13 April 2026
Fortisip vs Ensure vs Fresubin
Fortisip, Ensure and Fresubin are three of the most widely prescribed nutritional supplement drinks in the UK. While all three support patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs through food alone, there are important differences in calorie density, protein content and taste that make each better suited to different patients.
At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Product | Volume | Calories | Protein | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortisip Compact Protein | 125ml | 300 kcal | 18g | Small appetite, high protein |
| Fortisip Bottle | 200ml | 300 kcal | 12g | General malnutrition |
| Ensure Plus Advance | 220ml | 330 kcal | 20g | High protein, muscle preservation |
| Ensure Compact | 125ml | 300 kcal | 13.5g | Small volumes needed |
| Fresubin 2 kcal Drink | 200ml | 400 kcal | 20g | Maximum calorie density |
| Fresubin Original | 200ml | 200 kcal | 7.6g | Lighter supplementation |
| Actagain 1.5 Complete | 200ml | 300 kcal | 18g | All-round standard supplement |
Fortisip — The NHS Staple
Made by Nutricia, Fortisip is one of the most commonly prescribed ONS products in the UK. The Fortisip Compact Protein is particularly popular — at just 125ml it delivers 300 calories and 18g of protein, making it ideal for patients with small appetites or early satiety.
Who it suits best
- Patients who struggle to finish a full 200ml drink
- Those requiring high protein alongside calorie support
- Elderly patients in residential or hospital care
- Post-surgical recovery patients
Available flavours: Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, banana, neutral, cappuccino.
Ensure — Highest Protein Options
Produced by Abbott Nutrition, Ensure Plus Advance stands out with 20g of protein per 220ml carton alongside HMB, which research suggests helps preserve muscle mass — particularly relevant for patients recovering from illness or at risk of sarcopenia.
Who it suits best
- Patients with significant muscle loss or at risk of sarcopenia
- Post-operative recovery, especially orthopaedic patients
- Oncology patients requiring immune nutritional support
Available flavours: Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, banana, caramel.
Fresubin — Maximum Calorie Density
Made by Fresenius Kabi, Fresubin 2 kcal provides 2 calories per millilitre — or 400 calories per 200ml carton. This makes it the highest calorie-density standard ONS drink on the market, often recommended for patients with very high energy requirements who cannot consume large volumes.
Who it suits best
- Patients with very high calorie requirements (e.g. burns, severe malnutrition)
- Those who can only manage small volumes
- Patients on fluid restrictions
Available flavours: Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, cappuccino, neutral.
Aymes Actagain — The Value Alternative
Aymes is a UK-based manufacturer producing high-quality ONS at competitive prices. Their Actagain 1.5 Complete range offers 300 calories and 18g protein per 200ml. The Actagain 1.5 Juce is a juice-style drink for patients who dislike milky textures.
Our recommendation: Try a starter pack before committing to a bulk order. NutriSip stocks starter packs for several brands — ideal for finding the flavours and textures you prefer.