Ensure Original vs. Ensure Plus: Which Nutrition Shake Is Right for You?
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Ensure is the #1 doctor-recommended brand of nutrition shakes, and two of its most popular options are Ensure Original and Ensure Plus. They come in the same 8 fl oz bottles and similar flavors, so it's easy to grab the wrong one. The difference comes down to calories and protein, and which one you need depends on your goals.
Ensure Original vs. Ensure Plus at a glance
| Ensure Original | Ensure Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per bottle | 220 | 350 |
| Protein per bottle | 9g | 16g |
| Vitamins & minerals | 27 | 27 |
| Best for | Everyday balanced nutrition, small meal replacement, snacks | Gaining or maintaining healthy weight, meal replacement |
| Gluten-free, kosher, halal | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for lactose intolerance* | Yes | Yes |
*Not for people with galactosemia.
Who should choose Ensure Original?
Ensure Original is designed for everyday, complete and balanced nutrition. With 220 calories and 9g of high-quality protein, it works well as:
- A small meal replacement on busy days
- A nutritious snack between meals
- An add-on to a light meal when you need more nutrients
It also delivers nutrients to support immune, bone, muscle and heart health, including vitamin D and calcium. If you simply want an easy way to fill nutrition gaps without a lot of extra calories, Ensure Original is the one to pick.
Shop it: Ensure Original Vanilla (24 pack), Milk Chocolate (24 pack), Strawberry (24 pack), or the bigger Milk Chocolate 30 pack and Vanilla 30 pack.
Who should choose Ensure Plus?
Ensure Plus is clinically proven to help you gain or maintain weight. Each bottle packs 350 calories and 16g of protein, which is 75% more protein than Ensure Original. That makes it a better fit for:
- People who need extra calories to gain or keep healthy weight
- Smaller appetites that need more nutrition in every sip
- Anyone using a shake as a full meal replacement
Shop it: Ensure Plus Vanilla (24 pack).
What about protein-focused shakes?
If your main goal is protein (for example, after workouts) rather than balanced nutrition or extra calories, a dedicated protein shake may suit you better. Premier Protein has 30g of protein with just 1g of sugar, and fairlife Core Power Elite has 42g. Compare them in our Protein Shakes & Drinks collection.
Tips for enjoying Ensure
- Serve it cold. Ensure tastes best chilled, so keep a few bottles in the fridge.
- Shake well before opening.
- Store unopened bottles at room temperature. Once opened, cover, refrigerate and use within 48 hours.
- Buy by the case. A 24 or 30 pack keeps you stocked for weeks and costs less per bottle.
The bottom line
Choose Ensure Original for everyday balanced nutrition and Ensure Plus when you need more calories and protein to gain or maintain weight. If you're managing a medical condition or a specific diet, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about which option is right for you.
Browse every option in our Ensure collection.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always read the product label before use.