07/11/2025
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THESE COMMONLY RECOMMENDED PROTEIN SHAKES!
All protein drinks are definitely not created equal! If you or a loved one is drinking either of these widely recommended products you should know what you are putting in you body. Let’s break down some of the ingredients.
SUCRALOSE is an artificial sweetener which has side effects such as bloating, diarrhea and also negatively impacting the gut biome as a whole. Sucralose can effect insulin levels and has been shown in studies to damage DNA in brain cells. It has also been linked to metabolic syndrome and the increased risk of cancer.
AND THAT’S JUST ONE HARMFUL INGREDIENT!
CORN SYRUP has been known to be a huge contributing factor in Type 2 diabetes, potential liver problems and heart disease.
CANOLA and CORN OILS both have been shown to cause inflammation and oxidative stress, and they have also been connected to liver issues.
MALTODEXTRIN can cause blood sugar spikes, gastrointestinal issues, inflammation and weight gain.
SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE can cause gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. It can affect reproductive hormones and is a highly inferior source of protein.
CARRAGEENAN is used as a thickener and emulsifier and has actually been banned in other countries such as China, India and the UK because of it’s carcinogenic properties. Carrageenan can cause bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some people have even experienced ulcers.
DIMETHYPOLYSILOXANE. is a silicone based stabilizer that is also used as a sealant, lubricant and in personal products such as hair conditioner ~ need I say more?
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS are created in a lab and once again can impact gut health and cause allergic reactions, headaches and fatigue.
SUGAR ~15 grams in just 8 ounces of Ensure.
Here are the list of ingredients in both products:
ENSURE Milk Chocolate Flavor Ingredients
Water, Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar, Milk Protein Concentrate, Blend of Vegetable Oils (Canola, Corn), Soy Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali). Less than 0.5% of: Vitamins & Minerals (Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Calcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12), Nonfat Milk, Cellulose Gel, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Carrageenan, and Sucralose.
BOOST Original - Chocolate Ingredients
Water, Corn Syrup, Milk Protein, Sugar, Vegetable Oils (Canola, High Oleic Sunflower and Corn), Cocoa, Soy Protein, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3, DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Choline Bitartrate), Minerals (Potassium Citrate, Potassium Hydrate, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Ferric Pyrophosphate, Zinc Sulphate, Manganese Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Trichloride), Cellulose Gel and Gum, Soy Lecithin, Carrageenan, Stevia Extract, Flavour, Dimethylpolysiloxane.
I hope that this information will compel you to take look at your labels and to educate yourself. And while I urge you to get your protein from actual food sources, it is not always convenient or possible. Therefore there are definitely some healthier options that are equally cost effective that you can investigate.
Here are three high quality protein shakes, some ready made and some that you simply mix with water:
OWYN contains 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar per a 12 ounce bottle.
TRUVANI contains 20 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar, available online.
KA’CHAVA is a superfood protein powder that is packed with vitamins and minerals and contains 25 grams of protein with 7 grams of sugar.