With more people turning to plant-based meals, the search for vegan protein sources is gaining popularity. Is the Ensure Vegan Protein Shake a viable option? This article will discuss the pros and cons of using this product in your plant-based nutrition plan. 

The Company Behind Ensure Vegan Protein Shake

Ensure was founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace C. Abbott, who has led the healthcare industry for over a century. Ensure created their first antiseptic drug in World War I to treat wounded soldiers in 1916. 

Later, in 1964, they acquired M&R Dietetics, making them a leader in nutrition. Some notable achievements include developing antiseptics, anesthetics, vitamins, and intravenous solutions. They also developed the first licensed test to identify HIV and are a nutrition-friendly diagnostics business.

Today, Ensure operates in over 160 countries. Abbott’s 115,000 employees are committed to providing high-quality medical and nutritional products continuing the company’s philosophy, “Save the life of someone in a country halfway around the world.”

Overview of Ensure Vegan Protein Shakes 

What is Ensure Vegan Protein Shake?

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake offers a precise blend of plant-based proteins with essential vitamins and minerals for people who opt for a vegan lifestyle or plant-based diet.

It features 20 g of plant-based protein from a blend of fava beans and peas and provides strength and energy with 180 nutritious calories per serving and 5 g of fiber. It contains no artificial colors or flavors—but guarantees a great-tasting chocolate and vanilla flavor! The Ensure plant-based protein shake is dairy, soy-free, gluten, and lactose-free for sustained nutrition for vegans and vegetarians.

If that’s not enough, it is also kosher, and the vanilla flavor is halal-friendly. 

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake Ingredients

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake contains the ingredients listed below:

• Water
• Fava Bean Protein Isolate
• Organic Sugar
• High Oleic Safflower Oil
• Chicory Root Fiber
• Pea Protein Concentrate
• Cellulose Gel
• Natural Flavor
• Oat Fiber
• Sunflower Lecithin
• Cellulose Gum
• Stevia Leaf Extract
• Monk Fruit Extract.

Nutrition Facts

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake contains these nutrition items per 330 ml:

• 180 calories
• 6 g of fat
• 13 g of carbohydrates
• 7 g of sugar
• 5 g of dietary fiber
• 20 g of protein

Benefits of Using Ensure Vegan Protein Shake

Promotes Better Digestion

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake contains 5 g of dietary fiber, which helps solidify stool in the intestines, decreasing diarrhea and constipation. It also aids digestion, promotes gut health, and regulates glucose levels.

Reduces Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake’s key ingredient is fava beans, which provide your body with the essential nutrient levodopa (L-dopa). Levodopa is an amino acid made by the body before dopamine, facilitating pleasure, motivation, and motor control. Therefore, increased levels of levodopa help those with Parkinson’s disease counteract their tremors and difficulty in movement.

Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals:

Ensure Vegan Protein shakes contain plenty of essential vitamins and minerals that facilitate better overall nutrition and health. Some of the vitamins present include:

• Vitamin A, D, E, and K – fat-soluble vitamins promoting eyesight, calcium maintenance, protection of cells, and increased bone density
• Thiamin – a water-soluble vitamin that aids in cell growth and function
• Riboflavin – works to reduce inflammation in the body
• Niacin – a vitamin that turns food into energy and assists the digestion system and skin
• Vitamin B6&12 – water-soluble vitamins which assist red blood cell production and help the immune system
• Folate – a vitamin that assists in protein metabolism
• Folic Acid – helps the body produce new, healthy cells
• Biotin – a water-soluble vitamin that aids in the metabolization of carbs, fats, and amino acids
• Pantothenic Acid – vitamin used to make coenzyme A which breaks down fatty acids
• Choline – part of a chemical formula that promotes better memory, mood, and muscle control

In addition to the vitamins found in Ensure Vegan Protein shakes, it’s mineral heavy. See below.

• Calcium – maintains strong, healthy bones and assists in blood clotting, muscle contractions, and heart health
• Iron – provides hemoglobin which makes red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body
• Potassium – ensures proper levels of liquids are inside cells
• Phosphorus – maintains and repairs cells and tissues
• Iodine – helps regulate metabolism
• Magnesium – promotes muscle and energy production
• Zinc – helps build the immune system
• Selenium – helps create DNA and protects cells from damage
• Copper – allows the body to produce red blood cells and supports the immune system
• Manganese – assists with connective tissues and blood clotting
• Chromium – increases insulin sensitivity
• Molybdenum – breaks down toxins in the body

No Aftertaste

It tastes excellent, and according to results-sports.com. It is not chalky like some protein shakes and keeps you full and satisfied.

