Eat This, Not That! is reader-supported and every product we feature is independently vetted by our editors. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Show
Why spend the time making a home-cooked meal for yourself or struggling to piece together leftovers for a sad work lunch when you can just sip on one of the best meal replacement shakes and call it a day? Not only are there currently seemingly endless options for healthy, drinkable meals, but MarketWatch reports that the meal replacement shake market is only expected to grow even more over the next several years. That growth, according to a recent report, is driven by factors such as busy lifestyles, rapid urbanization, increasing healthy food consumption habits, and convenience foods. In other words, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking food products that are convenient and more nutritious. Enter: meal replacement shakes. What are meal replacement shakes and what are their benefits?You can find two varieties of meal replacement shakes:
Unlike protein shakes, the healthiest meal replacement shakes offer a nutrient profile similar to that of a well-balanced meal. That includes healthy fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. These shakes are appealing to many and have multiple benefits:
How do you choose the best meal replacement shake?If you're looking to try a meal replacement shake, you have dozens of options to choose from. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all meal replacement shakes are the same, and there are some that should be avoided. We consulted experts to determine what ingredients to consume and avoid when determining the best and worst meal replacement shakes. The best varieties emulate a well-balanced meal and contain a more balanced macronutrient profile than your average protein shake—which typically focuses on that one key nutrient and little else. "The most important purpose of a meal replacement shake is, as stated, to replace your meal," says Daniel Wong, RD, CDN, CDE. "By saying that, you would want a shake that contains all the macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein, fat and wide range of vitamins and minerals—to provide a well-balanced meal." Meal replacement shakes should meet at least several of the following guidelines:
The best meal replacement shakes will also have very little of certain substances, such as added sugar and sodium. "I try to steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners," says Lindsay Gnant, manager of scientific content, registered dietitian and nutritionist at Isagenix. "I find that products that rely on artificial colors and flavors tend to use lower-quality ingredients overall." The 8 best meal replacement shakes you can buy.The following meal replacement shakes are nutritionist-approved brands you should stock in your home. 1. Kate Farms Komplete Meal Replacement Shake1 carton: 325 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 225 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (5 g fiber, 18 g sugar), 16 g protein Jim White, RD, ACSM, a registered dietitian and owner of Jim White Fitness Nutrition Studios, calls this meal replacement shake the "best option." Made from pea protein, this offering boasts a whopping 24 vitamins and minerals each at 35 percent of the recommended daily value. It also has 5 g of fiber and 16 g of protein per serving and is made without artificial colors or flavors. 2. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal1 scoop: 140 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 190 mg sodium, 14 g carbs (2 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 20 g protein White also likes this meal replacement shake from Garden of Life because it is "light in calories" and has no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Wong is also a fan of this shake because it delivers 20 grams of clean protein per scoop from 13 raw sprouted ingredients, along with greens, healthy fat, 7 g of organic fiber, probiotics and enzymes, plus 21 vitamins and minerals. What's more? This option also features a robust amino acid profile. 3. Orgain Organic Meal PowderCourtesy of Orgain2 scoops: 230 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 300 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (7 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 20 g protein This meal powder, which Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, recommends, is completely vegan and serves up 20 g of plant-based protein and 8 g of fiber in every serving, making it one of her go-to choices. It also has only 1 g of sugar in each serving and is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, iron, and pantothenic acid. 4. Orro Pineapple Upside Down CakeShutterstock1 carton: 300 calories, 7 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 23 g carbs (0 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 16 g protein According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, the Orro Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shake is a deliciously healthy treat. "This drink has a creamy cake batter base with tasting notes of sweet pineapple and a pop of cherry. Formulated with 16 grams of non-GMO pea protein, a 23 vitamin and mineral blend, and zero gluten, lactose, soy, allergens, or artificial sweeteners, Orro is the perfect beverage to grab when you're on-the-go and need some fuel. No refrigeration needed either," says Manaker. 5. Natreve Whey Protein PowderCourtesy of Natreve Protein Powder1 scoop: 130 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 85 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (5 g fiber, 1 g sugar) 28 g protein According to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and member of our Expert Medical Board, Natreve is a great option for a whey protein powder. "If you are looking for a protein powder with more than just collagen, Natreve Whey Protein Powder might be an option for you. Made with collagen, inulin (aka fiber), organic veggies powders (broccoli stem powder, kale leaf powder and spinach leaf powder), and a probiotic blend, this protein powder provides you with high-quality protein as well as fiber and probiotics for gut health," says Goodson. 6. Ritual Daily Shake 18+Courtesy of Ritual1 scoop: 115 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 290 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (3 g fiber, 0 g sugar) 20 g protein Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at Go Wellness, is a fan of the Ritual Daily Shake 18+. "Ritual Daily Shake 18+ is one of the cleanest protein formulas, and is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. It's also sugar free, non-GMO. and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It's made with a plant-based organic pea protein and contains a complete amino acid profile," says D'Angelo. 7. PhyllCourtesy of Phyll1 carton: 260 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 210 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (3 g fiber, 25 g sugar, 0 g added sugar), 15 g protein Manaker also recommends these veggie-heavy pre-made shakes. "Phyll has captured the fresh-from-the-blender deliciousness and bottled it up into a smoothie that is shelf stable and perfect for on the go. With 15 grams of plant-based protein, 3 grams of dietary fiber, and 0 grams of added sugar, Phyll is making it easier than ever to get all of your fruits, veggies, and protein on the go. Phyll's Clean-Pressed smoothies, available in Greenfest, Mixed Berry, and Chocolate, taste deliciously fresh, require zero prep, and can go with you anywhere." 8. Baby BoosterCourtesy of Baby Booster1 scoop: 130 calories, 2.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 110 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar) 20 g protein If you're pregnant, there are specific protein powders that can be helpful for your unique needs. "For the pregnant and postpartum crowd, Baby Booster is a great option for a meal replacement, which can be a lifesaver if a pregnant mama is experiencing nausea and having a hard time tolerating certain food. Baby booster is made with key pregnancy nutrients, like protein, folate, and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. It is easy to tolerate, simple to make, and it can help a pregnant mom meet her nutritional needs simply by sipping this shake," says Manaker. Do ensure shakes actually help gain weight?Ensure® Plus is clinically proven to help people gain weight. These delicious nutritional shakes for weight gain are designed to give you additional calories and protein and to provide complete, balanced nutrition for strength and energy. Drink 1-2 daily with meals or as snacks. Shop your favorite flavors.
How to find the best meal replacement shakes?The Best Meal Replacement Shakes: Reviews and Recommendations
How to reduce weight with meal replacement shakes?Meal replacement shakes can also cut calories and carbohydrates from a full meal, and at a caloric range of 200-400 per shake, it can help you manage your calories and lose weight. If you’re also cutting carbohydrates to lose weight, they can help with that as well, especially if you get a brand that uses stevia or monk fruit.
What are the best meal replacement shakes?The Best Meal Replacement Shakes in 2022
What shakes can I drink to gain weight fast?12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain. Chocolate peanut butter shake with Greek yogurt. ... . Triple berry smoothie with egg whites. ... . Green smoothie with Greek yogurt. ... . Coffee protein smoothie with whey protein. ... . Apple cinnamon hemp heart protein smoothie. ... . Strawberry banana smoothie with kefir.. Is meal replacement shakes good for weight gain?Meal replacement shakes can also help you to gain weight in a healthy and controlled way. Having a nutrient dense option available can help to prevent you from reaching for the snack drawer and the empty calories associated with many convenience foods.
What is the best drink supplement for weight gain?The Top 4 Highest Rated Protein Drinks for Weight Gain. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. Serious Mass is by far the most popular protein drink for weight gain. ... . Dymatize Super Mass Gainer. ... . Muscle Milk Gainer Protein Powder. ... . BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer.. |