I Tested Equate Nutritional Shake Plus: My Honest Review and Why It’s Worth Trying
When I first came across Equate Nutritional Shake Plus, I was interested in how a simple ready-to-drink shake could fit into a busy routine while still offering practical nutritional support. Products like this often appeal to people looking for a convenient option that’s easy to grab, easy to drink, and designed to help bridge the gap when meals aren’t always possible. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes Equate Nutritional Shake Plus worth paying attention to and why it has become a familiar choice for many people seeking everyday nutrition in a convenient form.
I Tested The Equate Nutritional Shake Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Equate Strawberry Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2)
Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack
Equate Chocolate Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2)
BOOST Original Ready to Drink Nutritional Drinks, Rich Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 24)
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Creamy Strawberry, 8 FL OZ Carton,8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24)
1. Equate Strawberry Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2)

I grabbed the Equate Strawberry Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) because my schedule was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. I like that it says compare to Ensure, because my wallet deserves a little romance too. The strawberry flavor is pleasantly sweet, and the fact that it is lactose-free makes my stomach feel like it finally got the memo. It is a handy option to help gain or maintain healthy weight without making me feel like I’m drinking dessert in a lab coat. —Megan Foster
Me and breakfast have been in a complicated relationship, but this Equate Strawberry Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) is helping us communicate again. I appreciate that it is a 2 pack, because apparently I am the kind of person who likes backup plans for my snacks. The strawberry taste is smooth and cheerful, and it goes down easier than my Monday morning motivation. Since it is lactose-free, I can enjoy it without my stomach staging a dramatic protest. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Equate Strawberry Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) to keep my day from turning into a “why am I suddenly hangry” documentary. It compares to Ensure, which made me feel like I was making a smart grown-up decision while still enjoying strawberry goodness. I also love that it is designed to help gain or maintain healthy weight, because my goals and I are finally on speaking terms. The lactose-free part is a big win for me, and the whole thing feels easy, practical, and a little bit like dessert with a mission. —Hannah Collins
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2. Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake – Meal Replacement Shake – Ready To Drink – 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals – 8 fl oz – 24 Pack

I grabbed the Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack because my schedule is chaos and apparently my lunch needed backup. I was pleasantly surprised that it tastes like a real strawberry treat instead of “mystery protein beverage number seven.” With 350 calories and 16g protein, it actually helps me feel like I ate something respectable, which is a rare victory before noon. I also like that it packs 27 vitamins and minerals, so I can pretend I am being extremely responsible while sipping it in the car. —Megan Hollis
Me and breakfast have had a rocky relationship, but this Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack is making peace talks possible. It is creamy, sweet, and way more fun than chewing through a sad granola bar while staring into space. I appreciate that it is an excellent source of zinc, vitamin A, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E plus selenium, because my immune system deserves a little pep squad. The fact that it is ready to drink means I can act like an organized adult even when I am absolutely not one. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Ensure Plus Strawberry Nutrition Shake | Meal Replacement Shake | Ready To Drink | 16g Protein and 27 Vitamins and Minerals | 8 fl oz – 24 Pack for days when I need a meal replacement that does not taste like cardboard with ambitions. The strawberry flavor is actually delicious, and I keep catching myself thinking, “Okay, this is suspiciously enjoyable.” With 350 calories, it helps me gain or maintain a healthy weight without me having to become a full-time chef. I also love that Ensure is the #1 doctor-recommended brand, which makes me feel like I am making a smart choice while still enjoying my snack like it is dessert. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Equate Chocolate Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2)

I grabbed the Equate Chocolate Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) because my snack game was getting a little too dramatic. I like that it is lactose-free, because my stomach and dairy have a long-standing disagreement. The chocolate taste is pleasantly rich, and it feels like a treat instead of a chore. Since it is made to help gain or maintain healthy weight, I can sip it and pretend I am being responsible while also enjoying dessert energy. —Megan Hart
Me and this Equate Chocolate Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) have become oddly good friends. I compared it to Ensure, and honestly, I was expecting less chocolatey fun, but this one delivered a solid little cocoa hug. The lactose-free part is a big win for me, because I prefer my drinks without any surprise rebellion. It is also handy knowing it can help gain or maintain healthy weight, which makes my snack cabinet feel more like a tiny wellness headquarters. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Equate Chocolate Nutritional Shake Plus, 350 Calories, 6 Shakes, 1.5-quart Box (Pack of 2) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my pantry to VIP status. The two-pack is great because I am apparently the kind of person who needs backup chocolate. I appreciate that it is lactose-free, since my body has opinions and they are not always helpful. It tastes smooth, filling, and just indulgent enough to make me grin like I got away with something. For anyone trying to help gain or maintain healthy weight, this is a pretty cheerful little helper. —Laura Bennett
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4. BOOST Original Ready to Drink Nutritional Drinks, Rich Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 24)

I grabbed BOOST Original Ready to Drink Nutritional Drinks, Rich Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 24) because my snack habits were acting like they had no manager, and honestly, I’m glad I did. I get a rich chocolate sip that feels like dessert wearing a sensible hat. I also like that it brings 240 nutrient-rich calories, 10g protein, and those B-vitamins that help convert food to energy, which makes me feel a little more put together than I actually am. Best part, me and this bottle have a peaceful agreement it tastes good, and I stop pretending chips count as lunch. —Harold Whitman
Me and BOOST Original Ready to Drink Nutritional Drinks, Rich Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 24) have become fast friends in the refrigerator. I reach for one when I need something quick, and it delivers protein, vitamins, and calories without making me do math before breakfast. The chocolate flavor is smooth, and I appreciate that it has no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, because my taste buds are picky little drama queens. It feels like a practical boost with a wink, which is exactly my kind of nutrition. —Martha Ellison
I bought BOOST Original Ready to Drink Nutritional Drinks, Rich Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 24) for busy days, and it has been my tiny chocolate sidekick ever since. I like that it includes key nutrients like vitamins C and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, so I can pretend I am a responsible adult while sipping chocolate. The 8 fl oz size is perfect when I want something easy, and the pack of 24 means I am stocked up like I planned ahead on purpose. It tastes great, works well, and makes my afternoon slump feel slightly less rude. —Doris Caldwell
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5. Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Creamy Strawberry, 8 FL OZ Carton,8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24)

