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Top 10 Meal Replacement Shakes Reviewed

last updated: May 14, 2020

Maintaining a healthy diet in today's fast-paced world can be quite a hassle. Schedules are getting busier and there is always a commitment competing with your money, making it all the more tempting to give in to those fast food cravings and fad diets. However, if you don’t want to indulge in sugar-laden fast foods during throes of hunger, consider the more healthy and inexpensive alternative of meal replacement shakes.

Shakes are an effective way of bridging the dietary gap helping you effortlessly and conveniently fill that high calorie or nutritional requirement. A perfect source of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals, meal replacement shakes are also ideal for those looking to shed off a few pounds, speed up muscle gain or recovery, or stay supercharged through a workday.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 4 hrs of research

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Garden of Life Vanilla
98.6/100 our score
Brand
100
Value
99
Product Purity
98
Ease of Use
97
Effectiveness
99
Garden of Life Vanilla
Why is it better?

Cost-effective

Has essential macronutrients

Minimal sugar content

Safe and convenient

No heavy metals

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Sorting Options
Brand Value Product Purity Ease of Use Effectiveness By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
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#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Brand
100 %
Value
99 %
Product Purity
98 %
Ease of Use
97 %
Effectiveness
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$48.29
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.2
Brand
98 %
Value
97 %
Product Purity
9 %
Ease of Use
96 %
Effectiveness
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.4
Brand
98 %
Value
98 %
Product Purity
97 %
Ease of Use
94 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$29.99
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.6
Brand
96 %
Value
94 %
Product Purity
96 %
Ease of Use
93 %
Effectiveness
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$59.95
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.4
Brand
92 %
Value
92 %
Product Purity
94 %
Ease of Use
91 %
Effectiveness
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$57.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Brand
92 %
Value
93 %
Product Purity
91 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Effectiveness
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$26.99
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.2
Brand
90 %
Value
90 %
Product Purity
92 %
Ease of Use
89 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Brand
88 %
Value
89 %
Product Purity
90 %
Ease of Use
89 %
Effectiveness
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.8
Brand
88 %
Value
89 %
Product Purity
89 %
Ease of Use
86 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$38.49
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
Brand
86 %
Value
84 %
Product Purity
89 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (19.03.24)
Amazon Link
$47.86

10 Best Meal Replacement Shakes

1. Garden of Life Vanilla

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Garden of Life meal replacement formula
Amazon Link
Brand
100
Value
99
Product Purity
98
Ease of Use
97
Effectiveness
99
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$48.29
Pros:

Cost-effective

Has essential macronutrients

Minimal sugar content

Safe and convenient

No heavy metals

Cons:

Nothing significant

For an all-around meal replacement shake, our first pick, the Garden of Life Meal Replacement Vanilla Powder, is hard to beat. It boasts a careful blend of essential vitamins and minerals to keep away pangs of hunger and while helping you quickly recover after an intense workout schedule. Besides the product’s hallmark 44-superfood blend, there is a myriad of other reasons why you should consider this as your go-to smoothie.

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Individuals constantly on the go will appreciate the genius behind the Garden of Life. With a weight of about 2.14 pounds and dimensions of 6 by 6 by 8.5 inches, this organic raw mix brings together the nutritional value of up to seven products in a single container.

You will benefit from the nutritional content of organic grass juices, fruits and veggies and up to 6 grams of fiber to keep your stomach from growling while working out. In the same vein, the meal replacement shake speeds up the growth of lean muscle and pumps up your energy levels when the going starts getting tough.

Garden of Life also provides you with 21 essential vitamins and nutrients. Together with an additional 1.5 billion CFU probiotics and enzymes, the meal replacement formula is not only delicious but also digests with ease, thereby minimizing any problems like bloating. Another factor that is sure to sway your purchasing decision is the fact that the product is completely safe to use. A purely organic product, it does not come with even the slightest traces of gluten, dairy, or soy. Instead, it comes with Start K kosher, it is vegan-friendly and is Informed-Choice Certified.

To recap, Garden of Life Meal Replacement Vanilla Powder is without a doubt one of the best meal replacement mixes currently on sale on the market. It is a 20g plant protein with a tasty and safe blend of up to 44 superfoods, 6g of fiber, and less than 1 gram of sugar.

If you want to stay satisfied, lose weight, boost your energy level while effortlessly building lean muscle, this smoothie is the way to go.

