Meal replacement shakes are a convenient, simple way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or are just too busy to cook a meal, meal replacement shakes can ensure you stay on track.
There are hundreds of meal replacement shakes currently on the market. Some make specific claims regarding nutrition. Others promote themselves as weight loss replacement shakes. Regardless of what claims they may make, one thing is sure – meal replacement shakes are not created equal.
A meal replacement shake should have the same nutritional value as a complete meal. It should have fiber, carbs, fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It should leave you feeling full after you consume it – not hungry.
Since so many meal replacement shakes have entered the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Our research and editorial team has looked into dozens of meal replacement shakes, and we’ve narrowed down the 13 best meal replacement shakes for 2021 and beyond.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2022
If you’re looking for the best meal replacement shakes, then look no further. After thorough research into dozens of products, here are the 13 best meal replacement shakes for 2022.
| Exante Meal Replacement Shakes: | There are over 26 vitamins and minerals in this nutritious meal replacement shake |
|---|---|
| Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix: | Best meal replacement shake for losing weight |
| PhenQ Meal Shake: | A complete protein meal replacement formula designed to help you lose weight and keep it off |
| Green Regimen Elite Protein: | Formulated with organic, plant-based ingredients and 0g saturated fat is the best-balanced meal alternative |
| Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal: | Vegan meal replacement shake |
| Instant Knockout Complete: | Professional athletes use this fat-loss secret to lose weight |
| Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic: | Weight loss drink powder recipe that helps in weight loss |
| Ikari Lean Belly Juice: | This healthy beverage helps to improve metabolism and curb food cravings |
| Vega All-in-One Shake: | This organic All-in-One Shake is the best meal replacement shake |
| Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood: | The world’s healthiest meal shake with fewer calories |
| Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder: | Liquid meal replacement formula that tastes good and is healthy |
| Vegan Protein Smoothies Program: | A comprehensive meal replacement program |
| The Smoothie Diet: | This 21 days smoothie diet program will help you lose weight and gain energy |
| NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement: | You’ll love the delicious flavor of this protein meal replacement |
| Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal Replacement: | High-quality ingredients make it a balanced meal |
| RSP TrueFit: | Premium Grass-Fed Whey and Organic Fruits & Veggies make it a good meal replacement shake |
Exante Meal Replacement Shakes
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | Whey Protein Concentrate, Potassium Citrates, Calcium Carbonate, Inulin, Mineral Blend Dipotassium Phosphate, Whey Protein Isolate, Papain, and other Vitamins and minerals |
| Quantity Per Container: | 28 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 28-day money-back guarantee |
Exante is a popular brand of meal replacement shakes that are primarily lower-calorie shakes meant to support weight loss. Exante advertises their shakes as the ideal alternative to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their shakes are both creamy and delicious, mix well, and combine both flavor and texture while still supplying you with roughly 25% of your daily vitamin and mineral needs.
If you’re looking for an affordable, protein-rich protein shake that is low-calorie and supports weight loss, then Exante is an excellent choice. They’re well-reviewed and both a practical and affordable option.
Although Exante isn’t the cheapest product on our list, it is still affordable, starting at $30.
Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | Bean Protein, Plant Protein, Seed Protein, healthy fat, vitamins and minerals, and digestive enzymes like protease, lipase, amylase, lactase, and cellulase |
| Quantity Per Container: | 30 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix is one of the tastiest and most complete plant-based meal replacement powders on the market. It uses 100% organic, plant-based protein sources, and Organifi uses all USDA-certified organic ingredients. It is also dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. It does not contain artificial flavors.
Each scoop of Organifi Complete Protein contains a solid 20 grams of protein, along with several different essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Like the other top meal replacement powders on our list, it also contains a digestive enzyme blend, making it easier for your stomach to digest the nutrients in this meal shake.
There’s nothing to dislike about Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix. It uses premium ingredients, third-party tests its ingredients, and has a stellar reputation in the supplement industry.
The only thing you should be aware of is that these aren’t the cheapest products on our list. It costs $70 for a 30-day supply, but the quality of the product makes it well worth buying.
PhenQ Meal Shake
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | In addition to protein, PhenQ Meal Shake contains linseed flour mushroom extract, MCT coconut oil, KSM-66 ashwagandha, and Innoslim® |
| Quantity Per Container: | 30-day serving |
| Serving Size | 8 or 16 ounces |
| Refund/Return: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
PhenQ is a meal replacement shake that is explicitly designed to help you shed pounds. It contains 15 grams of protein consisting of pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein.
