In a country like Canada where we’re lucky to have access to so many food options, it’s easy to forget that not everyone can eat three balanced meals a day. Whether due to illness, age, recovery, or appetite issues, sometimes solid food just isn’t enough. That’s where Ensure Drink comes in — a ready-made nutritional shake that helps fill in the gaps when meals fall short.
At Dining Discover, we’re usually sharing menus and dining hours across the country, but today we’re looking at nutrition in a more practical way. Not everyone is chasing fancy restaurant meals — some are just trying to stay nourished. And that’s a conversation worth having.
What Exactly Is Ensure?
Ensure is a nutritional supplement drink that’s been around for decades. Made by Abbott, a well-known healthcare brand, it’s designed to support people who need help meeting their daily nutrition goals. Each bottle is pre-mixed and ready to drink — no blender or meal prep needed.
Depending on the version, a typical bottle contains:
- 250 to 350 calories
- 9 to 30 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates and healthy fats
- A full list of vitamins and minerals
- No gluten (and usually suitable for those with lactose intolerance, though it does contain milk)
It comes in familiar flavours like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry — and the texture is smooth and easy to drink, even for those with difficulty swallowing.
Who Should Be Drinking It?
Ensure isn’t meant for everyone — it’s not a weight-loss shake or a gym protein drink. Instead, it’s made for people who struggle to get proper nutrition from regular meals.
This might include:
- Seniors who eat less than they used to
- People recovering from surgery or illness
- Anyone with a poor appetite
- Those on medication that affects hunger
- Caregivers looking after loved ones with dietary challenges
It’s also sometimes recommended to people who need to gain weight but can’t manage it through normal eating alone.
Types of Ensure You’ll Find in Canada
There are several Ensure products available on shelves in Canadian grocery stores and pharmacies:
| Product | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ensure Original | Basic nutritional support – 250 calories, 9g protein |
| Ensure Plus | Higher calories (350+) – good for weight maintenance or gain |
| Ensure High Protein | Extra protein – for people who need muscle support |
| Ensure Max Protein | 30g protein, low sugar – suitable for more active adults |
| Ensure Compact | Smaller bottle, same nutrition – easier to finish |
Each product serves a different need, so if you’re unsure which one fits your situation, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or dietitian.
When and How to Use It
There’s no complicated schedule to follow with Ensure — it’s all about what works best for the person drinking it. Some people use it once a day, while others might have two or three bottles during times of recovery.
Popular times to drink Ensure include:
- In the morning when appetite is low
- Between meals as a snack
- Before or after medication
- In the evening when someone feels too tired to eat
Some even mix it into smoothies or coffee to change up the flavour.
Can Ensure Replace Real Meals?
Technically, Ensure has enough calories and nutrients to stand in for a meal — but it’s best used as a supplement, not a full replacement. Eating regular food provides texture, fibre, and variety that a drink can’t offer. That said, if someone’s struggling to eat, drinking Ensure is far better than skipping nutrition altogether.
Where Can You Buy Ensure in Canada?
Thankfully, Ensure is widely available across Canada. You’ll find it in:
- Grocery stores – Walmart, Loblaws, Sobeys, Real Canadian Superstore
- Pharmacies – Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharmasave
- Online – Amazon.ca, Well.ca, or Abbott’s Canadian site
It’s often sold in 6-packs or 12-packs, and most retailers carry several flavours and versions.
Tip: Buy a small pack first to see which flavour the person prefers — most people like chocolate or vanilla best.
Any Downsides?
Ensure is a great option for many people, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- It contains added sugar, which may not suit people with diabetes (although special versions are available).
- It includes milk protein, so it’s not safe for people with a milk allergy (though it’s fine for most with lactose intolerance).
- It shouldn’t be used as the only source of food for long periods without medical advice.
Final Thoughts
Not every meal is going to come from a plate — and for some, it’s a win just to stay nourished and energized. That’s where Ensure earns its place. It’s easy, nutritious, and practical for people who need help getting the fuel their body requires.
If you’re caring for someone who’s struggling to eat, or even looking after yourself during a tough time, Ensure can be a simple way to stay on track. It’s not about replacing meals — it’s about supporting health when regular eating gets difficult.
Sometimes, the right meal comes in a bottle — and there’s nothing wrong with that.
