Recently, in an attempt to curb my hunger, I found myself on the hunt for a solid Keto Shake. I ended up sifting through numerous brands, and one that really caught my eye was the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake. They advertise high-fat content with minimal carbs, which seemed right up my alley since I’ve been seeking a keto shake to help keep my hunger in check.
So, the million-dollar question is: Does this Garden of Life Keto Meal Balanced Shake measure up to other meal replacement shakes, or does it exceed all expectations?
The answer lies in my thorough examination of this keto shake, where I’ll share my firsthand experience and offer valuable advice to help you make an informed decision. But before we dive deep into the shake itself, let’s first take a moment to talk about the company behind it.
Company Overview
Jordan Rubin’s idea allowed Garden of Life to come into being back in 2000. His own battle with Crohn’s disease took a turn for the better when dietary adjustments and supplements significantly improved the way he was able to control his symptoms. He was driven by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives and set out to build a premium supplement company.
As the business prospered, Atrium Innovations, a Canadian business, became interested, and the two organizations merged in 2009. Garden of Life was later taken over by Nestlé Health Science in 2017, which raised some debates in the medical community. The Garden of Life product line is extremely spectacular, but this is what counts most. Whether you’re looking for protein powders or multivitamins, they have something for everyone.
About Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake
Garden of Life has an awesome selection of meal replacement shakes to choose from. And if you’re on a low-carb diet, you might want to give their Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake a shot!
The brand’s official website claims that this drink is expertly mixed with organic grass-fed butter and offers pure, high-octane fuel for your body and mind. They are promoting this meal replacement as having the precise amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates that followers of the keto and Paleo diets are looking for.
Summary
| Calories | 280 |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Vitamins Minerals | Yes |
| Sugar Alcohols | No |
| Artificial Sweeteners | No |
| Controversial Ingredients | No |
Nutrition Overview Key Ingredients Breakdown
So, I checked out this Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake on their website, and it sounds pretty good! They claim it’s got grass-fed butter with CLA and MCT, grass-fed whey protein for boosting glutathione production, and even prebiotic fiber and probiotics to make digestion easy-peasy.
But here’s the thing, before you start guzzling it down, it’s important to be a bit cautious. Some of the ingredients in this shake might be new to your body, and that could lead to some unexpected issues. So, the best move is to double-check the main stuff – the macronutrients and the base ingredients of the shake.
Calories
As I mentioned earlier, it’s really important to be mindful of the ingredients when taking any supplements. And when it comes to checking those ingredients, paying attention to the calorie content is a crucial factor. Some of you might be wondering why calories matter, especially if you’re on a keto diet. Well, regardless of the diet you’re following, keeping track of your calorie intake is essential. If you don’t watch those calories, you could end up consuming more than you realize, leading to unwanted weight gain.
Now, let’s talk about the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake. Each two-scoop serving of this shake packs around 280 calories, which is quite decent, especially if you’re on a low-carb keto or paleo diet. If you’re looking to boost your calorie intake in a healthy way, besides this shake, you can consider incorporating some low-calorie foods like salmon, trout, haddock, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, and so on.
Main Macronutrients
Most Keto and Paleo diet plans emphasize tracking macronutrients over counting calories. When you track macros, you’ll essentially monitor the carbohydrates, protein, and fat that make up everything you eat. Let’s explore the main macronutrients in the Garden of Life Keto Meal Balanced Shake and the respective quantities for each.
Carbs
In the Keto diet, most folks aim for around 20 to 50 grams of carbs per day, while with paleo, there isn’t a strict guideline on carb intake. However, in general, you’ll probably end up consuming fewer carbs compared to a standard diet. Now, let’s take a look at the Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake.
It’s got just 5g of total carbs, including 4g of fiber and 0 g of added sugar. This makes it a decent option for those following both the keto and paleo diets. It’s a win-win! If you’re thinking of using this shake as a meal replacement and want to keep your carb intake in check, consider some low-carb recipes that pair perfectly with it. You’ve got delicious options like Cauliflower Rice, Chicken Satay Salad, or even Spicy Fennel Shrimp.
Fat
Fat is the most important macronutrient to concentrate on when it comes to the keto and paleo diets. Before consuming the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake, it is important to consider the overall fat content because both diets emphasize consuming more fat.
With 22 g of fat, including 11g of saturated fat, this keto shake is potent. At first look, it could appear to be an acceptable quantity, but it’s important to consider the long-term implications of consuming large amounts of saturated fat. The risk of cardiac problems may rise if this saturated fat is consumed in excess. It’s crucial to reduce excessive saturated fat in your entire diet if you intend to use this keto drink as a meal replacement. Choose healthy sources of fat instead, such as avocado, almonds, olive oil, or full-fat Greek yogurt.
Protein
Although protein doesn’t hold the same level of significance as fat and carbs in a keto diet, it still carries importance. The crucial aspect of a keto diet is maintaining a moderate protein intake—not excessive, yet not too scant either.
Based on the product labeling, this keto meal balanced shake has 16g of protein, which is quite suitable for both keto paleo meals. If you want to enhance its keto-friendliness, consider blending it with some nutritious proteins like yogurt dip.
