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Ensure
Flavor:
Ensure® Plant-Based Protein Vanilla Nutrition Shake
Ingredients:
Water, Fava Bean Protein Isolate, Organic Sugar, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Chicory Root Fiber, Pea Protein Concentrate. Less than 0.5% of: Vitamins & Minerals (Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Chromium Chloride, Phylloquinone, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3 [Plant-Based], Sodium Molybdate, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Cellulose Gel, Natural Flavor, Oat Fiber, Sunflower Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Stevia Leaf Extract, and Monk Fruit Extract.
Rating: Not Clean
- 2 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
The Ensure® Plant-Based Protein Vanilla Nutrition Shake earns a rating of 2 out of 5 green leaves on our scale. This rating reflects the product’s use of non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and potentially harmful additives and oils. The shake is not organic, which detracts from its cleanliness score. Despite being non-GMO, the inclusion of organic sugar and sweeteners like stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract reduces its score due to the addition of sugars.
Moreover, the presence of natural flavors and sodium citrate is concerning, as these are considered potentially harmful additives. The use of high oleic safflower oil is another drawback, as it is a processed oil that does not align with the goal of offering cleaner food options. There is also a mention of palm in the scoring deductions, but it is not listed in the ingredients provided. If palm oil is indeed an ingredient, it would further impact the score due to environmental and health concerns associated with palm oil production and consumption.
The shake does contain a blend of plant-based proteins from fava bean and pea sources, which may appeal to those seeking non-animal protein alternatives. It also includes a range of vitamins and minerals intended to support nutritional intake. However, the presence of additives like cellulose gel and gum, along with the aforementioned sweeteners and flavors, overshadows these potential benefits.
The product could improve by switching to organic ingredients, eliminating added sugars and sweeteners, and avoiding the use of processed oils and ambiguous additives. This would bring it closer to the ideal of offering a truly clean and healthy food option for consumers. Until such changes are made, the Ensure® Plant-Based Protein Vanilla Nutrition Shake remains a product with significant room for improvement in terms of healthfulness and environmental responsibility.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
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