Best Meal Replacement Shakes – Top Powder & Shake Brands for 2020
Meal replacement shakes have been around for a long time but have really come to be one of the modern solutions to nutrition. These shakes and powders have evolved so much from the early days to provide so much benefit and as our lives get busier and busier we all know we need the convenience of an easy healthy meal. They can come as a major plus for some people as they are considered to be among the supplements you can use to diversify your diet. They are not mandatory for any group of people and you can live very well on a balanced food diet alone. But the Best Meal Replacement Shakes can come as a plus in the way of a healthy solution to many people who live on-the-go and lead very busy lifestyles. It is also important to know that you can see great results when it comes to the caloric intake with all types of shakes you prepare yourself. A meal replacement shake thus comes with the major advantage of being a solution which offers you precise calories and nutrients which should come from quality foods.
A meal replacement shake can be used towards any type of goal (i.e. weight loss, healthy lifestyle, etc), just as regular foods. Of course, there are some ingredients which target weight loss or weight gain, but generally speaking, protein can help all people. In many cases, it is also important to look for ingredient quality, purity and label accuracy. With these characteristics in mind, you always know what to consume.
Top 5 Meal Replacement Shakes
| ① Ample Meal - TOP PICK |  |
| ② Perfect Keto Collagen Protein |  |
| ③ Soylent |  |
| ④ IdealShake |  |
| ⑤ Isagenix IsaLean |  |
Top Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes
All people need to ask themselves why they want to consume a meal replacement shake. The answer to this question should always be based on your own goals and you should not spend money just because you heard that these products might be good for you. This is why you actually need to know why they can benefit you.
Easier to Consume: Meal Replacement Shakes
Meal replacement shakes are easier to consume. They are truly made to give you a quick caloric intake which might be easier to consume in some cases. For example, if you cannot eat anymore, you might be able to drink liquids and a shake can thus be a great solution for this case. This is why the consumption of meal replacements is easier that consuming real foods.
However, these supplements should not be used to replace actual meals. But they can be used when it comes to extra calories. This is why you want to ensure that you actually consume the meal replacement shakes together with a balanced diet. This should actually be printed on the label as these meal replacement shakes are regulated by the FDA which always recommends the supplements to be used with an average diet of 2.000 calories. Knowing this, you can thus have better results when it comes to caloric intake and you can also boos the complexity of your nutrition with targeted shakes for micronutrients and macronutrients every day.
High Protein
Many meal replacement shakes are high in protein. They are thus among the recommended solutions for active people as they can help improve muscle recovery. Even more, meal replacement shakes represent one of the leading solutions when it comes to maintaining muscle mass. While there is no special need to intake more protein every day, some people can benefit from it.
Protein plays multiple roles in the body. This is why it is important to know that protein can help sustain muscle mass, skin health or joint health. Thus, you get the ability to use more protein which is also easier to digest as in many cases it comes from whey sources. But there are different types of protein as well. Some products come with soy or pea protein. This means that there are solutions for vegans as well.
The amount of protein which comes with each meal replacement serving is also vastly different. From just 10 grams and up to 30 grams of protein per serving, it is important to look at the options which are right for you and which allow you a great protein intake, regardless on the source of protein you plan to use.
Easy Calories
When it comes to caloric intake, there are different foods and supplement which can be successfully combined every day. In the end, it is important to know that you can see great results, especially when it comes to better daily goals with your diet. If you plan to consume a certain amount of calories every day, you can actually be limited by your overall lifestyle. This is where you can add the meal replacement shake to make-up for the calories you are not able to consume. It is thus important to allow yourself a good overall caloric intake, which is essential for any type of fitness goals.
Calories are also very different. In some cases, people consume empty calories or foods which are not actually beneficial to your body such as fast-foods. Since not all calories are made the same, it is thus important to understand the requirements of real calories which allow you a better health since they come with real nutrients. This is where you need to avoid the supplements which come with empty calories and you will thus have the ability to only consume the foods which are actually right for you and which allow you immediate results with absorption.
Optimizing Recovery
Meal replacements are used for multiple purposes. But in many cases, they also represent a great solution when it comes to optimizing recovery. This is where they can be an aid to those people who are highly active. If you are training at the gym or if you play a sport multiple times per week, it is important to understand that you can have great results when it comes to better recovery time and in many cases, you also get the ability to work with solutions which allow you a great performance when it comes to proper muscle recovery.
