What to Replace Ensure? Finding Healthier and Natural Alternatives

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Many commercial nutritional drinks, including Ensure, contain added sugars and artificial ingredients that may not be ideal for long-term health. For those seeking cleaner, more natural options, exploring healthier alternatives is a popular choice. This guide will explore what to replace Ensure with, focusing on whole-food-based recipes and natural commercial products.

Quick Summary

This article offers a comprehensive comparison of healthy and natural alternatives to Ensure, covering homemade recipes, plant-based protein shakes, and specialized nutritional drinks for various needs, helping you make an informed choice for your diet.

Key Points

Homemade Shakes Offer Control: Blending your own ingredients ensures you can control sugar, artificial additives, and macros, customizing the shake to your exact needs.
Consider Plant-Based Options: Brands like Orgain and OWYN provide excellent vegan alternatives to Ensure, catering to those with dairy or soy sensitivities.
Specialize for Medical Needs: For specific conditions like diabetes, specialized drinks such as Glucerna are formulated to help manage blood glucose levels.
Evaluate Cost and Convenience: Homemade shakes are often more affordable and natural, while brands like Premier Protein offer high-protein, budget-friendly convenience.
Consult a Health Professional: Before making a significant dietary change, especially for seniors or those with health conditions, consulting a doctor or dietitian is recommended.
Prioritize Whole Foods: When possible, opt for whole-food sources like fruits, nuts, seeds, and yogurt in smoothies to gain fiber and antioxidants often missing in pre-made shakes.

Why Search for Alternatives to Ensure?

While Ensure serves a purpose for many, certain ingredients may prompt individuals to seek healthier options. Many formulas contain high levels of added sugars, artificial flavors, corn maltodextrin, and other additives that some people prefer to avoid. The desire for more natural, less processed ingredients is a primary driver. Additionally, some users report experiencing side effects such as flatulence, constipation, or nausea, which can prompt a search for more easily digestible options. For individuals with specific dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet, Ensure's standard formulation might not be suitable, though plant-based versions are available. Ultimately, the quest for a product with a cleaner label, higher-quality ingredients, or a better nutritional profile drives many people to explore other choices.

Homemade Shakes: The Natural Alternative

Creating your own nutritional shakes at home offers full control over ingredients and allows for maximum customization. This approach guarantees a cleaner, more natural product without artificial sweeteners or preservatives. A homemade smoothie can be tailored for specific needs, whether you are aiming for weight gain, a specific macro-nutrient profile, or simply a delicious, nutrient-dense snack.

High-Calorie Banana Nut Smoothie

This recipe is excellent for those who need a calorie-dense drink for weight gain or extra energy.

Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (frozen works best)
- 1 cup whole milk or full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp peanut or almond butter
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
- 1 scoop whey or plant-based protein powder (optional)
- Honey or a pitted date for extra sweetness

Antioxidant-Rich Berry Smoothie

Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this is a great everyday nutritional boost.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (dairy-free versions available) or silken tofu
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- A handful of fresh spinach (taste is undetectable)

Commercial Alternatives for Specific Needs

When convenience is a priority, several commercial brands offer high-quality alternatives to Ensure, often with specialized formulas.

Plant-Based & Vegan Options

Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake: Known for its organic ingredients and use of plant-based protein from sources like peas and brown rice. It provides a complete amino acid profile and is free of soy and gluten. They also offer a grass-fed whey version.
OWYN Vegan Protein Shake: Standing for 'Only What You Need', OWYN is a popular plant-based choice free of the top 9 allergens. It uses a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and flax oil for its protein source and is noted for its smooth texture.
Kate Farms Nutrition Shake: Another organic, plant-based option that is also dairy and gluten-free. Its nutritional profile is well-balanced, and it is a higher-calorie choice suitable for meal replacement or weight gain goals.

High-Protein & Other Formulas

Premier Protein: A budget-friendly option known for its high protein content (30g per serving). It's lactose-free and low in sugar, though it uses artificial sweeteners.
Boost: A direct competitor to Ensure, Boost offers various products, including high-protein and high-calorie versions. Some of its shakes, like Boost Max, have comparable macronutrients to Ensure Max Protein.
Glucerna: Produced by the same company as Ensure, Glucerna is specifically formulated for managing blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. It is designed with a slow-release carbohydrate blend.

