Lifestyle

25 Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss in 2023

By Amber SmithJun 5, 2023 5:00 AM
Elm and Rye

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In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of people turning to meal replacement shakes in order to lose weight. While there are many different brands and flavors of these shakes on the market, not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others when it comes to weight loss results. Here is a list of the 25 best meal replacement shakes for weight loss as of 2022: 

25 Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss in 2022

  1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement

  2. Penguin Protein 

  3. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake

  4. Instant Knockout Complete 

  5. Cellucor Whey Sport 

  6. MomentousEssential 

  7. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder

  8. Vital Proteins 

  9. Orgain Organic 

  10. Legion Plant+ Vegan 

  11. TRU Plant 

  12. Vega Sport 

  13. Isagenix IsaPro 

  14. Muscle Milk 

  15. Naked Whey 

  16. Amazing Grass Protein

  17. ALOHA Organic Plant Based Vanilla Protein Shake with MCT Oil

  18. ISO100 Clear 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drink

  19. Pure Protein Shake Rich Chocolate

  20. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Shake

  21. ICONIC Low Carb High Protein Drinks

  22. Garden of Life Meal Vanilla Powder

  23. RSP Nutrition AvoCollagen 

  24. Quest Multi-Purpose 

  25. Ancient Nutrition 

How do meal replacement shakes help with weight loss? 

Meal replacement shakes are a convenient and nutritious way to help control calories and lose weight. A typical meal replacement shake is high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. 

The combination of macronutrients from the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber helps promote satiety (feeling full), which can help control cravings and manage portion sizes. Research has consistently shown that swapping one or two meals with meal replacement shakes can result in greater weight loss than traditional diets. 

Using the right combination of ingredients and adhering to the recommended serving size can help maximize the effects of meal replacement shakes, leading to more successful weight loss results. 

For each shake, we’ve included information about the calories per serving, protein content, fiber content, flavor options, and additional ingredients that can contribute to weight loss. We’ve also listed any special features such as organic ingredients, gluten-free ingredients, or plant-based proteins that can make meal replacement shakes even more effective. 

1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement

Image courtesy Elm & Rye

Our simple yet effective ingredients can help with many things such as building lean muscle, increasing endurance, and more. Contains 9 amino acids which are essential for processes in the body like creating proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Amino acids predominantly come from protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and soybeans but can also be found in supplement form. Our protein supplements come from 100% grass-fed cows raised on pastures-- perfect for those who don't consume a vegan diet!

2. Penguin Protein 

Image courtesy Penguin CBD

Our Vegan Protein, made from pea protein and containing 30 grams of protein per serving, comes in five delicious flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter Tokens & Cream Rocky Road. Each blend also has 20 grams of CBD and 10 grams of Collagen to support full-body restoration. Bulk up with 840 grams per bag – our formula includes a customized mushroom complex plus Turmeric for optimum absorption. Penguin only uses natural sweeteners or coloring because we love nature's treats!

3. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake

Finding meal replacement shakes that’ll deliver optimal nutrition while also supporting weight loss can be a true nightmare which is exactly why PhenQ has become such a top contender in the category. This powerful weight loss support shake formula replaces 1 full meal with each serving. It’ll support your weight loss while also helping to boost energy and control cravings. Plus, each serving contains 16 grams of whey protein concentrate, and it comes in 3 delicious flavor options (chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry & cream). Talk about a power-packed formula!

4. Instant Knockout Complete

Weight loss is all about reducing your overall calorie intake without feeling overly hungry. For this, you need a meal replacement shake that is very high in protein, and very high in fiber. Both protein and fiber are able to increase satiety (how full you feel after a meal), helping you to stick to your diet without feeling hungry between meals.

Instant Knockout Complete contains 35 grams of plant protein per serving, as well as 13 grams of fiber. But that’s not all, Complete also uses MCT oils for its main fat source. MCTs are beloved in the fitness world as they are highly satiating, but provide slightly fewer calories per gram than regular fats.

Complete is also high in vitamin D, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and chromium (which can boost your mood and improve cognition). It will help you to reduce your daily calorie intake, maintain your diet for longer, and even enjoy the experience.

The high protein content will also help you to preserve, and even grow, muscle mass provided you keep training in the gym!