There are a few micronutrients and macronutrients to consider for this purpose. Thus, you have the ability to choose solutions such as protein to allow your muscles to recover. Some meal replacement shales come with carbohydrates and fats and they can also have an important role from this perspective. Even more, with added electrolytes, you can also hope for improved muscle function and reduce cramp risks. There are thus many types of solutions to consider when you want better health and recovery is one of the areas which needs a better understanding in most cases. Since they are also made to be consumed with foods, meal replacements can come with the caloric intake which allows you to also skip meals. However, you should avoid doing this for all the meals in a day. You can limit them to a single meal to replace. Even more, you can consider eating a smaller meal and also consuming the shake to ensure a better nutrition complexity.
Different Types of Protein Intake
When it comes to nutrition, it is also important to find the types of protein which are right for you. If you are lactose-intolerant, whey-based products might not be the best option for you. Going with one of the vegan options might thus prove to be a better alternative.
Most people will find whey protein as one of the best sources of protein, especially since it is not very expensive and since it comes with good absorption rates. It also has a complete chain of amino acids and this recommends it among the options to consider when you want better health, especially when you want to aid your muscles.
You might even find different types of protein but it is also important to look for the solutions which are right for your needs. If you are very active and play sports, you will have a hard time replacing the calories you burn from certain types of protein alone. This is why the combination of protein and carbohydrates can be a better solution. While it is not ideal when losing weight, it is thus important to correlate the formulations to your own bodyweight goal.
Build Muscle
One of the most important benefits of protein is that it supports muscle growth. While there are plenty of foods to consider when it comes to building muscle, it is also important to allow yourself a better overall result in terms of building muscle. This is where a higher amount of protein can help, but only in relation to the foods you do consume. It might thus be the case that you cannot absorb all the protein you consume and this is why it is recommended to look for the solutions which allow you a great overall result, especially in the conditions which you plan to build muscle.
It is also important to know that building muscle requires time and a physical training plan. This is where it is not realistic to expect the meal replacement shake to build muscle in a short period of time. A sustained plan is thus essential.
Targeted Caloric Intake
One of the most important characteristics of meal replacement shakes comes with the variation of the calories and their nutritional value. This is where you always know the exact amounts of nutrients you consume which is very hard to establish with regular foods unless you actually measure it. This is why it is important to look at the options you have when you plan to reach a certain target of nutrients. For example, if you target a specific quantity of fats to consume in a day, you will need to consider all foods you consume while with a meal replacement shake, you already know the exact amount of fat it comes with for each serving.
Gaining and Losing Weight
A meal replacement shake can be used for different purposes. In most cases, it is used for weight loss but it is also recommended to consider it for weight gain as well. This is where you have the ability to optimize your own goals and use the shakes which come with the nutrients which are actually selected to meet your caloric goal.
To ensure you use the right product, you can use the solutions which come with the right nutrition. Products high in protein and low in carbohydrates are generally recommended for weight loss. Meal replacement shakes which are high in carbohydrates can be recommended for weight gain. Thus, there are plenty of options to consider and it is important to look for the solutions which allow you great results from the beginning as you will need to follow a sustained nutritional plan if you want to see better health.
Beware of False Label Information
When it comes to the accuracy of the products you plan to consume, it is important to look at the trusted brands as there are thousands of cases where the information on the label is not specific to what the product actually contains. Products which promise fast results are also to be avoided as there are no fast results with any type of fitness goals. Certain advertising techniques might still work for some consumers but it is important to know that you can see great results only when you know that what is on the label is actually in the shake as well.
This is where the quality of the products is essential and since not all products are cleared by the FDA, you will also need special attention when it comes to long-term use. With many great products to help you reach your fitness goal, it is up to you to abide by a plan which is organized and long enough so that you actually start to see results.
Top 5 Meal Replacement Shakes
| ① Ample Meal - TOP PICK | |
| ② Perfect Keto Collagen Protein | |
| ③ Soylent | |
| ④ IdealShake | |
| ⑤ Isagenix IsaLean | |
① Ample Meal – Meal Replacement Powder
Ample Original, Ample Vegan formula and Ample Ketogenic represent quality meal replacements which can target specific weight goals. Ample Original is one of the recommended products when it comes to the ratio of macronutrients. With 47% fats and 27% protein, it can be used for any type of weight goal. It can also be considered for weight loss as it comes with quality fats from coconuts and macadamia.
Ample Meal is new to the market but it has quickly become our favorite and the flexibility of being able to choose one of the three options based on the type of lifestyle you live and what you believe in is second to none.
