The Best Meal Replacement Shakes and Bars (June 2024 Update) (2024)

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Whether you’re a high-calorie-burning athlete who needs to stay fueled or a gym goer looking to hit your daily macros, a meal replacement shake may do the trick. Generally, meal replacements are full of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins to fuel your body with what it needs. And much like thebest protein powders, they’re way more convenient than breaking out a full recipe when you’re in a pinch for sustenance.

When it comes to choosing the best meal replacement shake, it’s important to find a product based on your personal preferences and fitness goals. That’s why, after trying many, many meal replacements ourselves, our team of experts landed on a wide selection of the best meal replacement shakes that suit a variety of nutritional needs and dietary goals.

Best Meal Replacement Shakes of 2024

• Best Meal Replacement Shake: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake: Rootana
• Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake: HLTH Code Complete Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Bar:LegionHigh ProteinBar
• Best-Tasting Meal Replacement Shake:Huel Black Edition
• BestHigh-Protein Meal Replacement: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Meal Replacement Shake for Diabetes:310 Meal Replacement Shake
• Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake:OrgainVegan Organicnu*trition Shake

Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of qualified medical advice. If you’re looking to make a significant change to your diet and training regimen or replace a significant percentage of your food with meal replacements, please consult your medical professional first.

About Our Expert

This article has been reviewed byChelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., a registered dietitian with a decade of clinical experience. She looked into the research we cite and the efficacy/quality of the greens powders we list to ensure we’re providing advice that’s safe. However, everyone’s body is different, so before you try any new products, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Best Meal Replacements Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietician nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they break down our picks for the best-tasting meal replacements, from the best shakes and bars to options suited for weight gain and vegan diets.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Meal Replacements

Meal replacement shakes vary enormously concerning the nutrition they provide — and people differ significantly when it comes to the nutrition they need. In order to provide a well-rounded list, our team of BarBend experts, including athletes and personal trainers, tested more than 10 products, considering all the ingredients one might need. These are the factors we used to make our picks:

Macronutrients

Diets are composed of calories made up of threemacronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. A good meal replacement, unless it’s marketed for a specific diet (e.g., keto), has a balanced combination of the three. Otherwise, you may be left feeling unsatiated, which is a no-go for a full meal replacement.

When looking at what makes a diet healthy outside of macronutrients, you’re more or less looking at the five components below.

Vitamins and Nutrients

Hopefully, your standard meals are colorful and full of varying vitamins and nutrients. So, we chose products that would replace solid foods while still providing plenty of nutrient density.

There are thirteen essential vitamins required forhuman metabolismand other areas of health — vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin,niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). (6) So, we picked meal replacement shakes that help tick those boxes.

Fiber is another nutrient that’s mainly derived from plants. It’s a kind of carbohydrate that the body doesn’t quite digest but serves important functions for digestive health. Although it’s not a common ingredient in most supplements, we tried our best to pick products that supply at least some of your daily recommended value.

Minerals

Minerals are chemical elements that are made in the earth that your body can’t make on its own. Plants get minerals from the soil, and animals get them from plants. There are five major minerals for humans (calcium, phosphorus, potassium,sodium, andmagnesium), and the rest are called “trace elements.”

As with your vitamins, we wanted to make sure you’re getting the minerals you need to keep your body functioning at its best. We prioritized formulas that offer ample mineral content.

Taste and Texture

Although we like to prioritize the nutrient content of each meal replacement shake, we didn’t totally neglect taste and texture. After all, sipping on a shake that tastes awful doesn’t sound ideal. So, we browsed countless customer reviews to offer products that dissolve well and actually taste appetizing. Everyone’s taste is different, we know, so we also tried to prioritize products that offer several flavor options.

[Related:8 Best Protein Shakes of 2024 (Tested by Experts)]

Best Meal Replacement ShakeOverall: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

This vegan meal replacement offers various superfood blends that include organic fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, enzymes and probiotics. It totals 240 calories, 25 grams of plant-based protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates (including seven grams of fiber), and seven grams of fat.

Shop Ka'Chava

The best meal replacement shake on our list boasts a formula that may help with digestion and satiation, as well as recovery — plus, it tastes delicious and contains no synthetic/artificial fillers, creamers, or soy protein, making it our absolute top pick.

