Best meal replacement shakes
Seven fantastic meal replacement shakes tried and tested by our team of experts
There are many reasons why lots of us opt for the best meal replacement shakes. They're convenient, easy to drink on the go, aid recovery after a workout, and help those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
In a busy market filled with products vying for your attention, it can be hard to discern the brands that are really worth your money from the less effective ones. The best meal replacement shakes provide optimal nutritional intake, covering all the macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) your body needs and the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to regulate vital bodily processes.
Below, we've selected the seven best meal replacement shakes the Fit&Well team has tested. All but our budget choice, GNC's Lean Shake 25 (made using whey concentrate), are plant-based, as using whole food ingredients is one of the nutritional factors we consider to be important in a meal replacement shake. Another key factor is taste. Of course, that can be subjective, but all the shakes here have passed the Fit&Well taste test.
If you're perhaps considering other options in addition to meal replacement shakes, see our other guides to the best protein powder, best protein powder for women, and best protein powder for weight loss.
Best meal replacement shake overall
Ka’chava packs a ridiculous amount of nutritional value into a 60g serving. Each one contains a blend of over 70 superfoods and nutrients, including: omega-3s and medium-chain triglycerides (essential fats), a solid dose of probiotics to improve gut health, plus 26 vitamins and minerals, most of which hit over 40% of your daily value.
What really differentiates this meal replacement powder from the rest of the market is the emphasis on adaptogens. As highlighted in a review in the journal Nutrients, these plant extracts are more than just a buzzword—they are scientifically recognized for their ability to help the body manage stress and boost physical endurance.
We tested three of Ka'chava's seven flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Matcha. All felt filling as a breakfast shake mixed with water and a splash of milk. Along with a midmorning banana, the shake kept us going until lunch. The Chocolate variety was deep and rich, while the Vanilla worked well in smoothies. None of our testers were overly keen on the Matcha flavor, it may suit the matcha fans out there though.
While Ka'chava contains lots of organic ingredients, it's not completely organic. The brand supports the Rainforest Trust with donations to help protect the world’s most threatened endangered species, rainforests, and other habitats.
Best budget meal replacement shake
Lean Shake 25 is a great example of an affordable, protein-heavy tool designed specifically for weight loss. Each 52g serving manages to pack a substantial 25g of whey protein and 8g of dietary fiber into just 180 calories, all while keeping fat and sugar to a lean 3g each.
However, it’s important to note that while the overall nutrients are impressive, the micronutrient profile is a bit more modest than what's on offer from the premium products in this guide. While Lean Shake 25's formula includes 22 different vitamins and minerals, most sit at just 20% of your daily value per portion. Since GNC recommends drinking two shakes daily alongside a healthy meal plan, you’ll still be getting nutrients from solid food, but the shake itself isn't a complete nutritional fix.
Flavor-wise, Lean Shake 25 comes in French Vanilla, Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mixed Berry, Cookies and Cream, Rich Chocolate, and Coconut Caramel. It's also available in ready-to-drink bottles.
Ultimately, this is a solid, budget-friendly choice for hitting your protein goals and managing hunger. Active people in particular may well want to pair this meal replacement shake with additional supplements to fill in those nutritional gaps.
Best meal replacement shake for feeling full
Huel is a plant-based meal replacement powder that comes in 10 different flavors and provides a decent dose of calories to keep you going. A serving is larger than most at 100g, which gives you 30g of complete protein (containing all nine essential amino acids) from a blend of pea, flaxseed, and brown rice, as well as 39g of carbohydrates and 7.8g of fiber.
A serving of Huel Powder also gives you 26 different vitamins and minerals, that include iron, zinc and selenium. Like Vivo Life All-In-One Meal, it's low in sugar, with 1.2g per portion.
Huel Powder is designed to give you the nutrients of a well-balanced complete meal and contains 400kcal. While this will leave you feeling full, it's not going to work for you if you're trying to cut calories. If you're an active person who's after a convenient dose of complete nutrition, Huel is a great choice though.
Huel Powder comes in 10 different varieties, from Unflavored to Mint Chocolate, so you're bound to find one you like. The powder mixes well but it does have a fair amount of texture, which might not be to everyone's tastes. Huel is also available premixed in bottles and as Huel Black, which has higher protein content.
Best meal replacement shake for weight loss
Lyfefuel All-In-One Essentials Shake contains more vitamins and nutrients than any other shake we've tested. Its protein (18g), carb (6g), and calorie levels (110kcal) per 33g serving are the lowest of the options here, but that makes it a great choice for those looking to lose weight.
Each serving contains 27 different vitamins and minerals, including 500mcg of vitamin B12, 1,200IU of vitamin D3, and 75mcg of iodine. It's disappointingly low in fiber though, with just 1g per serving.
