Although both drinks share many of the same ingredients, their primary purposes differ. Nutrament is an energy drink and meal replacement for athletes and those needing extra calories, high in sugar and available in several flavors. Ensure, on the other hand, is a nutritional supplement designed for balanced nutrition, lower in sugar, with specialized formulas for the elderly and those with medical needs.
While both Nutrament and Ensure have their differences, they also have their similarities, which may be important in deciding which drink is better for you. Keep reading to learn about each drink’s ingredients, taste, nutrition, and more to help you make an informed decision on which nutritional drink is best for you.
Nutrament vs. Ensure: Head-To Head Nutrition Comparison
| Comparison | Nutrament | Ensure |
| Serving Size | 12 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
| Calories | 360 | 220 |
| Total Fat | 10 g | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | <5 mg |
| Sodium | 250 mg | 210 mg |
| Total Carbs | 52 g | 33 g |
| Total Sugars | 47 g | 10 g |
| Protein | 16 g | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 1 g |
| Vitamin D | 35% | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 35% | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 35% | 80% |
| Vitamin E | 35% | 50% |
| Vitamin K | 35% | 20% |
| Thiamin | 35% | 25% |
| Riboflavin | 35% | 30% |
| Niacin | 35% | 35% |
| Vitamin B6 | 35% | 30% |
| Folate | 35% | 25% |
| Vitamin B 12 | 35% | 25% |
| Biotin | 35% | 25% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 35% | 30% |
| Choline | – | 25% |
| Calcium | 25% | 25% |
| Iron | 35% | 25% |
| Potassium | 10% | 10% |
| Phosphorus | 35% | 20% |
| Iodine | 35% | 25% |
| Magnesium | 35% | 20% |
| Zinc | 35% | 30% |
| Selenium | 35% | 25% |
| Copper | 35% | 35% |
| Manganese | 35% | 25% |
| Chromium | 35% | 25% |
| Molybdenum | 35% | 35% |
| Chloride | – | 10% |
[%DV = Percentage Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet]
Explain
Nutrament vs. Ensure: Ingredients
| Nutrament Nutritional Drink | Ensure Nutritional Shake |
| Skim milk | Water |
| Sugar | Corn Maltodextrin |
| Corn Syrup | Sugar |
| Canola Oil | Milk Protein Concentrate |
| High Oleic Sunflower Oil | Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola Corn) |
| Calcium Caseinate | Soy Protein Isolate |
| Soy Protein Isolate | Cocoa Powder |
| Corn Oil | Nonfat Milk |
| Sodium Caseinate | Cellulose Gel |
| Artificial Flavor | Natural & Artificial Flavors |
| Carrageenan | Salt |
| Soy Lecithin | Cellulose Gum |
| Sodium Ascorbate | Monoglycerides |
| Magnesium Phosphate | Soy Lecithin |
| Magnesium Chloride | Carrageenan |
| Ferrous Sulfate | Sucralose |
| Zinc Sulfate | Potassium Citrate |
| Vitamin E Acetate | Magnesium Phosphate |
| Niacinamide | Calcium Carbonate |
| Calcium Pantothenate | Ascorbic Acid |
| Cupric Sulfate | Sodium Citrate |
| Manganese Sulfate | Calcium Phosphate |
| Vitamin A Palmitate | Choline Chloride |
| Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) | Potassium Hydroxide |
| Thiamin Hydrochloride | Potassium Chloride |
| Riboflavin | Ferrous Sulfate |
| Folic Acid | dl-AlphaTocopheryl Acetate |
| Vitamin D3 | Zinc Sulfate |
| Sodium Molybdate | Niacinamide |
| Chromium Chloride | Calcium Pantothenate |
| Sodium Selenite | Magnesium Sulfate |
| Vitamin K1 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) |
| Biotin | Thiamine Hydrochloride |
| Vitamin B12 | Copper Sulfate |
| Riboflavin | |
| Vitamin A Palmitate | |
| Folic Acid | |
| Potassium Iodide | |
| Sodium Selenate | |
| Sodium Molybdate | |
| Phylloquinone | |
| Biotin | |
| Vitamin D3 | |
| Vitamin B12 |
Nutrament vs. Ensure: Taste
Both Nutrament and Ensure have mastered the taste of their nutritional drinks.
Nutrament offers 8 different flavors ranging from coffee and chocolate to egg not and coconut! They also have more standard flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate.
Each Nutrament drink has a creamy milkshake taste made from skim milk, sugar, and other artificial flavors.
Ensure has only 7 flavors of their nutritional protein shakes, and they are much more standard. Some popular Ensure flavors are chocolate and vanilla, strawberry and banana nut.
Each Ensure nutrition drink has a smooth texture that should be served cold to get the shake-like taste.
Pros and Cons of Nutrament Nutrition Drink
| Strengths | Considerations |
| Contains 32% daily value of protein | Contains 5.1 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces |
| 24 vitamins and minerals | Contains 10 g of fat |
| Contains B vitamins and calcium | Artificial and added sugars |
| 8 different flavors | High in carbohydrates |
| Gluten-free | More calories than Ensure |
| Kosher | Contains soy |
| Great for a snack or quick meal | Expensive |
| Boosts energy and supplements meals |
Pros and Cons of Ensure Nutrition Shake
| Strengths | Considerations |
| 9 g protein | Can only be used as meal supplements |
| 27 vitamins and minerals | Can cause side effects in the gastrointestinal tract |
| 25% DV of B vitamins | Increased risk of dehydration and kidney stones |
| 7 flavors available | Contains artificial sugars |
| Gluten-free | High in carbohydrates |
| Kosher, Halal | Cannot be consumed by individuals with galactosemia |
| Suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance | Contains vegetable oil |
| Boosts energy and muscle health, and digestion | Contains soy |
| Quick meal supplement |
Nutrament vs. Ensure: Similarities and Differences
Similarities:
- Both are nutrition/protein drinks
- Both provide vitamins B, D, E, C, and K
- Both contain minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc, and more
- Both contain sodium and fat
- Both have artificial sugars
- Both provide at least 9 g of protein per serving
- Both contain soy and are gluten-free
- Both come in a variety of flavors
Differences:
- Nutrament is high in calories (360g per serving), and Ensure is low in calories (220g per serving)
- Nutrament does not contain milk, and Ensure contains a milk protein extract
- Nutrament has a larger serving size of 16 fl ounces, while Ensure has a serving size of 12 fl ounces
- Nutrament is higher in protein (16 g), and Ensure is lower (9 g)
- Nutrament has a higher carbohydrate content (52 g), and Ensure has less (33 g)
- Nutrament has 10 g of fat, while Ensure only has 6g
- Ensure has less added sugar (10 g), while Nutrament has 47 g of sugar.
- Nutrament is a nutritional drink while Ensure is a nutritional shake
Final Verdict
When it comes to choosing a protein shake, both Nutrament and Ensure stand out as solid options for nutritional supplements.
Your decision should align with your personal preferences and dietary needs. If you’re aiming for lower calories and less sugar, Ensure might be the right choice for you. However, if you’re more focused on flavor and less sensitive to price, Nutrament could be a better match.
To make the best decision for your health, it’s wise to consult with a doctor or a health professional who can provide personalized advice based on your individual health profile and nutritional requirements.
