We tested the 3 Chocolate High Calorie Ensure available in retail. And we are giving you our honest opinion!
We not only compared their flavors, but we also looked at other factors like price, nutrient content, availability, and more.
1. Ensure Plus Calories
Pros
Flavor – Creamy, Chocolaty, Sweet. Not as ”heavy” as other high calorie supplements. Overall very tasty flavor.
Price (per 100 ml) – Similar or slightly less expensive than Ensure Advance, and much less than Ensure Compact.
Other – Available in 4 different flavors, which helps reduce flavor fatigue (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Butter pecan).
Cons
Protein content (per 235 ml) – Significantly less than Ensure Advance. Not very less than Ensure Compact when compared to same volume.
Calorie content (per 235 ml) – 80 calories less than Ensure Compact when compared to same volume. For those who wish to improve their caloric intake, this can be perceived as a disadvantage. The calorie content is similar to that of Ensure Advance.
Overall Score
8.5/10
2. Ensure Advance
Pros
Protein content (per 235 ml) – Highest when compared to same volume.
Price (per 100 ml) – Similar or slightly more expensive than Ensure Plus Calories. Less expensive than Ensure Compact. Given the extra protein and added key ingredient HMB (see below), you get a little bit more bang for your buck.
Other – Contains HMB which may enhance muscle strength and support wound healing12
Cons
Flavor – Chocolate flavor less perceptible. Quite ”heavy”. Thicker consistency.
Calorie content (per 235 ml) – 86 calories less than Ensure Compact when compared to same volume. For those who wish to optimize their caloric intake, this can be perceived as a disadvantage. The calorie content is similar to that of Ensure Plus Calories.
Other – Can be more difficult to find in drugstores. Only available in Vanilla and Chocolate.
Overall Score
7/10
3. Ensure Compact
Pros
Calorie content (per 235 ml) – Highest when compared to same volume.
Vitamins/mineral content (per 235 ml) – Provides a little bit more vitamins and minerals when compared to same volume. Notably in vitamin E, vitamin C, Calcium and Iron.
Other – Ideal for people with volume restriction. Cap can be used as a portioned cup.
Cons
Flavor – Very sweet and ”heavy”. Metallic taste more perceptible. Thicker consistency.
Protein content (per 235 ml)- Does not provide a significantly higher amount of protein than the other supplements when compared to same volume.
Price (per 100 ml) – Most expensive one. Although it has more calories and vitamins when compared to same volume, the higher price point is not justifiable.
Other – Can be more difficult to find in drugstores. Only available in Vanilla and Chocolate.
Overall Score
6/10
Conclusion
The Overall favorite oral nutritional supplement was Ensure Plus Calories. It is the tastiest of them 3, is better priced and has more flavors to choose from. Although it contains less protein than Ensure Advance, its content is still significant.
However, each supplement provides unique benefits that can be suitable for different needs. For example, someone with a pressure injury might prefer Ensure Advance for its key ingredients and higher protein content. Ensure Compact might be more suitable for someone on a fluid restriction who wants to maximize their caloric intake.
Also, we do suggest to consume nutritional supplements chilled and poured in a cup. This helps reduce the metallic smell and is more refreshing.
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References
- Wunderle C. et al. ESPEN guideline on nutritional support for polymorbid medical inpatients. Clinical Nutrition. September 2023. ↩︎
- Wilkinson D J. et al. Effects of leucine and its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism. The Journal of Physiology. June 2013. ↩︎
One response to “Ensure Review: Which High-Calorie Supplement Reigns Supreme?”
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