Nov 6 in General discussion
The Best Meal Replacement Shakes after Testing 21 Different Shakes
After deciding to switch to a healthier lifestyle last January, I've been testing all the products in the market to find what the best meal replacement shakes in the US are. It has been a fun trip where I've tried popular brands like Huel or Soylent, and even premium organic meal replacement shakes like Ka'chava.
Before telling you what my top meal replacement shake is, I want to highlight the benefits of taking meal shakes and what my overall experience has been:
- Easy, convenient and affordable when compared to take-away options
- I stopped being sleepy after my meals and actually worked better
- I've been able to go to the toilet regularly and I haven't been constipated
- I got to enjoy my dinners more, as I would use shakes for breakfast and/or lunch
- I've lost 25lb (really needed too) and my blood markers have improved
Anyways, after trying out 21 different meal replacement shakes, my favorite was LyfeFuel Daily Essentials. It's not the cheapest shake in the market, and might not be for everybody, but I noticed clear improvements in my gut health, energy levels and mood. It was the one that I enjoyed the most and made me feel the best.
The Best Meal Replacement Shake after 1 year was: LYFEFUEL Daily Essentials
Are Meal Replacements Healthy?
This was one of the my main doubts when I started. Having seen Herbalife ads, and all the shadiness around I was a bit skeptical. Also, can eating/drinking powders be really healthy?
I did some research and all the literature seemed to agree that meal replacements are generally healthy within a balance diet. Some scientific articles even show that they can be used for weight loss and for patience with diabetes. In fact, seemingly they can be a good source of nutrients like vitamin D, omega-3s, and magnesium which we don't eat enough of.
However, I did find some Youtube videos of fitness and health influencers which weren't as positive. So in the end I decided to do my own bloodwork before and after.
Spoiler: I lowered my cholesterol levels, improved most health markers and even lost weight. You could argue that most of the improvement in my blood analysis was due to losing weight.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
- LYFEfuel Daily Essentials (Best Well-Rounded Option):
Best for Weight Loss
Best Nutrient Boost
LYFEfuel’s Daily Essentials quickly became my go-to for a well-rounded shake. It’s packed with adaptogens, superfoods, and vitamins that made me feel I was covering all my bases nutritionally.
The Vanilla Chai flavor had a subtle, soothing taste, and the low calorie count made it perfect for a light meal or snack without feeling too heavy. The balanced nutrients made this a top choice for days when I need something nourishing yet not overly filling.
Serving Size: 1 scoop (36g) per serving, providing 150 calories.
Flavors Available: Chocolate, Vanilla Chai.
Pros:
- Comprehensive nutrient profile with 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Includes superfoods, adaptogens, and digestive enzymes.
- Low in calories, making it suitable for weight management.
Cons:
- Lower calorie content per serving may require supplementation for a full meal replacement.
- Limited flavor options.
- HLTH Code Complete Meal (Keto Option):
Best Keto Option
Best Low Carb
HLTH Code impressed me with its creamy consistency and the high-fat, low-carb ratio that’s perfect for staying in ketosis. The added probiotics and digestive enzymes gave it a little edge, making it feel like it was supporting my overall health, not just filling me up. The Chocolate Macadamia flavor is a winner for me, providing a rich, nutty taste that made keto-friendly feel indulgent.
I would love if they had more flavors. I enjoyed drinking this shake, but the high amount of fats was not right for my diet.
Serving Size: 2 scoops (80g) per serving, providing 400 calories.
Flavors Available: Creamy Vanilla, Chocolate Macadamia.
Pros:
- Formulated with a balanced ratio of fats, proteins, and minimal carbohydrates to support ketosis.
- Includes digestive enzymes and probiotics for gut health.
- Free from gluten, soy, and artificial sweeteners.
Cons:
- Limited flavor options.
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Rootana Real Food Shake (Vegan Option):
Best Value
Rootana felt like a breath of fresh air in the vegan meal replacement world. I loved that it uses whole-food ingredients without any artificial sweeteners – it genuinely tasted clean and natural. The Cacao flavor was deliciously rich, and the balanced macronutrient profile kept me feeling energized without that heavy feeling. It’s a great option for anyone wanting a vegan shake that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
It’s not the most complete nutritionally, and it only offers 2 flavors, from which the Chocolate is the clear winner. But it’s a good buy for those looking for value.
Serving Size: 95g per serving, providing 400 calories.
Flavors Available: Original, Cacao, Vanilla.
Pros:
- Made from natural, whole-food ingredients without artificial sweeteners.
- Provides a balanced macronutrient profile suitable for plant-based diets.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to some other vegan options.
- Limited flavor variety.
- Ka'Chava (Best Tasting Option):
Most premium
Ka'Chava was a standout for taste, hands down. The Vanilla flavor had a creamy, luxurious texture that made me feel like I was treating myself to something more than just a shake. With over 70 superfoods packed in, it felt like an all-in-one meal, which was impressive. It’s perfect for when I want something that’s both healthy and enjoyable to drink. The smoothness and flavor make it worth every sip.
However, I cannot justify the price. It’s just too pricey. For what it offers, I think that there are better options out there.
Serving Size: 2 scoops (62g) per serving, providing 240 calories.
Flavors Available: Vanilla, Chocolate, Chai, Coconut Acai.
Pros:
- Renowned for its rich and enjoyable taste.
- Contains over 70 plant-based superfoods and nutrients.
- Free from gluten, soy, and artificial additives.
Cons:
- Lower calorie content per serving may not be sufficient for a full meal replacement for some individuals.
- Higher price point compared to many competitors.
- Huel Black Edition (Gluten-Free Option):
I loved that Huel Black Edition offers a solid 40g of protein in a single serving, which felt incredibly satisfying, especially post-workout. The variety of flavors kept things interesting, and I appreciated that it’s naturally gluten-free. The texture was smooth, and it felt more like a “real food” experience than a typical shake. However, it’s the blend of protein and low carbs that truly makes this one ideal for gluten-free and low-carb diets.
The downside of Huel Black has always been the taste of the texture. I had read some not so good things about it, and indeed they weren’t the best in this list. While the flavor variety and the price are good reasons to buy, it’s just not for me.
Serving Size: 90g per serving, providing 400 calories.
Flavors Available: Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, Unflavored & Unsweetened.
Pros:
- High protein content (40g per serving).
- Low in carbohydrates, suitable for low-carb diets.
- Contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Naturally gluten-free.
Cons:
- Some users may find the taste less appealing compared to other brands.
- May cause initial digestive adjustments due to high fiber content.
So have you tried meal replacements? and what is your favorite?
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The Best Meal Replacement Shakes after Testing 21 Different Shakes
