What is the same as Boost?: Exploring Popular Nutritional Drink Alternatives

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, both Boost and its main competitor, Ensure, offer a wide variety of ready-to-drink shakes that can help increase protein intake, aid weight gain, and manage blood sugar levels. Many people seek alternatives for reasons including flavor, cost, or specific dietary requirements, prompting the need to understand what other options are available on the market.

Quick Summary

This guide covers several alternatives to the nutritional supplement Boost. It compares key nutritional information, examines ready-to-drink options like Ensure and Premier Protein, and explores homemade alternatives for those prioritizing control over ingredients.

Key Points

Ensure is Boost's closest equivalent in the commercial market, with a very similar product lineup for various nutritional needs.
Premier Protein offers more protein with less sugar per serving, making it suitable for muscle building and weight management goals.
Orgain is a high-quality organic and plant-based alternative, though some find its flavor and texture different from dairy-based shakes.
Homemade smoothies offer full control over ingredients, allowing for customization of protein, sugar, and fiber content while avoiding processed ingredients.
A balanced diet should remain the priority, with nutritional drinks used to supplement or replace meals when whole foods are not feasible.

Boost is a popular nutritional supplement, offering a balanced mix of calories, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient, ready-to-drink shake. It is often used as a meal replacement or supplement for individuals who need extra nutrients, including older adults, those recovering from illness, or those with a reduced appetite. However, the nutritional supplement market is diverse, with several comparable options that may better suit individual taste, dietary restrictions, or budget.

Leading Commercial Competitors to Boost

The most direct and well-known competitor to Boost is Ensure, but other brands also offer similar ready-to-drink products. These options provide balanced nutrition in a convenient format, though their specific formulations and flavors differ.

Ensure

Ensure is the primary market rival to Boost and, like Boost, offers a broad portfolio of nutritional shakes designed for various needs. The two brands are often considered interchangeable for general, balanced nutrition, with each offering standard, high-protein, and specialty versions.

Original vs. Original: The nutritional content of Boost and Ensure Original is very similar. Ensure Original contains 8g of protein and is designed to provide complete, balanced nutrition, while Boost Original offers 10g of protein.
High Protein vs. High Protein: For high-protein varieties, Ensure Max Protein offers 30g of protein and 1g of sugar, whereas Boost High Protein provides 20g of protein and 14g of sugar per serving, showing a significant difference for those watching sugar intake.
Specialty formulas: Both companies offer specialized drinks. Boost has specific formulas for glucose control, while Ensure offers products tailored for surgical recovery.

Premier Protein

Premier Protein is another popular choice, particularly for those focused on maximizing protein intake. A key feature is its low sugar content compared to many other ready-to-drink options.

Protein and Calories: Premier Protein shakes are loaded with 30g of protein per serving and are relatively low in calories and sugar, making them ideal for muscle building or weight management.
Flavor and Cost: Premier Protein is often noted for being an affordable alternative, though some reviews find it uses artificial sweeteners and may not appeal to everyone's taste.

Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake

For those seeking a clean-label, plant-based, or organic alternative, Orgain is a top contender.

Ingredients: Orgain uses plant-based protein, including brown rice, pea, and chia seeds, and often features a blend of organic fruits and vegetables.
Pros and Cons: While a great organic and vegan option, some users find the taste to be less appealing or the texture to be slightly gritty compared to dairy-based shakes.

Homemade and Whole-Food Alternatives

For those who prefer to avoid processed shakes, creating your own nutritional drinks is a flexible and healthier option. Homemade smoothies allow for full control over ingredients, including protein sources, added sugars, and fiber content.

Creating your own nourishing drinks

To create a homemade shake comparable to Boost, you can follow a basic formula:

Base: Start with a liquid base such as cow's milk, lactose-free milk, or a plant-based alternative like soy milk or almond milk. Soy milk is notable for its high protein content among non-dairy options.
Protein: Boost the protein content with powdered milk, protein powder (whey, pea, hemp), yogurt, or nut butter.
Carbohydrates and Fiber: Add fruits like frozen bananas, berries, or mango for natural sweetness, energy, and fiber. Other options include oats or chia seeds.
Healthy Fats and Flavor: For extra calories and flavor, include ingredients like peanut butter, avocado, or a spoonful of cream or healthy oil. Sweeten naturally with a touch of honey or maple syrup if needed.

