Updated in July 2025! Decades ago, ready-to-drink nutritional supplements were almost exclusively milk based. And in many towns, Ensure was the only option. But the market for dairy-free nutrition shakes has grown tremendously. Today, we have a whole selection of dairy-free nutrition shakes and meal replacement beverages with grab and go convenience. I’m going to discuss Ensure and FAQs related to it first. But you can jump ahead to the Best Dairy-Free Nutrition Shakes.
What is Ensure? Does Dairy-Free Ensure Exist?
Ensure is a nutritional milk protein beverage that was created over 50 years ago for use in hospitals. It has since expanded to retail, and has reached $3 billion in annual global sales. Ensure is backed by clinical trials, and is still touted as the top recommended brand of nutrition drinks by doctors.
Ensure is formulated to be an easy-to-drink food that fills in the gaps when someone is getting inadequate nutrition, has increased nutritional needs, has malabsorption issues, or needs to maintain or increase weight. Some physicians also recommend it as a convenient and consistent option for patients who might need help with adequate vitamin and mineral intake.
In addition to a carefully balanced level of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, Ensure is enriched with 27 vitamins and minerals. And the focus of Ensure really is on that nutrient and micronutrient balance. As you can see in the ingredients below, this is a scientifically-developed meal replacement drink.
Original Ensure Ingredients: water, corn maltodextrin, sugar, milk protein concentrate, blend of vegetable oils (canola, corn), soy protein isolate, cocoa powder (processed with alkali). less than 0.5% of: vitamins & minerals (potassium citrate, magnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate, ascorbic acid, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, choline chloride, potassium hydroxide, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, zinc sulfate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, copper sulfate, riboflavin, vitamin a palmitate, folic acid, potassium iodide, sodium selenate, sodium molybdate, phylloquinone, biotin, vitamin d3, vitamin b12), nonfat milk, cellulose gel, natural & artificial flavors, salt, cellulose gum, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, carrageenan, and sucralose.
Is there a Dairy-Free Ensure or Vegan Brands Like Ensure?
Yes, there is now a plant-based Ensure that is dairy-free! But it isn’t identical to the Original Ensure. In fact, most dairy-free nutrition shakes are modernized with simpler ingredients and a different nutrient balance. For example, plant-based Ensure is notably higher in fiber and protein than the Original Ensure. It’s also made without ingredients like maltodextrin, carrageenan, and sucralose, which have fallen out of favor with consumers.
Can I Use a Dairy-Free Nutrition Shake in Place of Ensure?
It’s essential to discuss your specific dietary needs with a medical professional. Only you and your doctor can decide your specific nutrient needs and if a dairy-free nutrition drink or meal replacement beverage will address them properly. You can share the list below with them for discussion.
The Best Dairy-Free Nutrition Shakes & Meal Replacement Drinks
Allergen Notes: All items listed below are dairy-free by ingredients. They also happen to be egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. But ingredients are subject to change at any time, and all products are at some degree of risk for allergen cross contamination, whether they have a “may contain” statement or not. Always read the label before consuming any food, and make sure you are familiar with this may contain information. Only you can decide what is safe for your needs.
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links to retailers that we buy from, too. We might receive a commission if you make purchases through these links. These commissions do not direct our content, but do help to support the maintenance of our site.
This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding nutritional supplements and before any change in diet.
Ensure Plant-Based Protein Nutrition Shakes
It’s true! Ensure now has a dairy-free version of their high protein nutrition shakes. Like their dairy line, plant-based Ensure is stocked with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and has a well rounded nutrition profile. But unlike the dairy versions, it’s made with fava bean protein and pea protein, and shuns soy, carrageenan, sucralose, and artificial flavors.
Varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla
Nutrition Facts (11 oz): 180 calories, 6g fat, 300mg sodium, 13g carbs, 5g fiber, 7g sugar (7g added sugar), 20g protein
Top Allergens: none
Where to Buy: CVS Pharmacies, Amazon
Compleat Standard Plant Based Nutrition Shakes
This is a medically-focused brand from Nestlé Health Science. The Standard line is vegan, and it includes adult and pediatric formulas suitable for drinking and tube feeding. They’re allergy-friendly and made with pea protein. The nutrition facts below are a sample from the “adult” line, but the pediatric line is also higher calorie and nutrient. Please note that their Original line is made with milk.