2. Vega One Organic Berry

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.2
Vega One Berry
Amazon Link
Brand
98
Value
97
Product Purity
9
Ease of Use
96
Effectiveness
96
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Packed with antioxidants

No added sugar

Safe to use

Delicious taste

Cons:

Low quantity

A little salty

Coming from an industry vanguard, Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake Berry boasts a long list of plant-based and safe food ingredients, meaning that it is non-GMO and is free of both dairy and gluten. That means it is 100 percent organic and safe for you and the environment. A single scoop of the formula provides your body with virtually everything you need to stay healthy and disease-free.

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That includes proteins, greens, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, Omega-3 ALAs, and several more. If you want to supercharge your day with a delicious, plant-based smoothie, Vega One Organic comes highly recommended.

As mentioned earlier, Vega One Organic has everything you need to start and end your day on a high note. It offers you protein, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants as well as Omega 3s, all harnessed from various ingredients that include peas, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

A single pack of the meal replacement shake provides up to 18 servings and each scoop gives you up to 50 percent of recommended vitamins and minerals, all of which come from naturally grown and safely harvested ingredients. And the product is super easy to use too.

To get the most out of it, Vega recommends blending one serving of the formula with a fruit of your choice. Meaning you can have your drink anytime, anywhere.

The fact that the meal replacement smoothie is organic, vegan certified, non-GMO, gluten-free and lacking in artificial flavors and sweeteners means it is just as tasty as our first pick. You won’t have to add sugar either as it both smooth and creamy.

And to take things up a notch, it also packs lots of antioxidants from acerola cherry and carrot juice, thereby minimizing chances of coming down with an illness.

In all, Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake Berry is a solid choice given that it offers a plethora of health benefits and helps bridge any existing nutritional gaps. One taste of this and you’ll come back for more.

3. SlimFast Original Rich Chocolate

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.4
SlimFast Original Rich Chocolate
Amazon Link
Brand
98
Value
98
Product Purity
97
Ease of Use
94
Effectiveness
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.99
Pros:

Exceptional taste

All-around formula

Cost-effective

Few calories

Cons:

A little grainy

Variations in taste

With the SlimFast Original, staying in shape while controlling hunger has never been easier. Touted as one of the safest and most effective ways of keeping excess weight at bay, the smoothie is a dependable source of essential nutrients. Its convenience and preference among health aficionados are also informed by the fact that it saves you time, energy, and money by replacing two meals a day with a highly satisfying and delicious smoothie.

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This effectively brings to an end the days of indulging in sugar-laden baked treats. Continue reading to find out why the meal replacement shake deserves a spot on this list. SlimFast Original makes your journey to lose weight a smooth and enjoyable one.

One serving of the shake offers up to 35 percent of your recommended daily intake of the most essential vitamins and nutrients, helping your body stay strong and healthy all through the day.

The same serving keeps you feeling full for up to 4 hours, a remarkable feat compared to other shakes on the market. An 8 fluid ounce serving supplies your body with up 200 calories, ensuring you remain energetic and alert from sunrise to sundown. The blend of 10 grams of protein, 4 grams, of fiber and 24 essential vitamins and minerals takes the time and effort away from processing and burning stored fat. Unless you step on the weighing scale regularly, you won’t even notice the reducing weight.

Compared to other formulas out there, you won’t be cringing your face while drinking the shake. Thanks to its exceptional formula, the smoothie will always be creamy, easy and tasty which puts to a stop the counter-productive move of adding sugars or other sweeteners.

To summarize, SlimFast Original provides you with a simple and flexible way of losing weight while keeping your energy levels up. It has all the essential vitamins and minerals your body requires, it tastes great and it’s effective at curbing hunger.

4. ViSalus Vi-Shape

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.6
ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake
Amazon Link
Brand
96
Value
94
Product Purity
96
Ease of Use
93
Effectiveness
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$59.95
Pros:

Budget-friendly price

Additional fiber and protein

Great taste

Easy to blend

Cons:

Confusing proprietary blends

Small bag

As you’d expect of a top-notch product, this ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix does an amazing job of regularizing and focusing the body. Its formula boasts an umbrella of nutrients and minerals to ensure you get all the health benefits whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to shed off a few pounds.

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And the taste is great, too, so you won’t be fighting any temptations to add in sugar or any other sweetener. The shake is easy to blend with other ingredients like fruits and flows readily for easy and quick consumption.