Ka’Chava’s Whole Body Meal certainly checks a lot of boxes, earning an overall 4.5 out of 5 from our RD,Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.“I like what Ka’Chava offers with their Whole Body Meal Shake,” Bourgeois says. “You get a good balance of macronutrients and a really impressive list of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it provides a good amount of dietary fiber per serving — yay, gut health!”

That said, the 240 calorie count per serving is a bit lighter than other meal replacements on the market and cannot serve as a full meal replacement. The satiation is in part due to the macros here, which include seven grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein per serving for the Chocolate flavor (the exact macros vary slightly, depending on the flavor you choose). The probiotics can also help your body digest this supplement, as it may assist your gut microbiome in eliminating bad bacteria. (1)

“This is one of the best meal replacements I’ve tried,”our tester said, giving this product a 4 out of 5 for flavor.“It has a slightly earthy flavor but it’s barely noticeable and I didn’t notice too much grittiness either. It’s one of the better plant-based shakes I’ve had.”

For this shake, you will want to have a blender handy, as a shaker bottle just won’t cut it. But after blending it with water, our tester loved the consistency. They also experienced zero side effects after sipping this product.

For overall value, we gave Ka’Chava’s Whole Body Meal a 4 out of 5. One 15-serving back is $69.95, which is about $4.66 per serving. This is certainly pricey, but we still gave a pretty high rating in this category because of the high-quality ingredients.“It’s definitely expensive but you’re paying for good ingredients with a lot of nutritional value,”our tester said.

Read our fullKa’Chava Meal Replacement Review.

Best Meal Replacement forWeight Gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

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Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

With nothing artificial, whey from New Zealand, a good amount of fiber, and little sugar, this mass gainer will satisfy most athletes. It's a clean mass gainer that focuses on simplicity over added bells and whistles.

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If you’re looking to put on some weight, the 53 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 110 grams of carbs in Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer can certainly help.“Transparent Labs Mass Gainer scores a 4.25 out of 5 for formulation,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.“It accomplishes exactly what it’s intended to accomplish, and the ingredients list is very transparent.”

Alongside the macro counts, the product even includes MCTs, coconut milk powder, and a serving ofcreatine monohydrate(which can help with strength and power production).“Two things give me pause, it’s the sodium and saturated fat contents,”Bourgeois says.“There’s a lot to unpack but to keep it short, if heart health is a concern, you should be mindful of how frequently you use this powder.”

“The Chocolate Glazed Donut flavor was exactly as described,”according to our tester, who gave the taste a 4 out of 5. Our team does wish there were more variety, as your only other option is Sweet Vanilla. Nevertheless, the taste was rich and creamy.

We gave TL’s powder a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility, too.“This product dissolved well and I noticed no clumps,”our tester said.“I also enjoyed the consistency.”They also noticed no negative side effects after sipping this supplement.

After comparing this mass gainer to others on the market, we gave the overall value a 3 out of 5. Most other mass gainers and meal replacements cost less than $5 per serving, placing this product on the pricey side at $5.33 per serving. Unfortunately, this may not be affordable for all athletes, but luckily, there are more budget-friendly picks on this list.

Read our fullTransparent Labs Mass Gainer Review.

Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake: Rootana

Rootana

Rootana

Rootana is a plant-based, vegan-friendly meal replacement shake packed with over 20 percent of your daily needs of 27 different vitamins and minerals. The macro profile is diet-friendly with 20g of protein, 44g of carbs (8g of fiber), and 14g of omega-rich fats for the original flavor. Other flavors are Vanilla and Dark Chocolate.

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For folks who are more health-conscious or need to increase their micronutrient intake, we’ve found a formula that offers a tremendous amount of vitamins and minerals, contains no refined carbs, and has valuable extras — meet Rootana’s meal replacement.

After reviewing the ingredients and nutrition label, our team gave this formula an overall 4 out of 5. Each 400-calorie serving of the Original flavor (which is lightly sweetened) provides 20 grams of protein, 14 grams of fats rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, and 44 grams of unrefined carbs (with 8 grams of fiber). This uses pea protein, which is a complete protein, unlike other plants.

The micronutrient profile is where Rootana shines through, with at least 20 percent of your recommended daily intake of 27 different vitamins and minerals — these include B vitamins like folate, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, iron, chromium,zinc, and more.

“The chocolate flavor wasn’t terrible but I would say it’s just OK,”according to our tester, who gave the flavor a 3 out of 5.“I’ve tasted better but I’ve definitely had worse, too. I wish it had tasted a little sweeter.”However, we didn’t try any of the other flavors, so it’s hard to give a perfect flavor review.

