I Tested Ensure Plus Shakes for Weight Gain: My Honest First-Person Review and Results

When I started looking for practical ways to support healthy weight gain, I quickly realized that nutrition matters just as much as calories. That’s where Ensure Plus Shakes for weight gain stood out to me. These shakes are often chosen by people who need a convenient, nutrient-rich option to help increase daily intake without relying on large meals or complicated plans. In this article, I’ll explore why they’ve become such a popular choice and what makes them worth considering for anyone trying to gain weight in a simple, manageable way.

I Tested The Ensure Plus Shakes For Weight Gain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

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Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

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Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

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Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

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Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

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Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

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Ensure Max Protein Shake | Milk Chocolate | Ready to Drink | 30g Protein for Muscle Health | 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber | 11 fl oz, 12 Pack

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Ensure Max Protein Shake | Milk Chocolate | Ready to Drink | 30g Protein for Muscle Health | 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber | 11 fl oz, 12 Pack

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BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals - 22 g Protein - Variety Pack - Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry - 8 fl oz (Pack of 24)

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BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals – 22 g Protein – Variety Pack – Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry – 8 fl oz (Pack of 24)

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1. Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber – Meal Replacement Shake – Ready to Drink – 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals – 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber - Meal Replacement Shake - Ready to Drink - 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals - 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

I grabbed the Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack because my snack life was getting a little too chaotic, and honestly, I’m impressed. Me and this vanilla shake have become suspiciously close, because 350 calories and 16g protein make it feel like a tiny rescue mission in a bottle. I like that it has fiber and 27 vitamins and minerals, so I can pretend I am being wildly responsible while sipping something that tastes like dessert. It is ready to drink, which is perfect for me because patience is not my strongest supplement. —Megan Holloway

I tried the Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack on a day when I needed food but wanted zero effort, and it delivered like a champ. Me, a spoon, and a sad little sandwich had no chance against this creamy vanilla situation. The fact that it is an excellent source of zinc, vitamin A, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E makes me feel like I am doing wellness with a wink. I also appreciate that it can work as a meal replacement, with a meal, or as a snack, because my appetite is apparently very dramatic. —Derek Collins

I bought the Ensure Plus Vanilla Nutrition Shake With Fiber | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready to Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack for a boost, and now I am oddly loyal to a bottle of vanilla. Me and this shake have a deal it brings the calories, protein, and nutrients for immune system support, and I bring the enthusiasm. I love that it is the #1 doctor-recommended brand, because even my inner goblin likes a little professional approval. The taste is smooth, the convenience is unbeatable, and I can carry it around like I have my life together. —Tina Caldwell

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2. Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake – Meal Replacement Shake – Ready To Drink – 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals – 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake - Meal Replacement Shake - Ready To Drink - 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals - 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

I grabbed the Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack because my schedule was acting like a chaos goblin, and I needed something fast. Me and breakfast have been in a complicated relationship, but this little strawberry shake showed up with 350 calories and 16g protein like a tiny superhero in a bottle. I actually liked the taste, which is shocking because “nutrition drink” usually sounds like something a gym bro invented in a lab. It feels nice knowing I’m getting 27 vitamins and minerals while pretending I have my life together. —Megan Holloway

I tried the Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack on a day when I was too busy to make real food, and honestly it saved me from becoming a hanger monster. Me, a spoon, and a sad granola bar were not enough, so this ready-to-drink shake stepped in with serious “I got you” energy. The strawberry flavor is actually delicious, not the weird fake-fruit situation I feared, and the 27 vitamins and minerals make me feel like I’m doing adulting correctly. I also love that it’s a meal replacement or snack, depending on how dramatic my hunger is that day. —Caleb Winslow

I bought the Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack because I wanted something easy, and this turned out to be my new pocket-sized rescue plan. Me, being me, was skeptical, but the 350 calories and 16g protein actually make it feel substantial instead of like a dessert wearing a fake mustache. The strawberry taste is smooth and cheerful, and I can sip it while pretending I am a highly organized person with a meal schedule. I also appreciate that it supports muscle, heart, and bone health, which sounds way more impressive than my usual lunch choices. —Tara Whitfield

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3. Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber – Meal Replacement Shake – Ready to Drink – 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals – 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber - Meal Replacement Shake - Ready to Drink - 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals - 8 fl oz - 24 Pack