All-In-One Essentials Shake also contains a probiotic blend of five varieties of friendly gut bacteria (960 million CFU per serving), five different digestive enzymes, an organic greens blend, and a blend of six different berries.
The powder is minimally processed to retain as many nutrients as possible, and it’s also vegan-friendly.
Lyfefuel's shake only comes in two varieties: Chocolate and Vanilla Chai, and we've tested both. Both worked best when mixed with plant milk, though a powered mixer was needed to fully remove all the lumps. Chocolate was the firm favorite, and it tasted fantastic when blended with banana and ice for a more substantial smoothie.
Best meal replacement shake for nutrients
The impressive ingredients list of fruit and vegetables in Garden of Life's Raw Organic Meal reads like a rundown of what you'd find on sale in a high-end, plant-based, whole foods market.
A 37.5g serving provides 20g of protein from a blend of 13 different (mostly sprouted) plant-based seeds and grains. You also get 13g of carbs, 7g of fiber, and 2g of fat. At 150kcal per serving, it's also a decent option for those looking to restrict their calories.
The powder is certified organic, with a fruit and vegetable blend containing 24 different ingredients, a greens blend containing alfalfa grass, spirulina, and more, plus a whole food vitamin and mineral blend with 18 different nutrients.
Raw Organic Meal is a nutrient-dense formula crafted without gluten, soy, dairy, tree nuts, or artificial additives. Beyond its fruit and vegetable blend, it provides a robust serving of probiotics and digestive enzymes. As the 'raw' in the name suggests, this is the only product on our list produced without heat, ensuring that delicate proteins and volatile nutrients remain fully intact.
Four flavors are available: Lightly Sweet, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, and Chocolate.
Best organic meal replacement shake
Orgain states that it has a commitment to organic, clean eating with active initiatives to curb plastic pollution. It's one of only two meal replacement powders here that are verified as organic (Garden of Life's Raw Organic Meal being the other).
One 57g serving of its vegan Organic Meal powder delivers 20g of protein through a plant-based blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, all while remaining free of GMOs, gluten, and artificial additives. It also contains 25g of carbs, 11g of fiber (the highest fiber level in our guide), 5g of fat, and 220kcals.
Because the formula is low in sugar and, to a lesser extent, fat, it serves as a viable option for those focused on weight loss, though it’s worth noting that other brands in this guide offer lower calorie counts. That said, the shake’s nutritional profile isn't without its gaps. While it delivers useful doses of B vitamins and iron, many of its micronutrient levels are lower than those of its competitors, specifically lacking vitamin D and various trace elements.
Organic Meal comes in just two flavors: Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge.
Best easy to digest meal replacement shake
If you're looking for a meal replacement powder made with all-natural ingredients, Vivo Life's All-In-One Meal is a fantastic option. Unlike most similar products on the market, there are no fillers or stabilizers, which can cause digestive issues in some people. A 40g serving provides 21g of protein, 5.2g of carbs and 4.4g of fat.
Its protein source is a blend of fermented (making it easier to absorb) yellow pea, cold-pressed hemp, and pumpkin seed. The three ingredients combine to form a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Most of the fat content comes from golden flaxseed powder which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that help with heart, brain, eye, and skin health, support the immune system, and elevate energy levels.
Vivo Life has aided digestion by adding turmeric and ginger, which reduce digestive issues and guard against inflammation in the body. All-In-One Meal also includes five types of beneficial gut bacteria and konjac fiber, a soluble fiber and prebiotic that absorbs water, which makes you feel full, helps with weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and better manages blood sugar.
We tested two flavors: Vanilla and Caramel Biscuit. Most of us really enjoyed the Vanilla, but some of our testers thought that the Caramel Biscuit tasted a little odd. There's also a Strawberry option, but we haven't tried it.
All-In-One Meal comes in two pack sizes: 291g (seven servings) and 1kg (25 servings). The powder comes in a plastic bag without a scoop, and is made in the UK by a factory powered by renewable energy.
How we test the best meal replacement shakes
All the meal replacement shakes have been tested by members of the Fit&Well team. While we've tested many other products, we excluded ones that did not provide optimal nutritional intake. We also avoided products loaded with artificial sweeteners, additives, fillers, or preservatives.
Every product here has been assessed to ensure it covers all the macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats) required by our bodies, and also provides a useful dose of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to regulate vital processes.
All the meal replacement shakes here are worthy of spending your money on, but some have better specific use cases than others. We have highlighted what they are with our 'best for' categories.
We evaluated each product for taste. That means checking to see if the flavor matches the label without being overly sweet or leaving an unpleasant aftertaste, and how smooth the shake feels when swallowed.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for in a meal replacement shake?