One area that could use improvement was solubility.“I followed the mixing directions but it was so thick,”our tester said, giving the texture a 2 out of 5.“Using more water makes it better but then you don’t get a totally accurate portion.”

For value, we gave Rootana a 4 out of 5. One 14-serving bag costs $52.99, which is about $3.78 per meal. However, you can subscribe and get an extra 15 percent off each delivery. Compared to other meal replacement shakes, this one sits in the middle of the road. You can find more expensive and cheaper products on the market.

[Related:The 3 Most Common Types Of Training Periodization (And When To Use Them)]

BestKetoMeal Replacement Shake: HLTH CodeComplete Meal

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HLTH Code Complete Meal

HLTH Code Complete Meal

HLTH Code is delicious, offers 27 grams of protein with 400 calories, and contains up to 25 vitamins and minerals. It's also insanely satiating, which means you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with each serving. Save 15% with code BARBEND.

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We’ve tried many keto-focused meal replacements, but we found HLTH Code’s Complete Meal to be head and shoulders above the rest. For a keto-focused product, this formula is a bit different from the average. More than half of the calories are from fat, with another quarter coming from protein, so dieters who follow a high-fat diet can take this supplement without exiting ketosis.

It also has bothomega-3 and omega-6 fats, MCT powder (which is part of its Healthy Fats Blend and may help you stay in ketosis), and collagen. Plus, it is free of GMOs and is made in an FDA-approved facility. Also, HLTH Code has 13 grams of carbs and nine grams of fiber, equating to only four net carbs.

Nevertheless, our RD had to give the formulation a 2 out of 5.“This meal replacement shake is not for those who want a well-balanced meal,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD.“Each serving of HLTH Code Complete Meal provides an alarming amount of saturated fat and a wildly insufficient amount of carbs.”

Although it doesn’t provide the complete nutrition of a meal, Bourgeois did like that this shake doesn’t contain any sugar at all. Instead, it uses low-glycemic monk fruit extract and stevia to give it a sweet flavor.

Unfortunately, we had to give the flavor variety a 2 out of 5. This product only comes in Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla. Some athletes may want a little more variety if they’re going to drink this shake every day.

When it comes to overall value, we gave HLTH Code a 3 out of 5. A 15-serving bag costs $59.95, which is about $4 per meal. This isn’t as expensive as some meal replacements, but you can still find cheaper alternatives.

[Related:Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, and More]

Best Meal Replacement ShakeforWeight Loss: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

This vegan meal replacement offers various superfood blends that include organic fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, enzymes and probiotics. It totals 240 calories, 25 grams of plant-based protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates (including seven grams of fiber), and seven grams of fat.

Shop Ka'Chava

Meal replacements are often used in weight loss efforts, and research supports their efficacy. (3) At only 240 calories per serving, Ka’Chava’s Whole Body Meal can suit most weight-loss goals. Its 25 grams of protein is enough to curb your appetite, and you get six grams of fiber (about 21 percent of the daily value), which may help boost satiety. After reviewing the ingredients, our team gave this formulation a 4 out of 5.

The micronutrient profile is where this shake does well, supplying at least 25 percent of your daily value in several essential vitamins and minerals — likevitamins A,C,E,K, andD, and theB vitamins.

You can get this shake in a variety of delicious flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Coconut Acai, Chai, and Matcha.“The chocolate flavor is definitely chocolatey,”our tester said, giving the taste a 4 out of 5.“It’s not as earthy as some other plant-based supplements and it’s overall pretty good.”

For solubility, our tester gave this shake a 4.5 out of 5. However, we did use a blender while testing this product, and it’s probably your best bet.“One downside is that re-sealing the bag was tricky,”our tester explained.“I’m not sure if it’s just my specific bag but I had to use a grocery clip to keep it closed.”

This product sits on the pricey side. One 15-serving bag costs $69.95, which is about $4.66 per serving. However, you do get many high-quality ingredients, which we appreciate. Nevertheless, if this doesn’t fall in your budget, you can find cheaper options on this list.

[Related: TheLifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]

Best Meal Replacement Bar: LegionHigh ProteinBar

Legion Protein Bars

Legion Protein Bars

Legion High-Protein Bar has 20g of protein, 24g of carbs, and 12 grams of fat per bar. It slots in at 240 calories, and there’s only 4g of sugar per bar, which is pretty low considering some bars have up to 20g. Plus, the protein comes from a combination of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, which makes for a balanced, stable blend.

