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Ensure® Original Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake
Ingredients:
Water, Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar, Milk Protein Concentrate, Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn), Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali). Less than 0.5% of: VITAMINS & MINERALS (Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Magnesium Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12), 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:
Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Ensure® Original Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake falls at the bottom of the scale for cleaner food options. This product is neither organic nor non-GMO. It includes added sugars and sucralose, a sweetener associated with negative health impacts. The presence of potentially harmful additives such as flavors, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and sodium citrate further detract from its healthfulness. Known harmful additives like artificial flavor and carrageenan, coupled with the inclusion of maltodextrin, contribute to the low rating. The shake also contains oils such as canola and vegetable oil, which are considered less desirable due to their processing methods and health implications.
The ingredients list reveals a product that relies on a variety of synthetic and processed components. The use of corn maltodextrin and sugar as primary ingredients raises concerns about the product’s nutritional profile. The blend of vegetable oils, which includes canola and corn oil, is often processed and may not align with the goal of cleaner eating. Soy protein isolate is a heavily processed form of soy, and the cocoa powder has been treated with alkali, altering its natural state.
The shake is fortified with vitamins and minerals, yet this positive aspect is overshadowed by the presence of nonfat milk, cellulose gel, and gum, which are additives used to modify texture and consistency. The inclusion of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, is a significant factor in the product’s low score, as it reflects a reliance on synthetic taste enhancers rather than natural ingredients.
The Ensure® Original Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake has been assessed as a product to avoid for those seeking cleaner, more natural food options. The extensive use of additives, artificial flavors, and processed oils places it in stark contrast to the ideal of a healthy, minimally processed diet. This evaluation aligns with the website’s commitment to guiding consumers toward healthier, more wholesome food choices.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
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