What makes PhenQ unique is its’ ingredient makeup. These ingredients have been clinically proven to improve muscle strength and endurance, reduce caloric intake, suppress appetite, and ramp up AMPK – the fat-burning trigger.
If you’re looking for a solid meal replacement shake that can also help you lose weight, then PhenQ is easily the best option. It is widely considered one of the best meal replacement shakes and has thousands of satisfied customers. With one of the leading fat burner weight loss pills in its PhenQ supplement, the PhenQ Complete Meal Shake powder is quickly becoming one of the most recognized formulas on the market in 2022 despite its recent launch into the industry.
It is not the cheapest product at $83.34 for two bags, but its ingredients provide you with the best weight loss ingredients possible in a meal replacement shake. Plus, it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve got plenty of time to determine whether PhenQ can help you lose weight safely.
Green Regimen Elite Protein
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | This best meal replacement formula has Chia Seed, Organic Maca, Spirulina, Coconut milk, and digestive enzyme blend |
| Quantity Per Container: | 30 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Elite protein from Green Regimen is an organic, plant-based chocolate protein powder. It is priced at $52, which is competitive compared to other meal replacement shakes on our list.
It contains 25 grams of protein per serving, which puts it on the upper echelon compared to most other products on our list. In addition to protein, Green Regimen Elite Protein also contains prebiotic ingredients & fiber, a digestive enzyme matrix for better absorption, and several different greens for maximum nutrition and a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Elite protein has all nine essential amino acids needed for maximum recovery and athletic performance. It has no added sugars, stevia, or artificial flavors. It’s also non-GMO verified, dairy and saturated fat-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
Green Regimen Elite Protein is an excellent choice of a meal replacement shake, and it is reasonably priced as well.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | In every serving of Raw Organic Meal, there are 20g of premium plant-based protein, along with various vitamins and minerals, probiotics, superfoods, greens, and enzymes. There are 6g of fiber, 0g saturated fat, 44 superfoods, and 1.5b CFUs per serving |
| Quantity Per Container: | 28 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | Unavailable |
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal has one of the most popular and most nutritious meal replacement shake powders available today. It is one of Amazon’s best-selling meal replacement products and frequently ranks at the top.
Like every other Garden of Life product, USDA-certified organic ingredients and 100% vegan ingredients are used in Raw Organic Meal. In other words, instead of using whey protein, Raw Organic Meal sources its protein from plants.
It has virtually everything you would like to see in a meal replacement shake. It is not just a basic protein and vitamin replacement shake. It is also reasonably priced at around $2 per serving. One tub will cost you between $30 to $40. They offer several flavors, which include chocolate, lightly sweet, vanilla chai, and vanilla.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal is a fantastic choice for a meal replacement shake.
Instant Knockout Complete
| Working Ingredients: | Plant-based Protein, Golden Flax Seed, Oat Flour, Organic Brown Rice, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), and Chia Seed |
|---|---|
| Quantity Per Container: | 14 servings |
| Serving Size: | Two scoops |
| Refund/Return: | Unavailable |
By combining Complete and Instant Knockout Cut, the most effective fat loss system has been created, so you can lose weight sustainably with everything you need in one package.
The fat-burning meal replacement shake is unlike any other you’ve ever had. You’ll feel full and satisfied with just 400 calories per serving, which includes everything your body needs.
When you maintain a calorie deficit, you can work hard while also feeling great at the gym, which is critical for losing weight and keeping it off.
Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic
| Working Ingredients: | Polyphenol Blend, Vitamins and Minerals Blend, Metabolic Boosting Blend, Digestive Support Blend, and other nutrients |
|---|---|
| Quantity Per Container: | 30 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
This Japanese drink recipe promises to melt body fat while boosting your metabolism with the use of a meal replacement powder called Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic.
Manufacturers claim that Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic can help you lose weight and give you a balanced meal that you need for a healthy body. This best meal replacement shake can provide you with a variety of benefits when mixed with water or a shake and consumed daily.
Ikari Lean Belly Juice
| Working Ingredients: | Kelp extract, dandelion, turmeric, probiotics, cranberry powder, and other vitamins and minerals |
|---|---|
| Quantity Per Container: | 30 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 180-day money-back guarantee |
There is no better meal replacement shake than Ikaria Lean Belly Juice. It aids in weight loss by increasing metabolism, suppressing cravings, and improving blood flow.