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Protein barsare a great meal replacement option for anyone on the go — they’re easy to travel with, and you can simply throw them in yourgym bagfor apost-workoutpick-me-up. This pick checks a lot of essential boxes when you need a quick meal on the go.

“Legion High Protein Bars harness the goodness of all-natural ingredients to provide a hefty dose of protein, carbs, and fat,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, who gave the formulation a 4 out of 5. These bars pack 20 grams ofwhey protein concentrate, 24 to 38 grams of carbs, and 11 to 12 grams of fat, depending on the flavor.

The lower calorie count of 240 to 250 calories per bar is less than most meals/meal replacements, so this would count as a small meal or snack. Despite that, the friendly macro split of about 2:2:1 protein to carbs to fat replicates a meal’s macro profile well. However, each bar does have four grams of added sugar, Bourgeois points out, but this isn’t an alarming amount.

“I tried both the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the Chocolate Peanut Butter and I definitely preferred the peanut butter version,”our tester said, giving the flavor an overall 4 out of 5.“The chocolate didn’t shine through as much with the cookie dough.”

Unfortunately, we had to give this bar a 3 out of 5 for texture.“It looks like a moist and chewy protein bar but it was actually drier than I’d hoped,”our tester said.“It sticks in your teeth and it’s a lot like a Lara Bar but maybe even a little drier. It’s also very dense.”

One bar costs about $3.33, which is $39.99 for a 12-bar box. Compared to other protein bars on the market, this is pretty standard, earning Legion a 4 out of 5 for price per serving.

Best-TastingMeal Replacement Shake: Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition is a completely plant-based meal replacement that's loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also choose from a wide variety of flavor options.

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As you may notice, meal replacements don’t usually have a ton of flavor variety. But Huel Black Edition certainly doesn’t fall in that category. This shake comes in nine options, and our testers loved the taste.“I tried the Cookies & Cream and thought it had the perfect level of sweetness,”according to our tester, who gave the overall flavor a 5 out of 5.“I loved adding this to my coffee and it made my espresso taste even more delicious.”

For the overall formulation, our team gave Huel a 5 out of 5. One serving totals 400 calories, including a hefty dose of 40 grams of protein, 20 to 25 grams of carbs, and 17 to 18 grams of fat, depending on the flavor. You also get up to 71 percent of your daily vitamin C, 20 percent of your daily calcium, and 50 percent of your daily iron, among 24 other must-have micronutrients.

“This product dissolved pretty well, which I liked,”our tester said, giving the solubility a 4.5 out of 5.“However, I can taste some of the graininess from the powder when I just mixed it with water. With a blender and some ice, it was much better and undetectable.”

After taking Huel for several weeks, our tester noticed no negative side effects, giving a 5 out of 5 in this category. Their partner, who generally has GI issues with whey, also didn’t have any tummy troubles after trying this product, as it’s a whey protein isolate, meaning there’s very little lactose.

Unfortunately, we gave Huel a 3.5 out of 5 for third-party testing, as it doesn’t seem that the brand works with any labs. For athletes who compete at a professional level, this may be an issue. But we do like the transparency on the label and website.

This product is alittlepricey, though. One 17-serving bag costs up to $46.50, which is about $2.74 per serving. While you can find cheaper options, this still isn’t the most expensive option on this list. And considering the high calorie count, $2.74 as a true meal replacement isn’t too shabby.

[Related:The Best Clean Protein Powders of 2024]

BestHigh-ProteinMeal Replacement Shake: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

Ka'Chava Whole Body Meal

This vegan meal replacement offers various superfood blends that include organic fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, enzymes and probiotics. It totals 240 calories, 25 grams of plant-based protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates (including seven grams of fiber), and seven grams of fat.

Shop Ka'Chava

While this pick still offers healthy, whole ingredients and extra minerals, it packs 25 grams of protein into each meal.“Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD.“You get a good balance of micronutrients and a really impressive list of vitamins and minerals.”Given the macros, this is ideal for those who are looking for a meal replacement that doubles as a protein supplement.

Unfortunately, we did have to dock Ka’Chava a little because it only supplies 240 calories per serving. Realistically, this total isn’t sufficient to replace an actual meal, though we do love the nutrients one serving provides.