Considering the product’s sweet cream flavor and nutritional content reports that it’s flying off the shelves are at all not surprising. Each scoop has up to 23 vitamins and minerals in addition to digestive enzymes, fiber, calcium, protein, and several others. Further, the quantities of fat, sodium, and sugar are minimized to trace amounts.

The special design of the shake’s formula enables it to actively get rid of fat, lactose, and carbohydrates, leaving minimal room for weight gain even with repeated consumption. And because you’ll be getting a full serving of fiber and non-GMO soy protein isolate, your heart will invariably be in a top-notch condition.

As for convenience, using the ViSalus Vi-Shape is remarkably easy. You have a choice of two routes: mixing it with water or blending it with non-fat milk, soy milk, or a beverage of your choice. Either way, it mixes uniformly to provide you with up to 30 percent of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals.

A single serving contains about 90 calories and is renowned for its lack of isoflavones, which spares you the negative repercussions of estrogenic effects.

If you’re looking out for one of the best formulas on the market, ViSalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix comes highly recommended. The creamy texture, great taste, ease of preparation, and protein and fiber content make it a must-have.

5. Original Soylent

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.4
original soylent formula
Amazon Link
Brand
92
Value
92
Product Purity
94
Ease of Use
91
Effectiveness
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$57.99
Pros:

Creamy and delicious

Packed with nutrients

Ideal on-the-go meal

Has slow-burning carbs

Cons:

A little expensive

Original Soylent shake is a well-rounded powerhouse that's guaranteed to meet all your nutritional needs wherever you are. Conveniently ticking all the right boxes you likely have your eyes peeled out for, this bottle provides you with a complete meal without going through any hassles. A few of its hallmark features include 20-gram plant protein, the careful infusion of up to 36 essential nutrients, a creamy and delicious taste, slow-burning carbs, and safe formula.

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One serving of the formula will instantly boost and sustain your energy levels while keeping you feeling full throughout the day. As a result, you won't fall for the urge to check into the restaurant across the street to indulge in a sugar-laden if you skip breakfast or lunch.

The bottle delivers 20 grams of protein, several vital minerals and vitamins, and up to 400 calories per bottle. The nutrition is plant-based, vegan and devoid of nuts, dairy, and gluten. And that's not even the best part.

The one feature that sets the smoothie apart is its slow-burning carbs. It features a specially synthesized disaccharide sourced from beets that metabolize slowly thereby offering sustained energy throughout the day. The design means there won't be any spikes in your blood sugar levels.

A second feature that makes the shake a worthwhile consideration is the fact that it contains 21 grams of high oleic sunflower oil, a rich source of monounsaturated fats. This is in addition to the already mentioned 20 grams of protein and up to 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Without digging deep into your pockets, Original Soylent shake provides you with a convenient, easy-to-consume and immensely beneficial nutrition to keep you energetic and feeling full all day long while shielding you from the negative effects of skipping meals. And of course, it is creamy and delicious.

6. Orgain Organic Powder

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Orgain Organic protein
Amazon Link
Brand
92
Value
93
Product Purity
91
Ease of Use
90
Effectiveness
89
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$26.99
Pros:

Excellent amino acid profile

Clean nutrition

Delicious

Offers convenience

Cons:

Not very fulfilling

Too sweet for some

When the throes of hunger come calling and you start craving for a tasty yet nourishing shake, you can always count on the Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder to come to your rescue. Expertly designed by the experts at customer-trusted Orgain, the meal replacement shakes dependably provides you with the clean nutrition you need to stay alert and energetic in an increasingly busy world. While it’s not very different from the 5 smoothies we've reviewed so far, it nonetheless carves its path to new frontiers. And here is how.

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The formula takes away the hassle away from maintaining or improving your health in a world where it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so because of demanding schedules. Boasting one of the cleanest formulas in the world, the shake comes with 21 grams of organic plant-based protein, 7 grams of organic dietary fiber, and 3 grams of net carbs.

A single serving supplies you with about 150 calories without the slightest trace of sugar. Further cementing its reputation as one of the cleanest nutrition around, it is also conveniently free of gluten, dairy, lactone, added sugars, soy, carrageenan, and artificial ingredients.

Ideal for the entire family, the shake is perfect for lean muscle, muscle recovery and pre- or post-workouts. The high concentration of plant-based protein keeps inflammation to a bare minimum while facilitating the efficient working of the muscles. The presence of organic fiber helps fight weight gain and reduces susceptibility to diabetes and heart disease.

