Sustagen® is a brand of consumables manufactured by Mead Johnson & Company®. Six varieties of nutritional products fall under this brand, all in chocolate and vanilla flavors. The five drinks and one pudding are primarily marketed toward people in New Zealand and Australia, but they are well-known in Latin America and Brazil as well. In the United States and United Kingdom, the beverages are called Boost® Energy Drinks and are sold by Nestle®.
One variety of drink by Mead Johnson & Company®, Sustagen® Hospital Formula, is sold in plain chocolate and vanilla flavors. This powdered formula can be mixed with water or milk and can be served hot or cold. The beverage has 27 vitamins and minerals and is gluten- and mostly fat-free. It can be served as a meal replacement or supplement. A second variety, Sustagen® Hospital Formula Plus Fiber, is basically the same as the Hospital Formula, but with additional dietary fiber for digestive health.
Sustagen® Instant Pudding has 24 vitamins and minerals and is available in vanilla flavor. Mixed with water, milk, or juice, this pudding sets at room temperature within several minutes. The product can also be used as a dietary supplement, either eaten by itself or mixed with other foods. Ice-cream toppings, pureed fruit, or coffee powder can be used to flavor the pudding as well.
Available only in powdered form, Sustagen® Sport is offered in both chocolate and vanilla flavor. This product is milk-based and intended for use by athletes and bodybuilders. It’s primary purpose is to keep athletes hydrated and energized. This sports drink is not considered a protein shake, due to its relatively low amount of protein. Some athletes and bodybuilders, however, add this powder to their usual protein shake to improve the taste.
Sustagen® Ready to Mix and Sustagen® Ready to Drink are also available. Unlike other products by this company, these beverages are meant for casual consumption. The Ready to Drink is available in dutch chocolate, french vanilla, and mega choc. On the other hand, the Ready to Mix formula is only offered in dutch chocolate and vanilla.
In 2006, the Sustagen® brand gained some popularity when a nutritionist advised giving the products to three trapped miners. Hundreds of journalists were at the scene to document the rescue and witnessed the products being sent down to the miners. Less than a day after the successful rescue, however, one of the miners made a disparaging remark about the product’s taste.