Low Sodium Content

One serving only contains 300 mg of sodium. The American Health Association suggests less than 1,500 mg daily, so the Ensure Vegan Protein shake is well within that range.

Reduces the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Type 2 Diabetes

Rich in antioxidants that help fight off the development of cancers, vegans tend to have lower cholesterol levels that help in the prevention of diabetes and heart diseases.

Kidney Friendly

A study showed that plant-based proteins offer protection and improve our kidney functions compared to animal-based proteins.

Potential Side Effects of Using Ensure Vegan Protein Shake

Causes Sleepiness

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake contains fava beans and peas rich in tryptophan and magnesium. These two compounds help keep us calm and fall asleep.

Nausea and vomiting

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake has glutamic acid that may cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort for those with sensitive digestive systems.

User Reviews

Product Rating Summary

Users commented favorably on the taste of Ensure plant-based protein drink. They enjoyed Its low sugar content and commented the vanilla flavor tastes fantastic with ice. They liked its convenience of high protein intake in a grab-and-go style.

Some users were lactose intolerant and were happy with this dairy-free product. It provided adequate nutrition for users. The shake helped with weight gain, chronic underfeeding, and anemia. Users noted that the product is excellent compared to other market brands.

Customer Service

Ensure customer service is available for comments, suggestions, and inquiries. You can complete an online form on their official website or call their customer service representatives at 1-800-986-8501, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Eastern time.

Product alternatives

1. Purely Inspired Organic Protein Shake 

Purely Inspired Organic Protein Shake comes in three flavors: Peppermint Mocha, French Vanilla, and Chocolate. It is USDA-certified organic and is free of sugar, soy, dairy, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. It is also keto-friendly, containing 22g of protein, 2g of sugar, and 5g of fiber, and it has a smooth and creamy texture. It costs $19.99 for 1.5 lbs. 

1. Ripple Vegan Protein Shake 

Ripple Vegan Protein Shake is a low-calorie and low-sugar beverage made from peas. It provides 20g of pea protein and 30% of your daily recommended value of iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. 

It comes in three flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and coffee, and is ready to drink with no GMOs, soy, nut, gluten, or lactose. It is shelf-stable and ideal for breakfast, post-workout snacks, or light meal replacement. Ripple Vegan Protein Shake costs $42.89 for a 12-pack of 12 fl oz bottles.

FAQs

Is the Ensure Vegan Protein Shake suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities?

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake contains no wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, or soybeans. It is safe from common food allergens. However, it contains fava beans, dried beans, and modified vegetable starch, so people with allergies to these items should consult a doctor before consuming the product.

How does the taste and texture of the Ensure Vegan Protein Shake compare to other plant-based protein shakes?

 It is naturally sweetened with stevia leaves. It’s not too thick, and it has a nice smooth texture.

Can you drink Ensure Vegan Protein Shake on an empty stomach?

Yes. Ensure Vegan Protein Shake is a snack or a replacement for a meal.

How long does the Ensure Vegan Protein Shake keep in the fridge?

Once a bottle of Ensure ready-to-drink shakes and drinks has been opened, it should be used or refrigerated within four hours. The remaining product should be used or discarded after 48 hours.

Purchasing Options

Where to buy Ensure Vegan Protein Shake

Ensure Vegan Protein Shake is in stores like Target, Walmart, CVS pharmacy, and other local pharmacies/ retailers. It is available online at Abbotstore.com for $32.97/11 fl oz Tetra / Case of 12 or at Walmart.com for $14.38/ 4 servings of 325ml.

Is Ensure Vegan Protein Shake a Good Choice for Plant-Based Nutrition?

The answer is yes. Ensure Vegan Protein Shake provides essential nutrients without added calories and fat from animal-based products. It is a complete protein source for people who are worried about their protein consumption and want to follow a vegan or plant-based diet. If you wish to take your health and fitness to the next level, the Ensure vegan protein shake is the way to go.