The ease with which it mixes with water or milk also makes it an attractive option. With the ready availability of Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder, boosting your overall health is hassle-free.

Just because the shake is nutritious doesn’t mean the taste is bland. Soon you’ll be reaching for this smoothie without giving it a second thought when you decide to skip a meal.

7. FitMiss Delight

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.2
FitMiss formula
Amazon Link
Brand
90
Value
90
Product Purity
92
Ease of Use
89
Effectiveness
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Tasty

Easy to blend

Cost-effective

Consistent and effective

Safety concerns

Cons:

Safety concerns

FitMiss Delight Protein Powder, in spite of the suspect first name, is yet another great option specifically aimed at women. The product infuses an array of ingredients including whey protein, fruits, vegetables, digestive enzymes and superfoods for a holistic performance, which also partly explains its popularity. The formula is an ideal choice for workout enthusiasts looking to both lose weight and build lean muscle and is one of the most pocket-friendly shakes currently on the market.

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As the manufacturer points out, the shake is a complete protein shake made using high-quality, superior, and largely safe ingredients to help with weight loss, lean muscle mass development, and recovery.

A key ingredient in the formula is SolaThin, a product of whey protein whose ability to support appetite control has been proven beyond doubt. If you are therefore looking to lose weight, don’t hesitate to order your today.

The special combination of 16 grams of protein, 90 calories, a superior blend of fruits and vegetables as well as digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals leaves the shake with few competitors in weight control and management.

As is the case with most mixes on this list, this product is designed to taste great while providing the user with sustained energy and appetite satisfaction. It will keep you feeling full for longer to minimize the likelihood of the user reaching for that cookie or cake.

You can choose from the following flavors: chocolate delight, vanilla chai, and cappuccino. All the products, irrespective of your choice, are devoid of dangerous, banned substances. One serving 20-30 minutes before your workout provides all the energy you need to go as fast and as far as you can.

Be it in the great outdoors or in the gym, you can always trust FitMiss Delight Protein Powder to effectively deliver sustained energy and focus. It’ll also assist in fat loss and slow down muscle fatigue. And it is exceptionally easy to use.

8. IdealShake

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Ideal Shake shake
Amazon Link
Brand
88
Value
89
Product Purity
90
Ease of Use
89
Effectiveness
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Easy to consume

Low fat and sugar

Ideal for losing weight

Very satiating

Cons:

Nothing significant

IdealShake Meal Replacement Shake is a safe, hassle-free and cost-effective way replacing one or two meals in a day. An ideal choice for the busy, on-the-go individual, it provides you with more than the minerals and nutrients a typical meal would provide. It is simple and easy to use yet very effective at blocking your hunger and controlling your cravings for heavy, calorie-dense fast foods.

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A reduced calorie intake directly translates to weight loss. On the off chance that our previous picks don't tick your fancy, this formula is guaranteed to do it for you.

Few formulas are as smooth, yummy and simple as this one. Guaranteed to keep you feeling full for at least 3 hours, the days of stepping on the weighing machine while holding your breath now belong to the annals of history. The formula has between 110 and 120 calories and just 2 grams of sugar.

Further, the is smooth and creamy and surprisingly mouth-watering. Another ingredient that makes the product stand out is its 11 grams of whey protein that you get in a single serving. Drink a single serving after an intense workout to help with quick muscle recovery and facilitate the burning of unwanted fat.

The IdealShake Meal Replacement Shake is also fortified with several vital minerals and vitamins. The formula brings together 22 vitamins, minerals and 5 grams of dietary fiber. To these add a careful assortment of protein, carbs, and fat.

And the best part is that you won't be scratching your head after your morning or evening workout wondering how to use the smoothie. Because whipping it up takes a matter of seconds, nourishing your body in between tough schedules will never be easier.

9. LABRADA Nutrition

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.8
Labrada meal replacement
Amazon Link
Brand
88
Value
89
Product Purity
89
Ease of Use
86
Effectiveness
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$38.49
Pros:

Inexpensive

It’s effective

Remarkable fiber content

Easy to use

Cons:

Low dose

Has some sugar

Gone are the days of resorting to dangerous supplement pills and powders as the last measure for boosting one's energy levels. Lean Body High Protein Meal Replacement Shake ushers in a period of effortless and quick post-workout and muscle recovery. It's cleverly designed and packaged to enable you to whip up a delicious and nutritious mix in just a few seconds.

