy-free option for those with lactose intolerance.

Other Specialized Options

Some alternatives address specific health concerns or provide different macronutrient ratios.

Boost: A competitor to Ensure, Boost offers several product lines, including high protein, extra calorie, and glucose control varieties.
Soylent: A popular vegan meal replacement shake that provides a complete blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Peptamen: This is a whey protein-based supplement often recommended by dietitians for those with gastrointestinal issues, as it is formulated for easy digestion.

Homemade Shakes and Smoothies

For those who prefer a more natural, whole-food approach, creating homemade shakes offers complete control over ingredients and nutrition. Homemade options are often lower in sugar and free of artificial additives commonly found in pre-made products.

A Simple, High-Calorie Smoothie Base

1 cup whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut or soy milk)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (dairy-free versions are also available)
1 frozen banana
1-2 tbsp nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds or chia seeds

How to Customize Your Homemade Shake

For more protein: Add a scoop of unflavored or flavored protein powder (whey, pea, or brown rice). You can also increase the yogurt or add cottage cheese.
For more calories: Blend in some cooked oats, avocado, or a drizzle of heavy whipping cream.
For specific nutrients: Add spinach or kale for extra fiber and antioxidants, or berries for vitamins.
For taste: Sweeten with a little honey, maple syrup, or dates.

Comparison Table: Ensure vs. Popular Alternatives


Feature	Ensure Original	Boost Original	Glucerna	Premier Protein	Orgain Organic (Plant-Based)
Protein	9g	10g	10g	30g	16g
Calories	220 per 8oz	240 per 8oz	200 per 8oz	160 per 11oz	240 per 11oz
Added Sugar	10g (Original)	Varies by version	< 10g (Original)	1g	10g
Dietary Needs	General nutrition	General nutrition	Diabetes management	Low-sugar, high-protein	Vegan, organic, gluten-free
Main Benefit	Complete nutrition blend	Wide product range	Optimized for blood sugar	High protein, low sugar	Plant-based, organic

Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

Choosing the right nutritional supplement requires careful consideration of your health goals, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences. A nutritional shake can be used as a meal replacement, a snack, or to supplement a diet lacking in specific nutrients. A consultation with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is always recommended to ensure the best fit for your health and nutritional requirements.

Advantages of Alternative Nutritional Drinks

Targeted Nutrition: Many brands offer specialized formulas for specific conditions, like diabetes (Glucerna) or for those needing high protein (Premier Protein).
Improved Flavor and Texture: Some users find alternative brands or homemade shakes more palatable than standard Ensure, which can lead to better compliance and nutritional intake.
Dietary-Specific Options: Numerous vegan, organic, and allergen-friendly options are available, accommodating lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, and other restrictions.
Cost-Effectiveness: In some cases, store brands, purchasing in bulk, or making homemade shakes can be more economical than Ensure.

Potential Drawbacks of Alternatives

Fortification Levels: Not all products are fortified with the same spectrum and quantity of vitamins and minerals as Ensure. Homemade options, in particular, may lack certain micronutrients unless fortified ingredients or supplements are added.
Ingredient Quality: While many prefer whole foods, some commercial options may still contain artificial sweeteners or stabilizers. Reading the ingredient label is key.
Digestibility: Some individuals with gastrointestinal sensitivities may need specific, easily digestible formulas like Peptamen, which may not be necessary for the average user.

Conclusion

While Ensure serves as a convenient nutritional supplement for many adults, a wide array of alternatives exists to suit diverse tastes, budgets, and dietary requirements. From commercial rivals like Boost and Premier Protein, to condition-specific formulas like Glucerna and Peptamen, to highly customizable and wholesome homemade smoothies, there is a good substitute for Ensure for most adults. The best choice ultimately depends on individual health goals, and discussing options with a healthcare provider is the most reliable way to find the perfect fit for your nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, protein powder can be used as a substitute, but it's important to remember that it is primarily a protein source. To replace Ensure completely, you will need to add other ingredients like fruits, nuts, seeds, and fortified milk to create a balanced nutritional shake with adequate calories and micronutrients.

Yes, Glucerna is specifically formulated for adults with diabetes. It contains a blend of slow-digesting carbohydrates and is designed to produce a smaller rise in blood sugar compared to Ensure. However, a healthcare provider should be consulted before making a switch.

Several vegan alternatives exist, including Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake, OWYN Vegan Protein Shake, and Kate Farms Organic Nutrition Shake. These products use plant-based protein sources and are free of dairy.

Homemade shakes can be very nutritious and often contain less sugar and fewer artificial ingredients than commercial products. However, commercial formulas like Ensure are precisely fortified with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Homemade shakes may lack these without the addition of specific fortified ingredients or a multivitamin.

To increase calories, add high-fat, nutritious ingredients such as avocado, nut butters, whole milk, Greek yogurt, or a splash of heavy cream. These provide energy without relying on added sugars.

The better option depends on individual needs. Boost and Ensure offer similar products, but differences exist. For example, Boost Original has slightly more protein, while Ensure Original contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Both brands offer different product lines catering to specific needs.

Consider your dietary needs (e.g., diabetes, vegan), health goals (e.g., weight gain, high protein), budget, and personal taste preferences. Always read the ingredient list and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.