Nestlé manufactures a line of ready-to-drink "energy" shakes called Boost. There is the original shake and several specialty versions, including a high-protein, high-calorie or "plus" shake, Kid Essentials and Glucose Control for individuals with type 2 diabetes. They come in traditional flavors, such as strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. Though a source of many vitamins and minerals, and rich in protein, all of these beverages, except Glucose Control, are high in sugars.
Original and High-Protein
One serving or 8 fluid oz. of either Boost original or high-protein shake offer 240 calories. However, the protein, carbohydrate and fat values differ slightly between the two shakes. One serving of Boost original vanilla-flavored shake provides 10 g of protein, 4 g of fat, 0.5 g of saturated fat, 41 g of total carbohydrates, 25 g of sugars and 0 g of dietary fiber. The same amount of Boost high-protein vanilla-flavored shake provides 15 g of protein, 6 g of fat, 0.5 g of saturated fat, 33 g of carbohydrates, 18 g of sugars and 0 g of dietary fiber.
Nestlé fortifies these shakes with 25 vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamins C and E, meeting 100 percent of the recommended daily value or DV per 8 fluid oz. serving. While these drinks are a source of high quality protein and many vitamins and minerals they are high in sugar and do not contain dietary fiber.
Glucose Control
One version, Boost Glucose Control, is appropriate for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. Boost Glucose Control is slightly lower in carbohydrates and higher in monounsaturated fats than traditional energy drinks, similar to other shakes marketed toward those with diabetes, such as Abbott's Glucerna drink. Boost Glucose Control contains dietary fiber, which helps to lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, according to the MayoClinic website.
One bottle or 8 fluid oz. of the vanilla-flavored shake provides 190 calories, 16 g of protein, 7 g of fat, 1 g of saturated fat, 16 g of carbohydrates, 4 g of sugars and 3 g of dietary fiber. The protein in this Boost beverage comes from milk and, like the original and high-protein versions; it is vitamin and mineral fortified. One serving meets, on average, 40 percent of the DV for 25 vitamins and minerals. It is especially rich in the antioxidant nutrients vitamins E and C, meeting 200 and 170 percent of the DV for each, respectively. Because Boost Glucose Control is lower in total calories and sugars, higher in protein and provides 3 g of dietary fiber per serving, it is a better choice for the average individual than the original and high-protein shakes.
Kid Essentials Advanced
Boost Kid Essentials Advanced is available in chocolate or vanilla flavors in a ready-to-drink carton with a straw. One 8.25 fluid oz. serving or 244 mL of the chocolate-flavored drink provides 240 calories, 7 g of protein, 9 g of fat, 3 g of saturated fat, 33 g of carbohydrates, 25 g of sugars and 0 g of dietary fiber. Like all Boost shakes, Kid Essentials Advanced is vitamin- and mineral-fortified. It is especially rich in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D and thiamin or vitamin B-1. While this shake may be appropriate short-term for a child in need of gaining weight, it is high in sugars and fat and provides no dietary fiber.
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