Hi there actually if you stick to vegetarian or vegan proteins they sweeten with stevia - a natural sweetener with no impact in your blood sugar. Personally I used boost probably for 3 weeks (went peg less and needed high protein as I am a veg head) then I started mixing protein powder with my ensure, and got off of it as soon as I could by switching to protein shakes of my own making - fresh fruit Almond milk or quinoa milk and protein powder - my favorite kind is Sunwarrior the complete one (they have a brown rice one as well I actually mix them) - it's not chalky . And yes foods we sometimes think of acidic are actually alkaline to the body! hugs!