Plant-Based Oral Nutritional Supplements Available in the UK

Plant-based oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are increasingly available for adults who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition, or unable to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. These products are designed to provide energy, protein, and essential micronutrients in convenient formats. Below is a summary of key plant-based ONS available in the UK, with details on nutritional content, formats, and indications.

1. Fresubin® Plant-Based Drink (Fresenius Kabi)

• Format: 200ml ready-to-drink bottle
• Energy: 300 kcal (1.5 kcal/ml)
• Protein: 15g (soya protein; 20% of energy)
• Carbohydrate:2g (43% of energy)
• Fat:4g (34% of energy)
• Fibre:6g (3% of energy)
• High in vitamin D:6 mcg
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes – V-Label certified; Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, milk-free, lactose-free
• Flavour: Vanilla
• Nutritionally Complete: Yes – in ≥5 bottles/day
• Indications: For patients with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition, especially those requiring a plant-based diet

2. AYMES Actagain 1.5 Plant Powered

• Format: 200ml ready-to-drink Tetra Pak
• Energy: 300 kcal (1.5 kcal/ml)
• Protein:4g (faba bean protein; 17.9% of energy; soy-free)
• Carbohydrate: 34g (45.3% of energy)
• Fat: 12g (36% of energy)
• Fibre:2g
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes – Vegan Society approved; dairy-, soy- & gluten-free
• Flavours: Madagascan Vanilla, Café Latte, Salted Caramel
• Nutritionally Complete: Yes – in 5 cartons (1000ml)
• Indications: Disease-related malnutrition (ACBS approved on FP10/GP10)

3. AYMES ActaSolve Smoothie

• Format: Powdered sachets (66g), mixed with 150ml water
• Energy: 298 kcal
• Protein:7g (soya protein; 14% of energy)
• Carbohydrate: 41g (56% of energy)
• Fat:7g (30% of energy)
• Fibre: Not specified
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes – Vegan Society approved; gluten-free
• Flavours: Mango, Peach, Pineapple, Strawberry & Cranberry
• Nutritionally Complete: No – not suitable as a sole source of nutrition
• Indications: For patients with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition (ACBS approved on FP10/GP10)

4. Nutricia Fortisip Plant-Based

• Format: 200ml ready-to-drink bottle
• Energy: 300 kcal
• Protein: 12g (pea & soy protein; 16% of energy)
• Carbohydrate:2g (49% of energy)
• Fat:5g (35% of energy; from sunflower and rapeseed oil)
• Fibre:1g
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes – lactose-free, gluten-free, some SKUs suitable for Halal/Kosher (check with Nutricia)
• Flavours: Mango & Passionfruit, Mocha
• Nutritionally Complete: Yes (ACBS approved)
• Indications: Suitable for people who cannot meet needs through diet alone

5. Nutricia Fortisip Bottle (non-plant-based comparator)

• Format: 200ml ready-to-drink bottle
• Energy: 300 kcal
• Protein:8g (16% of energy)
• Carbohydrate:8g (49% of energy)
• Fat:6g (35% of energy)
• Fibre: 0g
• Vegan-Friendly: Not vegan. Halal, Kosher and vegetarian
• Flavours: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana, Neutral
• Nutritionally Complete: Yes
• Indications: Dietary management of disease-related malnutrition (ACBS approved on FP10/GP10)

6. Foodlink Smoothie (Nualtra)

• Format: Powdered sachets (66g), mix with 150ml water
• Energy: 287 kcal
• Protein: 10g (soya protein)
• Carbohydrate: 46g
• Fat: 7g
• Fibre: 0g
• Vegan-Friendly: Claimed suitable for vegans and vegetarians, but label states “may contain milk”. Gluten-, milk protein-, & lactose-free
• Flavours: Orange & Mango, Red Berry, Peach, Tropical
• Nutritionally Complete: No – for supplementary use only
• Indications: For dietary supplementation in those with increased nutritional needs or at risk of malnutrition

7. Fresubin® 5kcal Shot (Fresenius Kabi)

• Format: 120ml ready-to-drink EasyBottle (often recommended to be taken in 30ml shots)
• Energy: 600 kcal (5.0 kcal/ml)
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrate: Minimal
• Fat: High fat content (long- and medium-chain triglycerides)
• Fibre: 0g
• Vegan-Friendly: Lactose- and gluten-free
• Flavours: Neutral, Lemon
• Nutritionally Complete: No – used for fortification only
• Indications: For patients with high energy needs or low volume tolerance

8. Fresenius Kabi Thick & Easy® Range

• Products: Thick & Easy® Original (starch-based), Thick & Easy® Clear (gum-based)
• Use: To thicken foods and drinks for individuals with dysphagia
• Vegan-Friendly: Yes
• Indications: For safe swallowing in patients with swallowing difficulties (to be used alongside other nutrition support if needed)

Please note: Availability of these products may vary depending on your region or NHS Trust. Always consult your healthcare provider, dietitian, or pharmacist for advice and local prescribing information.

Plant-Based ONS Comparison Table