The Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss, Bulking, Low-Carb, and More

There are a lot of reasons why someone may want to drink their calories in the form of a meal replacement shake. Strength athletes or hard-gainers who need to eat thousands of calories a day may not be able to stomach another bite of solid food. Busy gym-goers can use meal replacements to supplement their diet and hit their daily macros. Average consumers might just need a quick and healthy meal on a busy day to fill them up. Generally, meal replacements are full of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins to fuel the body with what it needs. Better yet, they’re way more convenient than breaking out the Dutch oven when you’re in a pinch for sustenance.

When it comes to selecting the top meal replacement shake, it’s important to choose a product based on your personal preferences and nutritional goals. That’s why, after testing many, many meal replacements, we’ve landed on a wide selection of the top products that suit a variety of dietary needs.

Best Meal Replacement Shakes

• Best Meal Replacement Shake: Kaged Clean Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Bar: Legion High Protein Bar
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Digestion: HLTH Code Complete Meal
• Best Meal Replacement for Protein: Kaged Clean Meal
• Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake: HLTH Code Complete Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Bulking: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Low-Carb Meal Replacement Shake: HLTH Code Complete Meal
• Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake: Ample V
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss: Instant Knockout Meal Replacement
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Diabetes: 310 Meal Replacement Shake
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Elderly: 310 Meal Replacement Shake
• Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement Shake: Huel

Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of qualified medical advice. If you’re looking to make a significant change to your diet and training regimen or replace a significant percentage of your food with meal replacements, please consult your medical professional first.

Meal Replacement Shake Video Review

Like the meal replacement shakes on this list, our video review is convenient, easy to digest, and loaded with useful stuff. Check it out to gain even more insight into how we tested and picked the best meal replacements on the market.

Best Meal Replacement

The best shake on our list boasts a formula that may help with digestion and satiation, as well as recovery — plus, it tastes delicious. 

Kaged Clean Meal

Kaged Clean Meal really does check a lot of boxes. For one, it’s incredibly satiating — meaning it can help keep you full for a long time. That said, the 360 calorie count (for three scoops) is pretty much in line with other meal replacements on the market.

The satiation is in part due to the macros here, which include 7g of fat, 27g of carbs, and 42g of protein per each three-scoop serving. You’ll also find three grams of fiber here, which pass through your body and aren’t absorbed, aiding additionally in satiation. The MCT oil can also help your body digest this supplement, as it may assist your gut microbiome in absorbing all the nutrients. (1)

Plus, this meal replacement packs a ton of vitamins and minerals (including vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium). This product also does not contain any artificial colors or flavors, which is a huge plus for those who steer clear of artificial ingredients. However, this supp only comes in Snickerdoodle or Vanilla Cake, which may be limiting for some.

Who Should Buy Kaged Clean Meal

• Those looking for a shake that will truly replace a meal — this stuff can help keep you full.
• People who have sensitive stomachs may find this meal replacement to be easier on digestion thanks to the MCT oil. 
• Folks who want to replenish lost carbs after their workout will appreciate the 27g here. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Clean Meal

• Anyone looking for a low carb supplement can find other meal replacements with leaner formulas. 
• Athletes who want more than two flavors to choose from as this meal replacement only comes in Snickerdoodle and Vanilla Cake.
• If you’re looking for a meal replacement that includes probiotics, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Kaged’s product truly does live up to the ”Clean Meal” name. From digestion to taste, this meal replacement checks most of the boxes on our list, and can truly provide a nutritious meal without any artificial colors or flavors. Many will appreciate how much work each calorie in this formulation can do with regards to keeping them full and providing tons of micronutrients to fill in dietary gaps.

[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, and Health]

Best Meal Replacement Bar

Bars are a great meal replacement option for anyone on the go — they’re easy to travel with and you can simply throw them in your gym bag for a post-workout pick-me-up. This pick checks a lot of essential boxes when you need a quick meal on the go.