Manufacturers claim Lean Belly Juice contains only natural and scientifically proven ingredients. The powder that makes up Ikaria Lean Belly Juice may also be blended into a smoothie or milkshake, or it may simply be mixed with water, as opposed to most pills. As a result, Lean Belly Juice is a great fat loss solution for people who struggle to swallow pills.
Vega All-in-One Shake
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | This complete meal replacement supplement contains 20g of protein per serving from a blend of plant-based protein sources (hemp, flax, pea, Sacha, and inchi). This ensures that it possesses a complete amino acid profile. It also contains roughly 50% of your daily recommended intake of many vitamins and minerals because it uses broccoli, kale, and spinach |
| Quantity Per Container: | 19 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | 30-day satisfaction guarantee |
Vega One is one of the most well-respected vegan supplement companies on the market today. Its’ complete meal replacement shake – All-in-One Shake is one of the most popular vegan meal replacement formulas on the market. It is slightly more expensive than many of the other products we’ve reviewed. However, it delivers a potent blend of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals while still being vegan-friendly.
A 20 serving tub will cost you $50, putting it in the middle of our meal replacement shakes price range. However, if you’re looking for a complete meal replacement shake, then Vega All-in-One Shake is a fantastic choice. It comes in nine different flavors, so you can find a flavor that fits your tastes.
Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | The label has many plant ingredients, including oat grass, beets, kale, blueberries, and bananas. Orgain uses stevia and organic amla fruit extract to sweeten their product |
| Quantity Per Container: | 16 servings |
| Serving Size | Two scoops |
| Refund/Return: | Unavailable |
Orgain Organic Meal All-in-one Nutrition Powder is another vegan meal replacement formula on our list. Like the other vegan products on our list, Orgain Organic Meal uses plant-based protein sources with additional vitamins and minerals.
Every serving contains 20 grams of protein sourced from chia seeds, pea, and brown rice. The formula includes a wide range of minerals and vitamins and 8g of fiber per serving.
Orgain claims their formula is USDA-organic certified. It also claims to be free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you may like Orgain because it is more affordable than the other vegan options on our list. It costs roughly $31 for 16 servings, which is even less than $2 per serving. Therefore, if you want an affordable, vegan meal replacement shake, Orgain is a solid option.
Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | It has protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, probiotic compounds, superfood extracts, and more |
| Quantity Per Container: | 15 servings |
| Serving Size | Two scoops |
| Refund/Return: | 100% Risk-Free Guarantee |
Tribal Superfood is a meal replacement shake from the wellness company Ka’Chava. They claim that their formula is the “ultimate all-in-one whole body meal.” In other words, it delivers everything you need to replace a healthy meal.
Much like the other top meal replacement supplements on our list, Ka’Chava contains everything you want in a replacement shake. It’s also one of the most popular meal replacement shakes on Amazon, with over 4,000 positive reviews.
The one advantage Ka’Chava has is that it takes things a step further by adding omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant fruit extracts, 17+ fruits and vegetables, 1,000mg of adaptogens, and other nutritious ingredients. It also has 9g of fiber and 25g of protein, higher than most other products on our list.
The only real downside to Ka’Chava is the price. It costs $78 for 15 servings, which means it will cost you over $5 per serving. This is by far the most expensive on our list per serving. However, it is still one of the complete meal replacement powders you can buy today as it delivers 70+ plant-based superfoods and essential nutrients in every package.
Vegan Protein Smoothies Program
| Program Details | |
|---|---|
| About: | With this best meal replacement program, you will not only be losing weight but also live a healthy life with a variety of smoothie recipes and eBooks |
| Key Points: | The vegan lifestyle cookbookThe vegan sweet toothVegan on the go recipes and more |
| Assurance: | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
The Vegan Protein Smoothies Program is a program filled with vegan-based protein smoothies. It is explicitly marketed towards those who want to see weight loss results, improve their energy levels, and optimize their overall health. Even if you do not follow a vegan diet, this program has several excellent recipes packed with protein and very nutritious. There are enough smoothies in this program to accommodate anybody’s tastes.
In addition to the regular Vegan Protein Smoothies Program, you also get two bonuses – The Quick Start Guide & the Vegan Acai Bowls guide. These guides further complement the many programs and provide you with additional diversity to improve your health.
