Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining health, particularly as you age. It serves as a fundamental building block for muscle tissue, which is essential for muscle mass and the repair of injured tissues. As you grow older, the natural loss of muscle mass can impact mobility, balance, and increase the risk of falls and injuries. Therefore, it’s important to focus on maintaining muscle mass through both exercise and sufficient protein intake.
However, meeting daily protein needs can be challenging for some, especially seniors. Research suggests that many do not get enough protein from their diet alone. In such cases, protein supplements, like protein drinks, can be beneficial. Not all protein supplements are the same, though, and selecting one designed with seniors in mind may help meet your nutritional needs more effectively.
Featured Products:
- Our Pick: Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milkshake
- Sperri Meal Replacement
- Ensure Max Protein Meal Supplement
- Boost Protein+ Meal Replacement
- Premier Protein Shake
- Simply Protein Shake
Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milkshake
Fairlife has distinguished itself in the dairy industry by offering milk-based beverages optimized for superior nutrition and taste. The company employs a specialized filtration process that enhances natural protein and calcium levels while reducing sugars.
The Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milkshake incorporates a blend of ingredients including filtered lowfat Grade A milk, alkalized cocoa, and natural flavors. It is also fortified with vitamins A and D3, and employs a mix of sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, monk fruit juice concentrate, stevia leaf extract, and sucralose. Notably, it includes the lactase enzyme, making it more digestible for those with lactose intolerance. Texturizers such as carrageenan, cellulose gel, and cellulose gum ensure a consistent and smooth consistency.
Nutritionally, the Core Power High Protein Milkshake is robust. Each serving contains 42 grams of protein, representing 84% of the daily value, and 900 mg of calcium, or 70% of the daily value. This high-protein, high-calcium profile is complemented by a modest total fat content of 4g and a reasonable 260mg of sodium per serving. The inclusion of 2g of dietary fiber and a mere 7g of total sugars—none of which are added sugars—further enhances its appeal as a healthy choice.
For seniors, the Core Power High Protein Milkshake could be particularly beneficial. The inclusion of vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, is crucial for seniors who may not synthesize this vitamin as efficiently due to reduced skin exposure to sunlight. The presence of Vitamin A and potassium also support overall health, aiding in functions ranging from vision maintenance to cardiovascular health.
Sperri Meal Replacement
As Canada’s first organic and non-GMO, plant-based meal replacement, Sperri stands out with its commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients. It features a protein blend from organic pea protein and hemp protein, sweetened with natural sources like tapioca maltodextrin, tapioca syrup, and maple syrup. Organic oils such as sunflower, safflower, and hemp seed oil add essential fatty acids, which are vital for heart health and cholesterol regulation.
Nutritionally, each serving of the Sperri Meal Replacement is well-rounded, providing 300 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat, alongside a robust 37 grams of carbohydrates, which includes 15 grams of sugars and 1 gram of dietary fiber. This meal replacement is fortified with an array of vitamins and minerals, ensuring that it meets a significant portion of daily nutritional needs with ingredients like calcium, iron, potassium, and a comprehensive suite of vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as various B vitamins.
For seniors, the benefits of Sperri Meal Replacement are particularly notable. The inclusion of essential fatty acids aids cardiovascular health, important for seniors. The broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals in Sperri addresses typical nutritional gaps in senior diets, such as Vitamin D for bone health and Vitamin B12 for proper nerve function and blood cell formation.
Moreover, the convenience and digestibility of Sperri Meal Replacement make it an ideal dietary supplement for seniors who might find traditional meal preparation challenging or who experience reduced appetite, ensuring they receive necessary nutrients in a simple, effective manner.
Ensure Max Protein Meal Supplement
Ensure, a brand synonymous with adult nutrition, offers a range of meal supplements and shakes designed to support a variety of dietary needs. Abbott, the parent company of Ensure, is a global healthcare leader with a diverse portfolio that spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines.
The Ensure Max Protein Meal Supplement’s formulation includes water, milk protein concentrate, and calcium caseinate as primary protein sources, providing a solid foundation of amino acids essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The product also contains a blend of soluble corn fibre and short-chain fructooligosaccharides to support digestive health.
Nutritionally, Ensure Max Protein delivers a substantial 30g of protein per serving while keeping calorie content relatively low at 150 calories. This makes it an efficient source of protein without excessive caloric intake. The fat content is minimal at 1.5g, with only 0.5g as saturated fat. Carbohydrates are equally modest at 6g per serving, which includes 2g of dietary fibre and a mere 1g of sugars. The supplement is also fortified with a comprehensive array of vitamins and minerals, enhancing its profile as a balanced meal supplement.
For seniors, Ensure Max Protein Meal Supplement offers several benefits. The high protein content is crucial for counteracting age-related muscle loss. Protein is vital for preserving muscle mass and strength, factors that are important for maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, the blend of vitamins and minerals supports overall health, addressing common deficiencies that may occur in older age. The inclusion of Vitamin D and calcium is particularly beneficial for bone health, while B vitamins and iron support energy metabolism and cognitive function.
This supplement’s low sugar and high fibre content are also advantageous for seniors who may be managing conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, requiring diets low in sugars and high in dietary fibre. Moreover, the presence of digestive aids like cellulose gel and gum helps maintain digestive health, which can be a concern for some seniors.