Legion High Protein Bar

With 20 grams of high quality whey and milk protein per bar, these 100 percent natural bars are delicious and easy to eat as an on the go meal replacement. They contain 240 calories, 24 grams of carbs, and 12 grams of fat. This makes them a delicious option to stay satisfied for a reasonable price of around $2.62 per bar. With nine grams of prebiotic fiber and only four grams of sugar, you may be able to avoid an energy crash, and the high protein content can help keep you feeling sustained while you go about your day. Currently, these only come in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor, so if you’re looking for more flavor variety, you may have to look elsewhere. 

Who Should Buy the Legion High Protein Bar

• Anyone who’s frequently on the go, and needs a meal replacement that can come with them. 
• People who prioritize flavor and are looking for an objectively delicious protein bar will like the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor here. 
• For athletes who prefer whey protein, you’ll like that this bar is made of whey and milk protein.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Legion High Protein Bar

• Folks who are looking for a higher protein content — you may be better off opting for a shake which could contain 25 to 30 grams per serving.
• Those who prefer to drink their meal replacements as shakes.
• Those who prefer more versatility in flavor options. 

While you won’t get as high a protein content as you would in many meal replacement shakes, these bars are tasty and still pack in up to 20 grams of protein per bar — plus, they make on the go protein intake easy and enjoyable. 

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Digestion

Standard protein powders can give folks digestion issues. And when you add more protein and calories to the mix, those problems can amplify. Here’s our pick to alleviate any potential stomach and digestion snafus. 

HLTH Code Complete Meal

This meal replacement powder is easy to consume on the go, has 27 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbs, 27 grams of fat, and comes in two delicious flavors — Creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Macadamia. For anyone concerned with how their body may process a hefty meal replacement shake, this shake is packed with ingredients to aid in digestion — such as apple cider vinegar, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber — that all work synergistically to help you get the most out of your meal replacement, and improve gut health. This powder is also derived from a plethora of protein sources such as egg whites, whey, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. 

HLTH Code contains 15 meals per bag, making it just four dollars per serving, and a low cost and delicious meal for you to make at home, or on the go. At 400 calories per serving, packing 25 vitamins and minerals, and with no artificial ingredients added, this shake is tasty and nutritionally sound. It also includes nine grams of fiber, which puts net carbs at four grams per serving. 

Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal

• Anyone who’s looking for gut health perks from their meal replacement will like the ingredients here.
• Athletes who have sensitive stomachs may benefit from this replacement shake. 
• Folks who want a formula that contains a blend of proteins, such as egg whites, whey, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Meal Replacement Shake

• Customers who are looking for a higher carb source option. This only contains 13 grams of carbs per serving.
• Folks who want more flavor options than Creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Macadamia may want to look elsewhere. That said, we love the way these flavors taste.

We love this formula for many reasons, but its gut health and digestive supporting ingredients are top notch. That’s why it’s our favorite meal replacement for high protein without the bloating and digestive issues that other meal replacement formulas may cause. 

[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]

Best Meal Replacement for Protein

While this pick still offers healthy, whole ingredients and extra minerals, it packs a whole 28 grams of protein into each meal, which is ideal for those who are also looking for a meal replacement that doubles as a protein supplement. 

Kaged Clean Meal

Protein plays a big role in satiety since it takes more energy to digest, and this pick contains 28 grams of whey protein per serving — so though it’s relatively low in calories, the protein helps keep you fuller longer. (2) A bonus is that the protein in this supplement can also help with muscle growth in addition to satiety. Plus, this powder contains 21 vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin A, and only one gram of sugar. It comes in Snickerdoodle and Vanilla Cake, both of which are objectively tasty. 

Who Should Buy Kaged Clean Meal

• Anybody who wants a shake that’s high in protein and low in calories will like this formula — it’s got 28 grams of protein per serving with only 240 calories. 
• Folks who are looking for additional minerals in their meal replacement. This product contains 21 vitamins and minerals.
• Those who are trying to limit their sugar intake will appreciate that this supp only contains one gram of sugar per serving. 
• Athletes who are trying to grow their muscles will like that this product has a high protein content of 28 grams.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Clean Meal

• Customers who are looking for a high calorie meal replacement can find products with more than 240 calories per serving. 
• Anyone who’s trying to gain weight and needs a supplement higher in carbs than this product’s 18 grams. 