Varieties: Vanilla 1.4, Vanilla Pediatric 1.0, Vanilla Pediatric 1.4
Nutrition Facts (8.5 oz): 350 calories, 16g fat, 310mg sodium, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 7g sugar (7g added sugar), 18g protein
Top Allergens: none
Where to Buy: Amazon
Else Kids Complete Nutrition Shake
These convenient drinks are for kids 2 and older, and boast more of a whole food ingredient list. They have a base of almond butter and buckwheat flour, supplemented with kid-friendly doses of vitamins and minerals. They are also sweetened solely with just enough sugar, to suit picky eaters.
Varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla
Nutrition Facts (8 oz): 250 calories, 13g fat, 80mg sodium, 25g carbs, 3g fiber, 7g sugar (6g added sugar), 8g protein
Top Allergens: tree nuts (almonds)
Huel Nutritionally Complete Ready-to-drink Meals
Their classic line of dairy-free nutritional shakes is is made with pea protein, but they also have a “black edition” that’s filled with 35 grams of pea protein and faba bean protein. The latter comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Banana, and Ice Coffee. The former comes in all of the following varieties and is still pretty nutrient dense.
Varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Cinnamon Roll, Berry, Iced Coffee Caramel
Nutrition Facts (16.9 oz): 400 calories, 19g fat, 360mg sodium, 41g carbs, 8g fiber, 3g sugar (2g added sugar), 20g protein
Top Allergens: none
Kate Farms Nutrition Shakes
I could write an entire article about Kate Farms’ product line. They are a pioneer in allergy-friendly nutritional support for kids and adults, with various product options for different medical conditions and tube feeding. But we’re talking right now about their everyday nutrition line, which includes regular and kids varieties. Both are made with pea protein and stocked with an array of vitamins and minerals. But the adult line is more nutrient dense and higher in sugar. The sample nutrition facts below are for the adult line.
Varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Coffee, Kids Chocolate, Kids Vanilla, Kids Strawberry
Nutrition Facts (11 oz): 330 calories, 12g fat, 260mg sodium, 38g carbs, 6g fiber, 18g sugar (18g added sugar), 16g protein
Top Allergens: none
Where to Buy: Kate Farms, Amazon
Kate Farms High Protein Nutrition Shakes
These even higher protein shakes were launched with GLP-1 users in mind. Rather than satiety, which the medications already provide, these shakes focus on bridging nutrition gaps that can happen when people reduce their food consumption. Unlike their other shakes, these are lower in calories, sugars, and carbs, but higher in protein. And unlike most other protein shakes, these are supplemented with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Varieties: Chocolate, Strawberry
Nutrition Facts (11 oz): 160 calories, 4g fat, 280mg sodium, 9g carbs, 6g fiber, 0g sugar (0g added sugar), 25g protein
Top Allergens: none
Where to Buy: Kate Farms, Amazon
Koia Nutrition Shakes
Their proprietary protein blend is made with a combination of brown rice, pea, and chickpea proteins. They also use prebiotic fibers and limit the sugars, making this a fairly good option for low carb and keto diets. And unlike many of the other Koia drinks, these are shelf stable.
Varieties: Vanilla Bean, Cacao Bean, Chocolate Banana, Cold Brew Coffee
Nutrition Facts (11 oz): 180 calories, 6g fat, 250mg sodium, 12g carbs, 6g fiber, 3g sugar (3g added sugar), 20g protein
Top Allergens: tree nuts (almonds)
Orgain Vegan Organic Nutrition Shakes
These drinks contain a protein combination of pea protein and chia seeds and a unique blend of fruits and vegetables. Just use caution as they make several dairy protein and nutrition shakes that look similar to the vegan ones.
Varieties: Smooth Chocolate, Vanilla Bean
Nutrition Facts (11 oz): 230 calories, 6g fat, 260mg sodium, 28g carbs, 2g fiber, 10g sugar (10g added sugar), 16g protein
Top Allergens: none
Owyn Complete Nutrition Shakes
The protein in these relatively light nutrition shakes is from pea protein and pumpkin seed protein. The classic variety (nutrition facts below) is relatively low in sugar, but they also have high protein versions with 26 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar.
Varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla
Nutrition Facts (11.2 oz): 250 calories, 8g fat, 250mg sodium, 30g carbs, 3g fiber, 4g sugar (4g added sugar), 20g protein
Top Allergens: none
Soylent Complete Meal Shakes
As the clever name implies, this brand uses soy protein. They actually have several plant-based shake lines (protein, energy, etc), but these are marketed as dairy-free nutrition shakes specifically. They are very low in sugar, but high in fat and protein, making them good for some keto or low sugar diets.
Varieties: Original, Creamy Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Gingerbread, Pumpkin Spice
Nutrition Facts (14 oz): 400 calories, 24g fat, 300mg sodium, 37g carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugar (1g added sugar), 20g protein
Top Allergens: soy
Sperri Complete Plant-based Meal Replacement Shakes
This Canadian brand boasts a “science-based formulation” with “nutraceuticals, micro, and macronutrients that enhance health.” What sets them apart from others is their hemp protein and pea protein blend, and the addition of omega-rich hemp seed oil and algal oil.
Varieties: Vanilla Maple, Chocolate, Strawberry
Nutrition Facts (11.2 oz): 330 calories, 11g fat, 250mg sodium, 39g carbs, 3g fiber, 14g sugar (14g added sugar), 16g protein
Top Allergens: none
Where to Buy: Amazon (US); Sperri, Whole Foods, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstore, other regional stores (Canada)
Also see our Dairy-Free Protein Powder Guide!
104 Comments
As someone who recently had to cut out dairy, this list is incredibly helpful. I’ve been struggling to find a good-tasting, high-protein option that doesn’t upset my stomach, so seeing these alternatives laid out is a game-changer. I’m especially curious to try the OWYN shakes you mentioned.
As someone who recently had to switch to a dairy-free diet, this list is incredibly helpful. I’ve been struggling to find a shake that doesn’t upset my stomach but still tastes decent. I’m definitely going to try the OWYN brand you mentioned first.
I hope you find your perfect brand!
For those of us with IBS &/or GI issues, I noticed that the listed ingredients of Ensure included maltodextrin and sucralose (which is made with maltodextrin). I drink OWYN but am aware that their meal replacement shakes contain maltodextrin whereas there other protein drinks don’t. It appears that as I get older I don’t think I’m as sensitive to maltodextrin but there’s no doubt that is a culprit, and research has been done on it (Dr. ? McDonald, Ph.D., for the U of Mich & Cleveland Clinic). Many other articles by nutritionists state that maltodextrin can cause GI issues as well.
Ensure has a plant based shake now that is dairy free!
Indeed! I need to update! Will be doing it soon 🙂 Thanks Melanie!
Excellent post. My friend needs a high nutrition shake to help her gain weight while fighting lung cancer. We were giving her Ensure and she started getting very nauseous. We found out she has dairy intolerance and so can’t tolerate drinks with any dairy in them. Well, it has been a FRUSTRATING process as even drinks that are advertised as “dairy free” still have whey in them and other milk ingredients. Then there are products labeled as “gluten free” that are also advertised as good for people who are dairy intolerant, but they are not as they contain many dairy ingredients. Some think because they are gluten free, they are dairy free also which is not correct. They don’t realize that a sick person who is dairy allergic will get sicker if they drink a product that is labeled “dairy free” but really isn’t. And whey is a big problem for lots of people who are dairy allergic. Thanks for the list. We were able to pick from that list for a product that is truly dairy free.
I’m happy to hear this list is of help, and my best wishes to your friend for a full recovery.
My father is 94 and has a lot of mucus , we decided to try no dairy including ensure . My question he is losing weight meeds more protein to keep weight om . What can We give him instead of ensure that has protein and weight gain without Dairy? Please help. This is my first time asking this question . I would very much like an answer . Thank you
Hi Lily, see the full post above! That is my complete answer to dairy-free Ensure replacements and includes dozens of brands.
Is there a clear high protein drink with vitamins and minerals? My sister has short gut syndrom doesn’t tolerate dairy products…doesn’t like the thickness of shakes. She is on ensure clear now but we are looking for a better alternative….
Unfortunately, I don’t know of one Patricia.
Hey Alisa, thanks for sharing the products. Would love to try them.
