Ensure High Protein vs Glucerna Shake: Overview of expert opinions
Ensure High Protein is better for individuals who need to increase their overall calorie intake and support muscle health. It is a great option for athletes or older adults who may have difficulty getting enough protein in their diet. It is also a good choice for people with diabetes who are looking for a high protein shake without the potential risks associated with consuming multiple artificial sweeteners.
Ensure High Protein is recommended for individuals who prioritize taste and simplicity, and for those who prefer a thicker texture.
Glucerna Shake is specifically designed for people with diabetes or prediabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels. It contains ingredients that help manage blood sugar levels, such as CARBSTEADY®, a blend of slowly digestible carbohydrates. Glucerna Shake is also gluten-free and a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
It is a better option for individuals who prioritize variety and blood sugar management, and for those who prefer a lighter texture. Glucerna Shake is also recommended for individuals who have digestive issues or are looking for a low-sugar option to manage their blood sugar levels.
For those who need to increase their protein intake while managing their blood sugar levels, the Glucerna Protein Smart Shake is a great option. It contains the highest amount of protein out of all the shakes, with 30 grams per serving. This makes it a good option for individuals who need to increase their protein intake while managing their blood sugar levels.
Overall, both Ensure High Protein and Glucerna Shake have a strong following and are trusted by consumers for their quality and effectiveness. The specific needs and preferences of individual customers may determine which brand they choose to stick with. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which shake is best for individual needs and health conditions.
Table of contents (click on an item)
Ingredients
Ensure High Protein is better for individuals who need to increase their overall calorie intake and support muscle health. It contains corn maltodextrin and sugar, which provide additional carbohydrates and calories. It is also a good option for people with diabetes who are looking for a high protein shake without the potential risks associated with consuming multiple artificial sweeteners.
Glucerna Shake is specifically designed for people with diabetes and contains ingredients to help manage blood sugar levels. It contains CARBSTEADY®, a blend of slowly digestible carbohydrates, and a variety of added vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and wellbeing.
It is also gluten-free and a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it is not safe for people with an allergy to casein or whey, which are milk proteins. Glucerna Shake may be a better choice for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels closely.
Nutritional value
Ensure High Protein is better for individuals who need to increase their protein intake, such as athletes or older adults who may have difficulty getting enough protein in their diet. It provides a consistent 20 grams of protein per serving and contains more calories and a higher amount of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants that support immune system health.
Glucerna Shake is better for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels. It contains more fiber and potassium, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. It also contains less fat and cholesterol compared to Ensure High Protein and less sugar and carbohydrates compared to other Glucerna products.
The Glucerna Protein Smart Shake contains the highest amount of protein out of all the shakes, with 30 grams per serving, making it a good option for individuals who need to increase their protein intake while managing their blood sugar levels.
Taste
According to expert reviews, Ensure High Protein has a more consistent and generally well-liked taste compared to Glucerna Shake. It is a good option for those who need to supplement their diet with essential vitamins and minerals, and for those who need a high amount of protein for muscle maintenance and growth.
On the other hand, Glucerna Shake is designed specifically for people with diabetes and contains a blend of carbohydrates that are slowly digested, which can help manage blood sugar levels. It has a more divisive taste, with some people loving the sweetness and comparing it to a milkshake, while others find it too much or lacking compared to regular shakes.
Glucerna Shake offers a wider range of flavors, making it a more appealing option for those who are looking for variety and have specific dietary needs or preferences. Overall, the decision between Ensure High Protein and Glucerna Shake comes down to personal preference and dietary needs, but Ensure High Protein may be a better option for those who prioritize taste and simplicity, while Glucerna Shake may be a better option for those who prioritize variety and blood sugar management.
Texture
According to expert reviews, both Ensure High Protein and Glucerna Shake have a smooth texture and there is no clear winner in terms of texture. However, Ensure High Protein may be a better option for individuals who prefer a thicker texture, while Glucerna Shake may be a better option for those who prefer a lighter texture.
Ensure High Protein is also recommended for individuals who have difficulty swallowing or have a sensitive gag reflex, as it is thicker and may be easier to swallow. On the other hand, Glucerna Shake may be a better option for individuals who are looking for a protein drink that is easier to digest, as it has a lighter texture.
Overall, both products are excellent options for individuals who are looking for a protein drink with a smooth texture. It is important to consider other factors such as taste, nutritional content, and price when choosing between these products. It is also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or nutrition plan.
