The Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2025: Dietitian Approved

We collaborated with a certified nutrition coach to rigorously test and select the best meal replacement shakes of 2025 to help decision makers, leaders, and innovators stay nourished, focused, and ready to perform at their best—no matter where business takes you.

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Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2025

• Best Meal Replacement Shake Overall: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Budget Meal Replacement Shake: Nutricost Meal Replacement Powder
• Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake: Ora Organic So Lean So Clean
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake: Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla
• Best Tasting Meal Replacement Shake: HLTH Code Complete Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss: SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake

Best Meal Replacement Shakes Comparison Table

Best Meal Replacement Shake Overall: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Our Thoughts on Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal is our pick for the best meal replacement shake overall because it offers a nutrient-dense formula that goes beyond just protein. This formula balances macronutrients with 25 grams of high-quality plant protein, healthy fats, and fiber to promote fullness. Plus, it’s free from artificial additives and sweetened naturally with monk fruit extract.

Kayla tested this meal replacement shake, rating it a 5 out of 5 for her first impression. Ka’Chava recently redid their branding, and Kayla loves how it looks: “It’s colorful, playful, and looks inviting.” She likes the new pull tab to open the bag, which helps to avoid having a ragged, raw edge at the top from opening with a normal tear top.

She found the instructions “easy to read and very straightforward,” rating Ka’Chava a 5 out of 5 in this category. For ideal solubility, the directions recommend that you shake the product vigorously with two scoops in 12 ounces of water. According to Kayla, this was the perfect amount of water to mix with the product. 

“It was more of a thick consistency, like a smoothie, and the texture was slightly gritty in the glass, but tasted smooth overall,” Kayla said. She liked that it was less thick than a typical protein drink, and found it to be a drink she could enjoy drinking daily, rating it a 5 for mixability.

“The flavor is subtle overall, and the texture is nice and creamy,” Kayla said. She found the sweetness to be just right, not super sweet and with no bitterness. “It tastes more like a smoothie, not like a juice or a milkshake,” she said, rating it a 3 out of 5 for sweetness and a 5 out of 5 for taste. She loved that she didn’t taste any of the greens, as she is not a fan of greens powders. “The coconut is the most bold of all the flavors, but the acai is present as well, offering a nice subtle sweetness,” Kayla said.

Best Budget Meal Replacement Shake: Nutricost Meal Replacement Powder

Our Thoughts on Nutricost Meal Replacement Powder

Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement is our pick for the best budget meal replacement shake because it delivers the essentials—20 grams plant protein, organic certification, gluten-free and non-GMO profile, and zero grams of added sugar—at a notably low cost without unnecessary add-ons. It costs about $2.03 per serving, which is more affordable than many other options on our list, while still offering a great macronutrient profile.

Pete, a certified nutrition coach, tested this meal replacement, rating it a 5 out of 5 for his first impression. “The product comes in a medium-sized white plastic container with a blue screw top lid,” he said. Pete noted that this supplement stands out amongst Nutricost products, as it’s marked with “Nutricost Organic” on the label, which is light brown instead of their standard white label. “The label is easy to read, the lid opens and closes easily, and a scoop is provided,” he added.

In terms of mixability, Nutricost earned a 3 out of 5. “The product is fully dissolved after 60 seconds of shaking,” Pete said. ”There aren’t any clumps or chunks of powder. That being said, you can see that it has a slightly gritty consistency.” 

Pete rated the product’s taste as a 3 out of 5, too. “I didn’t love the taste of this shake,” he said. “The vanilla flavor is extremely subtle, and it has a very earthy flavor profile.” Pete notes that this is likely due to the organic mushroom blend included in the formula. “The sweetness level is balanced and has a slightly gritty texture, but overall, it mixes pretty well and has a smooth consistency.” He thinks it’s a fairly light shake and the recommended mixing directions are appropriate, two scoops in 12 ounces of water.

Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake: Ora Organic So Lean So Clean

Our Thoughts on Ora Organic So Lean So Clean

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean is our pick for the best organic meal replacement shake because it contains no sugar, which is a rarity for a vegan powder supplement. Ora’s So Lean & So Clean formula uses complementary protein sources, such as pea and rice protein, along with cranberry, sacha inchi, amaranth, and sprouted quinoa to round out its amino acid profile. 

Health enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of over a dozen whole-food-sourced ingredients, such as acai, blueberry, broccoli, turmeric, pomegranate, and more. It’s important to mention that plant proteins generally have lower bioavailability than animal sources, so “you may not get all 23 grams in the way that you would with a whey,” per our certified nutrition coach Pete. Still, he likes that “pea protein offers the highest quality essential amino acids—basically, it’s among the highest-quality plant protein available.”

