10 Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss

Meal replacement shakes can be an excellent tool on your weight loss journey. Whether you want to make up for a missed meal or replace it with a shake that gets the calories and macros right, these products have you covered.

Choosing the best meal replacement shake for you can make the difference when struggling with the last stubborn layers of fat and making it to your ideal weight. But with the sheer number of products available, it can be challenging to find the right one.

This article will review the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss and recommend one clear winner and a budget-friendly alternative.

Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss: Reviews

310 Shakes Plant Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Shake

This shake is meant to be a meal replacement but doubles as a quality protein shake. Its low-calorie, high-nutrient content makes the 310 Shake a healthy dietary addition and muscle-boosting supplement.

Product Highlights

The 310 Shake is made of select ingredients with a strong focus on whole foods. This meal replacement shake contains 15 grams of protein from pea, brown rice, and hemp, as well as 17 minerals and vitamins. In addition, it contains probiotics to help alleviate indigestion and other stomach ailments.

The Good

The 310 Shake sources proteins from quality ingredients like brown rice and pea. Many meal replacement shakes that ramp up their protein content with wheat and other subpar sources, but 310 refrains from that approach. This shake also contains no gluten, soy, or artificial sweeteners. And it has its own brand of peanut butter powder to add to your meal replacement shake, lending variety to your weight loss diet.

The Bad

While it comes from healthy sources, the protein content in this shake could be higher; but this point will be a matter of personal preference. Remember, excess protein is stored in the body as fat. Therefore, people who expect to get maximal muscle gain with the help of this shake may find it somewhat lacking. Additionally, the focus on natural ingredients comes at the price of taste, even though the 310 Shake features several flavors.

Pros

• Quality ingredients
• Good mineral and vitamin content
• Keto- and paleo-friendly option
• Without artificial sweeteners
• Only 90 calories per serving

Cons

• Somewhat lower protein content
• Can be an acquired taste

Huel Nutritionally Complete Food Powder

Those looking for a meal replacement shake filled with protein will find just that in Huel Nutritionally Complete Food Powder. This shake is meant to replace a complete meal and is made solely with plant products. It’s rich in nutrients, covering practically every ingredient needed for a healthy diet.

Product Highlights

Huel Nutritionally Complete Food Powder contains 27 vitamins and minerals and 29 grams of plant-based protein. In addition to the abundance of these essential nutrients, the shake also has fiber and additional helpful probiotics. There are two options to choose from, the original or their Black Edition, which has better flavor and texture, fewer carbs and more protein, and is gluten-free. In addition, their powder comes in a plastic and foil pouch rather than a large plastic tub, reducing waste.

The Good

Being completely vegan is the strongest selling point of Huel Nutritionally Complete Food Powder. The company has developed a community of Hueligans, as they’re called, that share recipe and post images on social media of themselves drinking Huel in the wild.

The shake is named and advertised as a complete meal replacement (fuel for humans) and delivers on that promise. It’s also very convenient that this shake comes in a ready-to-drink form for those on the go; no mixing is required. In addition, the company offers a discount to students and first responders and donates 1% of profits to environmental charities. They also sell flavor packets to add to the shake for variety.

The Bad

Although Huel Nutritionally Complete Food Powder has only a bit of natural sugar – less than 1% – it still contains sugar, which might be an immediate no-go for some. Furthermore, the sugar doesn’t do much for the taste, which some users report as somewhat bland.

While this might be a matter of personal preference, it’s worth noting that mixing the shake with some fruit or chocolate is widely recommended, as is making sure the shake is very cold.

Pros

• Contains 27 vitamins and minerals
• High protein content
• Added probiotics
• Only 1% of natural sugar inside
• 400 calories per serving

Cons

• Not completely sugar-free
• Taste and texture might not suit everyone
• Doesn’t come with a scoop

SlimFast Meal Replacement Powder

One of the most well-known brands, SlimFast Meal Replacement Powder is a decent, budget-friendly option for people looking to lose weight via the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss. The shake has plenty of vitamins and minerals and is made for use with fat-free milk.