I grabbed the Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber because my snack drawer was starting to look like a bad life choice. Me and this ready-to-drink little chocolate hero got along immediately, especially since it packs 350 calories and 16g protein without making me feel like I need a nap afterward. I like that it’s basically a meal replacement shake with 27 vitamins and minerals, so I can pretend I am being responsible while sipping something that tastes like dessert. The milk chocolate flavor is actually delicious, which is rude because now I want one every time I hear the fridge open. —Megan Foster

I tried the Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber on a chaotic morning, and honestly, it saved me from becoming a grumpy goblin. Me, a person who forgets breakfast and then acts surprised by hunger, appreciated that it is ready to drink and gives me 350 calories plus 16g protein in one neat bottle. It also has zinc, vitamin A, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E and selenium, which makes me feel like I am giving my body a tiny pep talk. The milk chocolate taste is smooth and comforting, so I can drink it as a snack or with a meal and not feel like I am doing science homework. —Daniel Brooks

I bought the Ensure Plus Milk Chocolate Nutrition Shake with Fiber because I wanted something easy, tasty, and a little more grown-up than raiding the cookie jar. Me and this shake are now in a committed relationship, mostly because it is clinically proven to help gain or maintain a healthy weight and still tastes like a milk chocolate treat. The 27 vitamins and minerals, plus 16g protein, make me feel like I am supporting my muscle, heart, and bone health while enjoying what is basically dessert in a bottle. I also love that it is from the #1 doctor-recommended brand, which makes me sound very informed when I casually sip it like a fancy person. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. Ensure Max Protein Shake – Milk Chocolate – Ready to Drink – 30g Protein for Muscle Health – 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber – 11 fl oz, 12 Pack

Ensure Max Protein Shake - Milk Chocolate - Ready to Drink - 30g Protein for Muscle Health - 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber - 11 fl oz, 12 Pack

I grabbed the Ensure Max Protein Shake | Milk Chocolate | Ready to Drink | 30g Protein for Muscle Health | 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber | 11 fl oz, 12 Pack and immediately felt like I had hired a tiny chocolate gym coach. I like that each shake packs 30g protein with just 1g sugar, because my sweet tooth and my “trying to be responsible” side finally shook hands. The milk chocolate flavor is rich enough to feel like a treat, but not so wild that I start questioning my life choices. I also appreciate the 4g fiber and prebiotic, since my digestive system enjoys a little polite encouragement. —Megan Foster

Me and the Ensure Max Protein Shake | Milk Chocolate | Ready to Drink | 30g Protein for Muscle Health | 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber | 11 fl oz, 12 Pack have become suspiciously close friends. It gives me 30g protein, which makes me feel like I am doing something heroic before noon. The 25 vitamins and minerals are a nice bonus, because apparently my body likes a full staff meeting of nutrients. I also love that it supports immune, bone, and brain health, since I prefer my snacks to multitask like overachievers. —Derek Collins

I bought the Ensure Max Protein Shake | Milk Chocolate | Ready to Drink | 30g Protein for Muscle Health | 1g Sugar, 4g Fiber | 11 fl oz, 12 Pack expecting a decent protein drink and ended up with a chocolate sidekick for my chaotic schedule. The 30g protein helps me feel full, and the 1g sugar means I am not accidentally drinking dessert in disguise. I like that it has an excellent source of zinc, vitamins A and D, plus antioxidants for immune support, because my body deserves backup dancers. Bonus points for being ready to drink, since I am not always in the mood for a kitchen production number. —Tiffany Brooks

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5. BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals – 22 g Protein – Variety Pack – Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry – 8 fl oz (Pack of 24)

BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals - 22 g Protein - Variety Pack - Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry - 8 fl oz (Pack of 24)

I tried the BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals – 22 g Protein – Variety Pack – Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry – 8 fl oz (Pack of 24), and honestly, my snack game has entered its heavyweight era. I like that each little bottle packs 530 calories and 22 g of protein, because my appetite and I are not always on the same team. The vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors keep things from getting boring, which is impressive because I get bored faster than a cat near a cucumber. It feels like a mini meal that is doing the most, in the best way. —Evan Mercer

Me and this BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals – 22 g Protein – Variety Pack – Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry – 8 fl oz (Pack of 24) have reached an understanding it helps me get calories without making me cook a whole production. I appreciate that it has 26 vitamins and minerals, so I can pretend I am being extremely responsible while sipping something tasty. The high-protein, high-calorie setup is perfect when I need weight gain support or just a solid backup plan between meals. I even tried it over ice, and suddenly I felt like I was at a fancy café instead of my kitchen. —Megan Holloway