Pete evaluated this product and gave it “a 5 out of 5 for first impressions, thanks to its clean and easy-to-read design.” While testing, he found that “the product fully dissolves after 60 seconds. The texture is slightly grainy, which is pretty typical for a protein powder that’s made with pea protein. He saw no visible chunks in the shake after mixing it up.” However, Pete noted, “This product settled very quickly after the initial mix, so I would have to continually shake before each sip to avoid having it completely settle down at the bottom of the shaker bottle.” Based on this experience, he rated Ora a 3 out of 5 for mixability.  

After taking a few sips, Pete could tell it was a vegan protein powder and not a whey. “It’s not very sweet (scoring a 2/10) and has a very natural and clean flavor profile,” he said. “Nothing tastes artificial, it’s a super subtle vanilla flavor.” He felt the taste represented the brand well, but added, “most consumers probably wouldn’t like the taste of this product. There is an aftertaste, it feels like the pea protein stays in your mouth for a bit.” Despite this, Pete would still regularly drink this shake: “I enjoy the natural flavor profile and the clean ingredients list. It feels light and refreshing when mixed with cold water.”

Other than the quick settling, Pete enjoyed this protein powder and reported no digestive issues or strange aftertaste, rating it a 5 out of 5 for lack of negative side effects.

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is our pick for the best meal replacement shake for weight gain because it is specifically formulated as a mass gainer—a category designed to boost calorie and protein intake for those struggling to gain weight. Unlike typical complete meal replacement shakes, this mass gainer doesn’t provide the full spread of daily vitamins and minerals. So, it’s best if you drink this in addition to a balanced meal.

In our mass gainers roundup, we highlight how Transparent Labs stands out for its commitment to quality and transparency in labeling. Each serving offers about 770 calories, including more than 50 grams of grass-fed whey protein, and clean carbs from oats, tapioca, and sweet potatoes. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to add calories and protein without loading up on sugars or cheap fillers. 

Pete tested Transparent Labs Mass Gainer and gave it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. “It comes in a very large white plastic container which is about twice as large as your standard two-pound protein powder tub.” He highlighted the clear, informative label and how easily the lid opens and closes, though the oversized tub means it may require extra pantry space.

When mixed with water, the powder didn’t fully dissolve within 60 seconds, leading to a 1 out of 5 mixability score. “The texture was very clumpy and there were visible chunks,” he said. Even after another 60 seconds of shaking, it remained undissolved. Because mass gainers are dense and the serving is two scoops, using a blender is the recommended approach for a smoother shake.

Pete rated flavor a 3 out of 5 and sweetness a 5 out of 5. “The flavor I tested was sweet vanilla, and it was true to its name—the supplement was very sweet,” he said. “The shake was thick, and I would compare the taste to a melted vanilla ice cream,” he said. He cited a noticeable stevia taste and wouldn’t pick this flavor for daily use but still values it as a mass gainer thanks to the 700+ calories and 50+ grams of protein per serving.

Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake: Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla

Our Thoughts on Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla

Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla is our pick for the best vegan meal replacement shake because it offers convenience along with complete plant-based nutrition in a portable bottle. Each serving contains macronutrients from oats, peas, and brown rice, along with 27 essential vitamins and minerals, making it nutritionally comprehensive for vegans and anyone seeking a dairy- and gluten-free option. 

Pete tested Huel’s Ready to Drink, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. “This is a ready-to-drink protein supplement that comes in a 16.9 fluid ounce clear plastic bottle,” Pete said. “The label is mostly black with a white mosaic pattern at the top to denote the vanilla flavor.” He thinks it would be easy to take with you on the go, and the bottle has a screw top that’s easy to open and close.

He rated both taste and sweetness as 3 out of 5. “The taste of this product is decent,” Pete said. “You can definitely tell that it’s a plant-based protein (pea protein, fava bean protein) powder, which tastes significantly different from a whey.” He notes that the vanilla flavor is subtle, and he tasted a moderate level of sweetness from the coconut sugar. “The mouth feel is totally smooth, and it has a creamy consistency,” Pete says.

Pete didn’t experience any side effects or aftertaste when testing this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Overall, he thinks Huel Ready to Drink works well as a meal replacement shake due to the 400 calories per bottle and 35 grams of protein. 

“Some potential benefits of this shake are that it’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher certified, which will appeal to some consumers,” he says. Our testing team also loves that it’s a ready-to-drink beverage that you can easily toss into a bag or backpack on your way to the gym or office.

Best Tasting Meal Replacement Shake: HLTH Code Plant Based

Our Thoughts on HLTH Code Complete Meal

HLTH Complete Meal is our pick for the best tasting meal replacement shake, combining a rich, creamy flavor with a smooth texture that’s rare for vegan shakes. Specially fermented plant proteins makes it unique, with great bioavailability and minimal grittiness. Our tester found this shake to be one of the most enjoyable to drink among plant-based options. In addition to taste, the formula offers a balanced macronutrient profile, 400 calories per serving, and gut-friendly extras like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber—making it a satisfying complete meal shake.

