Getting good nutrition is important for children, teens, adults and the elderly. Yet sometimes it's difficult to eat the right foods. Adults are sometimes too busy to fit in breakfast, and the elderly sometimes lose their appetite. The website American Diabetes says nutritional drinks can be beneficial for anyone with difficulties getting enough nutrients, whether it is due to digestive problems, difficulty chewing or simply lack of time to eat. With so many different nutritional drinks on the market, it can be hard to choose which one is right for you.
Step 1
Look at the calorie content in each beverage as well as the different nutrients. If you have a lack of appetite or need help gaining weight, you want to make sure the drink contains at least 300 calories per serving. If you need to lose weight or maintain your weight, you should look for nutritional drinks with fewer calories. Ohio State University Medical Center says an 8 oz. serving of Boost Plus has 360 calories, while an 8 oz. Glucerna shake has 220 calories. Some drinks, such as Carnation Instant Breakfast, are fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals, while others are not.
Step 2
Consider any additional nutritional concerns that you have when looking at nutritional drinks. People with celiac disease may need to buy special gluten-free versions of nutritional drinks. Diabetics can choose from a variety of high-protein, low-sugar nutritional drinks. Even lactose-free nutritional drinks are out there for people who are lactose intolerant. If you can't find one that is right for your nutritional needs, speak with your doctor or registered dietitian.
Step 3
Purchase one can of several different nutritional drinks to compare the taste. Nutritional drinks typically come in flavors such as chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, yet the tastes can vary greatly among brands. Try purchasing one flavor, such as chocolate only, from three or more brands. Drink one a day for three days and write down your thoughts about the taste immediately after drinking. When you've tried several brands, you can compare your notes and make a decision based on taste.
Step 4
Compare the cost of the different nutritional supplements. For example, Boost and Ensure generally sell for around $30 for 24 drinks, as of 2010. Yet Carnation Instant Breakfast sells for around $10 less. If you have a medical problem, you may want to call up your insurance company and ask if they cover any nutritional drinks. You can also check local warehouses to see if certain brands of nutritional drinks are sold cheaper in bulk.
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