With a combination of proteins and collagen, it represents a complex formulation for active people. The Ample Vegan formula has similar percentages but it uses protein from brown rice and peas. The Ample Ketogenic formula represents a solution for weight loss. Made for the Ketogenic diet, it comes with 73% fats and 14 protein. It uses proteins from eggs, whey and peas.
Pros
- Targeted Formulas – 3 Different Varieties to Choose from
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Recommended for any types of weight goal
- Combines sources of fats and protein
Cons
- Not the most affordable option but totally worth it
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The Ample products thus represent solid meal replacements products as they manage to offer a complex formulation with each of these solutions. It is here that you have the ability to consume the product which is right for you. Even if you are on the Ketogenic diet, you can still find the product which is right for you. Furthermore, it is also important to consider the products due to their high-quality ingredients which stand out in a segment with plenty of low-quality blends.
② Perfect Keto Protein Powder – Great Meal Replacement
The Perfect Keto Protein Powder is one of the leading solutions when it comes to better overall nutrition. It comes with quality ingredients which offer a serving of 10 grams of protein which is combined with 4 grams of fats from MCT oil. It is thus among the recommended options for better muscle recovery and it can also be used on certain diets as well. With added minerals, it represents a real option for those who are physically active.
Pros
- Made with 10 grams of protein
- Added fats from MCT oil
- Contains minerals
- Added collagen protein
Cons
- 3 flavors only
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The protein powder is thus a great solution for better muscle recovery. It allows you a comfortable experience which is highly recommended when it comes to better health. Even more, it is also one of the options to consider when you want to ensure that you have the nutrition which is needed to sustain an active lifestyle and for this reason it can easily be combined with different meals or used in-between the meals for a quick caloric intake.
③ Soylent Meal Replacement Shake
The Soylent Meal Replacement Shake is one of the leading options when it comes to better health. It comes in a larger bottle serving and this means that it can also offer you an impressive 20 grams of vegan protein. It also comes high in calories as a bottle contains 400 calories and this is why you will need to consume it with attention when looking to lose weight. With a chocolate taste, it can also be a delicious drink to consume when you do not have access or when you plan to replace an actual meal.
Pros
- Practical serving
- Recommended for caloric intake
- Chocolate taste
- Vegan protein
Cons
- High in calories
The meal replacement shake can thus be one of the leading options when it comes to better health. It can allow you an improved muscle recovery rate and as it comes in this practical formulation, it represents a solution which is easy to work with and which allows you great overall results, especially in the conditions in which you can take it with you wherever you go. With 400 calories, you will cover your nutritional needs for up to few hours. The manufacturer also recommends it as a practical solution to consume for breakfast as it can give you the energy you need to boost your day.
④ IdealShake Meal Replacement
The IdealShake Meal Replacement is a popular solution is one of the recommended solutions for weight loss. This is why a serving only comes with 100 calories. Even more, it represents a solution which is easy to work with and which allows you a great overall performance, especially when it comes to muscle recovery and energy since it combines protein, fats and carbohydrates. With 22 vitamins, it can also be one of the products to consume when it comes to boosting the immune system as well.
Pros
- Complex formulation
- Delicious taste
- Comes with only 100 calories
Cons
- Only 11 grams of protein
The shake can thus be one of the solutions to consume when it comes to better overall health and the ability to add quality nutrients to your daily diet. It is not very high in protein and this doesn’t make it one of the weight gain solutions. But with such low calories, it can be one of the products to consume when you are actively looking to lose weight. With a delicious chocolate taste, it can also be one of the supplements you consume every day.
⑤ Isagenix IsaLean Creamy Dutch Chocolate Shake
The Isagenix Isalean Creamy Dutch Chocolate Shake is a product which is mainly based on whey protein. It comes with a high quantity of protein and this recommends it for any type of fitness goal. Even more, as it comes with 24 grams of protein, it can also be one of the products to consume when you want to improve your muscle recovery after sports. With added fiber and vitamins, it comes with all you need to add quality nutrition to your diet.
Pros
- High in protein
- Comes with added fiber
- Added minerals and vitamins
- Great Tasting
Cons
- High Sugar Content
Whey protein is one of the best sources of protein for its amino acid profile. This is why it can be among the leading products for active people and when you add the 8 grams of fiber, you get a great combination which is also beneficial to your digestive system. With plenty of vitamins and minerals, it represents a great solution which is easy to work with and which can also come with long-term benefits as well.
