Meal replacement shakes are tasty and convenient. This form of nourishment is ideal for losing weight while staying full without causing bloating or constipation. However, with thousands of meal replacement shakes products on the market, consumers often have difficulty picking the best.
Besides, not all meal replacement shakes are the same. For example, some standard protein powders manufacturer label their products as meal replacement shakes. Even some superfood companies brand their products as meal replacement shakes.
However, a meal replacement shake is a form of nourishment that contains many essential nutrients from the same meal. It delivers calories, carbs, protein, fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, among other compounds. A meal replacement shake should leave the user full, not hungry.
With countless meal replacement shakes on the market, consumers often find it challenging to pick the best product. This list provides the best meal replacement shakes to consider buying in 2022.
The 19 Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2022
Our research and editorial team consulted and tested different products to separate the best meal replacement shakes from the worst ones. Here’s our ranking based on customer reviews, customer feedback, and ingredient profile, among others:
| PhenQ Meal Shake | |
|---|---|
| Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss | |
| Exante | |
| Instant Knock Out | |
| Lanta Flat Belly Shake | |
| Organifi Complete Protein | |
| Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic | |
| Ikaria Flat Belly Juice | |
| Green Regime Elite Protein | |
| Vegan Protein Smoothies | |
| 21 Day Smoothie Diet | |
| Ladder Nutrition Shake | |
| Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal | |
| Vega One All In One Shake | |
| Orgain Organic Meal | |
| NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement | |
| Fit & Lean Meal Shake | |
| RSP True Fit | |
| Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood |
Most meal replacement shakes are meant to help people looking to burn fat, lose weight, and look fabulous while improving nutritional dieting effectively. To learn more about the best meal replacement shakes, here’s a rundown of each item:
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ is among the most famous names in the weight-loss supplement industry. This company’s Complete Meal Shake meal replacement product is a potential option for those looking to get a tasty, easy, and effective meal replacement formula for weight loss.
Each serving of this best meal replacement shake is equivalent to one complete meal. According to the manufacturer, the formula helps users burn fat and lose weight using science-backed ingredients.
Additionally, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake improves energy levels and suppresses food cravings. It’s also 100 percent plant-based and keto-friendly, made from plant protein instead of whey protein. All these ingredients work together to activate the metabolism switch with AMP-activated protein kinase, promoting natural fat burning.
According to the manufacturer, users just need to add a scoop of the formula to water or milk and then drink it daily as meal replacement nourishment. PhenQ Meal Replacement Shake takes the first slot in this ranking due to its increasing popularity.
| Ingredients | Whey protein concentrate, Ashwagandha, InnoSlim, vitamins, minerals, proteins, adaptogens, KSM-66, and healthy fats from natural MCT oil |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $49 |
| Money Back | 60 days |
Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss
Made by Earth Echo, the Golden Superfood Bliss is an elixir blend of turmeric and superfood. Users simply need to mix the formula with water or a shake and then drink it daily to enjoy its rich ginger, vanilla latte-like flavor.
The main ingredients in the Golden Superfood Bliss formula are turmeric, coconut milk, black pepper, amla fruit, MCT oil, ginger root, and cinnamon bark, among other natural ingredients. These ingredients work together to support metabolism and improve immunity while supporting overall health and wellness, among other benefits.
More importantly, it’s among the most effective meal replacement shakes following its lineup of ingredients. Golden Superfood Bliss delivers much more than just replacing meals. It relieves stress, reduces inflammation, and enhances mental function. The manufacturer, Earth Echo, is known for developing high-quality superfood powders.
The company provides users with an effective meal replacement powder packed with unique active ingredients such as turmeric. This ingredient is unavailable in nearly all other competing meal replacement shakes on this list. Turmeric allows users to support healthy inflammation throughout the body.
Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss is a perfect blend of 12 superfood ingredients that suppress hunger cravings and supply the body with a sufficient amount of nutrient-packed compounds that support overall body wellness.
| Ingredients | Turmeric, black pepper, coconut milk, MCT Oil, Organic Amla fruit extract, Cinnamon, Ginger root, Ashwagandha, and 4 mushroom blend |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money Back | 60 days |
Exante Meal Replacement Shakes
Exante is a popular provider of low-calorie meal replacement shake alongside weight loss drinks. The products from this company are marketed as primary meal replacements. People can use them as alternatives for breakfast, lunch, or dinner as it acts as a complete meal or this formula can be added to a daily healthy diet to provide essential vitamins and minerals to the body. Exante Meal Replacement shakes are creamy and delicious, focusing on flavor and texture while delivering up to 25 percent of the user’s daily recommended vitamins and minerals in each serving.
Exante Meal Replacement Shakes are suitable for people who want protein-rich meal alternatives with less than 120 calories per serving—at affordable prices. More importantly, the Exante meal replacement company offers sample packs, best sellers bundles, and regular sales annually, which might help users save money.
| Ingredients | Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Powder, Inulin, Vitamin & Mineral Blend (Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Citrates, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Bitartrate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Ascorbate, Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cholecalciferol, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Gluconate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Molybdate, Biotin, Phytonadione, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Sodium Selenite, Chromium Chloride, Cyanocobalamin), Natural & Artificial Flavoring (Natural & Artificial Flavor, Modified Food Starch, Caramel Color), Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Potato Extract (Proteinase Inhibitors, (P12) (tubers), Potato Maltodextrin), Sucralose, Silicon Dioxide, Caramel Color, Acesulfame Potassium, Bromelain, Papain, Digestive enzymes and healthy fats |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $30 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Instant Knock Out
If you are an athlete or a bodybuilder, you may have a complete knowledge about how to train and have better muscle mass. But this does not mean that you don’t need support. While you look for a perfect health supplement to promote your training session, Instant Knock Out is a great option. By using this meal replacement formula, the entire body continues to burn extra calories effortlessly. It is an incredible composition of organic and important ingredients. Instant Knock out is an upgraded formula that triggers your energy levels and aids you to be in better shape.
Not only weight loss, but Instant Knock out formula helps you to achieve your bodybuilding goals effortlessly. A few seconds of this formula in a day will make a big difference in your body shape. It provides the right support to your overall body.
| Ingredients | Green tea extract, Cayenne pepper seeds, Glucomannan, Caffeine anhydrous, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, L-Theanine and Piperine |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $59 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Lanta Flat Belly Shake
Flat Belly Shake from Lanta is among the latest additions to the list. Those who feel they’re not getting the expected results from the product can simply ask for a complete refund within one year of purchase.
According to the manufacturer, the Lanta Flat Belly Shake is supported by studies to improve metabolism and keep energy levels. It also boosts fat burning to promote a healthier digestive process that focuses on the hidden cause of unnecessary fat in the GLP-1 hormone.
Lanta Flat Belly Shake embraces a metabolic superfood formula that features natural ingredients. All the ingredients work together to help restore the optimal functioning of the GLP-1 hormone.
Consequently, these natural ingredients can help users support weight loss and promote fat burning while suppressing uncontrollable food cravings. Lanta’s Flat Belly Shake could provide the best results for those looking to maximize metabolism, health, and weight loss with a meal alternative.
It’s among the more expensive meal replacement supplements on this list. According to the manufacturer, buyers should use it for 3-12 months to deliver the best weight loss benefits.
| Ingredients | Green Vegetables, berries, fruits, and herbal extracts like Panax ginseng, mangosteen, cinnamon bark, ashwagandha, amino acids, and ECGC from Asian green tea |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $69 |
| Money Back | 365 days |
Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix
The Complete Protein All-in-One Mix from Organifi is among the best-tasting, plant-based meal alternative powders listed here. Marketed as a complete protein drink, the product is made from 100 percent organic, plant-based protein sources using USDA Organic certified ingredients.
Besides, the organifi complete protein meal replacement shake is keto-friendly, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. According to the manufacturer, each scoop of the formula delivers 20g of protein together with a considerable dose of vitamins, minerals, and other macronutrients.