5. Cellucor Whey Sport

Image courtesy Cellucor

Cellucor Whey Sport is the perfect protein blend to help athletes and active individuals hit their daily performance goals. Our formula contains 24g of premium whey, milk proteins, and 10g of essential amino acids--everything they need to fuel their bodies without loading them up with unnecessary fat or sugar. Plus, we use only natural sweeteners and flavors so they can feel good about what they're putting into their bodies.

Cellucor Whey Sport is not like other run-of-the-mill proteins on the market. Ours includes a unique blend of glutamine and electrolytes to help your body replenish lost vitamins and minerals. It's also gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with dietary restrictions.

6. Momentous Essential 

Image courtesy Momentous

At Momentous, we believe that our protein powder is the best on the market. It contains 20g of premium grass-fed whey and 10g of BCAA's to support muscle growth and recovery. Our proprietary blend is low in fat and sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors. This complete source of protein provides all the essential amino acids needed for proper body functioning.

7. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder

Image courtesy Garden of Life

Complete your daily performance goals with Garden of Life's organic vegan sport protein powder. Blended with 24g of plant-based proteins and 10g of essential amino acids, this low-fat and sugar free formula contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

You can trust that our protein is of the highest quality because it is gluten-free, dairy-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and NSF Certified for Sport. Furthermore, all of our ingredients are organic.

8. Vital Proteins 

Image courtesy Vital Proteins

If you're looking for a complete source of protein, look no further than Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Our formula is made with 100% grass-fed bovine hide collagen peptides and contains 19g of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, plus 10g of essential amino acids. It's low in fat and sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

If you're searching for a gut-healthy and skin-supporting supplement, our Collagen Peptides are perfect for you. They're easy to digest and NSF Certified for Sport, so quality is guaranteed.

9. Orgain Organic

 

Image courtesy Orgain

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a protein powder made with organic pea, brown rice, and hemp proteins. It contains 21g of plant-based proteins and 10g of essential amino acids.

10. Legion Plant+ Vegan 

Image courtesy Legion

Legion's Plant+ Vegan Protein is a complete protein blend of organic pea, pumpkin seed, and flaxseed proteins. It contains 23g of certified USDA organic plant-based proteins and 10g of essential amino acids. Furthermore, it is low in fat and sugar but also includes no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

11. TRU Plant 

Image courtesy TRU

TRU's organic Plant-Based Protein contains pea, brown rice, and hemp proteins as well as 23g of protein plus 10g of essential amino acids. It's also low in fat and sugar with no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

12. Vega Sport 

Image courtesy Vega Sport

If you're looking to improve your performance, look no further than Vega Sport Performance Protein. This premium blend of plant-based protein from pea, alfalfa, pumpkin and sunflower seeds will help you build strong muscles and reduce recovery time.

13. Isagenix IsaPro 

Image courtesy Isagenix

Isagenix IsaPro is a complete source of protein made with premium grass-fed whey. Our formula contains 22g of Whey Proteins and 10g of Essential Amino Acids, making it perfect for those who are looking to build muscle mass or recover from intense workouts. It's low in fat and sugar, plus it doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors - so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body.

14. Muscle Milk 

Image courtesy Muscle Milk

Our Muscle Milk Protein Powder is says it all in the name- a quality protein that comes from 100% grass-fed whey. With 20g of proteins and 10g of essential amino acids, this powder will help you reach your fitness goals without packing on the pounds. It's also low in fat and sugar for a guilt-free snack or post-workout drink.

15. Naked Whey 

Image courtesy Naked

Naked Whey only works with small family farms in Northern California and Idaho. The cows are grass-fed and never given growth hormones. You'll get 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving, which is great for your health and fitness goals.

At Naked Whey, we specialize in pure and unadulterated products. We believe that simplicity is key, which is why we only use the best ingredients from local farms. Don't be fooled by other supplement companies – additives are only for their bottom line, not your health.

16. Amazing Grass Protein

Image courtesy Amazing Grass

Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is a comprehensive, plant-based protein made with organic supergreens. Our groundbreaking formula contains 20grams of proteins and 10grams of essential amino acids. In addition, it's low in fat and sugar but high in flavor--there are no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

17.     ALOHA Organic Plant Based Vanilla Protein Shake with MCT Oil

Image courtesy Aloha

ALOHA's Protein Shake is a complete source of protein made with organic pea, brown rice, and hemp proteins. It contains 22g of proteins as well as 10g of essential amino acids. Not to mention, it's low in fat and sugar! You'll love our natural vanilla flavor too—it contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

18.     ISO100 Clear 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drink

Image courtesy Dymatize

Choose from a range of delectable flavors, ISO100 is the ideal anytime protein shake. It mixes well, digests easily and most importantly, it's delicious! With 25 grams of protein per serving, you'll be sure to get the nutrients you need.

