Ensure Plant-Based Protein Nutrition Shake Chocolate

Solvent base for the ready-to-drink shake.

Legume-based plant protein that is reasonable for a plant source but less bioavailable than whey or milk protein, so more grams are needed to deliver the same usable amino acids. Naturally low in methionine, so typically blended with another protein to round out the profile. Fava crops accumulate cadmium from soil.

USDA Organic cane sugar; 7 g per serving. A genuine sugar load but materially better than artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium.

High Oleic Safflower Oil is a refined seed oil. High-oleic varieties are higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in omega-6 than standard versions, but remain industrially processed seed oils — Scout classifies all seed oils as very_bad regardless of oleic profile.

Plant-based protein that's notably good for a legume but still less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins, meaning more grams are needed to deliver the same usable amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Naturally low in methionine, so it does not stand alone as a complete protein and is typically blended with rice. Pea crops are also well-documented soil accumulators of lead and cadmium — the suspected primary contamination route in this product.

Plant-derived prebiotic fiber (inulin) that supports gut microbiome diversity; the source of the 5 g fiber per serving.

Dutch-processed cocoa has reduced flavanol and antioxidant content compared to natural cocoa. Cocoa itself is also a known cadmium accumulator.

Synthetic micronutrient fortification supporting Abbott's medical-nutrition positioning (25 essential vitamins and minerals).

Microcrystalline cellulose stabilizer; inert at typical concentrations.

Proprietary flavor blend; can hide dozens of synthetic aroma chemicals and phthalate carriers under FDA trade-secret rules.

Whole-grain-derived insoluble fiber supporting digestive regularity.

Sunflower-derived emulsifier — cleaner than soy lecithin but still a refined, processed additive. Scout classifies lecithin emulsifiers as bad.

Wood-pulp-derived thickener; inert at typical concentrations but a processed-product marker.

Natural zero-calorie sweetener from the stevia leaf. No significant health concerns, but Scout treats all stevia forms as neutral — neither penalized nor counted as a beneficial ingredient.

Plant-derived zero-calorie sweetener; safer than synthetic sweeteners and pairs well with stevia to balance aftertaste.