If you’re someone who likes making your meal replacement shakes, then this program may be an easy way to follow some specific recipes. It only costs $34, which is reasonable given what you get. It also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like the recipes or are unsatisfied.
The Smoothie Diet
| Program Details | |
|---|---|
| About: | Using this program, you will learn how to make tasty smoothies which will aid in weight loss |
| Key Points: | 36 delicious fat-melting smoothie recipesShopping list for each weekThe three-day smoothie detoxQuick start guide, and more |
| Assurance: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Similar to the program above, The Smoothie Diet is not a nutritional product but a diet program designed to help you lose weight and achieve optimal health. It uses several easy-to-make smoothies that optimize your body through proper nutrition. It is marketed towards individuals who want to lose weight quickly, improve their energy levels, and improve overall health.
According to the program, following the smoothie diet can help you lose weight faster than you ever thought possible. It supposedly can help you in weight loss and feel better in 21 days. It even goes so far as to say it can transform your body through its’ nutritious smoothies.
The Smoothie Diet has excellent reviews amongst customers, and it does appear to help you lose weight. It costs only $37 and comes with several additional bonuses to improve your health. It also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re looking to make your meal replacement shakes, then The Smoothie Diet is a great choice.
NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | Some of the key ingredients in NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement include a protein blend (grass-fed collagen peptides, whey protein concentrate, and whey protein isolate) and an MCT oil blend (palm oil, coconut milk, and grass-fed butter MCT oils). These ingredients provide you with healthy fats to help you stay in ketosis to burn fat and promote weight loss |
| Quantity Per Container: | 14 servings |
| Serving Size | Two scoops |
| Refund/Return: | Unavailable |
NatureFuel is a relatively new company that sells a keto-based meal replacement shake. It is a popular option for those on the keto diet because of its’ value, ingredient profile, and macronutrient makeup.
Unlike other replacement shakes on our list, NatureFuel contains 15g of fat and only 8g of protein. However, it does make up for the lack of protein with 10 to 90% of your recommended daily allowance on a few dozen vitamins and minerals. Also, to help its users stay on the keto diet, there are just 9 g of carbohydrate and 8g of saturated fat in each 2 group serving.
If you are looking specifically for a keto-based meal replacement shake, then NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement is an excellent choice. One tub will cost you $23, but it comes with 14 servings. Therefore, it provides you with an incredible value at only $1.60 per serving.
Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal Replacement
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | Fit & Lean contains 20 grams of protein sourced from pea protein isolate, micellar casein, mike protein isolate, whey protein isolate, and sodium caseinate. Fit & Lean also contains a fat blend, a fiber blend, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fruit and vegetable extracts – similar to many of the other formulas above |
| Quantity Per Container: | 10 servings |
| Serving Size | Two scoops |
| Refund/Return: | Unavailable |
Most meal replacement shakes are designed for overall wellness. However, Fit & Lean Meal Shake is unique in that it advertises itself as a fat-burning meal replacement that is specifically designed to help support weight loss.
What separates Fit & Lean from other meal replacement shakes is that it contains a fat-burning complex. This includes extracts like green coffee bean extract, green tea leaf extract, and Garcinia Cambogia extract. These ingredients all provide your body with fat-burning ingredients like polyphenols, some caffeine, EGCG, and a few other fat-burning ingredients.
A single tub only contains ten servings. However, this best meal replacement shake is only priced at $22, which still makes it an affordable option. If you’re specifically looking for a fat-burning meal replacement shake, then Fit & Lean may be right for you.
RSP TrueFit
| Product Facts | |
|---|---|
| Working Ingredients: | Each serving of this best meal replacement shake contains a solid 25g of grass-fed protein, a dozen fruits and vegetables, 3.5g of quality fat, 8g of prebiotic fiber, and 1 billion CFUs of probiotics |
| Quantity Per Container: | 20 servings |
| Serving Size | One scoop |
| Refund/Return: | Complete satisfaction guarantee |
On the surface, RSP TrueFit would look like an ultra-premium meal replacement powder. However, despite its fancy packaging, it is priced much more competitively and in line with other products we’ve reviewed.
It comes in four tasty flavors – coffee, cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla. There are zero artificial ingredients, fillers, or preservatives in TrueFit. It is also gluten-free and soy-free.
RSP TrueFit costs approximately $37 for a 20 serving container, in line with most meal replacement shakes on our list. It is primarily sold on Amazon and has hundreds of positive reviews.
