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Ensure Ensure® Original Vanilla Nutrition Shake

Ensure

Flavor:

Ingredients:

Water, Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar, Milk Protein Concentrate, Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn), Soy Protein Isolate, Nonfat Milk. Less than 0.5% of: VITAMINS & MINERALS (Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Choline Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, 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, Chromium Chloride, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12), Natural & Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gel, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Carrageenan, and Sucralose.

Rating:     We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

The Ensure® Original Vanilla Nutrition Shake earns a rating of 1/5 green leaves, signaling a product that falls short when it comes to offering a clean and healthy food option. This evaluation stems from a thorough review of its ingredients and production attributes, which raise concerns about its overall healthfulness.

The shake is not organic and contains GMO ingredients, which detracts from its appeal for consumers seeking natural food sources. Additionally, it includes added sugars, with sugar listed explicitly as an ingredient. The presence of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, further compounds the issue of added sugars and their potential health impact.

Moreover, the product contains a range of additives such as artificial flavors, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, and carrageenan. These substances are often viewed skeptically by health-conscious individuals due to their artificial nature and the potential for negative health effects. The inclusion of potentially harmful oils like canola and generic vegetable oils, which may be processed or contain trans fats, also detracts from the product’s health credentials.

The presence of corn maltodextrin is another point of contention. This ingredient is commonly used as a thickener or filler but is processed from corn and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. The shake’s ingredient list shows a reliance on such processed components, which contrasts sharply with the unprocessed, whole foods recommended for a healthier diet.

This shake positions itself as a nutritional product but is overshadowed by the presence of numerous processed ingredients and additives that are best minimized in a clean-eating regimen. As such, it earns the lowest possible rating on our scale, suggesting that consumers prioritize other products that align more closely with the principles of clean and healthy eating. Those seeking cleaner food options would do well to consider alternatives that are organic, free from GMOs, and devoid of artificial additives and sweeteners.

Certifications:

None

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

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