“I tried the Chai flavor and I like it,”our tester said, giving the taste a 4 out of 5.“It’s a nice change from the usual chocolate and vanilla options you see with meal replacements. It’s a little too flavorful for every day but once in a while, it’s great.”However, we did give the solubility and texture a 3 out of 5, as it’s a little gritty, which some athletes may not like.

The side effects are worth noting, though, as we gave a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. Our tester did notice a little bloating after sipping the Whole Body Meal (nothing extreme). However, this is likely due to the six grams of fiber, which Bourgeois actually liked. Fiber can be tough to digest, but it’s a crucial part of your daily diet and actually helps keep you satiated and promotes digestive regularity. (2)

“If ordered as a one-time purchase, you do have to shell out around $4.66 per serving,” Bourgeois said. “This is definitely a hefty cost compared to some other options out there.” And while you can save a little if you subscribe, we still have to give the price per serving a 1 out of 5. Unfortunately, this price point just isn’t realistic for most people.

[Related:The Best Types OfSupplementsFor Performance,Weight Loss, and Health]

Best Meal Replacement for Diabetes: 310 Meal Replacement Shake

310 Meal Replacement Shake

310 Meal Replacement Shake

The 310 Meal Replacement Shakes offer a tri-plex blend of protein to control hunger, promote muscle growth, and has only two grams of net carbs and zero artificial sweeteners.

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Meal replacement shakes can offer metabolic benefits when incorporated into a well-balanced diet. (4)(5) Still, it’s imperative to note that people with diabetes speak to a physician or certified diabetes educator before trying any new supplements. This isn’t medical advice, but 310’s Meal Replacement Shake may be suitable for some adults living with diabetes.

People with diabetes tend to prefer shakes with plenty of protein, fiber, and not much saturated fat or cholesterol. This shake offers 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber with just two grams ofnetcarbs per serving and no saturated fat or cholesterol at all.

However, we don’t love this as a real meal replacement.“The 310 Meal Replacement Shake scores a 2.5 out of 5 for its formulation,”according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD.“The macro ratio versus its costs leave you wanting more, and the proprietary blends leave you wondering what you’re actually drinking.”

While we don’t love this formula as a meal replacement shake, it can be a good low-carb snack to boost your protein intake.“I tried the variety pack and I liked the chocolate, mocha, and vanilla flavors,”our tester said, giving the taste a 4 out of 5.“But I’d recommend you stay away from the coconut. I couldn’t get down with that one.”

We didn’t exactly love the price point, unfortunately. One 28-serving bag costs $89.99, which is roughly $3.21 per serving. Considering you don’t get many calories with this shake, we had to give the overall value a 2 out of 5.

Read our full310 Meal Replacement Shake Review.

Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake:OrgainOrganic NutritionalProtein Shake

Orgain Organic Nutritional Protein Shake

Orgain Organic Nutritional Protein Shake

These Orgain shakes are premade, making them a convenient shake to toss into your gym bag or sip in the car. They're USDA organic and non-GMO, too.

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For those who want to prioritize organic ingredients, Orgain is certified organic and non-GMO. These pre-made shakes are 250 calories per serving, including eight grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, and 16 grams of protein per drink. Plus, you get 20 different vitamins and minerals, earning the formulation an overall 3.75 out of 5.

We do wish one serving had more calories, unfortunately. For a true meal replacement, 250 calories just won’t cut it. But we do love that there are no artificial sugars or sweeteners. And the protein comes from grass-fed whey, which we like.

Unfortunately, this product only comes in the Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor, which isn’t necessarily ideal for everyone. So, for flavor variety, we had to give Orgain a 2 out of 5. Though, according to the many Amazon reviews, this one option is pretty tasty.

For solubility, this shake gets a perfect 5 out of 5 score, as it’s ready to drink. All you have to do is open the top and sip, which is super convenient.

Orgain earned a 5 out of 5 for price per serving. One four-bottle package costs $9.48, which is only $2.37 per serving. This is definitely a budget-friendly pick for those who don’t want to spend too much on their meal replacement shake.

Benefits of Meal Replacements

Meal replacement supplements, likeprotein shakesand bars, can be an extremely efficient way to get a meal in. As with any supplement, though, there arepros and cons of meal replacements. Here are some of the reasons people will choose a meal replacement over whole foods.

Convenience

A well-balanced meal replacement can keep you on your calorie and macro goals without having to run to the kitchen to whip up another meal. Also, if you’re running errands all day, it’s a lot easier (and potentially less messy) to carry around a meal replacement bar than it is a Tupperware of whole foods.

