ONS Supplement Review
Here at The Innovative Dietitian we believe that it is important to try the products we recommend to our clients. Last week we trialled some Nestle Resource oral nutrition supplements (ONS) after having a Nestle representative talk to us about their products.
ONS may be used when an individual requires extra nutrition support as they are unable to consume enough nutrition through regular food or drinks. Someone may no longer be able to consume enough nutrition due to having increased nutritional requirements (e.g. undergoing cancer treatment or healing a large wound) or they may have some symptoms which are impacting on their intake (e.g. cancer treatment side effects or fatigue and poor appetite post stroke).
ONS typically provide a mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) which provide us energy, as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). There are a wide variety of different ONS which may suit different individuals needs and taste preferences. Below are our thoughts on a few we trialled.
Disclaimer: The following opinions are a combination of facts (nutritional comparison) with our own personal taste and texture preferences. The products we recommend may not be suitable for all people due to inclusions of allergens such as dairy and soy and other medical conditions. To receive individual nutrition advice please book an appointment with your dietitian. We were gifted these products from Nestle.
Resource Ultra
Orange 200ml
628kJ per 100ml
7g protein per 100ml
Rating = 5.5/10
Apple 200ml
628kJ per 100ml
7g protein per 100ml
Rating = 7.4/10
Caramel 125ml
943kJ per 100ml
14g protein per 100ml
Rating = 8.2/10
Strawberry 125ml
942kJ per 100ml
14g protein per 100ml
Rating = 7/10
The fruit flavours are great options for individuals who dislike milk based drinks. We preferred the apple flavour as it tasted more like a fruit juice, and had a less powdery texture. At 125ml the milk based flavours pack a lot of energy and protein in a small volume, this makes it a great option for people on fluid restrictions or with very poor appetites or early satiety.
Resource 2.0
Vanilla 200ml
843kJ per 100ml
8.4g protein per 100ml
Rating = 6.5/10
Mocha 200ml
843kJ per 100ml
8.4g protein per 100ml
Rating = 7.7/10
We particularly like that these are now in bottles, rather than juice-style tetra packs as they are much easier to open, and can be resealed and placed back in a fridge to keep chilled (for up to 24 hours). We enjoyed the texture of this range the most.
Resource 2.0 + Fibre
Neutral 200ml
840kJ per 100ml
9g protein per 100ml
2.5g fibre per 100ml
Rating = 6.25/10
Coffee 200ml
840kJ per 100ml
9g protein per 100ml
2.5g fibre per 100ml
Rating = 7.8/10
Strawberry 200ml
840kJ per 100ml
9g protein per 100ml
2.5g fibre per 100ml
Rating = 7/10
This variety of resource beverages has a great range of flavours, also including vanilla and apricot. The added fibre in the form of soluble fibre may be beneficial to individuals experiencing constipation or diarrhoea.
Summary
1st = Resource ultra - caramel
2nd = Resource 2.0 + fibre - coffee
3rd = Resource 2.0 - mocha
Our top 3 picks end up being 1 from each variety! Consult your Dietitian to determine whether ONS are something you require, and which variety would be best for you and your unique circumstances.
By Shauna Gallant, Accredited Practising Dietitian