What kind of drink is BOOST?: A Comprehensive Nutritional Overview

October 25, 2025 •

2 min read

According to research from Nestlé Health Science, the maker of BOOST, these products are expertly formulated nutritional drinks designed to help individuals, particularly adults over 50, meet their dietary requirements when regular food intake is insufficient. So, what kind of drink is BOOST? It is a ready-to-drink nutritional supplement with variations that serve different dietary needs, such as muscle health, weight gain, and blood sugar control.

Quick Summary

BOOST is a brand of nutritional supplement drinks from Nestlé, offering ready-to-drink shakes formulated for various dietary needs, including high protein, weight gain, and glucose control. These convenient beverages provide vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories to help fill nutritional gaps, especially for older adults or those with specific health goals.

Key Points

Nutritional Supplement: BOOST is a brand of nutritional drinks from Nestlé, formulated to act as a dietary supplement for individuals who have difficulty meeting their daily nutritional needs.
Diverse Product Lineup: The brand offers a range of shakes tailored for different purposes, including everyday nutrition (BOOST Original), muscle health (BOOST High Protein), weight gain (BOOST Plus), and diabetes management (BOOST Glucose Control).
Rich in Nutrients: Most BOOST drinks are fortified with a balanced mix of high-quality protein, calories, and a comprehensive profile of essential vitamins and minerals.
Meal Replacement or Snack: Many BOOST products can serve as a convenient snack, mini-meal, or meal replacement to fill nutritional gaps for those with poor appetite, illness, or during recovery.
Beneficial for Seniors: The drinks are often recommended for older adults to help support muscle health, bone density, and address other evolving nutritional needs with age.
Not a Standard Protein Shake: Unlike simple protein shakes, BOOST products offer a more complete nutritional profile, including a balance of macronutrients and fortified micronutrients.
Suitable for Lactose Intolerance: Many BOOST varieties are suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, but should be avoided by those with galactosemia.
Consult a Professional: It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine the best BOOST product for your specific health goals and dietary requirements.

Understanding the Core Purpose of BOOST

BOOST, a nutritional drink brand by Nestlé, serves as a dietary supplement for those who struggle to get enough nutrients from their regular meals. It's designed to support specific health objectives through a nutrient-dense formula. The product line offers drinks for daily nutrition, high protein needs, managing weight, and assisting individuals with diabetes in controlling blood sugar.

Filling Nutritional Gaps

Nutritional deficiencies can occur due to various reasons like reduced appetite, illness, recovery, or difficulty eating solid food, particularly as people get older. BOOST addresses these gaps by providing a balanced blend of:

High-quality protein
Calories for energy
Essential vitamins and minerals

A Closer Look at the BOOST Product Range

BOOST provides several drink options, each designed for a particular dietary requirement. This allows users to pick a product that best suits their individual health needs.

Use Cases for BOOST Nutritional Drinks

Between Meals: Can be used as a snack or mini-meal to supplement nutrient intake.
Meal Replacement: Some varieties, like BOOST Original, are considered nutritionally complete and can replace a meal.
Muscle Recovery: High-protein versions are beneficial after exercise.
Weight Support: Certain products help individuals manage weight, especially those with poor appetite.
Medical Recommendations: Doctors often recommend BOOST for patients recovering from illness, surgery, or dealing with malnutrition.

BOOST vs. Protein Shakes: A Comparison

Although some BOOST products contain a significant amount of protein, they differ from typical protein shakes. BOOST provides a more comprehensive nutritional profile. The table below highlights these distinctions:


Feature	BOOST Nutritional Drink	Standard Protein Shake
Primary Purpose	Comprehensive nutritional supplementation	Concentrated protein source
Nutrient Profile	Balanced macronutrients, fortified vitamins & minerals	Primarily protein; other nutrients often limited
Caloric Density	Varies; designed to support overall intake	Generally lower calories, focused on protein
Target Audience	Individuals with insufficient oral intake, specific health needs	Athletes, individuals seeking primarily protein
Usage	Snack, mini-meal, meal replacement	Pre/post-workout, protein supplement

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Some individuals might experience mild digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea when starting BOOST. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or kidney problems before using BOOST regularly. Always check the ingredient list for potential allergens like milk or soy.

Conclusion

To answer the question, what kind of drink is BOOST? it is a nutritional supplement formulated to complement one's diet, distinct from a simple protein or energy drink. The BOOST range addresses various nutritional needs, from general wellness to specific conditions like diabetes or the need for weight gain. Its convenience and nutrient density make it a practical option for those requiring supplemental nutrition. Selecting the appropriate product based on individual health goals is important.

Always seek advice from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutritional guidance. Further product details are available on the official Nestlé Health Science website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, products like BOOST Original can be used as a meal replacement, a mini-meal, or a snack. Other BOOST variations, like BOOST Plus, are intended for supplemental use to increase calories.

Yes, BOOST is often recommended for older adults, as it can help meet increased nutritional needs related to aging, such as higher requirements for protein, Vitamin D, and Calcium. It is especially useful for those with poor appetite or difficulty chewing.

Yes, specific products like BOOST Plus and BOOST Very High Calorie are formulated to help with weight gain or maintenance. They contain higher calorie counts per serving to provide the extra energy needed.

Yes, BOOST offers a specific product line called BOOST Glucose Control, which is designed for people with diabetes. It is formulated to produce a lower blood sugar response than standard nutritional drinks and should be used under medical supervision.

Most BOOST nutritional drinks are gluten-free and suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance (but not for those with galactosemia). It is always best to check the product label for specific dietary information.

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea. These usually subside with consistent use. Consulting a doctor is recommended for specific concerns.

Unlike a standard protein shake which focuses mainly on high protein content, BOOST offers a balanced nutritional profile. It includes a wider range of calories, fats, and is fortified with numerous vitamins and minerals to provide more comprehensive dietary support.