The DIY Advantage

Homemade drinks offer significant benefits over commercial products:

Ingredient Control: You know exactly what goes into your drink, avoiding artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Customization: You can tailor the ingredients to your specific dietary needs, whether that's higher fiber, lower sugar, or more calories.
Whole-Food Nutrition: Unlike some supplements, a homemade smoothie can be packed with whole foods, providing a wider spectrum of nutrients.

Comparison of Boost and Key Alternatives


Feature	Boost Original	Ensure Original	Premier Protein	Orgain Organic	Homemade Smoothie
Primary Use	General nutrition, meal replacement	General nutrition, meal replacement	High protein boost, weight management	Organic, plant-based nutrition	Custom-tailored nutrition
Protein (per serving)	10g	9g	30g	16g-20g	Varies widely (custom)
Calories (per serving)	~240	~250	~160	~230	Varies widely (custom)
Sugar	~14g	~14g	1g	Varies	Varies (custom)
Primary Protein Source	Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate	Milk protein concentrate, soy protein isolate	Milk protein concentrate	Plant-based (pea, brown rice, etc.)	Varies (custom)
Dietary Restrictions	Lactose-free varieties available	Some plant-based options	Dairy-based	Vegan and organic options	Full control over ingredients
Cost	Mid-range	Mid-range	Often budget-friendly	Higher-end, premium	Varies based on ingredients
Added Benefits	Fortified with 27 vitamins and minerals	Offers Enlive for advanced needs	Antioxidant vitamins C and E	Organic fruits & veggies	Can include superfoods, high fiber

Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

When considering alternatives to Boost, the right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, dietary preferences, and budget. For maximum protein with minimal sugar, Premier Protein is a strong contender. If you prioritize organic, plant-based ingredients, Orgain is an excellent commercial option. For those seeking maximum control over ingredients, a homemade smoothie is the clear winner, though it requires more preparation time.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially when using nutritional supplements for specific health conditions. They can help ensure any alternative aligns with your personal health needs and goals.

Ultimately, whether you stick with a trusted brand like Boost, switch to a competitor like Ensure, or opt for a homemade solution, understanding the differences empowers you to make an informed choice for your nutritional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boost and Ensure are very similar, and the 'better' option depends on individual needs. Boost Original has slightly more protein, while Ensure offers more specialized formulas, such as those for surgical recovery. Comparing the nutrition labels of specific products, like their high-protein versions, can reveal key differences in calories and sugar.

Yes, many lactose-free alternatives are available. Boost itself offers lactose-free varieties, and plant-based shakes like Orgain are dairy-free. Homemade smoothies made with plant-based milks like soy or almond milk are another great option.

For weight gain, you need to increase your overall calorie and nutrient intake. Both Ensure Plus and Boost Plus are designed to be higher in calories than their standard counterparts. Homemade shakes can also be calorie-dense by adding ingredients like nut butter, avocado, or full-fat milk.

Yes, you can easily make your own. A homemade shake can be made by blending milk or a plant-based alternative with protein powder or powdered milk, fruit, and a healthy fat source like nut butter or avocado. This gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Premier Protein can be a good substitute, especially if your goal is higher protein intake with less sugar. With 30g of protein and just 1g of sugar, it offers a different nutritional profile than Boost, which may better suit fitness or weight-management goals.

The cost of nutritional drinks can vary by brand, product type, and retailer. Competitors like Premier Protein are often considered more budget-friendly than Boost or Ensure. Homemade shakes are typically the most cost-effective option in the long run.

Consider your specific dietary needs (e.g., protein goals, calorie needs, sugar content), any allergies or sensitivities (e.g., dairy, soy), and your preference for taste and ingredients (e.g., organic, artificial sweeteners). Checking and comparing the nutritional information on the labels is crucial.