Ensure

Rating: 1/5 Green Leaves

The Ensure® Clear Mixed Fruit Nutrition Drink receives the lowest possible green leaf rating on our website due to its composition of ingredients that do not align with our criteria for cleaner food options. The product is not organic, does not use non-GMO ingredients, and contains added sugars, which are detrimental to its score. The presence of acesulfame potassium and sucralose further reduces its rating because they are considered more harmful added sugars.

Moreover, the drink includes ingredients such as natural flavor, phosphoric acid, malic acid, and citric acid, which are categorized as potentially harmful additives. The inclusion of maltodextrin, Blue 1, and Red 40 are particularly concerning as they are recognized as known harmful additives. The presence of artificial colors like Blue 1 and Red 40 is a red flag for those seeking natural and health-forward products.

The Ensure® Clear Mixed Fruit Nutrition Drink also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, and vitamin B12, which are typically added to nutritional drinks to enhance their micronutrient profile. However, the potential benefits of these vitamins and minerals are overshadowed by the negative impact of the product’s other ingredients.

The product’s formulation reflects a composition that prioritizes shelf stability and flavor over healthfulness and clean eating principles. For consumers seeking cleaner food options, the Ensure® Clear Mixed Fruit Nutrition Drink does not meet the standards for a healthy and natural product. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid this product in favor of alternatives that better align with the principles of consuming wholesome and minimally processed foods.