Product Highlights

This shake contains 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. In terms of vitamin and mineral content, the SlimFast Meal Replacement Powder includes vitamins A, C, D3, potassium, calcium, and more. All things considered, the shake offers nutritional value for a reasonable price.

The Good

This meal replacement shake doesn’t contain gluten. Instead, its main advantage comes in the form of relatively rich mineral and vitamin content. SlimFast offers nearly all essential nutrients compared to other options on the market. Additionally, this shake has a reportedly good flavor and can be enjoyed without additional ingredients.

The Bad

The relative tastiness of this shake might come at the expense of added sugar and several other questionable ingredients. It contains soy, salt, artificial flavor, and acesulfame phosphate, a non-nutritive sweetener. The shake doesn’t represent a low-calorie meal replacement and has some saturated fats.

Pros

• Relatively affordable
• Plenty of essential minerals and vitamins
• Pleasant taste
• 110 calories per serving

Cons

• Lower protein and fiber content
• Contains unhealthy ingredients
• Isn’t a low-calorie option

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes

The Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal represents a tasty meal substitute with plenty of protein, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to its nutritional value, this shake is reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice for most users.

Product Highlights

This meal replacement shake contains organic ingredients and protein sourced exclusively from non-GMO foods. It can be an excellent post-workout addition to your regimen, as the shake’s relatively high protein content will help muscle growth and provide an energy refill.

The Good

The Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal contains 21 minerals and vitamins, 44 superfoods, 20 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber. The shake is entirely soy-, dairy- and gluten-free and is designated as a vegan and kosher option. It comes in chocolate flavor and is quite tasty compared to the blandness of certain other products.

The Bad

This meal replacement shake contains sugar, albeit in a very small amount. While the product is advertised as soy-free, it can contain trace amounts of this plant since it shares the manufacturing facility with soy products. Plus, some of the protein content is extracted from soy, although that doesn’t introduce soy directly into the shake.

Pros

• Contains organic, non-GMO ingredients
• Uses plenty of sprouts
• Decent vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein content
• Better taste than some competitors
• 130 calories per serving

Cons

• Contains sugar (less than 1 gram per serving)
• May contain trace amounts of soy

KOS Vegan Protein Powder, Chocolate – Low Carb Pea Protein Blend

If you’re looking for a flavorful shake compatible with paleo and keto diets, the KOS Vegan Protein Powder may be just the choice for you. This shake provides plenty of protein per serving while adding only 160 calories.

Product Highlights

KOS Vegan Protein Powder is mainly made of natural and organic ingredients like Himalayan salt, Peruvian cacao, coconut milk, and monk fruit. The shake has a blend of enzymes designed to boost digestion and maximize nutrient absorption. Despite its rich content, this shake might not be an ideal meal replacement option since it doesn’t contain enough essential vitamins and minerals.

The Good

The protein content of this shake comes from five select ingredients, including quinoa, chia, pea, pumpkin, and flax seeds. The product contains no GMO foods, hormones, soy, dairy, or gluten. Its taste is one of the greatest selling points since the organic Peruvian cacao brings it one level higher than most. The shake has 20 grams of protein, which can be more than enough to support muscle growth after a workout.

The Bad

The main downside of this shake is its lack of vitamins and minerals. Since these nutrients are essential in every healthy diet, a shake without them can’t be considered a proper meal replacement. Unfortunately, KOS Vegan Protein Powder isn’t branded or advertised as a meal

Pros

• Relatively high protein content – 20 grams per serving
• Protein sourced from quality ingredients
• Excellent taste
• Contains a blend of digestive enzymes
• Doesn’t have gluten, soy, dairy, or GMO
• 160 calories per serving

Cons

• It can’t be used as a balanced meal replacement shake
• Without additional vitamins and minerals
• Better suited as a meal supplement

Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal

The Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal is designed for fat burning and efficient nutrient absorption. This shake contains plenty of natural ingredients, including whole fruits, veggies, and ingredients geared explicitly toward burning fat. In addition, its relatively high protein count makes it a great addition to an active lifestyle.