Base Ingredients
Now that we’ve covered the macronutrient overview of Garden of Life Keto Meal Balanced Shake, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients list of this shake to determine its relevance to your low carb dietary plan.
Fat Mix
This meal replacement shake boasts Organic grass-fed butter powder within its fat mix. It’s no surprise that the saturated fat content of this keto paleo shake is relatively high, given the rich source of saturated fat present in this Organic grass-fed butter powder.
Now, since this ingredient is incorporated into a shake formula rather than being consumed in its whole form, it might be acceptable to include them in this shake. However, it’s essential to observe how your body responds after consuming this shake to ensure it doesn’t hinder your state of ketosis. It’s worth noting that there are plenty of other shakes out there with superior fat sources and overall ingredients that better align with supporting a keto and paleo diet. So, if you’re looking to optimize your diet and health goals, it might be wise to explore those alternatives.
Protein Mix
This Keto Meal Balanced Shake boasts an excellent source of protein, and guess what? It’s got some top-notch truly grass-fed whey protein isolate! The deal with this stuff is that it’s a pure protein powerhouse, packing at least 90% protein punch. And here’s the kicker – when they process this whey protein isolate, they go ahead and remove most of the fat and lactose. That’s why it’s a real winner for those who are lactose intolerant and on a mission to keep those carbs in check.
Fiber and Probiotics Mix
We usually forget to include gut-healthy items when following a rigid diet. This keto shake is enriched with prebiotic fiber and 1.5 billion CFU probiotics to support the health of your digestive system. Prebiotics and probiotics may perhaps help promote the growth of good gut flora if you include them in your diet. This not only supports healthy gut flora but also strengthens immunity in general.
Available Flavor Option
Currently, the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake comes in two flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate, while the regular keto shake comes in more flavor options.
My Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake Experience Story
My experience with Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Chocolate Shake has been a mixed bag. On one hand, I noticed a slight improvement in my energy levels while restricting carbs, thanks to its 5 mg of caffeine. However, it left me feeling somewhat hungry and didn’t quite feel substantial enough.
One downside was that when mixed with water as directed, the shake turned out very thin, which was a bit disappointing. To enhance the taste and make it more satisfying, I had to add almond milk and a handful of blueberries, and that made a big difference!
On the bright side, I discovered that this shake pairs perfectly with a keto-pancake mix or ‘cake in a cup,’ which was a delightful surprise. It adds a delicious twist to these recipes and makes for a convenient meal replacement.
How to Use It?
Add two scoops into 10 fl. oz. of water or your favorite smoothies or use in baking. For the freshest flavor, refrigerate after opening and consume within 30 days.
Who Should Buy?
- Those who are currently following low carbs high-fat diets like Keto or Paleo: The shake contains a high amount of fat with a low amount of carbs, making it an ideal choice for those who are on these dietary plans.
- Individuals with sensitivities to soy: The shake is made without any soy ingredients, making it a safe and suitable option for those who have soy allergies or sensitivities.
Who Shouldn’t Buy?
- People who are currently following a vegan or vegetarian diet as this shake may have animal-based ingredients
- Those who have lactose sensitivities
Possible Health Advantages
May support weight loss: This shake has very low amounts of carbs and doesn’t have any added sugar, which may support weight loss.
Possibly provide gut health support: This shake contains prebiotic fiber and 1.5 billion CFU probiotics which may support the digestive system.
May Boost energy: This shake contains 5 mg of naturally occurring caffeine per serving, which may boost energy and enhance the ability to concentrate.
Potential Downsides and Consideration
Contains a high amount of saturated fat: As I mentioned before, this meal-balanced shake has a high amount of saturated fat, which may pose a threat to generating cardiac issues.
May generate an Allergic reaction: This keto shake has milk in it which may generate an allergic reaction in people who have lactose intolerance.
Price and Buying Options
23.70oz of Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake tub costs 60.79 on the website. The ordering process is easy whether you prefer to purchase from the official Garden of Life website or Amazon.
List of Other Products by Garden of Life
In addition to Keto meal replacement drinks, the company also sells a variety of other goods, such as:
• Multivitamins
• Single nutrients
• Probiotics
• Omega-3s
• Prenatal
• Herbal supplements
• Food
FAQs
Can I use Garden of Life Keto Meal Balanced Shake for weight loss?
This shake may aid in weight loss because it is low in carbohydrates.
Does this meal-balanced shake promote glutathione production?
Based on product labeling, 70% Fat of this shake comes from Organic Grass Fed Butter with CLA MCT, which promotes glutathione production.
Does Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Keto Meal Balanced Shake include dairy?
Yes, milk is included with this shake.
Is this keto shake Non-GMO Project Verified?
Yes, based on the product labeling, this meal balanced shake is Non GMO Project Verified.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I discovered that Garden of Life’s Keto Meal Balanced Shake had both benefits and drawbacks. The 5g of coffee gave me a great little energy boost which was nice since I am cutting back on carbs, but I have to admit that it didn’t completely quell my hunger pangs. It’s not perfect, but I think there’s a chance to make it work with a little customization.
This shake might still fit into your keto diet if you’re prepared to be inventive and modify it to your preferences. It might not be your go-to on a regular basis, but on special events or when you’re on the road, it might be a practical choice. The secret is to keep looking around until you find what works best for you.