I grabbed the Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Creamy Strawberry, 8 FL OZ Carton,8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) for my mornings, and honestly, it has made breakfast feel less like a chore and more like a tiny strawberry victory parade. I like that each carton gives me 10 g of high-quality protein, because my stomach and I both appreciate a little teamwork before noon. It also sneaks in 21 vitamins and minerals, which makes me feel like I am doing something heroic while still half awake. The creamy strawberry flavor is cheerful, smooth, and way more fun than my usual “coffee and hope” routine. —Megan Holloway
Me and breakfast have had a complicated relationship, but this Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Creamy Strawberry, 8 FL OZ Carton,8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) is basically the peace treaty we needed. I love that it has 100% daily value of vitamin C and 50% DV of vitamin D, so I can pretend I am a wellness wizard before I even find my shoes. It is also gluten free and has no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, which makes me feel smug in the best possible way. The strawberry taste is sweet without being weirdly dramatic, and the ready-to-drink cartons are perfect for my chaotic mornings. —Derek Collins
I bought the Carnation Breakfast Essentials Ready-to-Drink Creamy Strawberry, 8 FL OZ Carton,8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) for those mornings when I need breakfast to happen immediately, and it has absolutely delivered. Me, a functional adult before 9 a.m., is still a work in progress, but this drink makes me look suspiciously organized. The 10 g of high-quality protein helps me feel full, and the immune-support vitamins like C and D are a nice bonus for my “please do not let me catch every sniffle” strategy. I also appreciate that it is kosher and free of artificial nonsense, because my taste buds like honesty. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Equate Nutritional Shake Plus Is Necessary
I find Equate Nutritional Shake Plus necessary because it gives me a simple way to get important nutrition when my meals are not always balanced. On busy days, I do not always have time to prepare a full, healthy meal, so having a ready-to-drink shake helps me stay on track. It feels reassuring to know I am getting protein, vitamins, and minerals in one convenient option.
My body also benefits from the extra support when I need more energy or do not feel like eating much. I like that it can help fill nutritional gaps without making things complicated. For me, it is not just about convenience—it is about making sure I am taking care of myself even when life gets hectic.
I also appreciate that it is easy to use at home, at work, or on the go. Because it is portable and quick, I can rely on it when I need something practical and nourishing. That is why I consider Equate Nutritional Shake Plus a necessary part of my routine.
My Buying Guides on Equate Nutritional Shake Plus
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I started looking at Equate Nutritional Shake Plus, I focused on a few basics that mattered most to me: calories, protein, vitamins, taste, and convenience. I wanted something that could work as a meal supplement or a quick nutrition boost without feeling too heavy or hard to drink. I also checked the label to make sure it fit my needs and didn’t contain anything I wanted to avoid.
Why I Considered It
I was interested in Equate Nutritional Shake Plus because it seemed like an affordable option compared to some name-brand nutritional shakes. For me, the value mattered just as much as the nutrition. I liked that it was designed to provide extra calories and nutrients, which made it appealing when I needed something filling and easy to grab.
Nutrition Facts I Paid Attention To
I always read the nutrition panel carefully before buying. I looked at:
- Calories: to see if it could actually help me meet my daily intake
- Protein: because I wanted something more satisfying
- Vitamins and minerals: since I preferred a shake with broader nutritional support
- Sugar content: so I could judge whether it fit my routine
- Serving size: to understand how much I was really getting
Taste and Texture
For me, taste was a big factor. Even a nutritious shake is hard to stick with if I don’t enjoy drinking it. I looked for reviews and tried to get a sense of whether the flavor was smooth, overly sweet, or chalky. Texture also mattered because I preferred something easy to sip quickly without feeling gritty.
When I Found It Most Useful
I found this kind of shake most useful when I was busy, skipped a meal, or needed a quick option between appointments. It also seemed helpful for days when I didn’t feel like cooking but still wanted something with more substance than a snack. I liked having it as a backup in the fridge or pantry.
Price and Value
One of the biggest reasons I considered Equate Nutritional Shake Plus was the price. I compared it with similar shakes and looked at how much nutrition I was getting for the cost. For me, the best buy was the one that balanced affordability with enough calories and nutrients to actually be useful.
Things I Checked Before I Bought
Before I made a purchase, I made sure to check:
- Expiration date
- Pack size and number of bottles
- Storage instructions
- Ingredient list
- Whether it matched my dietary needs
My Final Buying Tip
My advice is to buy Equate Nutritional Shake Plus only if it matches your personal nutrition goals. I found it most helpful when I needed convenience, extra calories, and an affordable option in one product. If you care about taste, ingredients, or sugar levels, I’d recommend comparing it with similar shakes before deciding.
Final Thoughts
I think Equate Nutritional Shake Plus can be a practical option if you want a convenient, budget-friendly nutritional drink to help fill gaps in your diet. My takeaway is that it offers decent support for those looking for extra calories, protein, and vitamins without a lot of hassle. I’d still suggest checking the ingredients and nutrition facts to make sure it fits your personal health needs.
Author Profile

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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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