Abbott Launches Two New Ensure® Max Protein Shakes: 42g Protein and 2-in-1 Muscle Support for the Muscle Health Trend

Abbott, a leader in science-based nutrition, introduced two innovative shakes under its Ensure Max Protein line on December 4, 2025: Ensure Max Protein 42g for active adults and Ensure Max Protein 2 in 1 Muscle Support for those preserving muscle mass. These products target the rising muscle health movement, addressing age-related muscle loss that can reach 8% per decade after age 40, worsened by low protein, inactivity, or weight loss.​

Muscle Loss after Age 40

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, begins in the 30s or 40s, accelerating to up to 8% muscle loss per decade, which nearly doubles to 15% after age 70. This process contributes to muscle weakness, reduced mobility, increased fall risk, frailty, and diminished quality of life. Factors like inactivity, low protein intake, hormonal changes, and inflammation exacerbate the issue, making proactive nutrition essential post-40.

Adults over 40 require 1-1.2 grams of protein per kg body weight daily up to 38% more than standard recommendations to counteract anabolic resistance and support muscle protein synthesis. Protein shakes deliver high-quality, fast-digesting protein (ideally 30-40g per serving post-exercise), boosting muscle repair, metabolism, satiety, and body composition while filling dietary gaps. Combined with resistance training, they preserve lean mass and reduce sarcopenia risk.

Ensure Max Protein

Ensure Max Protein 42g delivers 42 grams of complete protein per bottle, alongside 23 vitamins and minerals, two key electrolytes for muscle function, just 2 grams of sugar, and 220 calories, suiting those engaged in resistance training or activities like weightlifting and yoga. Physically active adults may require up to twice the protein of sedentary peers to support muscle building.​

Ensure Max Protein 2 in 1 Muscle Support provides 30 grams of high-quality protein plus 1.5 grams of CaHMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) to slow muscle breakdown, with 26 vitamins and minerals; older adults may need 38% more protein than standard recommendations for maintenance. HMB, derived from leucine breakdown, supports muscle health based on over 25 years of research.​

Dominique R. Williams, MD, MPH, Abbott’s medical director, notes these shakes offer tailored nutrition for strength, mobility, and health amid aging challenges.

 Bridget Cassady, PhD, RDN, LD, highlights the protein-HMB combo for preserving and building muscle, calling muscles “the currency of longevity.”​

Former NFL MVP quarterback Matt Ryan partners with Abbott to promote daily muscle prioritization, stating strength extends beyond athletics to lifelong goals.​

Real-world data from over 9,500 users of Abbott’s Lingo glucose monitor shows protein shake days linked to 15% lower odds of elevated glucose levels, aiding broader wellness like blood sugar stability.​

Both shakes launch exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com through March 2026 42g in French Vanilla and Milk Chocolate, 2 in 1 in Chocolate and Vanilla before wider retail expansion in April 2026. Visit Ensure.com for details.​