With protein and amino acids to support your goals, ISO100 provides the tools you need for success in any strength training program.

19.     Pure Protein Shake Rich Chocolate

Image courtesy Pure Protein

Pure Protein's chocolate protein shake is not only delicious, but perfect for on-the-go people. It includes 30 grams of lean muscle- and strength-supporting protein, less than 1 gram of sugar, added vitamins and minerals, more fiber & protein, and great taste. Be sure to explore Pure Protein's other high-protein drinks & powders to complete your daily needs!

20.     Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Shake

Image courtesy Optimum Nutrition 

Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein shake is a comprehensive protein source made with premier whey. Our blend contains 24g of proteins and 10g of essential amino acids, low in fat and sugar without any artificial sweeteners or flavors.

If you're looking to build lean muscle while simultaneously accommodating a fast-paced lifestyle, this shake is perfect for you. A delicious and convenient option, it comes in tons of great flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry banana, and more. Get the most out of your workout by adding this protein supplement to your favorite post-workout smoothie or recipe!

21.     ICONIC Low Carb High Protein Drinks

Image courtesy Iconic

With real cocoa powder and light natural sweeteners, Chocolate Truffle is an elevated take on chocolate milk that will make you feel like a kid again while still providing adult nourishment.

22.Garden of Life Meal Vanilla Powder

Image courtesy Garden of Life

Looking for an alternative to whey protein powder? Garden of Life Meal Vanilla Powder is a complete plant-based protein made with organic superfoods. Our formula contains 20g of proteins, plus 10g of essential amino acids. It's low in fat and sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

Our meals are not only delicious, but they're also packed with the vitamins and minerals you need to reach your daily nutrition goals. This powder is so versatile that it can be added to smoothies, shakes, yogurt, or anything else you'd like for a nutritious boost.

23.RSP Nutrition AvoCollagen

Image courtesy RSP 

Here at RSP, we know that not everyone is striving for the same fitness goals. It doesn't matter if you're starting out or have years of experience, we want to help support you so that you can reach whatever goal it is that you set. That's why convenience and health are priorities for us when creating our delicious nutrition products. All you need to do is fuel up with our foods before taking on your challenge, recover afterwards, and then keep repeating the process.

24.Quest Multi-Purpose 

Image courtesy Quest

Quest Protein Blend is a potent source of protein, giving you 20g of premium proteins per scoop. It's perfect for taking after your workout to help your muscles recover and grow, and it has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Plus, those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy it too!

Here's a delicious and convenient way to get your protein fix: mix one scoop of our powder with 8-12 ounces of water or your favorite beverage. Our shake is perfect before or after a workout, as part of your breakfast routine, or anytime you need an energy boost.

25.Ancient Nutrition 

Image courtesy Ancient Nutrition 

You'll see actual, physical results within days of taking our 10 types and 20g of collagen, plus clinically studied ingredients like SBO probiotics and Vitamin C.

Conclusion

In conclusion, meal replacement shakes are a convenient and effective way to achieve weight loss goals. The best meal replacement shakes for weight loss should contain adequate amounts of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal nutrition while reducing calorie intake. Some of the top meal replacement shakes for weight loss include IdealShape, Shakeology, and SlimFast. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, using meal replacement shakes as part of a weight loss program can lead to greater weight loss compared to traditional calorie-restricted diets. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that meal replacement shakes can help improve body composition by reducing body fat while preserving lean muscle mass. When selecting a meal replacement shake, it's important to choose one that fits your specific dietary needs and preferences. There are a variety of plant-based, keto-friendly, and gluten-free options available. In addition to aiding weight loss, meal replacement shakes can also be a helpful tool for weight management and weight maintenance. They can be used as a convenient and healthy meal option for busy individuals or as a way to control portion sizes and avoid overeating. However, it's important to note that meal replacement shakes should not be used as a long-term solution and should be incorporated into a well-rounded, balanced diet that includes whole, nutrient-dense foods. In summary, meal replacement shakes can be an effective tool for weight loss and weight management when used appropriately. By incorporating them into a healthy diet and lifestyle, individuals can achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health and well-being.

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