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Ensure Ensure® COMPLETE Vanilla Meal Replacement Nutrition Shake

Ensure

Flavor:

Ingredients:

Water, Corn Syrup, Milk Protein Concentrate, Sugar, Calcium Caseinate, Canola Oil, Soy Protein Isolate, Soluble Corn Fiber, Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides. Less than 0.5% of: MINERALS (Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Choline Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Phylloquinone, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Chromium Chloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Sodium Molybdate, Vitamin B12), Corn Oil, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gel, Salt, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Gellan Gum, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), and Sucralose.

Rating:     We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Ensure® COMPLETE Vanilla Meal Replacement Nutrition Shake presents itself as a nutritional option in a market saturated with less health-conscious alternatives. However, upon closer examination, the product’s composition raises concerns regarding its alignment with cleaner food principles.

The shake is not organic, and it contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The ingredient list reveals the inclusion of added sugars, such as sugar itself, and high-intensity sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and sucralose. Corn syrup also features prominently, which is often criticized for its health implications. These sweeteners and sugars contribute to the product’s low rating, as they are seen as detrimental to a clean diet.

Further scrutiny reveals the presence of potentially harmful additives. The list includes natural and artificial flavors, gellan gum, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, and various forms of sodium citrate and pyridoxine hydrochloride. The use of artificial flavors is particularly noteworthy, as they are considered known harmful additives and are a significant factor in the product’s low score.

The shake also contains oils that are often associated with negative health effects, such as canola and corn oil. Although palm oil is mentioned in the scoring breakdown, it is not listed in the ingredients provided for this product. This may be an oversight in the evaluation process.

The Ensure® COMPLETE Vanilla Meal Replacement Nutrition Shake, therefore, does not meet the standards set by the reviewing website for cleaner food options. The ingredients list is a testament to its departure from the principles of health and nutrition that the website advocates. The product’s low green leaf rating reflects this, suggesting that consumers seeking healthier meal replacement options might consider alternatives that align more closely with the values of organic, non-GMO, and additive-free nutrition.

Certifications:

None

Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.

Categories:

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