Pete tested HLTH’s Complete Meal, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions: “This product comes in a bag, not a plastic container, which I think is a positive because it saves space in your cabinets,” he said. He likes how the label looks and it’s easy to read. “The bag has a resealable seal that was easy to open and close, and a scoop,” Pete said. He thinks the bag is probably too big to be considered travel-friendly, however.

He rated the ease of understanding the instructions as a 5 out of 5, and mixability a 3 out of 5. “The product was almost fully dissolved after 60 seconds of shaking,” he said. “There were one or two very small clumps that surfaced to the top of the shaker. These did not fully go away after another 60 seconds of shaking,” Pete said. Overall, the consistency was smooth.

Pete rated the taste a 5 out of 5, too. “This product tasted very good for a plant-based protein powder,” he said. “It has a smooth and creamy consistency.” When he followed the recommended directions of two scoops with 12 ounces of water, it produced a thick shake. “For those who prefer a thinner consistency, I’d suggest bumping up to 16 ounces of water,” he said. “The vanilla flavor comes through, and it has a very mild sweetness level.” This shake is sweetened with fermented sugarcane and monk fruit extract.

Overall, Pete thinks this product works well as a meal replacement powder. “The two scoop serving provides 400 calories, 27 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbs, and 27 grams of protein. Based on this macronutrient profile, this would be a potential option for folks following a ketogenic diet plan,” he said. “I also like that the two-scoop serving size has 15 grams of dietary fiber, which is about half of the recommended daily fiber intake for most people.”

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss: SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake

Our Thoughts on SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake

SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake is our top pick for the best meal replacement shake for weight loss because it’s formulated to support safe, sustainable weight management without sacrificing key nutrients. This shake includes a combination of organic plant protein, superfoods, adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and digestive probiotics—all for only 120–140 calories per serving. 

Pete tested SunWarrior’s Lean Superfood Shake, rating it a 5 out of 5 for his first impression. “The container stands out since it’s a square plastic container as opposed to the standard circular design,” he said. “The label looks nice, it’s easy to read and has a simple, clean design.” He thinks the container would potentially be travel-friendly, though it’d probably be smarter to put a few scoops into a plastic bag if you wanted to travel with it. “The container has a screw top lid that’s easy to open and close, and a scoop is provided,” Pete said.

He rated the mixability of this shake as a 3 out of 5. “The product is fully dissolved, as in there aren’t any clumps or chunks of powder. That said, it has a slightly gritty consistency,” Pete said. He rated both the taste and sweetness as 3 out of 5: “I didn’t love the taste of this shake,” he said. “The vanilla flavor is extremely subtle and has a very earthy flavor profile. This is likely due to the organic mushroom blend included in the formula,” Pete said. “The sweetness level is balanced and it has a very slight gritty texture, but overall it mixes pretty well and has a smooth consistency,” he said. He thinks this is a fairly light shake, and the recommended mixing instructions are appropriate, two scoops in 12 ounces of water.

Other Meal Replacement Shakes We Tested

We tested many meal replacement shakes hands-on in our lab. Here are a few that we considered but didn’t make our list of top picks, and why.

• We tried Instant Knockout’s Complete Shred, but chose not to include it on our list because the powder was sticky and messy, even before being mixed with water.
• We also tried Prolon’s Fasting Shake, but didn’t add to our list because it had poor mixability, leaving behind plenty of visible chunks and had a sandy texture.

What is a Meal Replacement Shake?

A meal replacement shake is a convenient, nutritionally balanced beverage designed to provide protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals of a complete meal in one easy-to-consume drink. These shakes are especially helpful for busy people who might not always have time to prepare or sit down for a full meal, offering a portable solution for breakfast, lunch, or even a filling snack when on-the-go. Some come ready-to-drink, while others are powders that can be quickly mixed with water or milk, making them ideal companions for travel, busy workdays, or gym sessions.

Meal replacement shakes can help support a consistent diet—whether the goal is weight loss, weight gain, or simply to ensure adequate nutrition on hectic days. They tend to provide controlled calories, are often high in protein and fiber. While meal replacement shakes can be useful as a supplement to a healthy eating routine, it’s still best to prioritize whole foods when possible, since shakes may lack some of the nutrients found in food. Also, if you have any preexisting health conditions, we recommend speaking with a doctor before you decide to use meal replacement shakes consistently.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Meal Replacement Shakes

We tested and evaluated meal replacement shakes and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, easy-to-follow directions, taste, mixability, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Taste and Texture

Flavor is a big part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and pleasantness of the flavor for each protein powder. We rate sweetness on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how strong the sweetness is. A score of 5 is best-tasting, 1 is not drinkable. We also consider texture, and ask our tester to record any grittiness, clumps, frothiness, or conversely, smoothness and creaminess, when tasting the meal replacement drink.