If you’re looking for a non-vegan-based meal replacement shake, then RSP TrueFit is a solid choice. If you’re vegan, you’ll want to seek an alternative option.
Who Should Consume Meal Replacement Shakes?
Meal replacement shakes serve several different purposes. Some people take meal replacement powders to help them lose weight. Others simply use them because they are too busy to make proper meals in the kitchen.
Depending on the ingredient makeup, male replacement shakes can be highly effective in supporting healthy weight loss. Using a replacement shake can lower your caloric intake for the day, making it easier to lose weight. Instead of having a carb and sugar-laden lunch with 800 calories, you may have a 300-400 calorie meal replacement shake. The meal and shake might have some similar nutritional value. However, there are fewer calories in the shake.
In addition, some of these replacement shakes also contain ingredients like green tea extract or caffeine to boost your metabolism further. Others contain fiber or other appetite-suppressing ingredients to make you feel fuller for a more extended period.
Besides weight loss, the most common reason to consume meal replacement shakes is a busy lifestyle. A replacement shake may only take a few minutes to prepare, whereas a full meal might take an hour to create.
Many individuals prepare a meal replacement shake in the morning and keep it with them throughout the entire day. They may place it in a water bottle and then drink it whenever they feel hungry throughout the day. This prevents overeating and snacking.
Other specific groups of individuals also may find replacement shakes especially useful. For example, keto diets often take meal replacement shakes because it makes it easier to track their micronutrients to stay on the keto diet. Many new replacement shakes are designed for the keto diet, delivering a high dose of healthy fats, a medium dose of fat, and a minor amount of carbs – if any at all.
Athletes often use meal replacement shakes to recover after a workout or athletic event. Due to their active lifestyle, athletes have higher caloric needs and higher protein needs for their muscles to recover. The same can be said for bodybuilders as well. These groups need to maintain their muscle mass to maximize their performance, so meal replacement shakes are beneficial.
Finally, older adults may find meal replacement shakes useful, especially if they have trouble eating crunchy foods. Other older adults may no longer desire cooking all of their meals or have difficulty cooking. Meal replacement shakes allow older adults to maintain a healthy diet with minimal effort needed.
Meal replacement shakes can also save you money as well if you’re in a pinch. Most meal replacement shakes cost $1 to $3 per serving, which is more affordable than most complete meal replacement formulas.
How We Ranked The Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Every brand of meal replacement shake will make the same claim. They all claim to support a busy or active lifestyle in one or many ways. They also claim to deliver meal-like benefits in the form of a liquid shake. However, not all meal replacement shakes are made the same.
To determine the legitimate meal replacement shakes from the frauds, we considered the following factors:
Protein sources
Some shakes will use animal sources of protein, while others will use plant-based protein sources. We were not biased between the two – we just wanted high-quality protein sources. This means we looked for replacement meal shakes that used USDA-organic plant-based protein sources or grass-fed animal protein sources.
Protein dosage
Protein dosage is critical because it can help you feel fuller for a more extended period and because it helps with muscle recovery. We discovered many shakes only had 8-10g of protein per serving while others had 20-25+ grams of protein. We preferred brands of meal replacement shakes with a higher dose of protein.
Fiber dosage
An easy way to spot a good meal replacement shake from a bad one is to check the fiber dosage. A good shake will have at least 4g of fiber; otherwise, it is a bad quality shake. This is because most protein powders lack fiber, and fiber keeps your digestion healthy and makes you feel fuller for a more extended period. Look at a meal replacement shake that had 4 to 9g of fiber.
Macronutrient Balance
Some meal replacement shakes are high in carbs and calories and low in fat and protein, which isn’t ideal for most people. We preferred meal replacement shakes with a proper macronutrient balance – with a healthy balance of carbs, healthy fats, calories, and protein.
Natural Ingredients
Cheaper and low-quality meal replacement shakes use preservatives, artificial flavors, ingredients, and colors. We preferred ingredients that used USDA organic sweeteners and flavors and possessed no preservatives. These natural ingredients are a sign of a better quality replacement shake.
Taste, Texture & Mixability
A meal replacement shake can have all the right ingredients but still not be worth buying because it tastes horrible and forms clumps. Others have the right balance of flavor, texture, and mixability. We preferred meal replacements that had the latter.
Other Active Ingredients
All meal replacement shakes should have other natural ingredients, including plant extracts, fruit extracts, vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. After all, these meal replacements are meant to replace a full meal.