Digestibility
Ensure High Protein is better for individuals who need an extra boost of energy, such as athletes or those recovering from an illness or surgery. It contains corn maltodextrin, which is a complex carbohydrate that is easy to digest and provides a source of energy. It is also gluten-free and suitable for lactose intolerance.
On the other hand, Glucerna Shake is better for those with diabetes or other conditions that require careful management of blood sugar levels. It contains CARBSTEADY® which is a blend of slowly digestible carbohydrates designed to help minimize blood sugar spikes. It is also lactose-free and may be a better option for those with digestive issues.
Both shakes are designed to be easily digestible and provide essential nutrients to support overall health. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which shake is best for individual needs and health conditions.
Brand reputation
Ensure High Protein has a positive reputation as the No. 1 doctor-recommended brand and is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-protein drink to support muscle growth. It is also known for its positive reviews regarding taste and texture, making it a convenient and tasty option for those who prioritize convenience and taste.
Glucerna Shake, on the other hand, is marketed specifically towards those with diabetes or prediabetes and is designed to have a lower impact on blood sugar levels. It contains a blend of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are specifically formulated to help manage blood sugar levels.
Glucerna Shake is an excellent choice for those who prioritize diabetes management and need a low-sugar option to manage their blood sugar levels.
Overall, both Ensure High Protein and Glucerna Shake have a strong following and are trusted by consumers for their quality and effectiveness. However, the specific needs and preferences of individual customers may determine which brand they choose to stick with.
Neither Ensure High Protein nor Glucerna Shake were recommended by experts this month
On 16 Aug 2024 (26 days ago) we went through 85 Protein Drink expert endorsements , however neither Ensure High Protein nor Glucerna Shake were included in any of those recommendations. Since neither Protein Drink received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. We do, however, recommend taking a look at Owyn Vegan Protein Shake or other critically acclaimed Protein Drinks of this month.
For reference, Owyn Vegan Protein Shake received 5 endorsements this month, from TheManual (17 Mar 2023), Health.com (11 Apr 2024) MedicalNewsToday (18 Apr 2023) and 2 others.
Rank | Change | Price | Protein Drink | The Strategist ![]() | TheManual ![]() |
Health.com ![]() | MedicalNewsToday ![]() | Verywell Fit ![]() | Good Housekeeping ![]() | Insider ![]() | Healthline ![]() | Popular Science
![]() | Eat This, Not That: ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | - | $14 | ![]() Plant-based protein shake that is free from the top 8 food allergens, high in protein and fiber, and has a pleasant taste and texture. | - | 5 |
1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
N/A | N/A | $41 | ![]() | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
N/A | N/A | $45 | ![]() | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Protein Drinks ranking? It's here
Rank | Change | Price | Protein Drink | The Strategist ![]() | TheManual ![]() | Health.com ![]() | MedicalNewsToday ![]() | Verywell Fit ![]() | Good Housekeeping ![]() | Insider ![]() | Healthline ![]() | Popular Science ![]() | Eat This, Not That: ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | - | $14 | ![]() Plant-based protein shake that is free from the top 8 food allergens, high in protein and fiber, and has a pleasant taste and texture. | - | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
2 | - | $40 | ![]() High-quality, organic, and plant-based protein supplement that is suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, containing 18-20 grams of protein per serving, low in calories, and comes in four flavors. | - | 3 | - | - | 6 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
3 | - | $48 | ![]() High-quality, natural protein drink made from grass-fed milk protein isolate that is suitable for a variety of dietary needs and is a great option for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to supplement their diet with protein. | - | - | 6 | 10 | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
4 | - | $34 | ![]() | - | 1 | 10 | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Show all rows |
Expert reviews [3]
- with a score: 0
- without a score: 3
Expert reviews [8]
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 7
Score distribution:
80-100 | |
60-80 | |
40-60 | |
20-40 | |
0-20 |
- HIGH PROTEIN: Each Ensure High Protein shake has 16g of protein to help build muscle and manage hunger
- 27 ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS: Nutrition to help you stay active and provides 100% of the daily value of vitamin C
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- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: With nutrients to help support immune system health, including protein, vitamins A & D, zinc, and antioxidants (vitamins C & E)
- HELP MANAGE BLOOD SUGAR*: Glucerna shakes have CARBSTEADY, unique blends of slowrelease carbohydrates to help minimize blood sugar spikes. Great as a meal or snack replacement
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