Formula

When selecting and testing meal replacement shakes, we collaborate closely with a certified nutrition coach to ensure each formula is both effective and safe. Our process emphasizes clinically-informed dosages for key nutrients, meaning we look for shakes with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that match or come close to recommended daily values (RDVs). We also examine ingredient quality, giving priority to formulas that avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, and proprietary blends, looking instead for natural, whole-food-based options whenever possible.

For meal replacement drinks, we focus on products that deliver a broad variety of essential vitamins and minerals, so they can reliably stand in for a balanced meal when needed. That means a proper mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins). We still recommend whole foods as the preferred way to consume your meals—but well-formulated shakes can be a practical and healthy alternative in busy, travel, or high-stress situations.

Mixability 

When mixing a meal replacement powder into liquid, we prepare the product exactly as advised by the brand. We then pay close attention to how well the powder dissolves, wanting to avoid grittiness in the taste and odd textures, like chunks.

Third-Party Testing

We selected meal replacement powders that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. 

For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the protein powder they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. They should look for products that are certified for sport. Independent testing and certifications help to build consumer trust. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality.

Value

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice or USDA-certified organic.

How to Find the Best Meal Replacement Shake for You

Selecting the best meal replacement shake is a highly individualized process, since nutritional needs can vary depending on your fitness goals, dietary preferences, allergies, and any underlying health conditions. People’s regular diets also differ in terms of protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake, meaning some may require more of one macronutrient than another.

Your Fitness Goals

Your fitness goals play a key role in choosing the right meal replacement shake, as different people need different nutrients to fuel their routines and reach their objectives. Athletes might look for higher protein and calorie content to support muscle growth and recovery, while those aiming for weight loss usually benefit from shakes that are lower in calories and sugars but high in fiber and protein to help you feel fuller for longer. 

Flavors

It’s important to choose a meal replacement shake flavor that you genuinely enjoy, because sipping it regularly makes it easier to meet your daily macronutrient goals and stick to your routine. A tasty flavor also ensures your meal replacement supplement feels more like a treat than a chore, which will support you long term.

Formula

When choosing a meal replacement shake, it’s important to consider the formula based on your goals. We look for shakes that offer clinically backed dosages or meet recommended daily values (RDVs) for essential nutrients to ensure you get the vitamins and minerals needed to truly replace a meal. Paying attention to ingredients like the protein source, fiber content, added sugars, and sweeteners helps you pick a formula that supports your health without unnecessary extra ingredients.

Cost

Meal replacement drinks can be pricey, so you may want to consider your budget when selecting a product for everyday use. Cleaner formulations, meaning those without artificial sweeteners or additives, may cost more because of their higher quality and ingredient sourcing.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of protein powders since the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, building trust and ensuring you can use products with confidence. Independent testing is essential for confirming product quality and safeguarding your health.

Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes

Meal replacement shakes offer several benefits for those seeking convenient nutrition and a balanced diet:

• High in protein to support satiety and muscle maintenance
• Packed with essential vitamins and minerals to supplement overall nutrition
• May help support weight loss; studies show meal replacements lead to superior
• reductions in body fat and BMI compared to regular diets
• Convenience is a large advantage of meal replacement shakes, as these are typically shelf-stable and easy to take on-the-go

What to Avoid in a Meal Replacement Shake

When choosing a meal replacement shake, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that may negatively impact your health or the nutritional quality of your meal.

• Excess added sugars, which may spike blood sugar
• Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame K, which may cause stomach upset
• Inflammatory oils (such as hydrogenated vegetable oils or high omega-6 oils) which may raise your bad cholesterol 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best meal replacement shake for weight loss?

SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake is our pick for the best meal replacement shake for weight loss because it’s thoughtfully formulated to promote healthy, lasting weight management while still delivering vital nutrition. Each serving contains only 120–140 calories and features a balanced blend of organic plant protein, superfoods, adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and probiotics.

Is it okay to drink meal replacement shakes every day?

In general, most folks should be okay to drink meal replacement shakes daily. We also recommend that you aim to eat whole foods, fruits, and veggies to help meet your nutrient needs, as meal replacement shakes are not a substitute for real food, though they can be a great supplement to complement your dietary needs and goals. And, we recommend avoiding shakes that are excessively high in sugar content or that have ingredients like artificial sweeteners or inflammatory oils.

What are the negatives of meal replacement shakes?

Although meal replacement shakes can be a convenient option, there are several drawbacks to consider. Some shakes on the market are highly processed and may contain artificial sweeteners, added sugars, or low-quality protein sources, which can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, or other issues when used frequently. 

Relying too much on meal replacements can result in missing out on the natural diversity of nutrients, fibers, and phytochemicals found in whole foods, potentially impacting long-term health.