With such a wide variety of products on the market, choosing the best meal replacement shake for your specific needs can be challenging. While health and well-being claims on front labels offer a rough guide, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the nutritional information on the back of the package. Dr. Brian Carson, lecturer in physiology at the University of Limerick and head of science and innovation at Whole Supp, emphasizes this importance. He advises consumers to keep an eye out for high sugar content, poor protein quality, and unnecessary additives, while also looking for natural superfoods within the formulation.
When evaluating macronutrients, a high-quality shake should offer at least 15g of protein per serving. It is equally important to monitor sugar intake. The CDC recommends keeping added sugars under 10% of total daily calories. A single serving of a shake should ideally contain less than 10g of sugar, but we'd advise that lower is better. Also, check the level of dietary fiber per serving. The USDA recommends 28g daily, so opt for shakes with high fiber content.
Beyond the basics, the micronutrient ratio is vital for maintaining overall health. A variety of vitamins and minerals is key, and if a shake provides low Daily Values for these nutrients, you must ensure your other meals are significantly more nutrient-dense to compensate.
Finally, avoid products containing corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or unrecognizable chemical elements. Instead, look for recognizable ingredients and functional additions like probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes that can support digestion and provide additional long-term health benefits.
Are meal replacement shakes healthy?
While meal replacement shakes are designed to be nutritionally complete—providing the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients essential for an average adult—they are not a long-term substitute for solid food. We spoke with Charlotte Turner, a registered nutritionist and founder of Health Nutritionist. She explained that although these shakes meet basic dietary requirements, no single product can truly replicate the complex nutritional profile of a varied diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. “For example, meal replacement shakes may prevent you from getting enough plants and fiber that are beneficial to your gut microbiome and overall mental and physical health.” Turner said.
Replacing real food with shakes long-term may also lead to an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues. Aisling Pigott, a registered dietician and the founder of Dietitian Wales, told us. “We know that meal replacement shakes often try to replicate a healthy balanced meal. However, when food is removed from its original structure, it behaves differently. This may be associated with digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation and stomach pain,” she said.
It is worth noting that some meal replacement shakes contain artificial sweeteners and synthetic bulking agents, which can trigger digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Despite these potential drawbacks, these products offer significant advantages when used strategically as part of a balanced diet. Shakes are particularly effective for bridging nutritional gaps in those who struggle to eat solid meals or those following highly restrictive dietary regimens.
Meal replacement shakes can also be a practical tool for managing obesity by simplifying calorie control and maintaining a consistent energy deficit. A 2019 systematic review in Obesity Reviews found that overweight participants who incorporated these shakes into their routine achieved greater weight loss at their one-year follow-up compared to those who relied on traditional diets alone.
What are meal replacement shakes made from?
Meal replacement shakes come in many forms. They are predominantly based on whey protein or a blend of plant proteins. When considering whey-based shakes, look to see if it's made from whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate. Opt for whey protein isolate if possible, as the concentrate has been known to cause digestive issues in those sensitive to dairy products. Shakes made with whey protein concentrate tend to be cheaper, but both options are complete proteins with full amino acid profiles.
The best plant-based meal replacement shakes will contain a combination of several different protein sources to ensure a complete amino acid profile. By their very nature, plant-based meal replacement shakes almost always contain more whole food ingredients than whey-based options, which can also provide useful extra nutrients and adaptogens.
Extra ingredients can vary, but products that offer the inclusion of added nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, omega fats, blended greens such as alfalfa grass, spirulina, wheat grass, etc, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes are also worth looking out for.
How do protein shakes and meal replacement shakes differ?
While many brands offer similar-looking protein and meal replacement shakes that come as a bag of powder with a scoop, the two products are actually quite different in many ways.
The main one is their macronutrient profile (carbs, proteins, and fats). Being designed for use to build lean muscle, protein shakes prioritize protein with minimal carbohydrate content and low fat. They will often contain additional amino acids and other nutrients designed to aid muscle growth. Crucially, unlike the best meal replacement shakes, protein powders are not complete meals that provide adequate levels of carbohydrate, fat, and calories to sustain you through the day.
That said, a protein shake can be used as a meal replacement in specific circumstances, but it depends on the desired outcomes and nutritional requirements of the person involved. We spoke with Nutritionist Charlotte Turner, who explained more about this. “A protein shake can provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle recovery and growth. However, it's important to ensure that the shake contains an adequate balance of other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, as well as micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to make it a more complete meal replacement." The calorie content in a shake is another aspect to consider. “A meal replacement shake should generally provide enough calories to sustain you until your next meal, and this can vary depending on individual needs and weight goals," Turner said.