If you’re looking to keep the calories low but the protein high, this meal replacement will check those boxes — with 28 grams of protein, 240 calories, and additional minerals, Kaged Clean Meal can help keep you satisfied until your next full meal.

Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake

The keto craze has reached new heights, and many companies are trying to cash in. We’ve tried many keto-focused meal replacements, but we found HLTH Code’s Complete Meal to be head and shoulders above the rest. 

HLTH Code Complete Meal

More than half of the calories in HLTH Code’s formula are from fat, with another quarter coming from protein, so dieters who follow a high-fat diet can take this supplement and not worry about exiting ketosis. It also has both omega-3 and omega-6 fats, MCT powder in (which is part of its Healthy Fats Blend and may help you stay in ketosis) and collagen, is free of GMOs, and is made in an FDA-approved facility. Also, while HLTH Code has 13 grams of carbs, only four are net carbs. The other nine come from fiber, which is passed through your body and not digested.

Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal

• People who follow a ketogenic diet and need a low-carb formula will like that this product only four grams of net carbs, and is high in both fat and protein. 
• Folks who want both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as MCT powder included in their meal replacement.
• Anyone who likes chocolate or vanilla flavors will like this product’s Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla varieties. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal

• Athletes who want more carbohydrates for performance — this product is low in carbs. 
• People who aren’t on a keto diet and eat a moderate amount of fat already. 
• People who want more flavor options — Complete Meal comes in just two. 

Though it’s on the pricier side and comes in just Creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Macadamia, Complete Meal offers a moderate-calorie meal replacement formula that contains a good amount of nutrients and is ideal for high-fat diets like keto. 

[Related: Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, and More]

Best Meal Replacement for Bulking

For some athletes, the idea of a meal replacement isn’t to replace food but to act as an additional meal to meet increased calorie and nutrient requirements. We think when it comes to protein this pick stands above the rest.

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

If you’re looking to bulk up, the 53 grams of protein and 114 grams of carbs — derived from tapioca, oat, and sweet potato — will help. Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer also includes MCTs from coconut and a serving of creatine monohydrate (which can help with strength and power production). It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a great choice to potentially help build muscle mass. Also of note, considering it contains over 100 grams of carbs, Transparent Labs’ formula has a relatively lower sugar count of just 14 grams. 

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

• People who want a mass gainer supplement free of artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
• Athletes looking for a convenient source of extra calories with a solid macronutrient split. This one offers 53 grams of protein, 114 grams of carbs, and just 14 grams of fat (per serving). 
• Athletes who are also looking for a dose of creatine in their meal replacement will like that this mass gainer has three grams of creatine per serving (five grams per day is generally recommended if creatine is part of your supplement stack). 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

• People who are looking to lean out, you should go for a lower calorie powder. Other meal replacements on this list have a lower calorie count — this formula has 760 calories per serving. 
• Folks looking for something with a more robust micronutrient profile. 
• Anyone on a keto diet will want to look for a formulation that sports a higher fat content. 

Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer comes in four flavors — Chocolate, Cookies N Cream (not gluten-free), Sweet Vanilla, and Chocolate Glaze — and can be bought one, two, or three tubs at a time. At nearly 800-calories per serving, this pick offers more calories than a standard meal. 

[Related: Nutrition For Bulking: 10 Tips For Intelligent Muscle Gain]

Best Low-Carb Meal Replacement Shake

Though a low-carb diet isn’t technically the same as a keto diet, our pick for the Best Keto Meal Replacement certainly fits in well with this category too.

HLTH Code Complete Meal

Fat isn’t typically as satiating as carbs and protein, so folks following a low-carb diet can be susceptible to a case of the “hangrys”. Complete Meal helps combat this by including nine grams of fiber in their formula. Fiber isn’t absorbed, but passes through your system, which can serve to help you feel more full.

Macro-wise, this shake offers a 1:1 ratio of protein to fat, with 27 grams of both fat and protein (a blend of whey concentrate, collagen, and egg whites) and over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D, A, C, E, K, B6 and B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and biotin. On top of that, the formula contains a Healthy Fats Blend that contains MCT powder, coconut oil powder, olive oil powder, coco butter fat, and grass-fed ghee, as well as added apple cider vinegar powder. 

Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal

• Those who want a meal replacement that’s balanced in both fats and protein, but low on carbs.
• Folks who want a boost of calcium and iron included in their meal replacement. 
• People who want a formula with collagen, which can aid in skin and cartilage health.

Who Shouldn’t Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal

• Vegans and vegetarians. Collagen is an animal product, so this meal replacement probably won’t work for you. 
• Folks who want more flavor options than Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla will want to look for a formula with a wider variety of flavor options. 
• People who prioritize a healthy dose of carbs in their diet.

Complete Meal is free of GMOs and artificial ingredients but is chock full of digestive enzymes, probiotics, fiber. It’s also made in an FDA-approved facility for folks hyper-concerned with quality. 

[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain And Fat Loss]

Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake

For plant-based eaters, it’s important to find a formula that’s in line with their diet and provides essential vitamins and minerals that vegetarians and vegans specifically need. Don’t let the 400-calorie serving freak you out — after all, we’re talking about meal replacements, not light snacks.

Ample V

Ample has great macros: 20 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbs (11 grams of fiber), and 26 grams of fat. All that protein, fiber, and fat can help make it filling (and delicious). It also packs 40 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria from six different strains, which may be an important part of losing weight and maximizing nutrient absorption. Ample V is made with primarily organic pea protein and offers up vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium — three minerals and vitamins typically found in meat. Ample’s plant-based formula is all-natural, plus it has a big emphasis on gut health, fiber, and fat. 

Who Should Buy Ample V

• Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate that this is a plant-based formula.
• People who limit artificial ingredients — there are no artificial flavors or sweeteners in this product.
• Anyone who wants to emphasize their digestive health. Very few of these shakes provide this much fiber, prebiotic fiber, and probiotic bacteria.
• Folks who want to feel full, as the combination of fiber, fat, and protein make for a satiating drink.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Ample V

• Folks who don’t want a plant-based formula. 
• People who want many vitamins and minerals in their meal replacement shakes. Ample only provides 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium.
• Penny pinchers may find that this shake is a bit pricier than other options on the market. 

Vegans and vegetarians can rejoice — Ample’s plant-based formula is all-natural, plus it has a big emphasis on gut health, fiber, and fat. 

[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss 

High in protein, low in sugar, and high in fiber, this meal replacement can help keep you satisfied. At 400 calories per two-scoop serving, we think it’s an ideal meal replacement for those looking to shed a few pounds. 

Instant Knockout Meal Replacement

If you’re dieting then you most likely want to eat your food, not drink it. That said, there are times where you have no choice — maybe you’re on vacation, a road trip, or out and about with friends. In those cases, reaching for Instant Knockout Meal Replacement is a good option. Its protein content is enough to curb your appetite, but we think it’s especially good for weight loss because it’s relatively low-calorie. In weight loss, you’ll often hear that “calories are king.” If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll need to run a calorie deficit. With Instant Knockout, you don’t need to worry about ingesting half your day’s worth of carbs in a single shake.

Instant Knockout offers 35 grams of protein from soy, pea protein isolate, and brown rice, and 35g of carbs (only 13 percent of your recommended daily intake). The 35 grams of carbs also supply 13 grams of fiber, which can help with satiety. Plus, it tastes way better than plain chicken breast. You can buy it in a vanilla flavor that’s great on its own or added to a smoothie. 

Who Should Buy Instant Knockout Meal Replacement

• Anybody who wants a shake that’s both filling and lower calorie will appreciate that this product is only 400 calories per serving (versus the 700+ you may find in other meal replacements).
• Folks who want added vitamins and minerals, as well — this supplement also contains micronutrients, like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
• For those who are limiting sugar, this product only contains three grams per two-scoop serving. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Instant Knockout Meal Replacement

• People who are on a tight  budget might opt for a cheaper meal replacement. Instant Knockout is a premium product, and they charge a premium price for it.
• If you’re looking for more than one flavor option, you’ll want to look elsewhere as this product only comes in vanilla. 