I think you missed out Huel. WHich is a powder for shakes (though it also comes in bars, granola) and it is vegan, affordable and available via Amazon. They have a great community forum and a lot of transparency.
Thank you for sharing this one Karen!
Thank You and God bless you for your knowledge and effort!
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Looking for low fibre but high nutritional, lactose free supplement. Any advice really welcomed
Hi Angela, this list includes all of the options that I know of. They all dairy-free, so they are lactose-free, too. As for the fibre content, I’ve includes links to each one so you can check the nutritional content. I couldn’t tell you which ones are low fibre off hand.
Hello, I am inquiring for my wife. She is losing weight and has been prescribed Ensure by her doctor. She is lactose intolerant so we are looking for another option. Is there any high carb and protien (carb>protien) drink or powder that would help her restore a healthy weight? Thank you very much!
Hi Steve, I couldn’t tell you off hand which ones are high carb and protein, but all of the above are lactose-free and dairy-free, and I’ve included links so that you can check the nutrition facts to see which one works for your needs.
I have been looking for ready-to-drink dairy-free protein meal-replacements for EVER! So glad I found this post on Google. Thank you SO MUCH!
Happy to help Jola!
Is there anything out there that would be a suitable meal replacement drink for someone suffering from MND that needs a ‘medically sound’ liquid food supplement? I don’t feel comfortable with the ones that have hydrolysed milk proteins in them, but need one that has everything else she’ll need.
Hi Nadia, the list above is a pretty complete list of what is available in terms of dairy-free meal replacement options (no milk proteins or dairy of any kind). But I can’t legally way in on what is “medically sound”. That is something you would have to discuss with your physician.
I’m having such a hard time finding a very simple meal replacement shake for my mom who not only needs to rebuild after surgery but also has fiber restrictions due to a temporary ileostomy. We want vitamins and nutrients without bells and whistles and NOT SWEET. Everything seems to have sugar or stevia or agave, as if adults are sugar crazed kids. It is so frustrating. Are any of these free of sugar AND free of sugar substitutes?
Hi Julia, to the best of my knowledge, there aren’t any full shakes that are completely unsweetened. What you might want to do is make your own mix starting with an unsweetened protein powder (pea protein works well) and then add the vitamins and minerals you are looking for. Most are available powdered so you can simply stir them right in.
Really? Dairy free nutritional drink that contains milk protein? DUH DUH and again DUH !!!
Bethlyn, which one are you referring to? At the time of adding, none contained any milk protein – otherwise I would not have added them to our dairy-free listings. This is a dairy-free website. Are you talking about the Ensure at the top – you may want to read the post a little more carefully if so.
Hi, my grandfather is at the hospital right now, they feed him from his nose or with a syringe orally. He has diabetes and he needs a meal substitute beverage. I read about “neocate junior” but, it has oils and corn syrup in it. I dont want him to consume any oil or high sugar content food. I am looking for a product that is suitable for meal replacement,for elderly people, non gmo, vegan(raw preffered), oil free and high in carbs. He is taking nestle’s “resource diabet” beverage, which is not good. Please help me. Thank you for your post tho it was very helpful and detailed
Hi Asya, all of the above options are dairy-free and I believe vegan – it would be best to click through them and see which ones may work for your grandfather, as I can’t medically advise on which ones would be suitable. I also don’t know the specifics on which ones are oil-free, high in carbs, etc. But that information should be on their nutrition facts. Good luck – I hope that your grandfather recovers quickly.
Hi, I am looking for a meal replacement shake that is very easy on the digestive system. I am lactose and gluten intolerant. I tried Phood, but it cause a lot of gas and bloating. Any recommendations ? I would like a shake to replace breakfast and lunch. I am eliminating food and then adding back little by little.
Thank you!
Hi Melody, that is difficult to say for each individual. See my post above for dozens of options. You can click through and on most their is more information about ingredients.
Did you try any warm? Some days I don’t have time for lunch and have no fridge close by. I’m trying to find a quick meal replacement that is good warm
Hi Deb, no I haven’t, but I bet some of the chocolate ones would have a tasty hot chocolate vibe.
Hi ,
My name is Andy from CA.
I have a project to find co-packer to develop a RTD high protein shake for elderly.
My main target location is Asian and poor elderly.
As I know ” Ensure ” in Asia is very expensive and not every elderly can afforded.