Extra Calories

Even if you don’t want to truly swap your meals for meal replacement shakes, these supplements are an easy way to increase your daily calorie intake. If you’re looking to gain weight or just add in a nutrient-dense snack, plenty of our picks can fit that bill.

Nutritional Value

The best meal replacement shakes are loaded with vitamins and minerals in order to properly replace a whole food meal. Though some meal replacement shakes may be a little too low in calories to truly replace your lunch or breakfast, they do offer plenty of nutritional value. So, adding a shake to your daily routine can help supplement your daily diet.

How Much Do Meal Replacements Cost?

The prices of meal replacements vary based on container size and ingredients. In general, meal replacements with high-quality ingredients that don’t contain additives or artificial ingredients are going to be more expensive, as are higher-calorie meal replacements. Our list has picks that will cost between $2.49 to $4.66 per serving, but the average price per serving is around $3.11.

On top of that, if the container has more servings, you’ll be paying more per order — though it’s more important to look at the price per serving to get an accurate sense of cost since container sizes vary by product. Overall, a container of meal replacements can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on the brand and the contents.

What to Consider Before Buying a Meal Replacement

It can be a little daunting to look for products meant to replace a wholemeal,not just one macronutrient, like a protein shake. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when hunting for your next meal.

You may want to consider what a meal replacement is meant for, the calories, and satiety, as well as chatting with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

[Related: The 3 Most EffectiveWorkouts SplitsFor Strength Training]

You’re Not Replacing Your Whole Diet

You should never live on meal replacements alone; the body needs phytochemicals, enzymes, and antioxidants that you’ll only get from whole foods. This attitude — that shakes are helpful, but not everything — should help to take the pressure off of finding theabsolute perfectoption.

Look at the Calories

When people consume too many calories, they gain weight, but if they don’t eat enough calories, they experience fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and more. So before you buy the lowest calorie meal replacement on the market because you want to lose weight, ask yourself if it’s enough to keep hunger at bay and lower the odds of you overeating later.

Make Sure It’s Satiating

If you’re trying tobulk up and gain a lot of muscle, this won’t apply to you. But if you want a shake to be satiating, consider not just the calories but also ensure there’s adequate protein, fiber, and fat, all of which are great for satisfying hunger.

Chat With a Doctor

Before making any changes to your diet andsupplement regimen, like replacing a meal with powder, be sure to book an appointment with a physician or a registered dietitian to make sure it’s a good option for you.

[Related:The 5 Best Protein Chips On the Market]

Final Word

Meal replacements really aren’t just for when you’re not feeling well or are elderly. (6) They can support various lifestyles and needs, and let’s be honest: We could all stand to save a few minutes of meal prep. Of all the products we’ve tried, these were the most outstanding in their categories, so no matter if you’re looking for added nutrients, weight gain, weight loss, or have another goal to fulfill, you’ll find one of these meal replacement shakes may help you.

FAQs

References

1. Bodke H, Jogdand S. Role of Probiotics in Human Health. Cureus. 2022;14(11):e31313. Published 2022 Nov 9. doi:10.7759/cureus.31313
2. Gill SK, Rossi M, Bajka B, Whelan K. Dietary fibre in gastrointestinal health and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(2):101-116. doi:10.1038/s41575-020-00375-4
3. Min J, Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YB, Lim YW. The Effect of Meal Replacement on Weight Loss According to Calorie-Restriction Type and Proportion of Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2021;121(8):1551-1564.e3. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2021.05.001
4. Boonyavarakul A, Leelawattana R, Pongchaiyakul C, Buranapin S, Phanachet P, Pramyothin P. Effects of meal replacement therapy on metabolic outcomes in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. Nutr Health. 2018;24(4):261-268. doi:10.1177/0260106018800074.
5. Kempf K, Röhling M, Niedermeier K, Gärtner B, Martin S. Individualized Meal Replacement Therapy Improves Clinically Relevant Long-Term Glycemic Control in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Patients.Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1022. Published 2018 Aug 4. doi:10.3390/nu10081022
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).Vitamins and minerals for older adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults.
7. Naderi A, de Oliveira EP, Ziegenfuss TN, Willems MT. Timing, Optimal Dose and Intake Duration of Dietary Supplements with Evidence-Based Use in Sports Nutrition. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2016;20(4):1-12. doi:10.20463/jenb.2016.0031