Ensure
Flavor:
Ensure® Original Dark Chocolate Nutrition Shake
Ingredients:
Water, Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Milk Protein Concentrate, Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn), Soy Protein Isolate. Less than 0.5% of: Vitamins & Minerals (Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Choline Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Chloride, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Magnesium Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin B12, Sodium Molybdate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3), Nonfat Milk, Cellulose Gel, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Carrageenan, and Sucralose.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
This product receives a 1/5 green leaf rating, indicating a low recommendation for those seeking cleaner food options. The Ensure® Original Dark Chocolate Nutrition Shake is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which detracts from its healthfulness. It includes added sugars such as sugar and sucralose, the latter of which is an artificial sweetener associated with potential health risks. The presence of potentially harmful additives like artificial flavors, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and carrageenan further reduces its score. Additionally, the use of canola and unspecified vegetable oils, which may include palm oil, is flagged due to potential health and environmental concerns.
The product’s formulation features a mix of corn maltodextrin, cocoa powder processed with alkali, and a protein blend derived from milk and soy. The shake is fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, yet the benefits of these additives are overshadowed by the presence of non-preferred ingredients. The product also includes nonfat milk, cellulose gel and gum for texture, and a sweetener blend that raises concerns about sugar content and quality.
The Ensure® Original Dark Chocolate Nutrition Shake is designed to deliver nutrition in a convenient form. However, the evaluation criteria used on the website highlight significant drawbacks due to the inclusion of ingredients that do not align with a cleaner eating philosophy. Those seeking healthier alternatives are advised to consider products with higher green leaf ratings that avoid the use of non-organic, GMO, and potentially harmful additives, and prioritize natural and wholesome ingredients.
The low green leaf rating reflects a stance that prioritizes health and transparency in food choices. The product’s composition, which includes various non-preferred ingredients, positions it at the lower end of the scale for consumers committed to cleaner eating.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
Alternatives
No Items found.
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem