The best way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced and nutritious meal. However, it can be hard for some people to prepare healthy meals daily.

Fortunately, meal replacement shakes can be a great alternative to preparing meals. They can help you get all the nutrients you need without all the hard work of preparing a healthy meal.

However, the market is saturated with these types of products. This can make it hard to find the best ones. In this article, you’ll find the best meal replacement shakes on the market.

  1. LyfeFuel Essentials Nutrition Shake –  Best meal replacement shake that nourishes the body
  2. Instant Knock Out Complete –   Best meal replacement shake for weight loss
  3. Global Healing Plant Protein –  Best for those on the go
  4. Vega One Organic – Best vegan meal replacement formula
  5. Exantediet Plant-Based Shake – Best plant-based shake
  6. Soylent– Healthiest meal replacement shake
  7. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal –  Best with soy protein
  8. Organifi Protein Shake – Best for curbing food cravings
  9. Kachava – Best with a long list of superfoods
  10. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake – Best meal replacement shake overall

10 Best Meal Replacement Shakes Reviewed

LyfeFuel Essentials Nutrition Shake

LyfeFuel Shake is not your ordinary meal replacement. It takes a different approach than other meal replacement shakes. LyfeFuel does not focus solely on calories, carbs, and protein. Instead, it provides a full spectrum of essential nutrients.

LyfeFuel tackles one of the most common challenges of modern lifestyles. We eat too many calories, but lack the essential nutrients to look and feel good. You won’t have that problem with these shakes. 

Benefits

This shake comes with a ton of health benefits. It can help with:

  • Digestion
  • Hair
  • Nails
  • Heart health
  • Eyes
  • Sleep
  • Energy
  • Immunity
  • Skin
  • Stress
  • Thyroid anti-aging
  • Bones
  • Brain

Nutrition

In today’s world, it can be hard to get all the nutrients you need. LyfeFuel is designed to fill in the most common nutrient gaps in your diet. It focuses on micronutrients and not the macros of protein, fat, and carbs. This shake nourishes the body at the cellular level. It can help improve metabolic function, control hunger, and boost your energy.

Just one serving in a glass of eight-12 oz of water every day can fill your nutritional gaps. One serving is 100 calories and contains 27 different vitamins and minerals. These include 500 mcg of Vitamin B12, 1200 IU of Vitamin D3 and 75 mcg of iodine.

This shake also includes a probiotic blend and five digestive enzymes. These help you absorb nutrients faster. The shake delivers 50% of the recommended daily value of vitamins and minerals you need. It can help you look, feel and perform your best every day.

Ingredients

Other than these ingredients, LyfeFuel also contains:

  • Organic sprouted brown rice
  • Canadian yellow peas
  • Tapioca fiber
  • Flaxseed

Flavors

This vegan meal replacement shake is ideal for vegans and low-carb keto diets. It comes in two delicious flavors. You can choose either the:

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla chai

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

LyfeFuel is all about customer satisfaction. This shake comes with a satisfaction guarantee. You can try it risk-free and receive a refund with no questions asked.

Pros

  • Vegan friendly
  • Contains 27 vitamins and minerals and probiotics
  • Tons of benefits

Cons 

  • Relatively expensive

Instant KnockOut Complete

Instant KnockOut understands that losing fat without missing important nutrients can be difficult. They’ve fixed this issue by creating Instant KnockOut Complete. It works by replacing two of your normal meals with a highly nutritious shake.

Benefits

As mentioned before, this product can help with weight loss. However, it also offers several other benefits including:

  • Increased energy
  • Boosted immune system
  • Enhanced muscle growth and repair
  • Elevated mood
  • Improved digestion

Nutrition

Instant KnockOut Complete contains:

  • 35 grams of protein
  • 35 grams of carbohydrates
  • 13 grams of fiber
  • Vitamin A, D, E
  • Chromium, Omega 3 and 6

It is chock full of plant-based protein and 26 essential vitamins and minerals. The high protein levels can help you feel fuller longer. It also helps give you the energy to complete intense workouts. All the protein comes from vegan sources like peas and soy. They are naturally lower in carbs and high in iron which is great if you are counting carbs. Plant-based proteins are also an excellent source of branched-chain amino acids. These can promote muscle growth and reduce muscle loss.

Each serving of this vegan meal replacement drink is just 400 calories. It can help you burn fat and achieve your weight-loss goals. 

Ingredients

This vegan meal replacement powder contains several grains and other ingredients. Some of these are:

  • Golden flax seeds
  • Medium chain triglycerides
  • Chia seeds
  • Oat flour
  • Organic brown rice protein

Flavors

Currently, Instant Knockout Complete is only available in one flavor. However, many people don’t seem to mind and enjoy the vanilla flavor.

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Instant KnockOut comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for U.S. citizens. The manufacturer recommends using this shake with the Instant KnockOut Cut. This combination is great if you’re looking to cut fat faster. They offer several discounts for the Instant KnockOut Complete and the Instant KnockOut Cut combo.

Pros

  • Packed with 26 essential vitamins and minerals
  • Only 400 calories per serving
  • Discounts when combined with the Instant KnockOut Cut

Cons

  • Available in one flavor only

Global Healing Plant Protein

Global Healing Plant Protein offers a great alternative to meet any goals you have. If you’re looking to balance your busy lifestyle or gain muscle, this is your best bet. It is great for people who are constantly on the go and fitness enthusiasts. If you want 20 grams of protein in one serving, choose this product. You can use it as an on-the-go meal replacement or post work out recovery shake.

It contains organic proteins and is gluten and GMO-free. There are no dairy, harsh chemicals, soy, or toxic additives as well.

Benefits

As for benefits, there are quite a few. This shake can help you:

  • Achieve your nutritional goals
  • Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
  • Help you lose weight
  • Increase muscle mass and strength

Nutrition

This product contains a blend of five plant-powered proteins. These include protein from peas, pumpkin, hemp, sacha inchi, and watermelon. These clean ingredients are hand selected to give your body a clean source of nutrition. The shake is keto-friendly, low in sugar, and calorie friendly.

Each bag contains 20 servings and each scoop has about 20 grams of protein per scoop. It also has a total of eight grams of fiber, 40 mg of calcium, 4.6 mg of iron, and 240 mg of potassium.

This protein powder also includes enzymes and probiotics. These help with digestion and can increase the absorption of nutrients by your body. They can help you make the most out of the protein in the formula.

Ingredients

Other than clean plant-based protein, this raw organic meal replacement shake has:

  • Organic MCT coconut powder
  • Organic monk fruit extract
  • Organic chamomile (pollen)
  • Orbitally rearranged monatomic minerals

Flavors

Global Healing Plant Protein is available in three flavor options. They can all be used to make awesome smoothies. You can choose from:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Unflavored and unsweetened

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Global Healing has an awesome money-back guarantee. They offer a one-year money-back guarantee. You get up to one year from purchase to see if you like it and, if not, you can return it for a refund. They also offer free shipping on orders of more than $100 and a subscribe-and-save option of up to 20%.

Pros

  • Contains five organic proteins
  • Kills hunger cravings
  • Gluten-free and GMO-free

Cons

  • COAs and third-party test results are not available on site

Vega One Organic

Vega is one of the most popular names in vegan nutritional supplements. They are a reputable brand that is known for 100% vegan supplements and health products. The Vega One Organic is not a meal replacement shake exactly. It is a supplement that can help to shore up your macros for the day.

Benefits

This product can:

  • Support your immune system
  • Promote digestive health

Nutrition

Vega One contains a powerful blend of organic pea, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds. It also includes a complete amino acid profile in its formulation. There’s also kale and spinach.

Each serving of Vega One is 150 calories. It contains essential vitamins and minerals you need even while cutting calories. These include 20 grams of protein, eight grams of carbohydrates, four grams of fiber, and one gram of sugar.

It also has about 50% of the daily intake of several nutrients. This includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and a range of B vitamins. There’s also 30% of the daily intake of iron and B12 and 15% of calcium RDI. Each scoop provides you with lots of gut-friendly fiber and 500 mg of ALAs from natural sources

Ingredients

The ingredients in this shake are all natural. It includes:

  • Pea protein
  • Golden flaxseed powder
  • Spinach
  • Acerola cherry
  • Chard
  • Kale
  • Pomegranate
  • Maca root
  • Chia seed
  • Sacha Inci
  • Mushroom
  • Quinoa
  • Sunflower seed
  • Pumpkin seed

Flavors

People have this notion that protein shakes don’t taste too good. Vega One considers this and offers some of the best-tasting meal replacement shakes. Flavors include:

  • Mocha
  • French vanilla
  • Chocolate mint
  • Coconut almond
  • Chocolate
  • Berry
  • Unsweetened

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Vega offers free shipping to customers in the U.S. and Canada. They have a 30-day return policy in the event you’re not satisfied with the product. There are no bulk-buy discounts but there is a loyalty program. The program offer loads of benefit if you buy several Vega products

Pros

  • 100% certified vegan
  • Includes a complete amino acid profile
  • Tons of flavors are available

Cons

  • Low amounts of micronutrients

Exantediet Plant-Based Shake

Nobody does replacement shakes like Exante. They are quite popular in the meal replacement world. The Exante meal replacement shake was quite a success. However, it has had a total plant-based makeover. It features a taste of the tropics and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Benefits

The main benefits of this product include:

  • Blocking hunger
  • Reducing food cravings
  • Weight loss
  • Aids digestion
  • Promotes a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle

Nutrition

Exante Plant Based shake contains around 27 vitamins and minerals. They include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and others. This combination is essential as they help your body function properly. They will help nourish your body so you keep up with the daily hassles of everyday life.

This vegan shake contains 25 grams of Soya protein per 100 grams and 14 grams of protein per 50 grams. Each serving is around 200 calories. It can work in one of three ways. You can use it to replace two meals of an energy-restricted diet for weight loss. It can also be used to replace one meal for maintenance after weight loss. Last but not least, it is perfect for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients

Exante shakes include a wide variety of beneficial ingredients. The list includes:

  • Soya protein
  • Flaxseed oil powder
  • Safflower oil powder
  • Pineapple juice powder
  • Vitamins and minerals mix

Flavors

The Exante plant-based shakes really shake things up. It shakes up your taste buds in two tasty flavors. Choose either of these tropical flavors:

  • Pineapple
  • Blood orange

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Exante has a few promos. There are voucher codes you can take advantage of by signing up. You can also refer a friend and earn money when they make their first order. Lastly, there’s a student discount as well. You’ll have to raise your return within 14 days of receiving your order. If successful, your original method of payment will be credited.

Pros

  • Includes 27 vitamins and minerals
  • Promotes a healthy lifestyle
  • Awesome discount offers

Cons

Not suitable for those with a soy allergy

Soylent

Soylent is one of the best meal-replacement drinks. It is a complete meal in a bottle. This means that it contains all the 39 essential nutrients you need for a healthy body. It is a plant-based protein shake that is vegan, kosher, gluten, dairy, and nut free.

Benefits

As a complete meal, Soylent provides many benefits. It can help with:

  • Immune health
  • Focus
  • Energy
  • Muscle health and strength
  • Heart health
  • Slow metabolism
  • Hydration

Nutrition

One bottle of Soylent is 400 calories and contains 414 ml. Just one bottle has 20 grams of protein, 37 grams of carbs, and three grams of fiber. Moreover, the 28 vitamins and mineral mix add an extra punch to the formula for added benefits. The mix includes magnesium, calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and others.

The protein comes from soy. Soy can help with lowering the glycemic index of the shake and help with digestion. This shake is great for those looking for more nutritionally balanced calories.

Ingredients

Ingredients in a bottle of Soylent shake include:

  • Soy protein isolate
  • Maltodextrin
  • Sunflower and canola oils
  • Natural flavors
  • Cellulose
  • Vitamin and mineral premix
  • Soluble corn fiber
  • Sucralose

Flavors

Soylent comes in a few delicious and nutritious flavors. Choose from:

  • Banana
  • Vanilla
  • Mint chocolate
  • Original
  • Creamy chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Cafe mocha
  • Cafe latte
  • Cafe chai
  • Gingerbread

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Soylent shakes come in various flavor packs with 12 bottles. You can subscribe and save on your purchases. There’s also a prepaid subscription option that allows you to save even more. Currently, they offer free shipping on orders over $50.

Soylent has no return or exchange policy. This is due to food safety reasons. However, they will consider refund requests for Soylent that arrives damaged or defective. You will have to notify them within 14 days after delivery.

Pros

  • A complete meal in a bottle
  • 39 essential minerals and vitamins
  • Various delicious flavors

Cons

  • No return or exchange policy

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal

Garden of Life is yet another well-known vegan and vegetarian supplement brand. They have several organic products on the market. These include a variety of protein shakes, supplements, and meal replacement powders. One of their best is the Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal. It can help you achieve and maintain your health goals.

Benefits

You can reap various benefits from Raw Organic Meals. These include:

  • Boosted energy
  • Increased lean muscles
  • Improved digestion
  • Reduced food cravings

Nutrition

This product provides all the nutrients you need. Best of all, there are no extra calories or fillers. The formula contains 20 grams of protein and seven grams of fiber per scoop. The protein comes from 13 organic grains and seeds. There are also 44 superfoods and 21 vitamins and minerals in the formula.

The Raw Organic Meal is just 120 calories per serving. It is low in sodium, has no saturated fat, and is low carb. It also has an extra boost of potassium. There are even probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other ingredients for added benefits.

Ingredients

There are some fantastic ingredients in this formula to give your body what it needs. The ingredients are grouped into blends. These include:

  • Organic protein blend – pea protein, sprouted brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and others.
  • Organic fiber blend – tapioca fiber, chia seeds, and flaxseed
  • Organic flavor blend – vanilla, stevia, and sea salt
  • Organic fruits and vegetable blend – spinach, baobab, apple, beet, carrot, and others
  • Organic greens blend – alfalfa grass juice, spirulina, barley grass juice, and others
  • Vitamin and mineral blend – Vitamin C, niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, folate, and others
  • Probiotic and enzyme blend – lipase, protease, aspergillopepsin, cellulase, and others

Flavors

The flavor option of the Raw Organic Meal includes:

  • Vanilla
  • Chai
  • Chocolate
  • Unflavored

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

You can get discounts on this product if you buy it in bulk. However, you need to buy it directly from the Garden of Life website.

They also offer a refund or replacement if the product arrives damaged or defective.

Pros

  • 100% organic ingredients
  • Boosts energy
  • Live probiotics for better digestion

Cons 

  • No money-back guarantee

Organifi Protein Shake

Organifi has quite a reputation for its unique and unusual ingredients. Their protein shakes keep you full and satisfied all day long. It is filled with real vitamins, minerals, and much more for a healthy body.

Benefits

Organifi Protein Shake is an all-in-one nourishing solution that:

  • Curbs cravings
  • Provides essential minerals and vitamins
  • Supports digestion

Nutrition

Even though it is marketed as a protein shake, Complete Protein is so much more than that. It has enough micronutrients to replace a full meal. This meal replacement option gives you 20 grams of protein per serving. Each serving is less than 200 calories and is a low-calorie meal alternative solution. It also provides a third of the daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals.

Also included in the mix are digestive enzymes. These support digestive health and immune functions. Mixing it with water, oat milk, or healthy fats can boost weight loss, curb cravings and give you energy.