Product Highlights

The Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal might prove an excellent weight loss solution when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet. The shake features renowned superfoods like kale, blueberry, spinach, carrots, mango, pineapple, red beets, and bananas.

It also contains targeted fat burners, such as green coffee, tea, and Garcinia Cambogia. Caffeine might be a somewhat controversial ingredient. It could boost performance during workouts but can cause certain side effects.

The Good

This shake has an abundance of select fruits, vegetables, and plant foods. Besides 28 whole foods, it has 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. In addition, the shake contains 26 minerals and vitamins, including a copious amount of vitamin D. The Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal also features probiotics, although to a lesser extent than some other products.

The Bad

The powerful content of this shake comes with certain precautions. The shake isn’t recommended for use during pregnancy, ongoing medical conditions, or medication therapy. It can cause discomfort in some users. The previously mentioned caffeine can lead to sleep issues, nervousness, and even more severe symptoms like nausea, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, and dizziness.

Pros

• 20 grams of protein
• Rich in fiber – 10 grams per serving
• Contains ingredients that target body fat
• 26 minerals and vitamins
• Plenty of whole foods
• 150 calories per serving

Cons

• Contains whey and milk protein
• Uses high-calorie sunflower as one of the fat sources
• Contains caffeine
• Unsuitable for any users other than healthy adults

Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein Meal Replacement Shake

The Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein Meal Replacement Shake is geared primarily toward people who want great fitness results. This shake covers the middle ground between meal replacement and protein replenishment. Its high protein content makes it more of a workout supplement, best used before or after exercise.

Product Highlights

Compared to most other shakes, the Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein Meal Replacement Shake contains a huge protein supply. The shake has 35 grams of protein, consisting of fast- and slow-release variants. In addition to protein, this shake has 7 grams of fiber, essential fatty acids, and glutamine.

There are also 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids that support muscle growth. When everything is considered, the shake leans more toward a protein supplement than a meal replacement option.

The Good

As far as shakes go, the Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein Meal Replacement Shake tops the list in terms of protein content. It’s also rich in other nutrients, like fatty and amino acids, that further promote muscle growth. The relatively limited fiber supply will still provide ample energy and contribute to staving off hunger.

The Bad

Despite being counted among the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss, this product lacks vital nutrients, such as minerals and vitamins. Yet that might not be the biggest drawback. While the shake has plenty of protein, its sources are problematic. They include most proteins that should be avoided, like soy and milk. Similarly, the shake uses high-calorie sunflower oil as one of the sources of fat, which is usually avoided by those trying to lose weight.

Pros

• Extra rich in protein
• Contains additional muscle-building components
• Boosts endurance, strength, and workout performance
• 290 calories per serving

Cons

• Lacks nutrients for balanced meal replacement
• Contains soy and milk protein
• Without added minerals and vitamins

Purely Inspired All-in-One Meal Replacement

This shake represents a balanced option that provides most of our crucial nutrients. The most significant advantage the Purely Inspired All-in-One Meal Replacement has over similar shakes is its popular price. Filled with organic ingredients, the shake can be a good choice for everyone who prioritizes a healthy lifestyle.

Product Highlights

A single scoop of the Purely Inspired All-in-One Meal Replacement provides sufficient protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. This shake also contains plenty of fruits and vegetables and probiotics. Due to its well-balanced formula, it can be helpful both as a meal replacement and a workout supplement.

The Good

This shake contains select ingredients with no dairy, gluten, or GMOs. Furthermore, the shake has no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. It’s an organic product perfectly compatible with a vegan lifestyle and diet.

The Bad

The shake contains 2 grams of sugar per serving, which is considerably more than many others on this list. While it has a blend of nutrients, it contains only 17 minerals and vitamins – a far cry from some of the leaders in this respect. Additionally, the shake might have a questionable taste for some users.

Pros

• 20 grams of protein
• Entirely GMO-, dairy-, and gluten-free
• Ideal for vegans
• Without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
• 150 calories per serving

Cons

• Relatively low mineral and vitamin content
• Contains 2 grams of sugar per serving
• Might have an unpleasant taste

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal; Meal Replacement Shake

The Kaged Muscle Clean Meal represents a premium product in practically every respect. It’s a meal replacement shake that serves as a source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and organic foods. But, despite its high quality, this shake comes at a more than reasonable price.

Product Highlights

This meal replacement shake is made with the ideal nutrient distribution for weight loss in mind. Even better, these nutrients are sourced from quality ingredients like whey, organic quinoa, and coconut oil. In addition, the formula has a rich and very pleasant taste, if a bit too sweet for some. But despite the sweetness, the Kaged Muscle Clean Meal shake comes with no added sugar.

The Good

The shake contains 21 minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. These are sourced from organic plant foods. The protein in the shake comes from whey, while the carbs come from quinoa and Swedish oats. This shake reportedly tastes so good that the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee for dissatisfied customers.

The Bad

As a whole, this shake doesn’t have any features that could be considered bad. However, it doesn’t contain every vitamin and mineral that some competitors have, and its protein count is slightly lower than that of muscle-building shakes. In addition, the price leans toward the middle to high range, which might be expensive for some. However, none of these factors represent an actual shortcoming.

Pros

• 28 grams of whey protein
• 18 grams of organic quinoa and Swedish oat carbs
• Fats sourced from coconut oil
• Boosts amino absorption
• Great taste without added sugar
• 240 calories per serving

Cons

• Doesn’t contain all vitamins and minerals
• Not the cheapest available option

Soylent Complete Nutrition Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Meal Replacement Shake

The only entry on this list we’re comparing in liquid form, Soylent Complete Nutrition Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Meal Replacement Shake is a high-quality option that packs a nutritious punch. This vegan meal replacement shake could be the best choice on the market, excluding its relatively high price.

Product Highlights

Regarding nutrients, it could almost be said that the Soylent Complete Nutrition meal replacement shake has it all. The shake has protein, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and is free of artificial ingredients and allergens. In addition, this product focuses on a healthier lifestyle while not leaving fitness benefits behind.

The Good

The abundance of nutrients in this shake includes 20 grams of protein, 9 amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and the entire palette of 28 minerals and vitamins. In addition, the shake has no nuts, dairy, or gluten-based ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors. This kosher and vegan shake is ideal for various lifestyles and diet choices.

The Bad

While this shake offers excellent nutritional value, it’s also relatively heavy on calories. One serving has 400 calories and a gram of sugar. In addition, the aftertaste of the shake might leave something to be desired. Finally, perhaps the most significant detriment of this product is its price. When broken down to single servings, this shake can cost double and more than other entries on this list.

Pros

• All 28 vitamins and minerals
• Contains every essential amino acid
• Rich in omega-3
• Dairy-, nut-, and gluten-free
• Without artificial colors or flavors
• Vegan, kosher
• Relatively high energy value – 400 calories

Cons

• Contains sugar
• Might have an unpleasant aftertaste
• Somewhat pricey

Buyer’s Guide

If you wish to extend the search for the best meal replacement shake to fit your needs, it would be best to know what you’re looking for. Specific traits make a shake a top candidate for your choice, while shakes lacking those traits can be avoided.

All the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss share the following features.

Nutrients

The purpose of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss isn’t only to give you energy and stave off hunger. A good shake should also abound in beneficial nutrients. Your shake of choice should have plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it should have little to no sugar and low fat content.

Furthermore, a good shake will have most of the essential nutrients we need, but a great one will source them from the best sources available. For instance, the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss include whey, pea, or egg white protein instead of wheat or soy. In addition, the fatty acid content should favor omega-3s rather than omega-6s, which are sourced from peanut, vegetable, and sunflower oil.

The best meal replacement shake should contain minimal additives and artificial ingredients. For example, low-quality shakes might have added sweeteners, artificial flavors, or colors. These don’t contribute to the shake’s nutritional value and might indicate poor ingredient choice. Plus, too much sodium and sugar aren’t beneficial for a healthy diet.

Low in Calories

The point of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss is to assist you in just that: weight loss. Most shakes provide valuable nutrients without ramping up the calorie count. The ideal number of calories will depend on your energy requirements and the rest of your diet. However, it would be best to find a shake with the lowest calorie content possible when using them as a weight loss meal replacement.

Although some shakes might come close to being universal, there won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution in many cases.

Firstly, your calorie requirements will vary depending on age, gender, weight, height, and activity level. This means certain shakes will fit your diet plan better than others.

Secondly, your lifestyle might require a specific shake type, for instance, vegan or gluten-free. In any case, the best meal substitute shake for you will be the one that checks all or most of the boxes.

Suppress Cravings

A great meal replacement shake won’t do much good if it leaves you hungry for more food after an hour. In fact, if the shake can’t suppress your cravings, it might even lead to gaining weight. It’s important to remember that even the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss have energy value too. If those calories are taken on top of your other meals and snacks rather than in their place, they’ll tend to pile up, eventually turning into fat deposits.

The best meal replacement shakes for weight loss will feature a combination of slow-burning fiber and protein that will keep you satiated for longer. If a shake can stave off cravings, you’ll know it’s doing its job. Of course, this aspect will have much to do with your complete diet plan and which meals or snacks you substitute.

Pricing

If you find a meal replacement shake that satisfies all other criteria and requirements, the price shouldn’t necessarily be the deciding factor. However, you probably won’t feel at ease knowing that a large part of your food budget is going toward shakes.

If you’re replacing a meal with a shake, it would be reasonable to expect appropriate pricing. In other words, a meal replacement shake shouldn’t cost considerably more per serving than a regular meal. However, when a shake’s price tag exceeds the cost of a full, healthy lunch, that might be a reason to reconsider.

FAQ

Do Meal Replacement Shakes Make You Feel Full?

In theory, meal replacement shakes should satiate your hunger like an actual meal. However, not every shake will meet that requirement. Only the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss provide the body with enough energy while staving off hunger and cravings. In addition, these shakes should do all that with a relatively low-calorie count.

What Are Some Common Flavors of Meal Replacement Shakes?

Meal replacement shakes come in a variety of flavors. The most popular variants include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s worth noting that some shakes will provide a much more enjoyable taste than others. In the case of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss, you might not even notice the difference between the meal replacement shake and a real shake or frappe.

Are Meal Replacement Shakes Healthy for People With Diabetes?

Not every meal replacement shake will be suitable for people with diabetes. Some shakes may contain additional sweeteners, and even the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss can have some sugar. While containing sugar doesn’t make a shake ill-suited for people with diabetes, it can sometimes represent a risk factor.

Ultimately, this will also depend on the frequency of use and the severity of the illness. If in doubt, avoiding such additions to the regular diet would be better.

Final Verdict

In this review, you’ve seen some of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss available on the market. While most of the products reviewed are quality-made and contain precious nutrients, there must be some that stand out.

In this case, it’s the Kaged Muscle Clean Meal shake. This premium product contains a variety of nutrients sourced from natural ingredients. The shake is more than reasonably priced and features a pleasant taste – a feature not all similar products share.

In terms of quality, the Kaged Muscle Clean Meal shake might only be surpassed by the Soylent Complete Nutrition. However, unlike the final entry on our list, the Kaged Muscle product comes with no additional sugar, fewer calories per serving, better flavor, and a more popular price.

Regarding pricing, if budget is a primary concern for you, another product from this list might consider. SlimFast Meal Replacement Powder represents the most affordable item on the list, but the price reduction comes at the expense of quality. Still, some might say that using a meal replacement shake that’s a bit subpar is better than using none.

We can say that the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss can be an excellent addition to your diet and workout regimen. If you want to make the most out of these supplements, selecting the right one that fits your dietary needs, habits, and budget will be crucial. The offerings are far from limited, and there are plenty to choose from.

Now that you’ve learned what to look for in a good meal replacement shake and seen our list of top picks, you’ll have an easier time finding the best product to aid you on your weight loss journey.