Company Reputation
While there are hundreds of companies selling meal replacement shakes, not all companies are honest and transparent. We considered the company’s reputation and gave credit to companies with a long history of selling quality meal replacements. We did not necessarily punish newer companies. We gave recognition to companies with a longstanding reputation.
Customer Reviews
The only sensible way to determine which meal replacement shakes were the best is to look at the customer reviews. We ranked meal replacements higher than had generally favorable reviews and had reviews that complimented the product’s taste, texture, and mixability. We did, however, not include meal replacements that seemingly used fake or manipulated reviews as we thought this to be dishonest.
Price & Guarantee
Meal replacement shakes can be costly, and some meal replacements can cost you $3-4 per shake. Others may only cost around $1 a shake. We took the best products on both ends of the spectrum to accommodate any budget. In addition, we tried to find products that were clear and transparent about their refund and return policy.
Health Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes
Meal replacement shakes can have plenty of positive impacts on your health. Some of the most popular brands have even been used in actual research studies to determine the potential health benefits of replacement shakes.
Meal replacement shakes can increase your energy levels by providing essential vitamins and minerals and other nutrients needed to keep you going. A 2020 study found that regularly feeling tired or lethargic can trace their feelings to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. All replacement meal shakes are filled with essential vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy energy levels and provide a wide range of cognitive and physical benefits.
Meal replacement shakes typically provide you with 4 to 9g of fiber, essential for digestion. It also acts as a natural appetite suppressant as well. Unfortunately, a traditional protein shake typically doesn’t have any fiber in them, which is why meal replacement shakes are a great choice.
Likewise, some of the most popular meal replacement shakes contain plant compounds rich in antioxidants, supporting wellness and having several benefits. These plant extracts contain polyphenols and other plant-based antioxidants, which have been shown to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve various other aspects of your health. This is why meal replacement shakes can be especially beneficial for older adults since they are more likely to face chronic inflammation.
There’s some evidence that meal replacement shakes can support weight loss as well. Studies have found that high-protein, low-carb replacement shakes can help weight loss by reducing caloric intake and supplying a healthy amount of energy to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle.
However, keep in mind that replacement shakes that are high-calorie shakes can increase weight. This is why we recommend a balanced, lower-calorie shake that will both satisfy your nutritional needs and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Many vegans also enjoy replacement shakes because protein can be challenging for vegans to consume because of a lack of animal products in their diet. Many vegan-friendly meal replacement shakes contain 20 to 25g of protein per serving, in line with traditional protein powders. Vegan meal replacement shakes are often easier to digest for some people, even if they aren’t vegan, which is why they are a popular category of meal replacement shakes.
Others take meal replacement shakes because they’re on the keto diet. Many replacement shakes are keto-friendly and ensure that those following the keto diet can hit the macronutrient goals. Many replacement shakes are even specifically made for adults on the keto diet.
Side Effects of Meal Replacement Shakes
An overwhelming majority of individuals who use meal replacement shakes experience no adverse effects while using them. Most meal replacement shakes are tolerated exceptionally well, and they do not generally pose any harmful negative risks to your health.
However, this does not mean that they cannot cause side effects at all.
In rare cases, upset stomach, diarrhea, or bloating have occurred while drinking meal replacement shakes. These symptoms generally subside as your body adjusts to the meal replacement shake. If it doesn’t, it could indicate that the product is of inferior quality or uses an ingredient your body simply doesn’t tolerate well.
Other times, some users have found they’ve gained weight while using meal replacement shakes. In general, the individual accidentally purchased a weight gainer shake or did not inspect the label to see how many calories were per serving.
Some meal replacement shakes are also meant to increase weight. These shakes are typically used by athletes or bodybuilders who are looking to pack on muscle and weight. Other individuals use these meal replacements because they are underweight or perhaps even dangerously low.
Finally, some meal replacement shakes contain fruit and plant extracts in their meal replacements for added nutritional value. It is essential to ensure that you are not allergic to any of these ingredients so you do not have an allergic reaction.
In addition, if you are allergic to soy or dairy, make sure the product you purchase is soy-free or dairy-free before you buy it.
In general, meal replacement shakes are very safe and can be consumed by virtually anybody. Just make sure to inspect the label before buying and pay attention to your body the first few days you drink a shake to ensure your body tolerates the product well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Replacement Shakes
We’ve got a lot of questions surrounding meal replacement shakes. To clear up all the common questions, here are our most frequently asked questions:
What is a meal replacement shake & what’s in one?