Besides, like other best-rated meal replacement powders, Complete Protein All-in-One Mix embraces a protein and digestive enzyme blend that makes it easier for the stomach to digest everything. It’s also among the heaviest powders listed here.
Unlike other formulas that require two scoops and 60g of powder per serving, Complete Protein All-in-One Mix needs just one large scoop of 38g per serving. Overall, the company advertises its product as a balanced organic meal in a glass, available as a delicious, easy-to-shake mix.
| Ingredients | Pea Protein, Quinoa, digestive enzymes and pumpkin seeds |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $80 |
| Money Back | 60 days |
Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic
Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic is based on the formula inspired by ancient Japan’s Okinawa region. Research has shown that the Okinawa region has no obese people and that their fit body and better immune system lead to a longer life expectancy. It was observed by the manufacturer of this flat belly tonic that the ingredients in their daily diet were the main reason for their fit bodies.
The manufacturer of Okinawa flat belly tonic claim to use natural and proven ingredients, such as berries, and other superfoods that are responsible for creating a chain reaction within the body after consumption of food. The formula promises to start expelling the CRP of the body, which results in fat-burning capabilities of the body. Even when the body is at rest, the formulation is designed to promote weight loss.
| Ingredients | EGCG, Inulin, Hibiscus, Piperine, Mulberry, Acai Berry, Momordica Charantia, and Aronia Berry |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $49 |
| Money Back | 60 days |
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice is one of the powdered weight loss supplements that can be easily mixed with water, tea, coffee or any beverage of your choice. All organic plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals are included in this formula. As opposed to any other meal replacement shake, this formula targets uric acid, which is the mysterious cause of weight gain.
In addition to targeting stubborn belly fat, Ikaria Lean belly juice provides various other health benefits, including better joint health and digestion.
| Ingredients | Fucoxanthin, Silymarin, Dandelion, Citrus Pectin, Capsaicin, and Resveratrol |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $69 |
| Money Back | 180 days |
Green Regimen Elite Protein
Made by Green Regimen, Elite Protein is an organic, plant-based chocolate protein powder. The product delivers up to 25g of grams of protein per serving. Additionally, it’s packed with superfoods that improve its value compared to ordinary protein powders.
To achieve optimal nutrition and maximum performance, the company offers a complete amino acid profile. According to the manufacturer, the body requires more than just protein to function at maximum efficiency. Green Regimen Elite Protein contains no added sugars, artificial flavors, or stevia. This makes it suitable for those who want to get ultimate protein while minimizing fillers and sweeteners.
Elite Protein is among the few protein powders on this list with up to 4g of organic fiber and digestive enzymes per serving. This makes it easier for the body to metabolize protein and digest the foods eaten.
| Ingredients | Complete plant-based protein complex, Phytonutrient dense greens, prebiotics and fiber, Digestive enzyme Matrix and natural chocolate flavor |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $60 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Vegan Protein Smoothies Program
As its name suggests, the Vegan Protein Smoothies Program is a nutritional guide filled with formulas and guides for preparing vegan protein smoothies. According to the official website, this guide is ideal for building muscle, losing weight, and acquiring optimal health.
It aims to help users expand their horizons while assisting them in making unique smoothie options. The guide works for all users whether they follow a vegan diet or just looking for tasty vegan protein shakes. It contains several smoothies that target different tastes and preferences.
While some people prefer vegan smoothies packed with fiber, nuts, and seeds, others just want superfoods, berries, and fruits. The Vegan Protein Smoothies Program caters to the needs of every user regardless of their inclination. Priced at $34, the program comes with a set of three books, a quick start guide, a recipe book, including an acai bowl recipe book.
The Smoothie Diet
Many people use smoothie diets to help them lose weight and acquire optimal health. The Smoothie Diet is another nutritional program that allows users to discover and prepare simple yet powerful smoothies to help them achieve optimal health. The guide is ideal for losing weight and increasing energy while improving overall health and wellness.
For instance, it comes with a 21-day program that can help users lose weight and feel better in a record time of three weeks. Besides, the program promises to help users burn body fat more rapidly than any other weight loss program they’ve tried before. Priced at $37, this resource can help users obtain a slimmer, sexier version of themselves within 21 days or fewer.
Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake
Made by Ladder, Plant-Based Nutrition Shake is among the best-rated meal replacement powders available on the market today. Users can get it in a bulk bag or ready-to-use packets. The formula features 20g of protein, 7g of fiber per serving, and 26 vitamins and minerals.
With zero added sugar, Ladder’s Plant-Based Nutrition Shake focuses on the best ingredients without unnecessary fillers. Additionally, all protein in the formula comes from pea protein. The formula is also NSF certified sport, which adds to its reputation.
While several other meal replacement shakes listed here hold back protein in favor of other ingredients, Plant-Based Nutrition Shake delivers up to 20 grams of protein per serving. This makes it one of the best meal alternative formulas available today.
| Ingredients | Saturated fat, Vitamin D, 20 grams of protein, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Calcium, Theanine, Niacin, and other essential nutrients |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $67 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
Raw Organic Meal from Garden of Life is among the best meal replacement shakes to consider buying this year. Besides, it’s also a best-seller on Amazon. According to the manufacturer, this meal replacement shake embraces USDA Organic certified ingredients obtained from 100 percent vegan sources. The formula uses plant-based protein sources instead of whey or other dairy-derived protein sources.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal delivers 20g of plant-based protein powder with greens, superfoods, probiotics, enzymes, and vitamins per serving. It contains everything that should be available in a meal replacement formula beyond the essential proteins and vitamins available in other formulas.
According to the official website, the price of Raw Organic Meal ranges between $30 and $40 per tub, which contains 20 servings. Like most meal replacement shakes, this formula is also available in different flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Lightly Sweet, and Vanilla Chai. This vegan meal alternative is among the best shake formulas on the market, with 6g of fiber, 44 superfoods, and 1.5 billion CFUs of probiotics.
| Ingredients | Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacin, Biotin, Folate, Theanine, Selenium, Magnesium, and Chromium |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $30 to $40 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Vega One All-in-One Shake
Vega One and Garden of Life are two of the most popular vegan supplement manufacturers available today. All-in-One Raw Organic Meal Vega One is one of the top-rated meal replacement formulas. While it’s more expensive than Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Meal, it’s a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Besides, it’s keto-friendly.
According to the manufacturer, All-in-One Shake delivers 20g of plant-based protein obtained from flax, sacha inchi, hemp, and pea. This enables it to provide a complete amino acid profile. The formula also delivers 50 percent of the user’s daily recommended intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
It achieves this goal by including natural ingredients like kale, broccoli, and spinach in the formula. All-in-One Shake is among the least affordable meal replacement options listed here. All the same, it’s a high-quality vegan protein available in nine flavors, including coconut almond, berry chocolate mint, and unsweetened.
| Ingredients | 20 grams of protein, Daily Fiber, vitamins and minerals, veggies and greens and probiotics |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $25.49 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder
The Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder is the third meal replacement formula on this list, completely vegan. Together with two other formulas from Vega One and Garden of Life, this formula delivers vegan protein obtained from plant-based sources combined with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
According to the manufacturer, Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder delivers 20g of vegan protein obtained from pea, brown rice, chia seeds, and brown rice per serving. These ingredients work together with a range of vitamins, minerals, and 8g of fiber per serving.
More importantly, the formula is USDA Organic certified, which gives it an additional layer of legitimacy. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The main ingredients include garbanzo bean sprout, oat grass, beets, bananas, kale, and blueberries, according to the label list.
The company also uses organic amla and organic stevia to sweeten the formula. Orgain’s formula is more affordable than its competing options from Vega One and Garden of Life.
| Ingredients | Pantothenic acid, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, and Vitamin B6 |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $40 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement
While it’s not as popular as other meal replacements listed here, NatureFuel is the manufacturer of Keto Meal Replacement, which is known for its ingredient profile, macronutrients, and value. The formula delivers 15g of saturated fat in each serving, which is way above most other meal replacement powders listed here.
