Which Is the Best Meal Replacement: Boost, Ensure, Evolve, or Glucerna?
There are several liquid meal replacements on the market for adults. Sometimes it is hard to choose the right protein drink for a person's needs. Also, the problem lies in the fact that the protein shakes are often out of stock in local grocery stores because more people are purchasing them than in the past.
Which supplement should you consume when you want to drink your calories? Your decision should depend on your desired results. Since all of them are similar with a variety of the same nutrients, let's examine four popular meal replacements to discover which one has an edge over the others and is right for you.
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Boost
You do not have to be a diabetic to drink Boost. People without diabetes should consume the general kind. People with Type 2 diabetes can get the Boost Glucose Control. It produces a lower blood sugar different from the regular Boost.
Both the regular Boost and Boost Glucose Control come in several flavors that taste delicious.
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Ensure
Ensure is a general nutritional supplement that is ideal for people who have lost their appetite and are not getting the daily nutrients they need. Ensure has all the calories, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that meet the requirements for a meal. In fact, Ensure is a better source of calcium than the other supplements mentioned in this article.
Ensure helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and promote heart health by reducing inflammation because it contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Four bottles of Evolve
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Evolve
Evolve protein shakes aren't as popular as Boost, Ensure, and Glucerna. However, the product does basically the same things like the popular three. Evolve comes in similar tasty flavors. Therefore, if your store is out of stock for the others, perhaps you should give Evolve a try.
If you are a diabetic, buy the protein shakes that are advertised to help keep your blood glucose low.
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Glucerna
According to this writer's research, Glucerna is the best meal replacement for her because it is designed to satisfy hunger without causing rapid glucose in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Glucerna is low in calories and sugar and high in protein to keep you full. The protein content in one bottle of Glucerna is equivalent to one and a half eggs.
Keep in mind that Glucerna is not a cure for diabetes. Even if you drink the protein shake on a regular basis, still take your medicine for diabetes and continue to maintain a healthy diet.
If your main goal is to keep your blood glucose where it should be, then drink Glucerna.
Popular Liquid Supplements
| Description | Boost Glucose Control | Ensure | Evolve | Glucernia for Diabetics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flavors | Rich Chocolate, Very Vanilla, Creamy Strawberry, Cafe Mocha, and Peaches and Cream | Rich Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry | Double Chocolate, Vanilla Bean | Rich Chocolate, Homemade Vanilla, Strawberry, Peaches and Cream |
Size | 10 ounces | 8 ounces | 11 ounces | 10 ounces |
Cost | 6 bottles for $9.69 | 6 bottles $10.79 | 12 bottles for $22.34 | 6 bottles for $9.79 |
Calories | 190 | 160 | 140 | 180 |
Carbohydrates | 16g | 19g | 17 | 16g |
Fat | 7g | 2g | 2.5g | 8g |
Fiber | 3g | less than 1g | 10g | 6g |
Protein | 16g | 16g | 20g | 15g |
Sodium | 210mg | 210mg | 350mg | 300mg |
Sugars | 4g | 4g | 4g | 6g |
Others | Has calcium, Vitamin D, 26 vitamins and minerals | Contains Vitamins C & D, 27 minerals and vitamins | Contains calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc | Has vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, antioxidants, and selenium |
Who Needs It | People without diabetes can get the general kind. People with Type 2 diabetes can get the Boost Glucose Control. | Ensure is a general nutritional supplement meant to provide nutrients to those who have a poor appetite or are malnourished. | Evolve is like Boost and Ensure in that it is a general supplement and not for those with Type 2 diabetes. | Glucerna is a supplement for people with Type 2 diabetes and those who need better control over their blood sugar. |
As you can see from the table above, all the shakes are similar with minor differences. However, here are some things that all of them have in common.
- They are all ready-made meals with no preparation.
- The bottles need not be refrigerated. They can be easily taken on the go.
- The shakes have a long shelf life.
- The shakes are so good they can be considered an enjoyable treat.
- All of them help to meet senior nutritional needs, especially protein intake.
- All the shakes come in delicious flavors. However, your local grocery store is unlikely to carry all of the flavors. It is best to order them online where there is a wider selection.
The four meal replacements described in this article are not the only ones available. The protein shake market is very popular. That's why many of the shakes are out of stock. So, when you see them in the store, stock up on them.
Final Words
If you have a poor appetite, you might consider adding a nutritional supplement drink as a meal replacement. Choose either Boost, Ensure, Evolve, or Glucerna.
Keep in mind that these protein shakes are not substitutes for medication.
References
Differences Between Ensure and Glucerna
What's the Difference Between Glucerna and Ensure?
Nutritional Shakes for Seniors: Pros and Cons
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.