A: A meal replacement shake is any nutritional supplement meant to provide you with the same nutritional value as an ordinary meal. This means a shake must have similar calories, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, etc. In some cases, a meal replacement formula may have even more calories, fiber, and protein than you’d find in a typical protein powder.
Most meal replacement shakes use similar ingredients to any protein powder, similar to standard protein powders derived from milk (whey) or plant sources (pea or chia). However, meal replacement shakes typically take it further by adding digestive enzymes, plant extracts, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other ingredients.
Can I skip multiple meals and survive on meal replacement shakes?
A: You should not skip multiple meals per day – this is not the intended use for meal replacement shakes. This type of supplement is designed to replace one single meal per day. Unless you take a formula like Soylent, a “complete” nutrition source, you should only ever use one meal replacement shake per day.
Who should use a meal replacement shake?
A: Realistically, meal replacement shakes can be used by anybody. However, they are best suited and most widely used by busy professionals, college students, elderly adults, those on a very tight budget, and athletes or bodybuilders.
How do I take a meal replacement shake?
A: Making a shake is incredibly easy. All you have to do is mix the powder with water, milk, almond milk, or your favorite beverage and shake until it is thoroughly mixed well.
Can meal replacement shakes help me lose weight?
A: It is impossible to lose weight unless you remain on a caloric deficit. However, if you swap out your typical 600-700 calorie lunch or breakfast for a 200-300 calorie meal replacement shake, it can certainly help you lose weight. In addition, many meal replacement shakes contain enough fiber to keep you feeling fuller for longer to reduce your cravings for snacks. This might make it even easier to help you lose weight.
I’m lactose-intolerant. Can I still drink meal replacement shakes?
A: Most meal replacement shakes contain no dairy products or lactose. However, some do. Therefore, you should carefully inspect the label to ensure you’re buying lactose and dairy-free products.
Are there any side effects of meal replacement shakes?
A: Although meal replacement shakes are generally tolerated well, you may still experience an upset stomach or digestive issues – especially during the first few days of using a product.
If these side effects don’t go away, chances are you purchased an inferior quality product with low-quality ingredients. Otherwise, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients found in the meal replacement shake.
Where can I buy meal replacement shakes & how much do they cost?
A: Meal replacement shakes can be purchased at virtually any health store or big box store in retail stores. Alternatively, every central online marketplace will also have a large selection of meal replacement shakes to purchase.
The cost of these shakes can vary wildly. You can purchase a 30-day supply for as little as $30 or as much as $80+. You should pick a brand that fits your budget and choose a brand that still uses high-quality ingredients with zero fillers, artificial ingredients, or other unnecessary ingredients.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2022 Final Thoughts
Meal replacement shakes are great if you’re trying to lose weight or are constantly on the go. These products help supply you with an actual amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other plant extracts.
Regardless of what individual need you have for a replacement shake is, all of the meal replacements on our list can deliver you a complete meal to help you achieve your goals. If you’re in the market for meal replacement shakes, then you should start with these 13 products on our list.
To recap, after analyzing all of the available meal replacements that fit the description of being a viable and legitimate meal replacing shake powder, here is the finalized list to compare the top 13 best meal replacement shakes to see which one speaks the loudest to your direct needs:
- Exante Meal Replacement Shakes – order here, save big now
- Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix – order here, save big now
- PhenQ Meal Shake – order here, save big now
- Green Regimen Elite Protein – order here, save big now
- Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal – order here, save big now
- Vega All-in-One Shake – order here, save big now
- Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder – order here, save big now
- Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood – order here, save big now
- Vegan Protein Smoothies Program – order here, save big now
- The Smoothie Diet – order here, save big now
- NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement – order here, save big now
- Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal Replacement – order here, save big now
- RSP TrueFit – order here, save big now
And that about does it, ladies and gentlemen! The market is overcrowded with popular meal replacement shakes to buy, but if it is not on this list, there is no need to consider it a worthy purchase today as these are the top-rated powders to use for both men and women looking for weight loss benefits as well as a nutrient-dense dietary supplement that is loaded with extra vitamin, mineral, protein and antioxidant support.
Be sure to bookmark this meal replacement shakes review as we will continually be updating it once new research is available, as well as examining what the customers say on top of working on testing out more meal replacements that pass the litmus test of keeping quality the priority when it comes to purity, potency, and integrity.