Ingredients

The ingredients in this protein shake are:

  • Pea protein
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Quinoa
  • Flax seeds
  • Fruit and veggie blend
  • Acacia
  • Agave inulin
  • Coconut sugar
  • Sea salt

Flavors

Organifi Complete Protein Shake is best served cold. You can mix it with cold water, oat milk, almond milk, or dairy milk. You can enjoy it in two flavors. Your choices are:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

Organifi offers you the chance to save 10% for a monthly subscription. You can sign up for their Insider’s List and get up to 15% off your first purchase. There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Contains pea protein which is a complete amino acid source
  • Boosted benefits when mixed with a variety of beverages
  • Provides a third of the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals

Cons

  • Only available in two flavors

Kachava

Kachava is an interesting meal replacement shake. It has an amazing ingredient list. There are more than 85 superfoods in the blend. All of them are organic, plant-based, and highly nutritious.

Benefits

When it comes to benefits, Kachava does not disappoint. Health benefits include:

  • Higher energy levels
  • Better digestion
  • Faster lean muscle growth
  • Enhanced appearance
  • Sustainable weight loss
  • Stronger immune system

Nutrition

Kachava is about 240 calories per serving. It combines more than 70 plant-based foods and micronutrients to nourish your body. The high protein and fiber content keeps you full and allows you to stick to a healthy diet. There are also some adaptogens and vitamins and minerals in the mix. These are great for coping with a calorie-controlled diet or living a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients

The list of ingredients is very long. Kachava contains several blends. These include:

  • Plant-based protein blend – Yellow pea, brown rice, sacha inchi, amaranth, and quinoa.
  • Omega EFA/fiber blend – Whole grain oat, acacia, chia, and flax
  • Antioxidant/superfruit blend – Coconut flower nectar, acai berry, maqui berry, camu camu berry, and others
  • Adaptogen blend – Maca root, shiitake mushroom, maitake mushroom, and others
  • Super greens/ vegetable blend – Beet, carrot, spinach, broccoli, tomato, and others
  • Probiotic blend – Inulin, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lacto bacillus acidophilus
  • Digestive enzyme blend – Amylase, protease, cellulose, lactase, and lipase

Flavors

Kachava comes in a variety of fun and enticing flavors. These are:

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla
  • Coconut acai
  • Chai
  • Matcha

Promos & Money-Back Guarantee

The company offers a chance to subscribe and save. you can save up to $10 per bag. Best of all, you can cancel the subscription anytime you want. You also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try this shake completely risk-free.

Pros

  • Contains more than 85 superfoods
  • Organic ingredients
  • Highly nutritious

Cons

  • Pricey without subscription

PhenQ Complete Meal Shake

PhenQ is an excellent meal replacement shake. It is a perfect choice if you lead a busy lifestyle and want to get all the nutrients you need. The best meal replacement shakes are gluten-free, sugar-free, non-GMO, halal, and kosher.

It mixes easily with water or any beverage of your choice. Just add one heaping scoop of powder to 10-14 oz water or milk in a shaker bottle and enjoy.

Benefits

This meal replacement powder is designed to:

  • Control cravings
  • Boost energy
  • Help with weight loss
  • Increase muscle strength
  • Replace one whole meal

Nutrition

PhenQ has all the macronutrients and micronutrients you need from a healthy meal. It contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving is just under 300 calories and provides 16 grams of protein and 13 grams of digestible fats. These keep you full for longer and help to repair your body after a workout.

Ingredients

PhenQ complete meal replacement shake contains a unique patented compound called InnoSlim. This proprietary blend of herbal extracts promotes fat burning. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase in the body. Kinase is an important enzyme in the metabolism of fat. It also helps to decrease glucose absorption which in turn reduces how many calories you eat.

Other ingredients in the formula include:

  • Gluten-free oat flour
  • Pea protein
  • Whey protein
  • Flaxseed powder
  • DigeZyme (contains five digestive enzymes)

Flavors

When it comes to flavors, you can choose from three options. These are:

  • Chocolate brownie
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Strawberries and cream

Money-Back Guarantee

PhenQ also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not 100 satisfied with the product, you can return it within 60 days of purchase for a full refund.

Pros

  • Contains all the vitamins and minerals you need in one meal
  • Can also help with weight loss and building muscle strength
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Not vegan-friendly

Ranking Criteria for Best Meal Replacement Shakes

There are so many meal replacement shakes out there. They all promise numerous health benefits, weight loss, appetite management, and more. However, not all of them fulfill their promises. This is why you need to make sure you choose one that is best suited to your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the best meal replacement shakes.