Comparison Table: Ensure vs. Key Alternatives


Feature	Ensure Original	Homemade Smoothie	Orgain Organic	Kate Farms Nutrition Shake	Glucerna (Diabetes)
Protein Source	Milk, soy	Customizable (yogurt, nuts, protein powder)	Pea, brown rice, chia seeds	Organic yellow pea protein	Milk, soy
Vegan	No (Plant-based option available)	Customizable	Yes	Yes	No
Protein (per serving)	9g	Varies (10-30g+)	16g	16g	10g
Calories (per serving)	220	Customizable (200-600+)	240	330	180
Added Sugar	Yes	No (natural sources)	Yes (10g)	Yes (18g)	Slow-release carbs
Fiber	1g	Customizable (high fiber sources)	2g	6g	4g
Cost	Mid-range	Varies (often cheaper)	Mid-high range	Higher end	Mid-range

Choosing the Right Alternative for You

Selecting the best replacement depends on your individual needs and goals. For those with a medical condition like diabetes, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, and a product like Glucerna might be recommended. If you need to gain weight, a high-calorie homemade smoothie or a denser commercial option like Kate Farms could be beneficial. If you are looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, plant-based shakes from Orgain or OWYN are excellent choices. Individuals concerned with cost might find that buying ingredients for homemade shakes or opting for a budget-friendly commercial brand like Premier Protein is the most sustainable option. Always consider factors like taste, texture, and whether you prefer the convenience of a ready-to-drink product or the customization of a homemade blend.

Making the Switch: Tips for Success

Start Gradually: If you're accustomed to Ensure's taste and texture, experiment with different recipes or commercial brands to find what you like. Trying a new flavor or consistency can take some adjustment.
Personalize Your Homemade Shakes: Don't be afraid to experiment with different liquids (almond milk, coconut milk), protein sources (yogurt, tofu), and flavorings (cinnamon, cocoa powder) to find your perfect blend.
Consult a Professional: A registered dietitian can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific dietary needs, health conditions, and goals. This is especially important for seniors or those with chronic illnesses.

Conclusion

While Ensure is a well-established nutritional supplement, plenty of healthier, more natural, and specialized alternatives are available. Whether you opt for a fully-customizable homemade smoothie to control every ingredient or choose a commercial brand like Orgain or Kate Farms for convenience, you can find a suitable replacement that better aligns with your health goals. By considering your specific needs, such as weight management, dietary restrictions, or a preference for organic ingredients, you can make an informed choice. The variety of options, from budget-friendly choices to premium organic blends, means you don't have to sacrifice nutrition or taste. The best alternative is the one that best supports your individual journey toward better health.

Further reading on nutritional supplements and their health benefits is available via sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many natural, low-sugar options exist. Homemade smoothies using whole foods like unsweetened milk alternatives, berries, leafy greens, and protein powder allow you to avoid added sugars. Commercial brands like Premier Protein and Iconic Protein Drinks also offer low-sugar, ready-to-drink options.

For seniors, good alternatives include nutrient-dense homemade smoothies using whole milk or Greek yogurt, which are often easier to consume and offer beneficial fiber and fats. Commercial options like Kate Farms Nutrition Shake and Premier Protein are also popular choices.

Several plant-based shakes can replace Ensure. OWYN, Kate Farms, and Orgain Organic Nutritional Shakes are widely available vegan alternatives. They use plant proteins from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, providing a complete amino acid profile.

If you have diabetes, Glucerna, made by the same company as Ensure, is specifically formulated to manage blood glucose levels with its slow-release carbohydrates. Always consult with a doctor or dietitian before making a change to your diabetic diet.

Absolutely. Homemade shakes can be easily customized to be calorie-dense for weight gain. Adding ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, nut butters, avocados, and protein powder significantly boosts the caloric content.

Some users have reported side effects from Ensure, including constipation, flatulence, and nausea. The high sugar content in certain versions is a common concern for some individuals. If side effects occur, switching to a different formula or brand may be beneficial.

Yes, for regular consumption, making your own nutritional shakes is often cheaper than buying pre-packaged ones. While initial costs for ingredients and a blender may be higher, the long-term expense per serving is typically lower, and you control the quality of the ingredients.