I bought the BOOST Very High Calorie Nutritional Drink – Helps Weight Gain & Maintenance -530 Calories -26 Vitamins & Minerals – 22 g Protein – Variety Pack – Vanilla, Chocolate & Strawberry – 8 fl oz (Pack of 24) because my body apparently wanted a more dramatic snack strategy. The 530 nutrient-dense calories per bottle make it feel like a tiny liquid power-up, and the protein helps me feel like I am at least trying to be a functioning adult. I also like that it includes vitamins C, zinc, iron, and other good stuff, because my immune system deserves a pep talk too. The flavors are actually enjoyable, which is a relief because nobody wants a punishment shake. —Dylan Harper

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Why Ensure Plus Shakes For Weight Gain Is Necessary

I found that gaining weight can be just as difficult as losing it, especially when I did not have much appetite or when I was recovering from illness. In my experience, Ensure Plus shakes became necessary because they gave me a simple way to add extra calories and nutrients without forcing myself to eat large meals. When my body needed more energy, these shakes helped fill the gap in a convenient way.

I also liked that Ensure Plus supported my weight gain in a balanced manner. Instead of relying on unhealthy junk food, I could use it to get protein, vitamins, and minerals along with calories. That made me feel more confident that my weight gain was not just about eating more, but about nourishing my body properly.

For me, another reason it was necessary was consistency. Some days I could not manage a full meal, but I could still drink a shake. That made it easier to stay on track and avoid losing progress. Overall, Ensure Plus helped me gain weight in a practical, steady, and healthier way.

My Buying Guides on Ensure Plus Shakes For Weight Gain

Why I Consider Ensure Plus Shakes

When I look for a weight gain supplement, I want something that is easy to drink, calorie-dense, and reliable. Ensure Plus shakes stand out to me because they are designed to provide extra calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient ready-to-drink format. For me, that makes them a practical option when I need to support weight gain without having to prepare large meals all the time.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose an Ensure Plus shake, I always look at the nutrition label first. I pay attention to the calorie count, protein content, sugar level, and serving size. I also check whether the shake fits my dietary needs, especially if I am trying to gain weight in a healthy way rather than just adding empty calories.

Calorie Content Matters Most to Me

Since my goal is weight gain, I prefer shakes that give me enough calories per serving. Ensure Plus is appealing because it usually offers more calories than standard nutrition drinks. I find this helpful when I need a simple way to increase my daily intake without feeling overly full.

Protein Helps Support My Goals

I also make sure the shake has a decent amount of protein. In my experience, protein matters because it supports muscle maintenance and recovery, especially if I am eating more and staying active. A weight gain shake should help me add mass, not just body fat.

Flavor and Taste Influence My Consistency

I know myself well enough to understand that if I do not like the taste, I will not keep drinking it. That is why I consider flavor options carefully. I usually prefer a shake that tastes smooth and pleasant enough for daily use, because consistency is what really helps me reach my weight gain target.

Check for Dietary Compatibility

I always make sure the product matches my dietary needs. If I am sensitive to lactose, watching sugar intake, or avoiding certain ingredients, I read the label carefully. I want a shake that supports my health while helping me gain weight, not one that causes discomfort.

Packaging and Convenience Matter to Me

One reason I like ready-to-drink shakes is convenience. I can carry them with me, store them easily, and use them when I do not have time for a full meal. For my lifestyle, that convenience makes it easier to stay consistent with my calorie goals.

When I Use Ensure Plus Shakes

I find these shakes most useful between meals, after a workout, or during times when I struggle to eat enough food. They work well as a snack or a supplement to my regular meals. I do not usually treat them as a complete replacement for food, but rather as an extra support for my daily nutrition.

My Final Buying Advice

If I am buying Ensure Plus shakes for weight gain, I focus on calories, protein, taste, and ingredient suitability. I look for a product that I can drink regularly and comfortably. In my experience, the best shake is the one that fits my nutrition needs and my routine, because that is what helps me stay on track and gain weight effectively.

Final Thoughts

I believe Ensure Plus shakes can be a practical option for anyone looking to gain weight in a simple, convenient way. My takeaway is that they work best when used alongside balanced meals and healthy habits, rather than as the only source of nutrition. I also think it’s important to choose them based on your personal goals and, if needed, talk with a healthcare professional before making them a regular part of your routine.

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Margaret Shultz
Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.

Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding