Do Meal Replacement Shakes Help You Lose Weight? We Tested Dozens – Here Are 5 That Actually Work
Most meal replacement shakes for weight loss have questionable ingredients that can hinder your health goals. Ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, synthetic additives, trans fats, and hidden sugars can sabotage your weight loss so it’s important to avoid them.
We’ve researched and tested dozens of meal replacement shakes to find the 5 cleanest, low-calorie (yet nutrient-rich) shakes using 3 criteria: (1) Clean Ingredients – to avoid harmful additives, (2) Nutritional Value – to fill nutrient gaps to support weight loss, and (3) Price Value – so you get the most bang for your buck.
TLDR: 310 All-In-One Meal Shakes came in #1 due to its exceptional nutritional profile, effectiveness in aiding weight loss, and absence of harmful additives commonly found in other shakes. The form factor makes it super convenient on the go, and we saw tons of people sharing their real weight loss stories all over social media.
#1. 310 All-In-One Meal Shake
by 310 Nutrition
REVIEWOLOGY SCORE
Highlights
PROS
Tasty With A Creamy Texture
Perfect sweetness with natural sweeteners
Blends effortlessly
Clean, Fiber-Rich Ingredients
CONS
Sometimes on backorder due to high demand
Available online only
#2. Ka’Chava Shake
by Ka’Chava
REVIEWOLOGY SCORE
Highlights
PROS
Easy and quick preparation
Contains plant-based proteins
Sustained energy
CONS
High Price
High Added Sugar
High carbs
#3 Organic Nutrition Shake
by Orgain
REVIEWOLOGY SCORE
Highlights
PROS
Enjoyable Taste And Texture
Practical Meal Replacement
Added Digestive Enzymes And Probiotics
CONS
High Sugar
High Carbs
High Calories
#4 Raw Organic Shake
by Garden Of Life
REVIEWOLOGY SCORE
Highlights
PROS
Rich and indulgent taste
Pure and unprocessed
Essential vitamins and minerals
CONS
High Sodium
High Carbs
Limited Flavors
#5 Herbalife Protein Drink Mix
by Herbalife
REVIEWOLOGY SCORE
Highlights
PROS
15 g protein
Mixes easily
Good tasting flavors
CONS
Soy protein source
Sucralose sweetener
Contains vegetable oil
Our Top Choice
References:
- McWilliam, V., Koplin, J., Lodge, C., Tang, M., Dharmage, S., & Allen, K. (2015). The prevalence of tree nut allergy: a systematic review. Current allergy and asthma reports, 15, 1-13.
- Martino, J. V., Van Limbergen, J., & Cahill, L. E. (2017). The role of carrageenan and carboxymethylcellulose in the development of intestinal inflammation. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 5, 96.
- Adatia, A., Clarke, A. E., Yanishevsky, Y., & Ben-Shoshan, M. (2017). Sesame allergy: current perspectives. Journal of asthma and allergy, 141-151.
- Kattan, J. D., Cocco, R. R., & Järvinen, K. M. (2011). Milk and soy allergy. Pediatric Clinics, 58(2), 407-426.
- Ortinau, L. C., Hoertel, H. A., Douglas, S. M., & Leidy, H. J. (2014). Effects of high-protein vs. high-fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women. Nutrition journal, 13(1), 1-5.
- Outlaw, J. J., Wilborn, C. D., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Hayward, S. E., Urbina, S. L., Taylor, L. W., & Foster, C. A. (2014). Effects of a pre-and post-workout protein-carbohydrate supplement in trained crossfit individuals. Springerplus, 3(1), 1-7.