Protein Source and Amount

The best options include natural protein sources. This includes meats, beans, and milk. Proteins sources in meal replacement shakes include those from:

  • Milk
  • Peas
  • Quinoa
  • Others

Different manufacturers have different types and grams of protein per serving. Take your protein needs into consideration and choose the one that’s best for you and what you want. If you need a vegan meal replacement shake, look for plant-based protein shakes. Always remember to check the ingredient list of meal replacements before you buy.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function properly. Everyone is different and some of us may need more than others. However, you can talk with your doctor and decide if the vitamins and minerals are safe for you and your body.

Vitamins are important for several processes in the body. Vitamins D, C, and A are important for our immune system, brain chemistry, and other processes. Iron, amino acids, and healthy fats all promote heart health, circulation, and metabolism. Fiber also plays a crucial role in digestion.

Look for shakes that are chocked full of these nutrients.

Formula & Dosage

If you’ve used these types of products in the past, you are familiar with those that don’t mix well. Some mixtures don’t blend well and the result is a powdery, chalky drink that just tastes awful.

Choose shakes that blend easily with water, oat milk, dairy milk, or coconut milk. Choose the best mixing medium that works for you. Most of the products on our list mix well with different mixing mediums. You can even get creative and add some fresh fruits for some awesome smoothies.

Taste & Flavor

Most people would say meal replacement shakes taste okay. Some manufacturers may try to mask the taste of the protein powder. They’ll either use too many artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners.

However, you don’t have to fall for that trap. If you want your meal replacements to taste good, look for those with natural ingredients. These products will have rich and delicious flavors that don’t taste weird.

Customer Satisfaction

If you’re going to invest your money in a product, you want to be sure that your satisfaction is guaranteed. Look for companies that offer satisfaction or a money-back guarantee. If you’re new to meal replacement shakes, chances of not liking your very first few prices are high. Shop around until you find a product that serves you well.

Brand Reputation

To find a product you can trust, it’s best to go with a reputable brand. Brands that are established would have a lot to lose if their products are not up to par. These brands put their products through third-party tests to ensure safety. They also make sure to get ingredients from reliable and safe sources. Reputable companies will also use the best ingredients.

Price

Meal replacement shakes prices vary. Most times the price will reflect the protein, vitamin, and mineral content in that shake. A good meal replacement shake will provide all the nutrients you’d get from a healthy meal.

Most people like to think that the more expensive the shake, the better. However, this is not true. There are some affordable options on the market that provide everything you need. Do your research and choose the best meal replacement shake that suits your needs.

Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes

Complete Nutrition

Your body needs a range of nutrients to look, feel and perform its best. It is easy to develop deficiencies when restricting your calorie intake. You may reduce your calorie intake to try and lose weight or due to medical, financial, and other reasons. No matter the reason you need to be sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. If you don’t want to take multiple supplements, you need a carefully crafted meal plan. Shakes with good macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients are best.

Weight Loss

The best meal replacement shakes are also marketed as weight loss products. This is because they’re usually low in calories. Maintaining a consistent calorie deficit is sometimes necessary for visible weight loss. However, it can be difficult to stick to your calorie limit. For this reason, meal replacement shakes are your best bet.

These products also contain a high amount of protein and dietary fiber. These nutrients play a key role in regulating your appetite. Snacking is the most common obstacle when it comes to losing weight. Eating enough protein and fiber can curb food cravings and keep you fuller for longer.

Some brands include other ingredients that may burn fat like green tea extract. There has been evidence that meal replacement shakes can be good weight loss tools. According to a meta-analysis in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, overweight and obese adults on a low-calorie diet may lose more weight if they use meal replacement shakes. Participants in the study who did not use these products lost less weight than those who did. This was recorded during both the three-month and one-year period.