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The formula is also safe to use seeing as it doesn’t contain any artificial colors, aspartame, preservatives, trans fats, or maltodextrin. If you want to find out how Labrada’s flagship shake stacks up against other worthy competitors, keep reading.

Lean Body is a godsend to hard-training athletes, those individuals that frequently skip meals, and the workout enthusiasts in the family. The product speeds up the growth of muscles and is also perfect for augmenting recovery time.

Infused with a retinue of key ingredients, it is a perfect choice for supporting muscle, sustaining energy levels and strength, especially when undertaking strenuous activities. It has 50 percent highly bio-available protein, 30 percent high fiber complex carbohydrates, and 20 percent essential fatty acids for a complete, all-around performance.

The combination of fast- and slow-release proteins ensures a steady supply of vital amino acids. To these add 21 vitamins and minerals, 7 grams fiber-plex dietary fiber for supporting intestinal health.

Lean Body boasts an award-winning taste, a fact that should put you at ease if you’ll be trying out the mix for the first time. It's also safe and clean as it doesn't come with any artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, and is non-GMO. And thanks to the ergonomic, user-friendly design of its container, it is a cinch to use.

A perfect choice for the active person, Lean Body will do the heavy lifting you want to maintain muscle tissue and considerably reduce recovery time. It is also safe and inexpensive.

10. Boost Original

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86
Boost meal replacement
Amazon Link
Brand
86
Value
84
Product Purity
89
Ease of Use
85
Effectiveness
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$47.86
Pros:

Lots of nutrients

Inexpensive

Convenient

Three delicious flavors

Cons:

Lots of sugar

Unlike the vast majority of formulas out there, Boost Original Complete Nutritional Drink does exactly what it promises to do: stop the pangs of hunger while supplying you with moderate protein and calories. Available in 3 flavors, the product provides you with an easy and quick way of adding delicious nutrition to your diet, enabling you to be at your best all through the day.

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Designed for on-the-go dieters, it fits with ease into confined spaces like handbags and small backpacks, making it easy to whip out when the strenuous activities of the day start taking a toll on you.

There is a lot we love about Boost Original but its nutritional profile eclipses them all. The drink offers the user 10 grams of protein, 240 calories, and 26 different vitamins and minerals. Bring the bottle with you to work or the trail and you won't have to worry about skipping meals as it offers you complete and balanced nutrition.

And to sustain your energy metabolism, the meal replacement shake offers 240 nutrient-rich calories and 8 B vitamins. The formulation similarly props up the digestive health of the individual, making it an ideal choice for elderly individuals.

The formula ups the ante by giving you a choice of various flavors that include Very Vanilla, Creamy Strawberry, Peaches & Crème, and Rich Chocolate. Whichever your preference, the taste is something you can take to the bank even though it doesn’t have any artificial colors, sweeteners and is gluten-free.

Boost Nutritional Drinks makes a formula for everyone. You can from options with extra protein, less sugar, more calories, or fewer calories. Irrespective of your choice, the drink will meet all your nutritional needs.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Brand

The right meal replacement shake should strive to meet your nutritional requirements without sacrificing taste. While most of them succeed in that endeavor some do not. Some manufacturers are notorious for using artificial flavors and sweeteners to give their products a mouth-watering taste. Others, on the other hand, rely on natural ingredients yet never fail to deliver a taste-tempting flavor while others allow you to dictate the taste by enabling to blend the shake with a vegetable or fruit of your choice.

We believe that as much as you want to lose weight, power your day or speed up recovery after an intense workout, your meal replacement shake should taste just like you want it to. Luckily, some manufacturers provide several flavors of the same product.

Value

Just because your favorite meal replacement shake touts the perfect balance of all the essential ingredients does not justify parting with a ridiculous amount of money. That is not to say you should throw all caution to the wind and go for the first cheap meal replacement shake you come across. The meal replacement shake should provide you with the value you are paying for.

Product Purity

The nutritional profile of a meal replacement shake is arguably the most important criterion to keep in mind when shopping around. The value bears a significant bearing on not only the taste of the meal replacement shake but also its effectiveness and price.

You can glean a lot of information by reading the nutritional label and this can assist you to choose the meal replacement shake with the right balance of protein, fats, and carbs.

Keeping in mind your own needs, a good meal replacement shake needs to have between 15 and 25 of protein, between 10 and 13 grams of healthy fat and a minimum of 18 essential minerals and vitamins.

