Choosing the best nutrition drinks for adults and seniors

Vanilla or strawberry? Clear or creamy? High in protein or high in calories? If you’re navigating the world of nutrition drinks for a loved one, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.

You’re not alone in feeling this way. We’ve spoken with countless caregivers who are trying to find the right nutritional support for the adult or senior in their care. To help simplify your decision, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear and compiled our top-recommended nutrition drinks for adults.

When are nutrition drinks a good choice?

Supplemental nutrition drinks are designed to provide a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. They act as a convenient way to add calories and essential nutrients to a diet. For individuals who are unable to eat solid meals, they can even serve as a complete source of nutrition.

However, it’s important to understand what these drinks can and can’t do. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations.

The benefits of nutrition drinks

  • Easy to use and open: For seniors with limited hand strength or mobility, these drinks are simple to open and consume without any complex preparation.

  • Quick alternative to cooking: We all want to prepare home-cooked meals, but busy schedules, fatigue, or caregiving duties can make that difficult. Nutrition drinks are a reliable backup when you’re short on time or energy.

  • Encourages appetite: Many users say, “It tastes just like a milkshake!” A delicious, familiar flavor can help reduce resistance to eating, especially for those with a diminished appetite.

  • Ideal for swallowing difficulties: Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common challenge, affecting about 15% of seniors

    and nearly 70% of nursing home residents. Shakes and drinks are often a safe and effective nutritional solution for those who cannot eat solid foods.

  • Great value in bulk: You can often find nutrition drinks in bulk cases, making it easier to stay stocked up while saving money.

Important considerations

  • Sugar content varies: The great taste often comes from sugar. While sugar provides energy, it’s wise to compare labels. The best daily nutrition drinks for seniors and adults will have a balanced ingredient profile.

  • May not feel as filling: As a supplement, a nutrition drink may not provide the same feeling of fullness as a traditional meal. If hunger soon follows, consider pairing the drink with a small, healthy snack.

  • Potential for overconsumption: Because they are so easy to drink, it can be tempting to have more than needed. This can lead to consuming too many calories and unwanted weight gain. Always follow the serving recommendations on the package.

How do I choose the right nutrition drink?

The best nutrition drink depends entirely on your loved one’s individual health goals and dietary needs.

Before you buy, ask yourself:

  • What is the goal? Do you want to help them lose, maintain, or gain weight?

  • Are there dietary restrictions? Do they need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or diabetic-friendly option?

  • Are there any lifestyle preferences? For example, is a vegan or plant-based option preferred?

Answering these questions will make it much easier to find the perfect match.

Light vs. high-calorie shakes: what’s the difference?

Nutrition shakes are not one-size-fits-all. You’ll find a wide variety of formulas, including:

  • High-Protein

  • Low-Sugar

  • High-Calorie

“Light” nutrition shakes are lower in calories and sugar, often used for diet management or as a small nutritional boost.

But what if the goal is to prevent weight loss or help build muscle mass? This is where a high-calorie shake is essential. For example, a “max” or “very high-calorie” shake can contain over 350 calories per serving, making it an effective supplement for gaining or maintaining weight.