Nutritional drinks—what’s the deal with them? They’re super handy for getting all those vitamins, minerals, and calories in one go. Whether you want to gain weight, boost your energy, or just supplement your diet, these drinks are really convenient.
Today, we’re comparing two big names: Nutrament and Ensure Plus. Both have their perks, but which one’s better for you? We’ll break down the nutrition, calories, and how they may help with weight goals. Ready to find out which drink wins? Let’s jump in!
A Closer Look at Nutrament and Ensure Plus
Nutrament: The Basics
Nutrament is a nutrient-packed drink that’s been around for a while. It’s aimed at people who need a quick and easy way to get extra calories and nutrients. Athletes, busy folks, and anyone looking to gain some healthy weight often reach for Nutrament. It’s known for its rich taste and variety of flavors, making it a favorite for many.
Key features include:
- 15g of protein per serving
- Packed with 24 essential vitamins and minerals
- Convenient and ready-to-drink
- Great for energy and muscle recovery
Ensure Plus: The Lowdown
Ensure Plus is another big player in the nutritional drink game. It’s designed for those needing more calories and nutrients, especially seniors or people recovering from illness. Ensure comes in many variations, but we’ll focus on Ensure Plus, which is similar to Nutrament in many ways.
Key features include:
- 16g of protein per bottle
- 350 calories per serving
- Contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals
- Available in multiple flavors
Ensure Plus is all about providing strength and energy, making it a go-to for anyone needing a nutritional boost.
Comparing Ingredients
Here we won’t list every single ingredient in Nutrament (full list here) or Ensure Plus (you can find the full list here). Instead, we’ll highlight some key ingredients to be aware of and point out their differences.
Nutrament Ingredients
- Added Sugars (Sugar, Corn Syrup): High sugar content can spike blood sugar and provide empty calories.
- Vegetable Oils (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Corn): Canola and corn oils can be inflammatory due to high omega-6 fatty acids, while high oleic sunflower oil is a healthier option.
- Artificial Flavor: Contains unknown chemicals, which can be concerning for some.
Ensure Plus Ingredients
- Corn Maltodextrin: Can cause stomach issues and affect gut health.
- Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn): Similar to Nutrament, these oils can be potentially inflammatory.
- Natural & Artificial Flavors: Includes natural flavors, which is a slight advantage over Nutrament’s purely artificial flavors.
In summary, both drinks contain ingredients that may not be the healthiest. Nutrament has higher added sugars and artificial flavors, while Ensure Plus includes maltodextrin and a mix of natural and artificial flavors.
Nutritional Comparison
Let’s now dive into the nitty-gritty of what Nutrament and Ensure Plus bring to the table in terms of nutrition. Here’s a side-by-side look at their nutritional profiles.
| Nutrient | Nutrament (Vanilla) | Ensure Plus (Vanilla) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 330 | 350 |
| Protein | 15g | 16g |
| Fat | 9g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 47g |
| Total Sugars | 43g | 20g |
| Added Sugar | 27g | 19g |
| Sodium | 230mg | 210mg |
| Vitamins & Minerals | 24 essential vitamins and minerals | 27 essential vitamins and minerals |
Both Nutrament and Ensure Plus provide substantial protein and calories, making them excellent options for muscle maintenance and energy. However, Nutrament contains significantly more sugars, which can offer a quick energy boost but may not be ideal for everyone.
Similarities:
- Both have around 15-16g of protein, good for muscle maintenance.
- They offer essential vitamins and minerals.
Differences:
- Calories: Ensure Plus has slightly more calories (350 vs. 330).
- Fat: Ensure Plus has more fat (11g vs. 9g).
- Sugars: Nutrament has significantly more total sugars (43g vs. 20g) and added sugars (27g vs. 19g).
- Vitamins & Minerals: Ensure Plus provides more vitamins and minerals (27 vs. 24).
The major standout is the sugar content, with Nutrament having much higher total and added sugars, making Ensure Plus the better option for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
Which is Better for Your Needs?
Choosing between Nutrament and Ensure Plus depends on your specific goals.
For Weight Gain
Nutrament, with its 330 calories and high sugar content, is ideal for quick energy boosts and weight gain, supporting muscle recovery with its higher carbohydrate content. Ensure Plus, offering 350 calories and balanced nutrients, is also excellent for weight gain with slightly more fat and a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals.
For Weight Loss
Both drinks can be used as meal replacements, but be aware they are essentially thick liquids. They digest quickly, leaving you hungry again soon after. For sustainable weight loss, proper meals are better unless you’re in a pinch and can handle brief hunger.
For Recovery from Illness
Ensure Plus, with its lower sugar content, is a better choice for those recovering from illness. High sugar intake can negatively impact the immune system and delay healing. Ensure Plus provides balanced nutrition without the excess sugar.
Which is Healthier: Nutrament or Ensure?
Ensure Plus stands out due to its balanced nutrients and lower sugar content, making it a better choice for overall health. It has slightly more calories and fat, a few more vitamins and minerals, and 1g more protein than Nutrament.
Additionally, Ensure Plus contains a mix of natural and artificial flavors, which is preferable to Nutrament’s purely artificial flavors. However, Ensure Plus also includes maltodextrin, which can negatively affect gut health and cause stomach issues for some people.
All things considered, Ensure Plus is generally healthier due to its lower sugar content, but it should be consumed in moderation (no more than one bottle per day).
Nutrament, on the other hand, might be better for those needing quick energy and weight gain despite its higher sugar content and artificial flavors.
Potential Side Effects
While Nutrament and Ensure Plus offer nutritional benefits, there are potential side effects to be aware of:
- Maltodextrin (Ensure Plus): Can cause stomach issues and negatively affect gut health.
- Artificial Flavors (both): May contain unknown chemicals that could cause adverse reactions.
- High Sugar Content: Both drinks can raise blood sugar levels quickly, which is not suitable for diabetics and can lead to energy crashes and weight gain.
- Vitamin A: Both drinks contain vitamin A, which should be avoided in excess, especially by pregnant women to prevent potential toxicity.
- General Consumption: High sugar intake can weaken the immune system and lead to inflammation.
For best results, consume these drinks in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Nutrament and Ensure Plus depends on your needs. Ensure Plus has balanced nutrients and less sugar, making it generally healthier but best consumed in moderation. Nutrament is great for quick energy and weight gain, despite its higher sugar and artificial flavors.
Alternatives
Consider these nutritious alternatives without the concerns:
- Homemade Smoothies: Blend fruits, veggies, Greek yogurt, and protein.
- Protein Shakes: Use natural protein powder with almond milk or water.
- Whole Foods: Nuts, seeds, lean meats, and whole grains offer balanced nutrition.
These options are healthier with fewer additives and sugars.