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This article was written by Oregon Health Sciences University dietetic intern Jessie Henderson, MS and was reviewed/edited by Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND.
Meal replacement and supplemental drinks can be a valuable tool for many older adults facing challenges such as unintentional weight loss, chronic illness, or reduced appetite.
With so many products on the market and even DIY options at home, how do you choose the best meal replacement drinks that fit your needs, or the needs of someone you care for?
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about meal replacement drinks for elderly.
What Are Meal Replacement and Supplemental Drinks?
Meal replacement drinks are liquid products designed to provide balanced nutrition that can stand in for one or more meals.
Supplemental drinks are often used to add calories, protein, or micronutrients to an existing diet.
These nutrition drinks can be incredibly helpful when chewing, cooking, or appetite present as barriers to eating enough and meeting our daily needs.
When Are They Typically Used?
- Supporting elderly individuals with decreased appetite
- Managing unintentional weight loss
- Aiding recovery from illness or surgery
- When someone is too tired or cook or eat full meals
- For those with limited time or energy
Whether you or a loved one is recovering from a medical event or simply struggling with some of the challenges of aging, these supplemental drinks can become a useful tool.
They provide critical nutrients in an easy-to-consume form and can be especially helpful during periods of time when eating full meals is just not realistic.
Who Can Benefit Most From These Drinks?
Meal replacement drinks can benefit many individuals.
Older Adults
Aging can impact appetite, taste, digestion, and the absorption of nutrients in our bodies. Meal replacement and supplemental drinks can help maintain energy levels, body weight, and muscle mass. For seniors with other challenges such as dental problems or swallowing issues, liquid nutrition may be more accessible and appealing.
Individuals with Appetite Loss or Increased Needs
It’s a natural and common process to see decreased appetites in older adults as we age. Other factors may play a role in appetite loss such as certain medications, treatments, or health conditions like cancer or dementia. Liquid meal replacements can provide adequate macronutrients and micronutrients without being too over-filling.
People with Chronic Illness or Undergoing Treatment
For those who may have higher metabolic demands due to a chronic illness or current treatment, these drinks can provide nutritional gaps when food intake is low. For example, those undergoing chemotherapy may have nausea or taste changes that make normal meals difficult to eat.
People with Limited Access to Full Meals
Whether due to transportation, financial limitations, or physical disabilities, some individuals may struggle to access or prepare healthy meals consistently. In some cases, supplemental drinks may be a more feasible and practical option.
Common Ingredients in Meal Replacement Drinks for Elderly
The ingredients in meal replacement drinks vary by product, but here are some common ingredients you may see in these drinks.
Macronutrients
Protein: Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass, immune health, and wound healing. Common sources seen in these drinks include whey protein isolate, milk protein concentrate, casein, soy protein, and plant-based sources such as pea or rice.
Carbohydrates: Carbs offer quick energy. Most drinks include a mix of simple sugars and more complex carbohydrates such as maltodextrin.
Fats: Fats provide calories and are useful to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Some drinks may use canola or sunflower oil, others may include MCT oil, or have additional omega-3s added.
Micronutrients
All major commercial supplemental drinks are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that can be found in foods we typically eat, to help support our bodies function properly.
For example:
- Calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength
- Vitamin B12 and folate to support cognition and nerve health
- Iron and Zinc for immune and oxygen transport
- Magnesium and potassium for muscle function and heart health
Additives and flavorings
- Sweeteners: Some drinks use natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit) while others use may use artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose
- Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Used to ensure smooth texture and shelf stability
- Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are standard but newer options include caramel, cinnamon, or matcha.
Specialty additions
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supports gut microbiota, digestion, and immune health
- Herbal Ingredients: Some brands may use additional herbal ingredients to promote additional benefits such as turmeric, ginger, or adaptogens like ashwagandha. These options aren’t necessary for meeting dietary needs but do exist if desired.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are common as they are a part of the fortification of most supplemental drinks. Vitamins C and E are typical antioxidants used.
What is the Best Meal Replacement Drink for Elderly?
Ultimately, the best meal replacement drink for elderly adults is the one that meets their individual nutritional needs and that they will actually drink consistently.
Talking with a registered dietitian is a great way to identify individual needs and to ensure you or ones you’re caring for are meeting them.
Let’s dive into some good options that you can buy or make yourself.
Current Popular Meal Replacement Drinks on the Market
Here are some current popular meal replacement drinks. There are plenty more available, but this is a list of drinks to get started.
Ensure Plus*
Ensure Plus is a go-to option for individuals needing a high-calorie, nutrient dense drink to support weight gain or recovery from illness.
Each bottle contains 350 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it ideal for seniors with reduced appetites or increased nutritional needs. It also provides over 20 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron.
The texture is creamy and the flavor options are familiar and widely accepted such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Boost Plus*
Boost Plus is similar to Ensure Plus in calories and nutrient content, offering 360 calories and 14 grams of protein per serving.
It’s often chosen for its slightly thicker texture and creamy taste, which some older adults prefer. It includes a robust mix of vitamins A, C, D, E and B-complex vitamins, along with iron and zinc to help support immune health and energy levels.