Besides, Keto Meal Replacement delivers a healthy range of vitamins and minerals, contributing nearly 10% and 90% of the user’s recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of almost all macronutrients. Notably, the formula stands out for its low protein dose. It delivers just 8g of protein per serving of two scoops, which is relatively lower than any regular powder.
To those who are looking to maximize their protein consumption, this could be a drawback. On the other hand, it could be suitable for keto dieters looking for a high fat, low-protein diet. In each of the two scoops of the Keto Meal Replacement formula, users can only get 9g of carbohydrates.
The main ingredients used in the formula include a protein blend with whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and grass-fed collagen peptides. It also consists of an MCT oil blend with coconut, palm, and grass-fed butter MCT oils.
The Keto Meal Replacement formula is ideal for users looking for a meal alternative powder with a unique, keto-friendly slant.
| Ingredients | Chromium, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Pantothenic acid, Folate, Coconut milk, MCT Oil, Biotin, Chromium, thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin and vitamins, and minerals |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $28.92 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Fit & Lean Fat Burning Meal Replacement
Most of the meal replacement formulas on this list are designed with protein and lean muscle mass in mind. Unlike such options, Fit & Lean Fat Burning Meal Replacement is the first meal replacement shake on this list to market itself as a fat-burning meal replacement shake. According to the manufacturer, each serving of two scoops delivers 20 grams of protein obtained from whey protein isolate, micellar casein, sodium caseinate, and pea protein isolate.
Besides, this meal replacement shake contains a healthy fat blend, a fiber blend, digestive enzymes, probiotics, fruit and vegetable extracts, and vitamins and minerals. The formula stands out as a fat-burning formula because it has a fat-burning complex with green tea leaf extract, green coffee bean extract, and Garcinia Cambogia extract.
These ingredients combine to supply the body with polyphenols, EGCG, and a small amount of caffeine, among other fat-torching components. This formula is among the affordable options listed here. However, with only ten servings per tub, it’s equally among the more expensive options for cost per serving.
Overall, Fit & Lean Meal Shake delivers dozens of more ingredients than other formulas on this list. The company uses sucralose and natural and artificial flavors to sweeten the formula.
| Ingredients | Green coffee bean extract, Green tea, Garcinia Cambogia, Protein blend, 26 vitamins and minerals, whole vegetables and fruits, and digestive enzymes |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $22 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
RSP TrueFit
This meal replacement formula appears to be an ultra-premium option but is priced much more reasonably than anyone would expect with its fancy packaging. According to the manufacturer, RSP TrueFit delivers 25g of grass-fed protein, 12 fruits and vegetables, 8g of prebiotic fiber, 1 billion of CFUs of probiotics, and 3.5g of quality fat in each serving.
The formula is among the cheaper options than other worse-rated options. Users can buy the RSP TrueFit formula in chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors. It contains no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, and no gluten. It’s ideal for those looking for a high-quality meal replacement powder without caring whether it’s vegan.
| Ingredients | Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Vitafiber, Prebiotic soluble fiber, Fruit blend, whey protein concentrate, and sweet potato powder |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $40 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood
Ka’Chava markets its meal replacement formula as Tribal Superfood. According to the manufacturer, this meal replacement powder is the “ultimate all-in-one whole body meal.” It delivers everything people need to replace a healthy meal effectively.
Like other best-rated meal replacement options on this list, Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood is filled with probiotics, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, calories, plant extracts, and more. However, the formula includes traditional ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids obtained from chia and flax.
It also includes 1000mg of adaptogens, antioxidant extracts, and more than 17 greens and vegetables, among other valuable ingredients. It also includes slightly higher doses than other best-rated meal replacements on this list delivering 240 calories, 25g of protein, and 9g of fiber per serving.
Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood is among the top-rated meal replacement powders available on the market today, with more than 70 plant-based superfoods and nutrients per package.
| Ingredients | 70 plus plant-based superfoods and vitamins and minerals |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $78 |
| Money Back | 30 days |
Who Should Drink Meal Replacement Shakes?
Meal replacement shakes serve many different purposes. Some people use the powders to lose weight while others use them on the go, especially those who don’t have enough time to prepare proper regular meals. For many people, meal replacement shakes can help with weight loss.
By drinking meal replacement shakes, people could lower their caloric intake and effectively lose weight. For instance, instead of having a heavy lunch with 700 calories, one might decide to have a 200-calorie meal replacement shake. In the end, both the meal and the shake deliver the same nutritional value. However, the shake has fewer calories, which makes it easy to lose weight.
Some meal replacement shakes have extra ingredients for weight loss, such as caffeine or green tea extract. Others contain fiber and other elements that suppress appetite, helping users to eat less naturally.
Aside from weight loss, some people have busy schedules that take their time to prepare proper meals. Such people may have to skip breakfast or lunch because of their plan. In such situations, a good meal replacement shake could help them enjoy the total nutritional value of a meal without interfering with their programs.
Meal replacement shakes are easy to make. Many people prepare their shakes in the morning and carry them along throughout the day. Others simply put their powders in a water bottle, add water, and then drink it on the go whenever they feel hungry.
This form of nourishment is suitable for programmers, students, corporate executives, and other busy individuals. Besides, many people on the keto diet use meal replacement shakes. These products are low in carbs and high in protein, making them suitable for those monitoring their macronutrients for the keto diet.
Notably, some meal replacement shakes are just designed for people on a keto diet. Such options deliver a high dose of fat, medium-dose protein, and a low amount of carbs. Similarly, athletes may also take meal replacement shakes for post-workout recovery.
Athletes go through high-intensity competitions and exercises that leave the body drained of nutrients. Therefore, athletes need additional meals throughout the day to help them with calorie burning. The same situation is then for bodybuilders and other active individuals who might use meal alternatives to get the fourth meal during the day.
Alternatively, older adults or older adults may need meal replacements. In some cases, older adults don’t like to cook or have difficulty preparing proper meals. In that situation, meal replacement powders allow them to get adequate nutrition without much hassle.
Finally, other people take meal replacements to save money. Some meal replacement powders are cheap, at only a dollar or two per serving. This makes them some of the most cost-effective and nutritionally complete meals available today.
How We Ranked the Best Meal Replacement Shakes
All meal replacement manufacturers promise to deliver the same results. They claim the products can support an active lifestyle in multiple ways, with meal-like benefits provided in a protein shake. However, not all of them live up to this promise.
To separate the best meal replacement shakes from the bad ones, our editorial team considered the following:
Protein Sources
Without being biased towards vegan or animal protein sources, this ranking is considered high-quality protein sources. We focused on meal replacement powders with USDA Organic sources of protein such as plant-based protein sources, grass-fed protein sources, and other high-quality sources of protein.
Protein Dosage
Some meal replacement shakes on this list deliver just 8g of protein in each serving. Others provide between 15g and 25g. Overall, people prefer meal replacement shakes with a decent dose of protein.
Fiber Dosage
Fiber dosage is among the easiest ways to tell whether a meal replacement shake is poor. Generally, shakes with less than 4g of fiber are considered substandard. The body needs fiber because it’s one ingredient that’s unavailable from traditional protein powders. The best meal replacement powders should have between 4g and 9g of fiber per serving.
Macronutrient Balance
Some protein shakes deliver more carbs and calories while skimping on fat and protein. This is not ideal for many diets. This listing preferred meal replacement powders with adequate macronutrient balance, including a good balance for carbs, fats, protein, and calories.
Natural Ingredients
Some meal replacement companies include preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors in their products, while others use USDA Organic sweeteners and flavors with no preservatives. This listing preferred natural meal replacement powders to synthetic products.
Taste, Texture, and Mixability
Some meal replacement powders deliver all of the right ingredients. However, the taste could be unpalatable. Some products form clumps in the beverages or water. Others provide a perfect balance of flavor, texture and blend well with other compounds.
Other Active Ingredients
Meal replacement powders come with extra active ingredients, including plant extracts, vitamins, fruit extracts, minerals, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. All the meal replacement shakes on this list contained at least a few extra ingredients to improve the effectiveness of the products.
Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes: What Does Science Say?
Several scientific studies support the use of meal replacement shakes. Many researchers have tested top-rated meal replacement shakes and come up with positive conclusions regarding the efficacy and composition of this form of nourishment.
Meal replacement shakes are known to boost energy levels. According to a study conducted in 2020, researchers discovered that the human body needs both vitamins and minerals for various reasons. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body could lead to lethargy.
For this reason, all the meal replacement shakes on this list are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help them deliver multiple physical and cognitive benefits.
Similarly, many meal replacement shakes contain antioxidants, associated with robust health and wellness benefits throughout the body. The best meal replacement shakes on this list have high doses of polyphenols and other plant-based antioxidants. This allows them to support healthy inflammation throughout the body.
People with an active lifestyle often have their bodies under significant oxidative stress. Antioxidants help the body support healthy inflammation and combat oxidative stress. Similarly, meal replacement shakes are linked to actual weight loss benefits. Several studies reveal that high-protein, low-carb powders can support an active lifestyle and promote weight loss.
Another significant benefit of meal replacement shakes is that they are vegan-friendly. Some of the best meal replacement shakes on this list deliver the same dose of protein (20g-25g) as some of the leading protein powders on the market. However, they do it through plant-based protein sources.
Some people use plant-based protein because of their diet orientation. Some people are vegan or vegetarian. However, many non-vegan people take plant-based protein because it’s easier to digest.
Other people equally take meal replacement shakes because they are keto-friendly. Generally, it’s not easy to stick to a keto diet because it needs to monitor macronutrient intake carefully. With a good meal replacement shake, keto dieters could control at least one meal every day, helping them stick to their plan.
Ultimately, the human body needs fiber to support weight loss and digestion. However, traditional protein sources don’t have fiber. Replacing a meal with a standard protein shake could lead to low fiber content. The meal replacement formulas on this list can supply the body with the fiber to push the waste out of the system. This also leads to weight loss.
FAQs About Meal Replacement Shakes
Q: What is a meal replacement shake?
A: A meal replacement shake is a nutritional formula with similar calories, nutrients, and vitamins to a standard meal. However, meal replacement shakes often deliver more calories, fiber, and other ingredients than a typical protein powder.
Q: What does a meal replacement shake contain?
A: A meal replacement shake contains the same base ingredients as any protein powder. The ingredients are often derived from animal protein sources or plant-based protein sources. Meal replacement shakes could also contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, digestive enzymes, plant extracts, and other ingredients.
Q: Can a person survive on meal replacement shakes alone?
A: Most meal replacement shakes are made to replace one meal during the day. They cannot replace every meal forever. Unless one takes a formula that advertises itself as a “complete” nutrition source such as Soylent, they should not replace every meal.
Q: Do meal replacement shakes help with weight loss?
A: The best way to reduce weight is to maintain a caloric deficit. By swapping a 600-calorie lunch with a 200-calorie meal replacement shake, one can quickly reduce weight. Many meal replacement shakes have extra ingredients like fiber or protein, associated with effective weight loss results.
Q: Can lactose-intolerant people take meal replacement shakes?
A: Nearly all plant-based meal replacement shakes have no lactose or dairy products. Users need to check their formulas to confirm whether they’re vegan or vegetarian friendly.
Q: What is the best way to take a meal replacement shake?
A: Meal replacement shakes are easy to prepare. Users just need to add the powder to cold water, milk, favorite beverage, shake, and drink.
The 19 Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2022 Final Word
Many people take meal replacement shakes because they’re convenient. Others prefer them for their cost-effective prices. Some people use them to gain muscle mass and cut weight. Others just want a healthier lifestyle.
The meal replacement shakes on this list are the best available today, after reviewing them using the metrics mentioned earlier. Just pick any meal replacement products on this list and enjoy the powerful health benefits to get started. Remember to buy the products from authorized dealers or the official website.
