Boost Review: What to Know Before You Buy

Boost is a brand that offers a variety of nutritional drinks and shakes designed to support the dietary needs of individuals with specific health conditions. Caregivers can utilize Boost's products to help support the needs of aging adults in their care. For example, Boost offers specially formulated beverages such as very high-calorie beverages, juice-type beverages, puddings for those with difficulty swallowing, and glucose control options for people with diabetes.

We've put together a Boost brand review to help you understand how to best care for your loved one and learn more about the nutritional products available. After reading this brand review, you will have the information needed to help make a smart purchasing decision for those in your care.

What Is Boost?

Boost's nutritional drinks offer specialized nutrition profiles to target specific health needs. These products can be helpful for caregivers to ensure individuals in their care get the complete nutrition they need. Even better, customers enjoy the taste of these drinks, offered in several flavors and varieties. 

How Does Boost Work?

Boost's nutritional drinks and pudding products are designed to provide immediate energy, including nutrient-rich calories and vitamins/minerals for support. Each variety has high-quality protein and essential nutrients specific to the unique health needs of individuals with particular conditions. These products are easy to consume at home, on the go, or anywhere you travel.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

•      Tastes great

•      A wide array of flavors

•      Convenient and accessible

•      Varieties for every nutritional need

•      Affordable

•      Great for those who have difficulty swallowing solid foods

Cons

•      Some types are not lactose-friendly

•      Some types are not soy-friendly

•      It may be too high in sugar for some individuals

•      It may cause GI side effects in some people

Key Features

Boost's products have one of the most attractive features — a wide flavor selection. Currently, Berry, Rich Chocolate, Cinnabon, Peach, Creamy Strawberry, and Very Vanilla products are offered. Both caregivers and customers agree that Boost's flavors are delicious! Some versions are offered in variety packs, offering a chance to try several flavors.

Boost's glucose control products offer diabetes-friendly nutrition with less sugar, formulated to produce less blood sugar response than standard nutritional drinks. In addition, Boost's products are:

•      Gluten-Free

•      Kosher

•      Halal

How Much Does Boost Cost?

The price per Boost beverage depends on the variety and the quantity purchased. Many of Boost's drinks come in cases of 24, averaging about $2.00 to $3.50 per bottle. Carewell's auto-ship feature is a great way to help you save money on recurring shipments.

Who is Boost For?

Boost's drinks are designed for adult use only. These products are intended to help older adults increase their protein intake and support the nutritional needs of those who struggle to gain weight. Boost's products for blood glucose control are designed for individuals with diabetes. In addition, these drinks may be helpful to use post-surgery or for those who have difficulty swallowing solid foods.

Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation

Boost's nutritional shakes and beverages receive overall great reviews from caregivers and customers. For example, customer John F. notes: "I started using [Boost] in the hospital to gain weight. I lost 40+ pounds while on a liquid diet while fighting oral cancer, MRSA, and kidney failure during radiation and chemo ten years ago. I have used it ever since to supplement my daily calorie intake".

In general, caregivers agree these drinks improve the life of the individuals in their care and make their job easier.

Boost vs. Competitors

Boost's top competitors in the nutritional beverage industry include Ensure, Nestle, and Nutricia. Of all these brands, Boost offers the most comprehensive product lineup to suit different nutritional needs and the most flavor availability. Like Boost, Ensure offers high-protein varieties and drinks for those with diabetes. Both brands offer great variety. However, Boost tends to be slightly more affordable than Ensure's products.

How We Researched

This Boost brand review was compiled using real customer and caregiver feedback. This product overview is designed to help provide caregivers with more information on utilizing Boost drinks and selecting the best drinks for the individual(s) in their care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Boost drinks be used as meal replacements — or are they intended to be consumed with a meal?

Boost drinks are not designed to replace all meals. Instead, these products are made to be consumed with a meal, as a snack between meals, or used after exercise. Boost drinks are used for supportive nutrition to complete one's diet.

Do Boost drinks need to be refrigerated? 

Refrigeration of Boost drinks is not required. However, it is recommended for optimal enjoyment. Boost drinks are shelf-stable, lasting about 12 to 18 months (when sealed). Always refer to the expiration date listed on your product to ensure food safety.

Are Boost drinks lactose-friendly?

Individuals with lactose intolerance can enjoy most Boost drinks. All Boost drinks are lactose-friendly except the Boost Max Nutritional Shake and Boost Glucose Control High Protein varieties. However, those with specific health conditions related to lactose, such as Galactosemia, should avoid Boost's products. Always check with your healthcare provider with any questions before consuming Boost beverages.

Final Takeaways

Overall, Boost's products offer comprehensive nutrition for individuals with various dietary needs. The accessibility of these beverages and their great taste makes them excellent options to support specialized nutrition needs. Unlike other retailers, Carewell can carry many Boost products, not only do we carry Boost Original, Boost High Protein, and other well-known products, but we also carry more institutional varieties, such as puddings and Boost's "Breeze" product lineup.

Choosing the right product can be overwhelming – Carewell's here to help. If you need help finding the perfect product, talk to one of our caregiving specialists today. Call (800) 696-CARE today. We're here to support you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!