On top of these, a single serving should also provide the required amount of fiber, micronutrients, and calories. If you are not sure about the nutritional value of your meal replacement shake, a safe bet would be going for the one containing at least 30 percent of the recommended dietary allowance.

Ease of Use

A meal replacement shake should be easy to whip up whenever you want and from just about anywhere. All the products we feature on our list are intended for on-the-go individuals.

It takes minimal effort, time and skills to blend or mix your favorite meal replacement shake with a fruit or vegetable of your choice.

While the preparation steps vary from one meal replacement shake to another, it mostly boils down to scooping a stated amount and mixing or blending it with water, non-fat or non-dairy milk and/or fresh fruit. You can even use ice. Some, on the other hand, come ready-to-drink thereby sparing you the hassle of following any procedures.

Effectiveness

With the notable exception of FitMiss, all the meal replacement shakes on our list are made using natural ingredients. They also do not have the slightest trace of synthetic ingredients and the manufacturers go to great lengths to avoid cutting corners by minimizing artificial flavoring and coloring and do not add gluten, dairy or soylent to their products.

The list is also devoid of meal replacement shakes with no protein or fiber. The result is an effective and safe meal replacement shake you can comfortably share with the entire family.

Expectedly, the best meal replacement shakes vary in their effectiveness. Some boast a super blend of ingredients and so deliver results within a short time. These cost more, too. The others on the lower end of the price spectrum will require consistency before the results become evident.

Expert Interviews & Opinions

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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#1
ico Brand
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#2
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expert tips icon
Not Sure Which Meal to Replace?

To effectively keep those cravings at bay, experts recommend replacing those meals you are poor at with your favorite. That could be breakfast if you are not a morning person or lunch if you are frequently holed up in a meeting at those times.

The Best Meal Replacement Shake?

Make a point of choosing a meal replacement shake with first-rate protein content and satiety-inducing effect if you are planning on skipping more than two meals a day

Other Factors to Consider

Bottom Line

For the modern professional, athlete, or workout enthusiast, a meal replacement shake is an essential part of your food arsenal. It is a perfect replacement for a healthy meal considering that it packs nearly all the essential nutrients, macronutrients, vitamins and minerals found in a typical meal.

These help you meet your nutritional requirements, recovery after an exercise, stay alert all through the day, reduce meal preparation time and even lose weight by fighting hunger cravings. Now you can confidently choose from our carefully curated list the most suitable meal replacement shake from among our top 10 picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What is the distinction between meal replacement shakes and protein shakes?

a:

As their name suggests, protein shakes have protein as the primary content. They also have considerably fewer calories. Meal replacement shakes, conversely, have a wide array of ingredients that range from vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and fat. Using a meal replacement shake as a protein shake may be counterproductive as it can lead to weight gain.

q: How many calories does a meal replacement shake have?

a:

The number of calories in a meal replacement shake differs from one product to another. Nevertheless, the calories can fall anywhere within a 115 to 200 range per serving, which is usually a scoop. The fact that most meal replacement shakes come in powder form makes it easy for you to vary the number of calories according to your needs.

q: Can I use a meal replacement shake to lose weight?

a:

Few methods of losing weight have the convenience and ease for which meal replacement shakes are renowned. A meal replacement shake provides and individual with an easy way of tracking calorie intake. Most of them also have macronutrients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that suppress appetite thereby ensuring you lose any extra weight.

q: What are the downsides to using meal replacement shakes?

a:

Because meal replacement shakes work by suppressing appetite and are not a perfect replacement for nutritious food, they considerably restrict calorie intake. The most obvious effect of this is an increased feeling of fatigue. Other undesirable repercussions include digestive distresses and bloating.

q: How do I make a meal replacement shake?

a:

Ways of making a meal replacement shake are as varied as the meal replacement shakes themselves. Plus, it’ll depend on personal preferences. You can mix your meal replacement shake powder with good old water or consider more appealing routes like blending it with plain Greek yogurt, raspberries or just pair it with a small meal.

q: Are meal replacement shakes safe?

a:

The calorie content of most formulas falls between 200 and 400 calories. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and nutrients. As a result, their convenience, safety, and purity are never in question.

Sources

  1. Becky Bell, MS, RD, Healthline.com, Can Meal Replacement Shakes Help You Lose Weight?, Informative Article
  2. Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, Webmd.com, Meal Replacements: Choose Those Bars and Drinks Carefully, Informative Article