Boost Protein+ Meal Replacement Shake
Boost, a prominent brand under the Nestlé umbrella, specializes in nutritional supplements and meal replacement products. Nestlé, the parent company of Boost, stands as a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness.
The Boost Protein+ Meal Replacement Shake is crafted with an array of ingredients aimed at providing comprehensive nutritional support. It includes water, milk protein, and soy protein isolate as its primary sources of protein, delivering a robust 27 grams per 325 ml serving. The product also incorporates vegetable oils like canola and high oleic sunflower oil, contributing to its total fat content. Sugars and corn syrup are included as carbohydrates, amounting to 22 grams per serving, with 13 grams of those being sugars. The shake is also fortified with a spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, D, E, C, and B vitamins, along with essential minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium.
From a nutritional standpoint, the Boost Protein+ Shake provides 270 calories per serving, making it a substantial meal replacement or supplement. It offers 40% of the daily value for calcium, 36% for phosphorus, and 40% for magnesium, nutrients that are vital for maintaining bone health. The inclusion of a wide range of vitamins supports overall metabolic function and immunity, which are crucial for senior health.
For seniors, this meal replacement shake offers several advantages. The balance of vitamins and minerals can help address nutritional gaps that may occur due to changes in diet or absorption inefficiencies often seen in seniors. Additionally, the shake’s formulation with cellulose gel and gum aids in digestion, making it suitable for those with digestive sensitivities.
Furthermore, the Boost Protein+ Meal Replacement Shake includes essential fatty acids, which are important for heart health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The presence of antioxidants from vitamins such as vitamin E and selenium contributes to combating oxidative stress, a common issue in seniors.
Premier Protein Shake
Known for its protein-rich shakes and bars, Premier Protein focuses on delivering high-quality, convenient nutrition solutions that appeal to health-conscious individuals. Bellring Brands, the parent company behind Premier Protein, operates within the global convenient nutrition category.
The Premier Protein Shake is formulated with a blend of high-quality ingredients. It contains water, milk protein concentrate, and calcium caseinate as primary sources of protein, delivering a substantial 30 grams per serving. The shake is also enhanced with a vitamin and mineral blend, including vitamins A, D, E, C, and several B vitamins, alongside essential minerals like zinc, iron, and manganese. The inclusion of coffee extract and caffeine suggests a targeted appeal to consumers looking for both protein and an energy boost. Additional ingredients such as inulin and cellulose contribute to its fiber content, while sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium provide sweetness without added sugars.
Nutritionally, the Premier Protein Shake offers a balanced profile suitable for meal replacement or supplementation. It is low in fat with only 3 grams per serving and contains just 0.5 grams of saturated fat. The carbohydrate content is minimal at 5 grams per serving, including 2 grams of dietary fiber and 1 gram of sugars. This low-sugar formulation is particularly noteworthy for those monitoring their sugar intake. The shake also provides a notable amount of calcium (650 mg) and phosphorus (550 mg), which are important for bone health.
For seniors, the nutritional attributes of the Premier Protein Shake are particularly beneficial. The variety of vitamins included in the shake supports overall health, addressing common deficiencies and supporting immune function, which is crucial for seniors. The presence of vitamins D and B12, along with calcium and phosphorus, supports bone health—a significant concern for seniors who are more susceptible to bone density loss. The inclusion of fiber enhances gastrointestinal function, which can be compromised in seniors.
Simply Protein Shake
Simply Protein has positioned itself as a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, plant-based nutrition options that are both simple and satisfying. The brand focuses on creating products that cater to health-conscious consumers looking for convenient, clean, and nutrient-rich food choices that support a healthy lifestyle.
Simply Protein Shake is formulated primarily with pea protein isolate, a high-quality plant protein that provides all essential amino acids necessary for good health. Chicory root fibre is included to enhance digestive health through its prebiotic properties. The shake also contains natural flavours, and minimal amounts of cane sugar for sweetness, ensuring the product remains both tasteful and health-oriented. Vegetable oils such as sunflower or canola provide healthy fats, while a unique blend of vegetable and fruit extracts—including broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, and maitake mushroom—enriches the shake with additional nutrients.
Nutritionally, the Simply Protein Shake offers a balanced profile suitable for meal replacement or supplementation. Each serving contains 200 calories, making it a moderate addition to the daily diet. It boasts 7 grams of fat and 17 grams of carbohydrates, with 8 grams of dietary fibre, which is beneficial for maintaining good digestive health. The protein content is substantial at 15 grams per serving, providing a good source of plant-based protein. The shake also contains essential vitamins and minerals, including 4 mg of iron, 20 mg of calcium, and vitamins D and E.
For seniors, the Simply Protein Shake presents several beneficial attributes. The high fibre content not only aids in digestion, which can often become sluggish as people age, but also contributes to heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels.
The low sugar content of the shake, sweetened modestly with stevia and cane sugar, makes it a suitable option for seniors managing their glycemic load, particularly those with diabetes or prediabetes. The moderate calorie count ensures that it can fit well into a meal plan without contributing excessively to daily caloric intake, which is crucial for seniors who require fewer calories yet need nutrient-dense foods to maintain their health.