The 6 Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2026: RD Approved

We collaborated with a team of testers including athletes, trainers, and nutritionists to try each product and select the best meal replacement shakes of 2026. Each product was rated on several key characteristics using a scale of one to five, which was considered when tallying final scores. Additionally, we asked a dietitian to review all product information, and we consulted outside experts for additional insights. 

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks. 

Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2026

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

Best Meal Replacement Shakes Comparison Table

Meal Replacement	Protein Per Serving	Carbs Per Serving	Fat per Per Serving	Sweeteners Used	Third-Party Testing
Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla	20 g	37 g	19 g	Sucralose	Yes
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	53 g	110 g	15 g	Stevia	Yes
Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Shake	20 g	20 g	7 g	Agave and stevia	Yes
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean	23 g	3 g	3 g	Monk fruit extract	Yes
Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal	25 g	20 g	6 g	Monk fruit extract	Yes
SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake	15 g	7 g	4.5 g	Stevia and monk fruit extract	Yes

Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla
Protein Per Serving	20 g
Carbs Per Serving	37 g
Fat per Per Serving	19 g
Sweeteners Used	Sucralose
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Protein Per Serving	53 g
Carbs Per Serving	110 g
Fat per Per Serving	15 g
Sweeteners Used	Stevia
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Shake
Protein Per Serving	20 g
Carbs Per Serving	20 g
Fat per Per Serving	7 g
Sweeteners Used	Agave and stevia
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean
Protein Per Serving	23 g
Carbs Per Serving	3 g
Fat per Per Serving	3 g
Sweeteners Used	Monk fruit extract
Third-Party Testing	Yes
Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
Protein Per Serving	25 g
Carbs Per Serving	20 g
Fat per Per Serving	6 g
Sweeteners Used	Monk fruit extract
Third-Party Testing	Yes
SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake
Protein Per Serving	15 g
Carbs Per Serving	7 g
Fat per Per Serving	4.5 g
Sweeteners Used	Stevia and monk fruit extract
Third-Party Testing	Yes

Best Meal Replacement Shake Overall: Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla

Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla is our pick for the best meal replacement shake overall because it offers convenience along with complete plant-based nutrition in a portable bottle. The protein source in this product, pea protein, offers some unique benefits, according to Melanie Murphy Richter, RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at L-Nutra. 

“Pea protein is derived from yellow split peas, and it’s one of the more overlooked plant proteins,” she says. “It provides a solid amount of protein along with nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, and has a fairly balanced amino acid profile for a vegan option. I also like it because it tends to be more neutral and slightly sweet in taste, which makes it much easier for people to actually enjoy and use consistently compared to some of the more earthy plant proteins.”

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla 

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 said the sweetness was just right, saying the vanilla flavor was subtle, and the coconut sugar added a moderate level of sweetness. Additionally, he said, “The mouth feel is totally smooth, and it has a creamy consistency.” 

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. 

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

Pete rated the taste a 3 out of 5. While he found the taste “decent” overall, 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.”  

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 20 g 
• Protein per serving: 400 
• Sweeteners used: Sucralose 
• Flavors: Chocolate, banana, vanilla, berry, salted caramel, strawberry, iced coffee caramel 

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 packs a walloping 770 calories per serving in a formulation that’s free of artificial additives, third-party tested, and (according to our testers) delicious. It also offers the highest amount of protein per serving in the lineup, at 53 grams, from grass-fed whey protein concentrate. Protein is considered the most satiating macronutrient, and some research notes that dairy whey protein is believed to be more satiating than other protein sources.

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Transparent Labs Mass Gainer 

In our roundup of the best mass gainers supplements, we highlight how Transparent Labs stands out for its commitment to quality and transparency in labeling. Each serving offers more than 50 grams of grass-fed whey protein, and high-quality 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. 

Our tester rated flavor a 4 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,” Pete said. “The shake was thick, and I would compare the taste to a melted vanilla ice cream,” he added. 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 calories and grams of protein per serving. 

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

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,” Pete 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. 
 
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 balanced meals throughout the day. 

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 770 
• Protein per serving: 53 g 
• Sweeteners used: Stevia 
• Flavors: Chocolate peanut butter, sweet vanilla, chocolate glaze donut 

Best Budget Meal Replacement Shake: Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Shake

Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Shake 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. This product runs about $2.03 per serving as of this writing, the lowest in our lineup, while other products run as much as $5.54 per serving. 

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Nutricost Organic Vegan Meal Replacement Shake 

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. 

While Pete didn’t particularly like the somewhat earthy flavor, he did say positive things about the sweetness and texture. As Pete explained, “The sweetness level is balanced,” and while the product has a “slightly gritty texture,” 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. 

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

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.  

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 120-130 
• Protein per serving: 15-24 g 
• Sweeteners used: Agave and stevia 
• Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla 

Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake: 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. This is especially important because it helps provide complete protein, which your body can’t make by itself but is usually derived from animal products.  

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean 

We must clarify that this product is actually more of a protein powder than meal replacement shake, as it only packs about 130 calories per serving. We love that this product includes plentiful vitamins and nutrients, which you can’t find in many meal replacements, however we don’t recommend using this to fully replace meals. Instead, it makes a great snack. 