It is made with milk protein and includes corn syrup solids, which some individuals may prefer to avoid depending on dietary needs.
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake*
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake is a plant-based, allergen-friendly option that appeals to those seeking clean, organic ingredients.
With 250 calories and 16 grams of plant-based protein from pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, this USDA Organic drink is also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO. It includes a variety of added fruits and vegetables and is sweetened naturally, making it easier on the stomach for sensitive individuals.
It’s a great option for those who want a wholesome drink with fewer artificial ingredients.
Kate Farms Meal Shake*
Kate Farms Meal Shake is often used in medical settings for individuals with multiple dietary restrictions.
It contains 330 calories and 16 grams of protein from organic pea protein, along with MCT oil for easy digestion and rapid energy.
It includes 29 vitamins and minerals and prebiotic fiber to support gut health. It’s free from common allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, and nuts, and has no artificial sweeteners, making it suitable for even the most sensitive systems.
Premier Protein Shake*
Premier Protein Shake stands out for its high protein-to-calorie ratio, making it ideal for those who want to maintain or build muscle without increasing calorie intake too much.
Each 11-ounce shake delivers 30 grams of whey protein with only 160 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 3 grams of fat. It is sweetened with sucralose and available in many flavors including chocolate, vanilla, and caramel.
While not ideal for those needing to gain weight, it’s excellent for supporting muscle retention and satiety.
Choosing the Right Meal Replacement Drink
Each individual is different, so the right nutrition drink depends on preferences, medical needs, and goals.
Things To Consider:
- Dietary restrictions: Lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, diabetic friendly
- Serving style: Serving style may highly influence drink preferences. Try serving drinks cold versus room temperature, blended into a smoothie, or even frozen to create a creamy treat.
- Flavor preference and texture: No drink is the same, some are thinner or have different flavor profiles. It may take some experimenting before finding the right one!
- Medical issues: Depending on your health history and medical issues, you may need to find a specialty drink to meet your needs.
Consult with a Registered Dietitian or health care professional to help find the right meal replacement drink for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy and quick to consume
- Shelf-stable with longer expiration dates
- Predictable nutrition and calories for tracking intake
- Often covered by insurance for those with medical need
Cons:
- May contain unwanted ingredients
- Can be expensive
- May not address specific individual needs without added food or supplements
Homemade Meal Replacement Drink Ideas
Making your own meal replacement drinks can be simple, affordable, and customized to taste and dietary needs.
Food Safety Tips: Always wash hands and clean surfaces before handling and preparing food. Use clean blenders/ equipment and store drinks in the fridge for up to 48 hours to help prevent food-borne illness. Labeling homemade drinks with date and time can help ensure proper storage.
Why Make Your Own?
- Control over ingredients and nutrient quality
- Can boost fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Adaptable to different flavors and textures
- Avoid artificial additives, allergens, or undesired ingredients
Basic DIY Formula
Creating your own supplemental drinks can be simple and cost-effective. A good formula includes a liquid base, a source of carbohydrates, high-quality protein, healthy fats, and optional boosters.
Steps To Creating Your Own High-Calorie, High-protein, Supplemental Drinks
Step 1 – Choose Your Base
- Dairy milk (whole or 2%)
- Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk
- Kefir or Greek yogurt
Step 2 – Add A Source Of Carbohydrates
- Banana
- Rolled oats
- Cooked sweet potato
- Dates or honey
Step 3 – Add Protein
- Protein powder (whey, casein, or plant-based)
- Greek yogurt
- Silken tofu
- Nut butter
- Powdered milk
Step 4 – Add Healthy Fats
- Peanut butter or any other nut butter
- Avocado
- Flaxseed or chia seeds
- MCT oil or olive oil
Step 5 – Flavor and Boost (optional)
- Cocoa powder, cinnamon, or turmeric
- Berries or spinach
- Vanilla extract or espresso
- Collagen peptides or fiber powder
Sample Recipes
Check out High-Calorie Smoothie Recipes for Seniors for more recipes!
Summary: The Best Meal Replacement Drinks for Elderly
Meal replacement and supplemental drinks can be a helpful part of an older adult’s nutrition plan. Whether store-bought or homemade, the best option is the one that’s safe, enjoyable, and meets the person’s health needs. Don’t be afraid to try different options to find the right fit.
Key Takeaways
- Nutrition drinks support weight maintenance, recovery, and energy for seniors
- Choose based on individual needs, ingredients, and preferences
- Homemade options offer cost savings and customization
- Consider dietary restrictions and consult a dietitian if unsure
- The best drink is one that meets the goal and will actually be consumed consistently
References
1. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Keep Food Safe! Food Safety Basics | Food Safety and Inspection Service. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/steps-keep-food-safe.
2. Tianjin Chengyi International Trading Co., Ltd. What additives are used in beverages? Tianjin Chengyi International Trading Co., Ltd. April 3, 2025. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.tjcy.com/industry-information/what-additives-are-used-in-beverages.html.
3. Vitamins and minerals for older adults | National Institute on Aging. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-supplements/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults.