Whether you are just too busy to cook a meal or trying to lose weight, meal replacement shakes can ensure that you are on track. It is probably the most straightforward way to nourish your body with essential nutrients and minerals.
However, the market is overflowing with these meal replacements. And not all of them can work as well as the best meal replacement shakes. Some will even claim to be that, but they are just an everyday superfood or protein powder.
In our first purchase, we ended up getting precisely one of those imposters. But, instead of giving up, we considered the critical factors and ended up with proper fat-burning meal replacement shakes. And we will ensure that your purchase experience does not go as wacky as ours.
The Top 8 Best Meal Replacement Shakes in 2024
After researching dozens of replacement shakes and much deliberation, our team has managed to find out the meal replacement shakes that are not just regular protein shakes. Instead, they had the essential vitamins and essential fatty acids that can accelerate weight. So, without further ado, let us get into reviewing the 8 best meal replacement shakes of 2024 from the top-rated brands in the industry.
| PhenQ Complete Meal Shake | Weight reduction and weight management become pretty effortless with this powerful supplement. |
|---|---|
| Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss | Arguably the most powerful superfood blend to improve energy levels. |
| Exante Meal Replacement Shakes | A premium supplement to fulfill the daily nutritional requirement of your body. |
| Instant KnockOut Complete | Uniquely designed to help athletes maximize their athletic performances. |
| Ikaria Lean Belly Juice | One of the fastest weight reduction formulas on the list. |
| Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic | Helps you attain a leaner physique without a specific diet plan. |
| Lanta Flat Belly Shake | A proven product to maximize the metabolism of your body. |
| Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix | A soy-free supplement that is formulated with plant-based protein sources. |
Those are the top 8 meal replacement powders to buy in 2024. But for good measure and an honest comparison, here are the other products from worthy best-in-class brands to see how they stack up with the most popular listed above:
| Green Regimen Elite Protein | All the essential vitamins and minerals to improve normal bodily functions are there in the product. |
|---|---|
| Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake | An easily digestible supplement that comes with excellent digestion-friendly probiotics. |
| Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal | The product is made of organic and natural ingredients that are side-effect-free. |
| Vega One All-in-One Shake | The vegan-friendly supplement is made of genuine vegan ingredients. |
| Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder | One of the best superfoods to replace your regular meal habits. |
| NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement | A perfect and beneficial alternative to keto diets. |
| Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal Replacement | The best weight reduction solution for obese users. |
| RSP TrueFit | An authentic grass-fed protein supplement to nourish your body. |
| Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood | You never suffer from deficiencies of vitamins and minerals as you you take this unique supplement. |
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
The name, PhenQ, is pretty well-known in the weight loss supplement market. And this PhenQ Complete Meal Shake does live up to the fame that the manufacturer has in the space.
Firstly, this PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is an excellent pick as the best meal replacement shake because it is tasty and effective as a meal replacement formula for weight loss. Each of the servings will be capable of completely replacing one full meal. And it includes science-backed ingredients, such as InnoSlim.
Furthermore, the formula of this meal replacement shake will control food cravings, encouraging you to have fewer calories. It also boosts energy and utilizes nothing but plant-based protein instead of whey protein to fuel your body up. The shake is also keto-friendly, meaning it will not get in the way of solid food diets.
The formula of this plant-based protein shake has 24 different vitamins and minerals. There are adaptogens as well. Overall, you will find 13g of healthy fat that is from nothing but natural MCT oil. These highly touted natural ingredients will work like a charm to kickstart the metabolism switch and burn fat.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Gluten-free oat flour, Carb10, Whey protein concentrate, Flaxseed powder, Dienzyme enzyme complex, Vegan micronutrient blend |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $20.95 per bag |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Earth Echo Golden Superfood Bliss
Another option that is an excellent pick as the best meal replacement shake is the Golden Superfood Bliss. And no, it is not like the regular superfood replacement shakes that rely on whey protein concentrate.
Each of the servings of this meal replacement shake will have a blend of superfood elixir and turmeric. It also includes ginger root, organic amla fruit extract, cinnamon bark, coconut milk, black pepper, and other natural ingredients. All of them will together boost immunity and metabolism.
Thanks to including active ingredients such as turmeric, the meal replacement shake will be capable of supporting inflammation throughout your entire body. The blend will even allow you to get better sleep and support the overall wellness of your health. You will both lose weight and stay healthy after taking it daily.
The 12 ingredients blend can also crush hunger cravings effectively. That will help you intake fewer calories. And the meal replacement formula can replace a complete meal, which means you will get all of the healthy fats and amino acids of a nutritious meal.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cinnamon bark, Coconut milk extract, Cardamom seed, Ginger root, Black pepper fruit, Ashwagandha root, Turmeric root, Amla fruit |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $50 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Exante Meal Replacement Shakes
Unlike some other brands offering meal replacement shakes, Exante provides a range of fat-burning replacement shakes that can accelerate weight loss and replace a complete meal simultaneously. Want to know more about the lineup from the Exante Meal Replacement company? Go through this review!
The lineup is full of low-calorie replacement shakes and drinks that accelerate weight loss. Like some other meal replacement shakes, these options are promoted as an alternative to dinner, lunch, and breakfast. But they do not taste wacky like a regular protein shake.
Instead, Exante Meal Replacement comes with a delicious and creamy flavor. Even the texture will make you seem like you have a complete meal instead of drinking meal replacement shakes. And the formula holds the ability to offer 25 percent of daily recommended vitamins and minerals in just one serving.
Although the meal replacement shakes are full of essential vitamins and minerals, the prices are well under the affordable range. And each of the high-protein shakes will offer less than 120 calories, which will accelerate weight loss effectively.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Whey Protein Concentrate, 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), Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Soy Lecithin, Sodium Silicoaluminate, Tocopherols), Whey Protein Isolate, Natural & Artificial Flavoring (Natural & Artificial Flavor, Modified Food Starch), Cellulose Gum, Maltodextrin, Potato Extract (Proteinase Inhibitors (P12)(tubers), Potato Maltodextrin), Salt, Beet Root Concentrate (Color), Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Bromelain, Papain, Digezyme® Enzyme Blend. |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $59.99 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 28-day refund policy (Without prior notice) |
Instant KnockOut Complete
After screening enormous meal replacement powder options, our research and editorial team came to the decision that this gluten-free product, Instant KnockOut Complete, is one of the most phenomenal meal replacement shakes.
The best thing about the product is that you get all the essential nutrients from this to keep your body in optimal condition. The blend contains whey protein isolate and other natural herbs and ingredients that help reduce weight naturally. You don’t even need to follow a healthy diet as you start using this outstanding product.
This product can comfortably replace a nutritious meal in terms of delivering proven health benefits. If you’ve decided to consume meal replacement shakes, this is the best option to go for.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based protein, Golden flaxseed, Oat flour, MCT, Chia seeds, Brown rice |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $65 per bag |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee on unopened products |
Ikaria Lean Belly Juice
Being an exceptional vegan meal replacement shake, Ikaria Lean Belly Juice is a great option for those who are looking forward to losing weight naturally. Not all vegan protein smoothies can help you reduce weight and maintain optimal health at the same time.
The advanced metabolic blend present in the product can do wonders in terms of supercharging the basic metabolic rate of your body. That helps you get rid of the excess fat you’ve accumulated.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Fucoxanthin, Milk thistle, Resveratrol, Dandelion, Citrus pectin, Capsaicin |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $69 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 180-day money-back guarantee |
Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | EGCG, Acai berry, Inulin, Pipperine, Antioxidant fruits, Mulberry, Momordica Charantia, Hibiscus Sabdariffa |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $69 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 90-day money-back guarantee |
Lanta Flat Belly Shake
Want to try out meal replacement powders without taking the risk? Well, the Lanta Flat Belly Shake is what you have been looking for all this time!
Most meal replacement shakes will not offer any money-back guarantee. But that is not the case for this meal replacement shake. The refund policy has got your back if you are skeptical about meal replacement powders. If the formula does not work, you are entitled to get a complete refund.
On that note, the formula contains nothing but plant-based protein, green tea leaf extract, and many more. The science-backed blend will enhance the metabolism rate, which will make losing weight a piece of cake. It even does a proper job of increasing the fat oxidation level. That will get rid of saturated fat from the body.
The fat-burning meal replacement also targets the digestive process. It will ensure that the digestive enzymes function properly, lowering the chances of unwanted fat building up in the GLP-1 hormone. The metabolic superfood formula will also address the uncontrollable food cravings and allow you to intake fewer calories.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Panax ginseng, Ashwagandha extract, ECGC, Mangosteen, Cinnamon bark |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $69 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 365-day money-back guarantee |
Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix
Looking to get your hands on the best meal replacement shakes that taste good even though they are plant-based? Check out what Organifi has to offer here!
First of all, the Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix is 100 percent organic. Organic meal replacement drinks are not generally known for having the best taste. But this one is an exception. It tastes delicious and provides you with all the vitamins and minerals of a complete raw organic meal.
All of the natural ingredients that this meal replacement contain plenty of macronutrients. And this raw organic meal shake also utilizes the elements that are USDA Organic Certified. The ingredients are even dairy-free, keto diet-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free.
While other meal replacement powders will require you to take at least two large scoops per serving, you will need only one large scoop of Organifi Complete Protein. The product contains 20 grams of protein per serving, along with a chunk of essential vitamins and minerals.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pea protein (Extracted from pea beans), Quinoa, Pumpkin, Digestive enzymes. |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $80 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Green Regimen Elite Protein
While looking for the best meal replacement shakes, you might want to get something that tastes like chocolate. Well, in that case, keep the Green Regimen Elite Protein in your consideration.
Traditional protein powders will rely heavily on artificial flavors. That is why those standard protein powders do not associate with having a great taste. But this protein powder took a different approach. Along with utilizing plant-based protein, it has infused natural chocolate flavor profiles. You will enjoy every sip of Green Regimen Elite Protein.
This protein powder will offer you 25 grams of protein per serving. The blend is full of superfoods that will enhance wellness and make you feel like you just had a complete meal instead of a meal replacement shake. It does not even have stevia or sugars in it.
The meal replacement shake also integrates the complete amino acid profile. That will allow the formula to achieve peak performance in terms of offering optimal nutrition to the body. You will lose weight and stay healthy at the same time after drinking this raw organic meal replacement.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Organic pea protein, Organic Hemp protein, Brown rice solids, Coconut water powder, Luo Han berry extract, Agave Inulin, Organic Arabic Gum, Guar gum |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $59.99 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Vegan Protein Smoothies Program
Although the best meal replacement shake can help you with weight loss, the weight loss rate will not be as high as expected if you are not following a good guide. Well, that is where Vegan Protein Smoothies Program comes into play.
This guide is full of guides and smoothie formulas that will help you lose weight in a short amount of time. And the recipes of the guide do not contain the tasteless recipes of traditional protein powders. Instead, the blends are delicious and will surely provide you with the fulfillment of a complete meal.
Aside from just helping you lose weight, the guides will enhance your ability to achieve optimal health and build muscle at the same time. That is something a regular whey protein isolate will not be capable of offering. The vegan meal replacement shake will even let you expand your horizons regarding shakes.
Furthermore, this guide’s vegan meal replacement shakes will have many fibers and natural elements to build up healthy fats inside your body. They will also ensure that you get the health benefits of proper vegan meal replacement shakes and help you get rid of the saturated fat off of your body.
Highlighted Features
- Accelerates the weight loss rate of your body.
- Full of delicious meal replacement shakes recipes.
- Offers the fulfillment of a balanced meal.
- It helps to gain muscle.
- Gets rid of saturated fat.
The Smoothie Diet
Even with the best meal replacement shake, sometimes, the weight loss rate will not be as fast as you would want it to be.
The Smoothie Diet contains meal replacement shakes that are easy to make. There will be no need to go through the hassle of selecting complex ingredients such as pea protein, fruit, and vegetable extracts. Most meal replacement shakes that it covers do not even include artificial flavors.
That said, after you drink meal replacement shakes that the guide offers, it will be possible to lose weight in just 21 days. There will be no need for additional meal replacement supplements, nor will you need to go through intensive exercise plans. The meal replacement shakes also enhance wellness of the health.
Moreover, the plans will transform the body into a fat-burning machine. They will ensure that the saturated fat percentage is exceptionally low. The recipes can even offer the fulfillment of having a balanced meal. You will find your best self after following this guide properly.
Highlighted Features
- Covers meal replacement shakes that are easy to make.
- It does not include any complex ingredients.
- It helps to lose weight in just 21 days.
- Provides the fulfillment of a balanced meal.
- Promotes wellness of the health.
Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake
On the lookout for a premium meal replacement shake? You need to check out what Ladder is offering here.
The first thing that makes the Ladder Plant-Based Nutrition Shake worthy of being the best meal replacement shake is that it comes in on-the-go packets. You can just grab one of the packets and a shaker and not have to worry about the next meal at all. There are bulk bags available too. Those will last for an extended amount of time.
This meal replacement shake contains 7g of fiber, 20 grams of protein, and 26 different vitamins and minerals per serving. And the best part is there is 0g of sugar in the packets, which is something many meal replacement shakes will rely on. The packages are filled with premium elements without any fillers.
This formula relies on pea protein and other plant-based nutritional elements. All of the ingredients have the NSF certification, which is what makes them premium.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pea protein powder, Cocoa powder, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, B12, Biotin, Copper, Pantothenic acid |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $66.95 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
Sourcing the ingredients from 100 percent vegan sources and containing certified organic elements is something that most meal replacement shakes will not check. But that is not the case for the Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal.
As we have mentioned, the meal replacement shake contains nothing but ingredients with USDA certification of USDA. Garden of Life Raw Organic does not rely on whey protein or any other animal-derived protein. Instead, it utilizes plant-based proteins such as hemp protein and pea protein isolate.
When you plan to have this meal replacement shake for the next meal, you sign up to get 20 grams of protein per serving. As a leading fat-burning meal replacement formula, Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal also boasts greens, superfoods, different digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. All of them will offer you the feeling that the next meal was pleasing and enjoyable.
Furthermore, as the digestive enzyme blend of Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal contains everything, you will not feel the requirement to have anything else after drinking it. There are different flavor options available too. Those will let you thoroughly enjoy every sip of this meal replacement shake.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Organic Sprouted Protein Blend, Organic Fiber Blend, Organic Flavor Blend, Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $27.99 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | Not specified |
Vega One All-in-One Shake
All-in-one meal replacements are getting pretty popular. But there are many that skimp on the ingredients. However, that is not the case for Vega All-in-One Shake.
First of all, the protein content of this meal replacement is 20 grams per serving. It sources all of that from plant-based ingredients. And due to relying on plant-based proteins, the meal replacement can offer a complete amino acid profile. It also delivers 50 percent of the recommended percentage of vitamins and minerals intake.
Among the ingredients, Raw Organic meal Vega utilizes kale, spinach, and broccoli. These natural elements are well-known to be rich in protein. And as Raw Organic Meal Vega does not rely on animal-based protein, you can enjoy every sip of it without having to worry about your vegan lifestyle.
This best meal replacement shake also comes on a budget. It does not cost that much to get one bottle of this formula. Also, each bottle will provide up to 20 servings, which makes it more budget-friendly.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pea Protein, Flaxseed, Pea starch, Organic Acacia gum, Hemp protein, Organic kale, Organic Marine algae, Broccoli, Carrot, Beet, Tomato, Papain, Mushroom, Probiotics, Dried antioxidant food blend |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $59.99 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Orgain Organic Meal All-in-One Nutrition Powder
Another vegan meal replacement formula that we have on the list is this one. Like the others, it also relies on healthy fat and plant-based proteins to offer you the fulfillment and support your health at the same time. Want to know more about what it contains? Continue reading!
The Orgain Organic Meal is up to the mark when it comes to having the right amount of protein. Each serving contains 20g of protein that is from brown rice protein and other plant-based sources. That makes the meal replacement shake fully vegan and cruelty-free.
This blend also includes dozens of plant extracts, including green tea extract, green coffee bean extract, antioxidant fruit extracts, kale, garbanzo bean sprout, and many more. Those will enhance the weight loss effect and make it effective in making you feel full after drinking it.
Moreover, the Orgain Organic Meal is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Instead of utilizing sugar, the formula sweetens the drink using organic amla fruit extract. And the meal replacement shake is also pretty affordable.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Organic pea protein, Organic brown rice protein, Chia seeds, Organic rice dextrin, Organic sunflower Lecithin, Beet, Raspberry, Kale, Banana |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $40 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | Not specified |
NatureFuel Keto Meal Replacement
One of the best-known companies for meal replacement shakes is NatureFuel. Keto Meal Replacement is their best-selling product. You need to go through this review properly if you want to know why.
The meal replacement shake is mainly famous for its ingredient profile. Per serving will contain 15g of fat, which is something meal replacements can not deliver. And the fat it has is healthy fats, which will not make you gain weight. Instead, they will enhance the body’s capability to burn saturated fat.
On that note, the blend is full of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. And they all come up to 10 to 90 percent of the daily recommended value. For that reason, you will not feel like you have skipped a meal when you have this meal replacement shake. It also contains 8g of protein, which goes hand in hand with the keto diet.
You will not even have to break your bank just to get a package of this meal replacement shake. It comes at an affordable price point, and each contains 14 servings. The formula also contains grass-fed collagen peptides, which are not common among meal replacement shakes.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | MCT Oil Blend, Protein blend, Erythritol Stevia leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Cocoa, Monk fruit extract, Guar gum, Milk, Soy |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $23 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | Not specified |
Fit & Lean Meal Shake Fat Burning Meal Replacement
Most of the meal replacement powders are designed to be full of protein. They usually promote lean muscle mass. Fit & Lean, on the other hand, prioritizes burning fat the most. But is it an excellent pick for the best replacement shake? Read through the review to find out!
Two scoops of this meal replacement shake contain 20 grams of protein from milk protein, whey protein, pea isolate, and many other sources. That makes this offering achieve a complex nature, which is not that common among replacement shakes. You will find plenty of digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Just like some of the other meal replacement shakes, Fit & Lean Meal Shake also relies on plant extracts. There is green coffee bean extract, garcinia Cambogia fruit extract, and green tea leaf extract. Those will enhance the fat-burning property of this blend. As a result, the weight loss should notice a significant improvement.
Another thing that makes it a good meal replacement shake is its ability to boost energy levels. It contains a small amount of caffeine and EGCG. Also, the fat-burning complex of this formula will ensure that your body can get rid of saturated fat quickly.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Protein blend, Fiber blend, Fat blend, Vitamin, and Mineral blend, Organic fruit and vegetable blend, Spectra blend, Soy, Milk, Digestive enzyme blend, Probiotic blend |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $29.39 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
RSP TrueFit
The market is flowing with meal replacements that are trying to be ultra-premium. But only a few of them can obtain that premium nature. And RSP TrueFit is one of those few.
So, what makes this premium? While most meal replacements will utilize protein from traditional sources, this one contains 25g of grass-fed protein. That is not all; you will also find 12 different fruits and vegetables extracted in the formula. There is 1 billion CFUs worth of prebiotics too.
Even though it is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, it does not have a premium price tag. You can get a 20 serving pack without having to break your bank. And the ingredients that it utilizes are all from excellent sources. For that reason, the efficiency of this meal replacement is pretty high.
Additionally, you will find it available in different flavor profiles. There are coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate flavors available. And while most meal replacements will utilize artificial flavors, this brand opts for natural flavoring. That enhances the taste.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Fibersol-2, Sweet potato powder, VitaBerry fruit blend, VitaVeggie blend, Lactospore Coagulans, Alkali-processed cocoa, Sunflower Lecithin, Xanthan gum |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $39.97 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood
A good meal replacement shake should be capable of delivering everything of a balanced meal to the body. Well, Ka’Chava believes that, and they have formulated this blend accordingly.
Ka’Chava Tribal Superfood is full of prebiotics, fiber, protein, plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals, just like the popular meal replacements. Those will offer the body all of the nutrients it needs to function correctly. They will also ensure that there is no deficit present in the entire body.
Alongside that, the formula of this meal replacement contains some additional ingredients, including Omega-3 fatty acids, 1000mg of adaptogens, antioxidant fruit extracts, and 17 plus vegetables and greens. These valuable ingredients will provide the filling of being full while accelerating the weight loss simultaneously.
Even the content of protein is a bit higher than the meal replacement powders. It has 25g of protein. That amount of protein will promote muscle gain and allow you to burn saturated fat quickly.
| Formulation | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based protein blend, Omega EFA/Fiber blend, Superfruit blend, Super greens blend, Adaptogen blend, Digestive enzyme blend, Probiotic blend |
| Highlights |
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| Price | $59.95 |
| Side effects | No long-term side effects |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
How We Ranked the Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Earlier, we mentioned that after considering a couple of crucial factors, choosing the meal replacement shakes that are effective became an easy task. Now, the question is, what essential factors did we consider? Well, they are as follows:
Protein Sources
The primary content of the meal replacement shakes is protein. However, not all of the replacement shakes will utilize protein from the same source. Many will opt for sources that are average at best. We preferred meal replacement shakes that relied on high-quality protein sources.
Some sources, such as grass-fed animal protein and high-quality plant-based proteins, were our topmost priority.
Protein Dosages
Most of the meal replacement shakes will have protein levels of around 10g. However, some will be lower than that. Generally, a decent dose of protein that should be in your meal replacement shake is 15g to 25g. And we prioritized those with a protein content of that range.
Fiber Dosages
Meal replacement shakes need to have a good amount of fiber. It is one of the ingredients that your body requires to function. Without fiber, they will not be able to offer the feeling of fulfillment. Furthermore, the content of fiber is what separates a protein powder from meal replacement shakes.
According to us, per serving should provide at least 4g to 9g of fiber. The ones that did not comply with that range did not make it to our list.
Ingredients
Plenty of cheap meal replacement shakes will rely on artificial flavorings and preservatives. They will often use artificial colors to make the shake look pretty. On the other hand, the premium and worthy ones will utilize nothing but USDA-certified natural elements and sweeteners.
Our preference revolved around the ones that utilized nothing but natural elements. Usually, replacement shakes that use artificial ingredients are associated with side effects. They are not that effective in terms of making you lose weight too.
Macronutrient Balance
You will find plenty of protein powders that are high in carbs and calories. But they will be reasonably low in terms of protein and fat. That combination is not ideal for most diet plans because it is not that effective in terms of weight loss as well.
Instead, effective meal replacement shakes should contain an effective macronutrient balance. There should be a good balance of fats, calories, carbs, and protein. And we prioritized the options that complied with this balance.
Texture, Taste, and Mixability
There are many meal replacement shakes that will get each of the crucial factors right. But there will be one thing where they will lag. Yes, we are talking about the texture and taste. If those are not right, no matter how effective the meal replacement shake is, you will not be able to add it to your daily routine.
Furthermore, we believe that meal replacement shakes need to be convenient. You should not waste 10 to 15 minutes trying to mix all of the clumps. Instead, the mixability ratio should be high, and the shake should be ready to drink within a couple of minutes.
That said, we emphasized the meal replacement shakes that had good taste, better texture, and a higher mixability ratio.
Other Active Ingredients
Most of the meal replacement shakes will be packed with active ingredients. That will include fruit extracts, plant extracts, digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals. And the ones that made it into our list contained these additional active ingredients at the correct rate.
Who Should Take Meal Replacement Shakes?
People opt for meal replacement shakes for various reasons. Some will take these powders just to lose weight, while others integrate them into their busy lives just to save some time. Nonetheless, let us go through all of the reasons, shall we?
Weight Loss
The first and primary reason behind taking meal replacement shakes would be weight loss. You can lower calorie intake to a significant amount by replacing just a single meal with one of these meal replacements. To illustrate, instead of taking a 700 calorie lunch, you could have just a 200 calorie meal replacement shake.
However, the shake and the meal would have the same nutritional value. And for most cases, the meal replacement shakes with the right amount of fiber will even trick your brain into thinking that you are full. This trait will accelerate the body’s natural weight loss process and allow you to cut stubborn fat quickly.
People with Tight Schedules
Having a proper meal requires you to sit and chew the chunks of food slowly. That could be a troublesome thing for people that are living their lives with a tight schedule. Switching one of those meals with a meal replacement shake can offer you the ability to finish your lunch, for example, in just 5 minutes.
Furthermore, these on-the-go drinks will even have caffeine in them. Those will offer you the energy boost to go through the rest of the day. So, you will be filling your tummy up with essential minerals and nutrients and will be refilling the energy bar at the same time.
Keto Dieters
Many people that follow the keto diet opt for meal replacement shakes. The reason behind this popularity is pretty simple. Most meal replacement shakes are low in calories and carbs. Some of them even have a high-fat content, which makes them go hand in hand with the keto diet.
Furthermore, the meal replacement shakes ideal for keto diets will eliminate the hassle of preparing the proper meal for the diet. It will save you time while making you perfectly comply with the basics.
Athletes
People that are planning to make some gains take meal replacement shakes too. Usually, it will be a post-workout drink for the athletes. Nonetheless, it can support the body and help with the post-workout recovery rate. Also, many athletes take extra meals just to get the right amount of calories, which these shakes can replace.
Older Adults and Elderly People
With age, older adults lose the energy to cook, and complex recipes can exhaust them. For that reason, most older adults rely on these meal replacement shakes. By doing so, they get the recommended percentage of nutrition without going through the hassle of preparing a balanced meal.
Scientific Evidence Behind The Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Several scientific studies pointed out the benefits of meal replacement shakes, and it is scientifically proven that these shakes can help users attain plenty of health advantages. Once you start taking a meal replacement shake, there’s no going back. Usually, such a shake comes with a blend of proteins, carbs, digestive enzymes and other essential minerals and components. So, your body gets everything without consuming a lot of calories on a daily basis.
This study was conducted by a group of scientists and around 90 obese adults with different body mass indexes were taken through random weight loss programs. The study clearly shows that the users who were using meal replacement shakes reduced more weight and body weight compared to the ones who were following a food-based fat-loss diet.
So, if you’re thinking of taking meal replacement shakes, don’t think too much and go for the best meal replacement supplement that can help you attain the best fitness levels.
Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes
The meal replacement shakes will promote themselves by saying a lot of things. But are any of them true? What does science have to say regarding it? Well, those are the things that we will cover in this segment.
Vitamins and Minerals
The minerals and vitamins that most meal replacement shakes contain can boost energy levels. This 2020 study went through that specific topic. People feel lethargic when the body lacks those essential components. And the meal replacements can fulfill that deficit as they are loaded with minerals and vitamins.
Antioxidants
Just like minerals and vitamins, most meal replacements will be rich in antioxidants. Those who have a strong love for the wellness of health. Take our picks, for example. They are full of plant-based antioxidants and polyphenols. And those can effectively support a healthy inflammation throughout the body.
Furthermore, if you live an active lifestyle, the body will go through a considerable rate of oxidative stress. And antioxidants can help against those oxidative stress.
Keto-Friendly
Most of the meal replacement shakes are keto diet-friendly. They contain considerably less amount of carbs, while the protein and fat level generally remains high. This combination makes those options perfectly comply with the grounds of keto. Meal replacements can make following the keto a piece of cake.
Vegan-Friendly
The protein source for most of the meal replacements is greens and plants. They will not use a single element that will be animal-derived. This trait makes those options vegan-friendly. However, that does not mean that those options will have a lower protein content. Some even boast up to 20g to 25g of protein.
Weight Loss
A meal replacement will be at best 200 calories. In comparison, a proper meal can be up to 700 calories. So, if you replace the meal with one of these shakes, you can cut off a good chunk of calorie intake. That would naturally make your body shed fat. Eventually, the weight loss rate will get accelerated.
On that note, do not think that we are stating this out of nowhere. Multiple studies have backed up this trait of metal replacements. The low carb and high amount of protein combination is the combination that plays a significant role in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Replacement Shakes
Q: Would it be possible to survive by taking meal replacement shakes only?
A: Not really! The meal replacements are designed to replace at best one meal. You would not get the number of calories the body requires to function well if you replaced each meal with these.
However, some of the replacements can mark themselves as complete. Those will utilize a high nutrition source, such as Soylent. It would be possible to replace each meal with those. But still, we would recommend against it.
Q: Can I take meal replacement shakes to lose weight?
A: Yes, meal replacements are well-known for accelerating the weight loss process. If you switch just one meal with these shakes, you can cut at least 500 calories off of your daily intake. And that would make the body naturally burn fat.
Q: Are meal replacement shakes ideal for lactose intolerant people?
A: The plant-based formulas will not contain any dairy products. So, even if you are lactose intolerant, you will not face any side effects after having them.
Q: How do I take meal replacement shakes?
A: Meal replacement shakes are pretty versatile. You can have them with milk, water, or a beverage of your choice. Just put one serving of the powder, shake well, and enjoy.
Q: Can I replace two meals with meal replacement shakes?
A: Unless the meal replacement shake is sourcing all of the nutrients from a complete nutrition shake, you should only replace one of the meals with these shakes.
Final Words
It will be possible to lose a good amount of weight if you replace one of your meals with the best meal replacement shakes. And we can stand by our list. It contains nothing but effective shakes. If you can integrate them into your daily lifestyle, losing weight will become an easy process for you!
The following was a complete list of the top 8 best meal replacement shake powders to buy in 2024, along with honorable mentions that may be more suitable or affordable given your specific needs.
Get one of the best meal replacement shakes from our list and enhance weight loss in days!
