Choose by the role of the drink: compare protein and energy per serving when it is intended to add nourishment between meals, total sugars and sweeteners when those affect the choice, and portion size when appetite is limited. A standard flavoured milkshake, a no-added-sugar milk drink and a protein shake serve different preferences; none should be assumed to replace a meal. Milton Keynes University Hospital advises using nourishing drinks between meals rather than instead of meals.
A drink may be easier to fit between meals than a substantial snack. Milton Keynes University Hospital says nourishing drinks can be useful when someone has a small appetite or needs extra nourishment, but should not replace meals.
The total sugars figure and ingredients list matter more than a front-of-pack phrase alone. ASDA Groceries lists sugars and sweeteners for the Mars drink labelled “No Added Sugar”.
Pack size, allergens and storage instructions can change what is practical to serve. Check the current pack before offering a drink, particularly when the recipient has an allergy or a prescribed diet.
Decide whether the drink is a flavoured treat or an addition between meals, then compare the amount you intend to serve rather than treating every carton or bottle as one portion.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Role of the drink | Compare protein and energy for the full serving. Milton Keynes University Hospital advises taking nourishing drinks between meals, not instead of meals. | If appetite is small, I want a drink that fits alongside meals. If the person has a clinical diet requirement, I need advice specific to them. |
| Sugars and sweeteners | Read total sugars per serving and check the ingredients for sweeteners. ASDA Groceries lists 6.5g sugars per 100ml and sweeteners in the Mars drink labelled “No Added Sugar”. | I want to know what the person will consume, rather than assuming “no added sugar” means sugar-free or sweetener-free. |
| Portion size | Check the pack volume or weight and the stated serving size. ASDA Groceries gives a 200ml serving for the 400ml Mars bottle; the Yazoo Chocolate page also gives a 200ml serving. | A whole bottle may be more than I plan to offer at afternoon tea, so I want to choose the portion before serving it. |
| Allergens and storage | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, then follow that pack’s chilling, opening and use-by instructions. The checked Mars drink contains milk and barley, according to ASDA Groceries. | Where an allergy or dietary restriction applies, I need to check the exact drink and variant. I also need to know how to store any drink left after opening. |
A flavoured drink is not automatically a complete substitute for food, even when it contains protein.
For extra nourishment, compare protein and energy per serving and offer a suitable drink between meals. Milton Keynes University Hospital advises that nourishing drinks do not replace meals.
ASDA Groceries lists 6.5g sugars per 100ml and sweeteners in its Mars drink labelled “No Added Sugar”.
Check total sugars for the portion being served and read the ingredients if sweeteners matter to the recipient.
A pack can contain more than the stated serving: the 400ml Mars bottle has a 200ml serving size, according to ASDA Groceries.
Check both figures and decide how much to pour, particularly when appetite is limited.
Allergens and storage instructions apply to the particular drink and variant being served.
Read its current ingredients, allergen statement, use-by date and instructions for storage after opening.
Its Chocolate flavoured milk is one example to compare when choosing a familiar afternoon-tea drink.
The Chocolate Fudge Brownie milkshake is a chilled flavoured option; check its full bottle size when planning a portion.
The checked Chocolate Milk Shake Drink carries a “No Added Sugar” claim, making total sugars and ingredients important to compare.
These options include ready-to-drink protein shakes, a strawberry milk drink and a yoghurt drink. They are different types of drink, so compare the portion and current pack information against the role you have in mind.
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Consider how much of a 500ml bottle the person would want between meals. Check protein, energy, sugars, allergens and storage instructions on the current pack before serving.
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A 250ml can gives a defined portion for a between-meal drink. Joybuy lists 20g protein and 150kcal per can and identifies milk as an allergen; check the current pack before serving.
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This 330ml bottle is an option when considering a protein shake between meals. Compare its full-bottle nutrition and current allergen and storage instructions with the portion you plan to offer.
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This is a milk drink rather than a product identified as a milkshake. Decide whether the 400g can suits the intended portion, and check the current nutrition, allergen and opening instructions.
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This 220ml yoghurt drink is a different format from a conventional flavoured milkshake. Compare its full-pack nutrition and ingredients before choosing it for someone seeking extra nourishment or avoiding particular ingredients.
Do not assume it can. Milton Keynes University Hospital advises taking nourishing drinks between meals rather than instead of meals. If someone is losing weight, has a persistently poor appetite or follows a prescribed diet, ask their clinician or dietitian what role a drink should have.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant. ASDA Groceries identifies milk and barley in the checked Mars drink, while the checked Pro Mlk and FRijj drinks identify milk; other recipes need their own label check.
No. ASDA Groceries lists 6.5g sugars per 100ml and the sweeteners acesulfame K and sucralose in the Mars drink labelled “No Added Sugar”. Compare total sugars for the amount you will serve and check the ingredients.
Follow the instructions on that drink’s pack. For example, Sainsbury’s says its checked Pro Mlk Vanilla shake should be kept chilled at 0–5°C and used within three days of opening, and always by its use-by date.