So I want to produce one kind of protein shake as same as Ensure and will be more cheaper.
If you have such information that please send it to me.
The RTD as same as formulated “Ensure “. It can be tube feeding or oral feeding.
My contect nos.: 619-450-3907
Thanks
Andy Wong
So is their one you recommend for children that have asthma and cant tolerate dairy, wheat and soy,who need that extra nutrition?
I’m sorry, but I can’t make this type of dietary recommendation. I would consult your pediatrician and ask what nutrients you should be focusing on for your child. I’ve included links here to all of the brands so you can evaluate their ingredients and nutrition statements.
Hello,
Great article and great info!
Do you know which one of those non-dairy shakes have the least sweet taste?
I don’t off the top of my head Alex. It is more of a protein powder than a full nutritional shake (though it has lots of health additions), but I find PureFood to be much less sweet than most. I’ve only tried the chocolate thus far – https://www.purefoodcompany.com/shop-2/
Hello, Do you know of any Vegan Meal Replacement drinks that don’t contain: sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, sweeteners, wheat, grains or oil?
Hi Kit, that’s a big list! I couldn’t tell you of the top of my head. You would need to read the labels. All brands listed here do have ingredients via the links I’ve provided.
I have been using Bluebonnet’s Super Earth® Organic VeggieProtein™ Powder (Veggie Protein) for the last couple months and am quite pleased with it. Four flavors, 18g protein per serving. I have found the powder mixes very well in my choice of dairy-free milk (I prefer Good Karma flax milk or So Delicious Coconut milk). I have even tried mixing it with just water and it was drinkable 🙂 To be honest, I usually mix it into a smoothie with banana, strawberries and dairy-free milk – yummy!
Product page is here: http://www.bluebonnetnutrition.com/product/369/Super_Earth%AE_Organic_VeggieProtein%99_Powder_%28Veggie_Protein%29. It is available from a number of online retailers and in various retail stores. So far I have only seen it in the US — I order it from iherb.com.
Bluebonnet is my go-to for supplements of many kinds (vitamins, minerals, protein powder, etc) in large part because of their manufacturing practices and active “free of” labeling. The “free of” label is particularly difficult to find for most supplements. For this product, ingredients and free-from labeling are:
Other Ingredients: Ingredients: Organic protein blend (organic yellow pea protein isolate, organic sprouted whole grain brown rice protein concentrate, organic instantized quinoa seed protein, organic chia sprout protein), organic flaxseed, organic gum acacia, non-GMO xanthum gum. Vanilla Flavor: natural flavors (vanilla), organic stevia extract. Vanilla Chai Flavor: natural flavors (vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg), organic stevia extract. Chocolate Flavor: natural organic cocoa, natural flavors, organic stevia extract. Chocolate Mocha Flavor: natural organic cocoa, natural flavors (vanilla, caramel, mocha), organic stevia extract.
Free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. Also free of yeast, gluten and barley. (remember to read the label every time as ingredients can and do change!!)
Thank you for sharing your favorite protein powder Sara!
Thank you so VERY VERY much for doing all of this research and subsequent work to post this. I cannot tell you just how grateful I am for this much needed helpful information. I am very ill, single and do not have time or energy/health for much research and do not have much ability to shop at stores often. This is a gift! I have been using Orgain vegan nutritional shake through amazon and i am able to tolerate this with my many digestive and additional chronic illnesses however I always keep my eye out when able for other options to give variety and also to compare prices. Again, thank you so much! Be well always.
So happy that I can help Elise. I hope you find some other great options from the list that soothe your stomach!
Thank you so much for putting all this info in one place! Do you know if any of these contain fake sugars? I was just recently informed by my doctor that I shouldn’t consume fake sugar at all, and I have no idea how to tell what has them and what doesn’t.
Hi Hannah, most are made with natural sweeteners. I think only a couple have questionable ingredients, like Neocate.
I’m trying to find a dairy free vitamin drink for my husband as he’s been ill and lost weight. Please let me know how to purchase the Komplete drinks.
Hi Marlos, links for each product are included in this post. Click through the link either for purchase or to the company’s site to find out where to purchase. The Komplete drinks are mostly sold online. You can buy them on Amazon here – http://amzn.to/1UG31Ec or direct from the company here – http://shop.katefarms.com/collections.