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.”  

After taking a few sips, Pete could tell it was a vegan protein powder and not a whey. “It’s not very sweet and has a very natural and clean flavor profile,” he said, rating the overall taste a 5 out of 5. “Nothing tastes artificial, it’s a super subtle vanilla flavor,” he said, adding, “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. 

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

Pete rated Ora a 3 out of 5 for mixability, explaining, “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.” 

While Pete liked the flavor, he did say there’s an aftertaste, “like the pea protein stays in your mouth for a bit.” Despite this, Pete says he would still regularly drink this shake. 

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 130 
• Protein per serving: 23 g 
• Sweeteners used: Monk fruit extract 
• Flavors: Vanilla, vanilla chai, chocolate, strawberry vanilla, unsweetened & unflavored, dark chocolate unsweetened 

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

Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal is our pick for the best-tasting meal replacement shake overall because it offers a nutrient-dense formula—which includes 25 grams of high-quality plant protein, healthy fats, and fiber—and outstanding flavor. Reviewers say, “I need the coffee flavor in my life, for the rest of my life. It’s my new go-to.” Another noted, “This chocolate protein powder has to be the best tasting protein I have ever tried, and I have tried quite a few brands.” The product is also free from artificial additives and sweetened naturally with monk fruit extract. 

Our Tester’s Thoughts on Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal 

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. 
 
Our tester also 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. 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,” she added.  

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

Kayla gave positive marks across the board, saying, “I felt great after drinking this product. I honestly enjoyed every sip and didn’t feel heavy after drinking it.” 

But one possible drawback is that it might not be filling enough for some. As Kayla said, “I don’t know if I felt full enough to consider this a meal replacement, but for someone that likes to skip breakfast I can see this as a great substitution to start my day.” 

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 240 
• Protein per serving: 25 g 
• Sweeteners used: Monk fruit extract 
• Flavors: Chocolate, coffee, strawberry, vanilla, coconut acai, matcha, chai 

Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss: 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, but at only 120–140 calories per serving we’d recommend this more as a “weight-loss-friendly snack,” not a replacement for a regular meal. The protein can help you feel satiated, and the micronutrients may be helpful for those in a calorie deficit if they aren’t supplementing with other micronutrients. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider about how this shake can be incorporated into your weight loss goals. 

Our Tester’s Thoughts on SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake 

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. 

While he didn’t really like the flavor of this shake, he did appreciate the sweetness, saying it was “balanced.”  

He thinks this is a fairly light shake, and the recommended mixing instructions are appropriate, two scoops in 12 ounces of water. 

What Testers Think Could Be Improved 

Pete 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,” he said. 

He also rated the taste a 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. 

Specs 

• Calories per serving: 130 
• Protein per serving: 15 g 
• Sweeteners used: Stevia and monk fruit extract 
• Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate 

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.

Protein Powder	Protein per serving	Cost per serving
Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla	20 g	$5.54
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	53 g	$5.33
Nutricost Organic Meal Replacement Shake	20 g	$2.03
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean	23 g	$2.50
Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal	25 g	$4.66
SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake	15 g	$2.70

Huel Ready to Drink Vanilla
Protein per serving	20 g
Cost per serving	$5.54
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Protein per serving	53 g
Cost per serving	$5.33
Nutricost Organic Meal Replacement Shake
Protein per serving	20 g
Cost per serving	$2.03
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean
Protein per serving	23 g
Cost per serving	$2.50
Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
Protein per serving	25 g
Cost per serving	$4.66
SunWarrior Lean Superfood Shake
Protein per serving	15 g
Cost per serving	$2.70

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. 

Different folks have different fitness and body composition goals, but there are a few general rules you can consider, according to Jillian Robillard, MS, RD, LDN.

For folks looking to lose weight	250 to 400 calories per serving 20-30 grams of protein 5-10 grams of fiber
For weight maintenance	400-600 calories per serving 25-35 grams of protein 10-20 grams of healthy fats 30-60 grams of complex carbs
For highly active adults or muscle gain	500-700+ calories per serving 30-40 grams of protein 60-80 grams of carbs 10-20 grams of healthy fats

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. 

Murphy Richter emphasized the importance of transparenccy. “There are aspects of sourcing and formulation that don’t always show up clearly on a label, and ingredients under a small percentage of the formula aren’t always fully disclosed, which is why transparency really matters.” Additionally, she says, “I’d be cautious of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and a long list of gums or fillers that can be tough on digestion over time. If it feels overly engineered or reads like a long list of additives, it’s usually not something I’d recommend relying on regularly.” 

One more bit of expert advice: Don’t use meal replacement shakes as a main diet source. “When people use meal replacements as their main strategy, they often struggle to plan and prepare real meals and revert to old habits once they stop,” says Robillard. “This can lead to yo-yo dieting or weight regain/weight cycling once they stop using meal shakes.” Instead, consider meal replacements a short-term tool for busy days. 

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. However, do not rely on shakes for every meal, recommends Robillard. These are mainly for convenience. Instead, 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.