Tasty, well-balanced, and filling, Instant Knockout is a great choice for those looking to stay trim but still ingest a small meal’s worth of food. Plus, it contains added vitamins and minerals to help fill dietary gaps. 

[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]

Best Meal Replacement for Diabetes

It’s imperative to note that people with diabetes should speak to a physician or certified diabetes educator before trying any new supplements. This isn’t medical advice, but 310’s Meal Replacement Shake has a lot of potential benefits for those with diabetes. 

310 Meal Replacement Shake 

People with diabetes tend to prefer shakes with plenty of protein, fiber, and not much saturated fat or cholesterol. 310 Shake fits that bill perfectly. With 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, there are just two grams of net carbs per serving and no saturated fat or cholesterol at all. 310 Meal Replacement is also on point with about 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either.

Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake 

• People who want a shake with protein and fiber to help slow digestion.
• Anyone after a really low-calorie shake as there are just 90 calories per serving in this product.
• Those who want to avoid artificial sweeteners will appreciate that this product is free of them.

Who Shouldn’t Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake 

• Anyone who wants a shake to replace a meal. Let’s be honest; 90 calories isn’t a meal.
• People who want more carbs. There are just two net carbs in a scoop.

This may not be the most robust meal replacement shake, but it does offer decent protein and is a great option for people with diabetes. 

[Related: 3 Ways To Find Your 1-Rep Max (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced)]

Best Meal Replacement for Elderly

Older people who need a meal replacement with a bunch of protein and fiber and no saturated fat will be happy to know that 310 Shake clears the bar. It’s 15 grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and just two grams of net carbs per serving.

310 Meal Replacement Shake 

310 Meal Replacement also packs in some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either. If you’re concerned about your nutrient absorption or any other nutrition-related issues as you age, it’s best to share them with a physician. That said, we found 310 Shake to contain many nutrients that tend to be favored by older folks.

Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake 

• People who want a healthy shake with ample amounts of protein and fiber.
• Anyone who wants a really low-calorie shake — there are just 90 calories in a serving.
• Elderly folks who want to focus on consuming natural ingredients will appreciate that there are no artificial sweeteners in this shake.

Who Shouldn’t Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake 

• Anyone who wants a shake to replace a full meal’s worth of calories will need more than this product’s 90 calories. 
• People who want more carbs as there are just two net carbs in a serving in this shake.

Skinny jeans and frosted tips may be out of style if you’re over 50 (maybe), but proper nutrient absorption is forever cool. 310 delivers 24 vitamins and minerals in great flavors like Horchata.

[Related: Hypertrophy Training Sets And Reps]

Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement Shake

For folks who are more health-conscious, we’ve found a formula that offers up a tremendous amount of vitamins, minerals, and a few valuable extras in Huel’s (that stands for Human Fuel) meal replacement. 

Huel

This vegan powder delivers great macros (with a moderate amount of fat) and 27 vitamins and minerals — including chromium and choline — plus a few extras such as kombucha and acerola cherries (which are excellent sources of B and C vitamins). It also boasts an ample amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s a pretty robust formula altogether. Huel suits almost everyone except low-carb dieters, and the protein is complete even though it’s plant-based. 

Who Should Buy Huel

• Anyone tired of “meal replacements” that are more like protein shakes; this has carbs and fat, but not too much or too little.
• People who want a meal replacement with as many vitamins and minerals as possible as Huel has everything from chromium to choline.
• Are you looking for Omega-3s? Huel has almost four grams per serving in the form of ALA.
• Vegans and vegetarians, yes, this pick is perfect for you — Huel is entirely vegan.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huel

• Folks who limit artificial sweeteners, as Huel contains sucralose. There’s an unflavored version, but you’ll probably want to add some sweetener — it’s not great.
• If you’re sensitive to gums, you won’t love the xanthan, acacia, and guar here.

Huel delivers the most amount of vitamins of any pick on this list and is both plant-based and high in protein. Really, this pick can scratch a bunch of different itches. 