A study in Appetite journal investigated the effects of meal replacement vs a typical food-based diet on the brain and food cravings. It was found that meal replacement shakes produced fewer cravings. They also promoted better weight loss than a regular diet.

Convenience

Modern-day lifestyles demand so much of our time. From work to family and other demands, we hardly have time to cook from scratch and enjoy a meal at home. It is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet to get all the nutrients your body needs. However, it isn’t always easy to do so. This is where meal replacement shakes come in handy.

Meal replacement shakes are portable and compact. This makes them easy to take with you when you have to rush out of the house. Carrying a shaker bottle is easier than several containers when you’re on the go. Meal replacement shakes are also easy to make. This way you can get the nutrients your body needs conveniently and easily.

Who Should Use Meal Replacement Shakes?

People use meal replacement shakes for various reasons. Shakes vary and the best meal replacement shake is one that is best suited to your needs. The most common reason people use meal replacement shakes are:

Weight loss

If you’re looking to lose weight, meal replacement shakes may be right for you. When you replace a meal with a low-calorie shake, it can help you lose weight. They can help to create a larger calorie deficit. Unlike protein powders, meal replacements have added vitamins and minerals. This ensures you get a complete and nutritious meal.

Energy

Busy lifestyles can make it hard to cook and get all the nutrients you need. Meal replacement powders are great for breakfast during rushed mornings. They also work great for lunch during hectic workweeks. These shakes are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals per serving. This way you can have the energy to fuel your busy lifestyle.

Healthy diet

Some people use meal replacement shakes to ensure they follow a healthy diet. Sometimes the food we eat doesn’t have enough of the nutrients we need. If you feel like you lack nutrients, meal replacement shakes can help. They can fill in the nutrition gaps in your diet.

Traveling

People who travel a lot may not like the food where they’re traveling to. Meal replacement shakes are perfect for throwing into your carry-on. All you need to do is mix with water, milk, or whatever beverage you like to create a fast and nutritious meal on the go.

Best Meal Replacement Shakes FAQs

Are meal replacement shakes safe?

Meal replacement shakes are safe to use. They contain healthy ingredients. However, you should not solely rely on them for meal replacements throughout the day. You still need to eat a proper meal once or twice a day.

When should you use a meal replacement shake?

This depends on you and your goals. Some people use them as a quick on-the-go meal. Others use them as a low-carb meal for breakfast or lunch to cut back on calories. The rest may use them to lose weight or add them to their diet to try to bulk up. No matter what your goals are, meal replacement shakes can be taken at any time of the day.

Are meal replacement shakes good for weight loss?

Meal replacement shakes are great for weight loss. This is because they contain a good amount of protein and fiber. These can help kill food cravings and keep you fuller for longer.

Is drinking meal replacement shakes good for you?

If you’re constantly busy and not able to eat healthily, meal replacements are a good option. It is better than grabbing fast food or skipping a meal.

Is it OK to replace two meals with protein shakes?

Drinking two protein shakes a day may help you lose weight. However, it isn’t a long-term weight loss solution. These shakes provide an easy way to cut calories but you have to eat whole foods as well.

What are the side effects of a meal replacement?

Meal replacement shakes are generally safe. However, some people may experience some side effects. This includes weight gain, digestive discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, and others.

Some shakes can lead to weight gain because they are made to encourage muscle or weight gain. These shakes would be higher in calories than others. Shakes with whey protein can cause digestive discomfort for lactose-intolerant people. Whey concentrate contains less lactose than milk but it is not entirely lactose-free. Even those who can tolerate lactose may experience digestive discomfort as well. They can experience nausea, cramps, and bloating if they use whey protein in large doses.

Meal replacement shakes are formulated with vitamins and minerals. However, not every drink is as nutritious as a balanced meal. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

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Conclusion

Meal replacement meals are designed to help you replace a meal when you don’t have the time to cook meals. Finding the best drink meal replacement shakes can be hard. When looking for meal replacements, there are several things you need to keep in mind. Choose a reputable brand that uses clean and whole ingredients. You should also consider the nutrition ratio, formula, and flavors as well.