Nutrament is marketed as a complete meal replacement and energy drink, containing a blend of carbohydrates, protein, and other essential nutrients. But is it actually good for you?
In this review, we’ll explore the ingredients, nutritional facts, and benefits of Nutrament. We’ll also address common questions about its health impacts, including muscle building, weight loss, and safety during pregnancy.
Let’s dive in to see if Nutrament lives up to its claims and fits into a healthy lifestyle.
What’s in Nutrament?
Nutrament contains a blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals designed to support overall health. It comes in flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, with some common ingredients:
- Core Ingredients: Skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oils, artificial flavors, carrageenan
- Protein Blend: Calcium and sodium caseinate, with some flavors including soy protein isolate. These proteins are known to promote muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B-complex, iron, zinc, selenium
Concerning Ingredients
While there are many good ingredients in Nutrament drinks there are also some concerning ones:
- Sugar: In the form of corn syrup and refined sugar. Consuming too much sugar daily has many downsides including weight gain, obesity and increased risk of certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Artificial Flavors: There are certain health risks associated with the consumption of artificial flavors so some people like to avoid them.
However, it is important to note that Nutrament does not contain any artificial sweeteners, which may benefit some people.
Ingredient List
Here is a full list of ingredients for two of the most popular Nutrament’s flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate:
| NUTRAMENT FLAVOR | INGREDIENTS |
| VANILLA | Skim Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vegetable Oils (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower Oil and Corn), Calcium Caseinate, Soy Protein Isolate, Sodium Caseinate, Artificial Flavour, Magnesium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Carrageenan, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Ascorbate, Ferrous Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Cupric Sulfate, Manganese Sulphate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin K1, Biotin, Vitamin B12 |
| CHOCOLATE | Skim Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vegetable Oils (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower Oil and Corn), Calcium Caseinate, Cocoa processed with Alkali, Sodium Caseinate, Magnesium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Carrageenan, Artificial Flavour, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Sodium Ascorbate, Ferrous Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Cupric Sulfate, Red 3, Manganese Sulphate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chromium Chloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin K1, Vitamin B12. |
Nutrament Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Nutrament (per can):
- Calories: 330 (previously 360)
- Fat: 9g (12% DV, previously 10g)
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g (27g added sugars, previously 29g)
- Protein: 15g (29% DV, previously 16g)
The updated formula reduced calories, fat, and sugar slightly, while maintaining the same protein content.
The chocolate flavor has almost the same nutritional profile, except it contains slightly more sugar (29g per can).
Sugar Content
One can of vanilla Nutrament contains 27g of added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g (6 teaspoons) for women and 36g (9 teaspoons) for men per day, making Nutrament’s sugar content extremely high and above the recommended daily intake for women. The chocolate flavor, with slightly more sugar, is even more concerning in terms of sugar content.
Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar has been linked to numerous health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Vitamins and Minerals
Nutrament provides essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin D: 15% DV
- Vitamin A & E: 30% DV
- Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin: 40% DV
- Calcium: 25% DV (350mg)
- Vitamin B12: 80% DV
- Pantothenic Acid: 65% DV
- Copper: 75% DV
- Other Nutrients: Biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, iodine, zinc, chromium.
Takeaway: While Nutrament offers a significant amount of protein and essential nutrients, its high sugar content and high calorie count are drawbacks. It’s a convenient option for those needing extra nutrients but should be consumed in moderation due to the sugar.
How Nutrament Can Benefit You
Nutrament is known to offer several potential benefits to its consumers. Here are some of the ways Nutrament can help you:
Boosts Energy and Muscle Growth
Nutrament’s protein blend (soy protein isolate, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate) promotes muscle growth and repair, making it ideal for athletes and bodybuilders. The high carbohydrate content provides an instant energy boost, which is perfect for pre-workout.
Convenient Meal Replacement
For busy individuals, Nutrament is a convenient meal replacement, offering a good mix of calories, protein, and carbohydrates. However, it lacks fiber, so it may not keep you full for long and could lead to quick hunger. Additionally, while high in protein, the sugar content can cause quick spikes and crashes in blood sugar, leading to increased hunger and cravings.
Supports Overall Health
Nutrament is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D (35% DV) supports bone health and immune function, while B vitamins aid in energy metabolism, brain function, and cell growth. Significant amounts of calcium and potassium strengthen bones and muscles.
Zinc boosts the immune system and aids in wound healing, while vitamin A maintains healthy skin, vision, and immunity. Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties protect cells from damage. Additionally, iron is crucial for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
Is Nutrament Good or Bad for You?
Nutrament is a nutrition supplement drink rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, which can be beneficial. However, it also contains a high amount of sugar—one can of vanilla Nutrament has 29 grams of added sugar, exceeding the recommended daily intake for women and nearly reaching the limit for men.
While Nutrament offers certain benefits, its high sugar content makes it less healthy overall. Consider alternatives like low-sugar protein shakes, smoothies, or plain low-fat milk for similar benefits without the excess sugar.
FAQs
Is Nutrament Good for Weight Loss?
Nutrament is not specifically designed for weight loss. While it can be used as a meal replacement, its high calorie and sugar content make it less ideal for weight loss. Consuming Nutrament in moderation as part of a balanced diet and exercise regimen can contribute to weight loss if it results in a calorie deficit.
For better weight loss results, focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in protein and fiber, and low in sugar. Overconsumption of Nutrament can lead to weight gain, so use it sparingly.
Is Nutrament Fattening?
Nutrament can be fattening if consumed in excess due to its high sugar content. One can of vanilla Nutrament alone contains 27 grams of added sugar, which is already above the recommended daily intake for women and almost reaching the limit for men.
Is Nutrament Good for Diabetics?
Nutrament is not recommended for diabetics due to its high sugar content. Consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can be harmful for people with diabetes.
Can Toddlers Drink Nutrament?
Nutrament is not a drink designed for young children so you should never give it to your toddler. If you still want to give it to your toddler, consult with a pediatrician first.
Is Nutrament Good to Drink while Pregnant?
It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming Nutrament or any other supplement drink while pregnant. Nutrament contains high amounts of sugar, and consuming excessive amounts of sugar during pregnancy can lead to health problems for both the mother and the baby.
Additionally, Nutrament contains vitamin A, and high levels of vitamin A consumption during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing fetus, as it can cause birth defects. However, one serving of Nutrament contains 30% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A, which is not necessarily harmful in itself, but it should still be taken into account when considering the overall nutrient intake during pregnancy.
Does Nutrament Give You Energy?
Nutrament is not an energy drink but it does contain carbohydrates and B vitamins which can provide energy. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose and then used by the body as a primary source of energy while B vitamins play a crucial role in converting carbohydrates into energy.
However, it’s important to note that while Nutrament can provide a quick boost of energy, its high sugar content can also cause energy crashes and is not recommended for sustained energy.
What Does Nutrament Do to Your Body?
Nutrament provides vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories to the body. However, excessive consumption of Nutrament or any supplement drink can have negative health effects due to its high sugar content.
Does Nutrament Have Caffeine?
No, Nutrament does not contain caffeine.
How Many Nutraments Should You Drink a Day?
One can provides 330 calories and contains more added sugar than the recommended daily intake for women. So, one can a day is plenty. We certainly don’t recommend more than that. Even better, just have half a can to avoid overconsumption of sugar. Use Nutrament as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice.
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