[Related: The 3 Most Common Types Of Training Periodization (And When To Use Them)]

Can You Live On Just Meal Replacements?

So can you really replace a meal with powder? It depends on who you ask. There have been quite a few meal replacements out there that have aspired to completely replace food and encourage consumers to live on nothing but their product.

That has now become pretty uncommon, with the consensus leaning toward what became one of Soylent’s slogans: it shouldn’t replace every meal, but it can replace any meal.

[Related: The Best Foods And Supplements For Fighting Inflammation]

Is that a good idea? It’s complicated, but there’s pretty decent evidence that meal replacements can be smart for certain consumers. A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials, published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, found that adding one of these products into a low-calorie diet — that part is important — “can safely and effectively produce significant sustainable weight loss and improve weight-related risk factors of disease.” (3)

Like a 2018 randomized controlled trial published in Nutrition & Health, multiple studies have also suggested they can be effective at helping to manage Type 2 diabetes, perhaps by helping with calorie control or blood sugar levels. (4)(5)

That said, there are many ingredients in whole foods that aren’t vitamins or minerals but are still healthful. Meal replacements will often (but not always) have all the essential vitamins and minerals. However, certain antioxidants and phytonutrients are more abundant in whole foods. (An example would be indole-3-carbinol, which may help balance hormones and is found in broccoli.)

Our takeaway? You should probably use these products as supplements and still eat plenty of real foods in addition to your meal replacement shakes.

When Should I Use Meal Replacements?

This depends on each person’s specific goals. Some may use a meal replacement because they are on the go a lot, and it’s an easy way to sneak in a meal when you’re busy. Others may sub a low-carb meal replacement for breakfast or lunch to try to cut back on calories or help them lose weight, while some may add a meal replacement to their diet to try to bulk. 

While you’re more likely to get a balanced spread of essential nutrients from whole foods, meal replacements can be a great way to trim back on calories if you’re trying to cut, add calories if you’re trying to bulk, add carbs if you workout often and need energy, supplement protein if you’re not getting enough, or stay on track if you’re on the go. No matter your goal, meal replacements can be helpful tools at any time of the day. 

How Much Do Meal Replacements Cost?

The prices of meal replacements vary based on container size and ingredients. In general, meal replacements with high-quality ingredients that don’t contain additives or artificial ingredients are going to be more expensive, as are higher calorie meal replacements.

Best Meal Replacement Shake	Kaged Clean Meal	$49.99 $2.49 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Bar	Legion High Protein Bar	$34.99 $2.92 per bar
Best Meal Replacement for Protein	Kaged Clean Meal	$49.99 $2.50 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Digestion	HLTH Code Complete Meal	$59.95 $4.00 per serving
Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake	HLTH Code Complete Meal	$59.95 $4.00 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Bulking	Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	$69.99 $4.66 per serving
Best Low-Carb Meal Replacement Shake	HLTH Code Complete Meal	$59.95 $4.00 per serving
Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake	Ample V	$79.00 $5.27 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss	Instant Knockout Meal Replacement	$59.00 $1.96 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Diabetes	310 Meal Replacement Shake	$69.99 $2.50 per serving
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Elderly	310 Meal Replacement Shake	$69.99 $2.50 per serving
Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement Shake	Huel	$47.53 $2.79 per serving

On top of that, if the container has more servings, you’ll be paying more per order — though it’s more important to look at the price per serving to get an accurate sense of cost since container sizes vary by product. Overall, a container of meal replacements can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 depending on the brand and the contents.

How We Decide the Best 

Meal replacement shakes vary enormously concerning the nutrition they provide — and human beings differ significantly when it comes to the nutrition they need. Athletes might want more carbs. Women might want more biotin. Men might want more Vitamin D. Some folks want a lot of calories. Others may want a nutritious snack. Here are the criteria we used when trying to select the best meal replacement for various needs.

[Related: How To Do The Romanian Deadlift For Lower-Body Size And Strength]

Macronutrients

Diets are composed of calories made up of three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. A good meal replacement, unless it’s marketed for an unusual type of diet (e.g., keto), has a balanced combination of the three.

When looking at what makes a diet healthy outside of macronutrients, you’re more or less looking at the five components below.

Vitamins

Organic molecules that an organism needs for the proper functioning of its metabolism but can’t synthesize on its own. There are thirteen required for human metabolism — vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). (6) 

Minerals

Chemical elements are made in the earth and can’t be made by living organisms. Plants get them from the soil, and animals get them from plants. There are five major minerals for humans (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium), and the rest are called “trace elements.”

Essential fatty acids

These are fatty acids that we can’t make ourselves, so we need to consume them. Linked to various health effects such as immunity and mental health, a 2011 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the amount of Omega-6 in Americans’ diet has increased astronomically over the past hundred years. (7) You want your ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 to be as close as possible, which is why a lot of people supplement with fish oil.

Fiber

A kind of carbohydrate that the body doesn’t quite digest, fiber is usually categorized as “soluble” or “insoluble,” both of which serve important functions for digestive health. It’s uncommon for a product’s nutrition label to mention what kind of fiber it contains.

Phytochemicals

Compounds found in plants that aren’t considered essential for human survival — and some are poisons — but many (like catechins in tea) are linked to health benefits and lower risks of various diseases.

When you’re assessing the quality of a meal replacement, you’re usually looking for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and, if you’re lucky, Omega-3 fatty acids. While they may contain ingredients with phytochemicals (like the isoflavones in soy), they’re seldom specifically written on the ingredients list. For those kinds of supplements, you may want to look at greens powders.

Before Buying a Meal Replacement

It can be a little daunting to look for products meant to replace a whole meal, not just one macronutrient, like a protein shake. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when hunting for your next meal.

[Related: The 3 Most Effective Workouts Splits For Strength Training]

You’re Not Replacing Your Whole Diet

You should never live on meal replacements alone; the body needs phytochemicals and enzymes, and antioxidants that you’ll only get from plants. This attitude — that shakes are helpful, but not everything — should help to take the pressure off of finding the absolute perfect option.

Ask About the Calories

When people consume too many calories, they gain weight, but if they don’t eat enough calories, they experience fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and more. So before you buy the lowest calorie meal replacement on the market because you want to lose weight, ask yourself if it’s enough to keep hunger at bay and lower the odds of you overeating later. For some people, they’ll eat one or two large meals after taking one or two meal replacements, and it works wonders for them. For others, they’ll have 90-calorie shakes and wind up so hungry and unsatisfied that they binge later.

Make Sure It’s Satiating

If you’re trying to bulk up and gain a lot of muscle, this won’t apply to you. But if you want a shake to be satiating, consider not just the calories but also ensure there’s adequate protein, fiber, and fat, all of which are great for satisfying hunger. Slimfast, for example, is very low in protein and fat, so although it’s nutritious, we didn’t find it to be that great a meal replacement. 

Chat With a Doctor

Before making any changes to your diet and supplement regimen, like replacing a meal with powder, be sure to book an appointment with a physician or a registered dietitian to make sure it’s a good option for you.

Final Word

Meal replacements really aren’t just for when you’re not feeling well or are elderly. They can support various lifestyles and needs, and let’s be honest: We could all stand to save a few minutes of meal prep. Of all the products we’ve tried, these were the most outstanding in their categories, so no matter if you’re looking for nutrition, weight gain, weight loss, or another goal, you’ll find one of these meal replacement shakes can help you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Slavin J. Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. Nutrients. 2013; 5(4):1417-1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/extra-protein-is-a-decent-dietary-choice-but-dont-overdo-it-201305016145
3. Heymsfield SB, et al. Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 May;27(5):537-49.
4. Boonyavarakul A, et al. Effects of meal replacement therapy on metabolic outcomes in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. Nutr Health. 2018 Oct 1:260106018800074.
5. Kempf K, et al. Individualized Meal Replacement Therapy Improves Clinically Relevant Long-Term Glycemic Control in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 4;10(8).
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Vitamins and minerals for older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults. 
7. Blasbalg TL, et al. Changes in consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the United States during the 20th century. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May;93(5):950-62.

The post The Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss, Bulking, Low-Carb, and More appeared first on BarBend.

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