⑥ Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake Powder
The Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake is one of the complex formulas on the market. It is based on 20 grams of plant protein but it also comes with fiber, Omega 3, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It thus represents a great solution for vegans and it can also be one of the recommended products when it comes to improved digestion to the added probiotics which are rare in these types of products.
Pros
- Great for vegans
- Formulated with probiotics
- Added antioxidants
Cons
- Limited use in weight gain
The product thus manages to offer a complex formula which is highly recommended when you consider all the benefits it can be used for. Thus, it comes as one of the great options on the market and it represents a real solution for those seeking improved results with digestion as well. Since it also comes with micronutrients, it can also benefit your immune health as well.
⑦ Garden of Life Meal Replacement Shake Powder
The Garden of Life Meal Replacement is one of the complex formulations which are based on 20 grams of protein from different sources. It also comes with added greens which are highly beneficial when it comes to better overall antioxidant support. With improved results when it comes to healthy nutrition, it also comes with different plant extracts which aim to improve digestion with their digestive enzymes. With added probiotics, it represents a real solution when it comes to better food breakdown as well.
Pros
- Recommended for complex antioxidants
- Added digestive enzymes
- Contains 20 grams of protein
Cons
- Not the most affordable option
The Garden of Life meal replacement is thus one of the most complex solutions on the market. It can also be one of the options to consider when you experience a slower metabolism or when you simply need more benefits from your traditional products as it manages to combine even the greens and the antioxidants which fight oxidative stress in the body. With great results when it comes to protein complexity of sources, it manages to deliver a solution great for most people.
⑧ Orgain Organic Plant Based Meal Replacement Powder
The Orgain Organic Plant Based Meal Replacement Powder is one of the recommended products if you want to step away from whey supplements. It thus represents a solution which is easy to digest but which still manages to offer 20 grams of protein. Even more, it also represents a solution which is easy to work with and which comes with 220 calories per serving. With added vitamins, it will also act to complete your daily micronutrient intake as well.
Pros
- Based on plant proteins
- Recommended for lower calories
- Comes with vitamins
Cons
- Not the most filling option
The meal replacement is thus among the recommended options when it comes to better muscle recovery and can be one of the solutions to consider for all fitness goals. Since it comes with plant protein, it is also faster to digest which means that you can potentially consume it right after a workout. With better results in terms of vitamin intake as well, it can be one of the products to support your immune system in the future and which can also come with a higher complexity to some of the older formulations as well.
⑨ Field Work Nutrition Co. Primo Smoothie Meal Replacement Shake
The Field Work Nutrition Co. Primo Smoothie Meal Replacement Shake is one of the innovative solutions on the market. The base of the product is represented by the 20 grams of protein but it also comes with added curcumin which is rare in these products and which can act to reduce inflammation for highly active people. With included electrolytes, it can also support proper muscle activation and with the help of probiotics, it can improve digestion as well.
Pros
- Great for antioxidant support
- Recommended for active people
- Comes with probiotics
Cons
- Not the best for weight gain
The product is thus among the recommended options when it comes to better health. It can support muscles from various perspectives and this makes it a tempting option for active people. With the help of the added probiotics, it can also be one of the products to consider when it comes to better overall digestion.
⑩ Amazing Grass Organic Plant Based Vegan Protein Superfood Powder
The Amazing Grass Organic Plant Based Vegan Protein Superfood Powder is one of the recommended options when looking to lose weight. It comes with a combination of 20 grams of vegan protein and it also uses carbohydrates, greens and fruit extracts. It is thus one of the recommended options for antioxidant intake.
Pros
- Recommended for weight loss
- Great for digestion
- Comes with added greens
Cons
- Not the best for weight gain
The meal replacement thus represents one of the leading options when it comes to better health. It can support the body in different ways and since it also comes with protein, it can also feed your muscles with a vegan macronutrient profile. With the help of the greens, it can also offer the antioxidant support which you need on the long-term.
⑪ LABRADA NUTRITION – Lean Body High Protein Meal Replacement Shake
The LABRADA NUTRITION – Lean Body High Protein Meal Replacement Shake is one of the complex solutions when it comes to building muscle. It comes to meet the needs of those seeking improved overall results, especially when it comes to better overall protein intake. With an impressive 35 grams of protein per serving, it is highly recommended for muscle nutrition. Even more, it also comes with 7 grams of fatty acids.
Pros
- 35 grams of protein
- Recommended for muscle development
- Comes with 7 grams of fatty acids
- Contains 6 grams of BCAAs
Cons
- Not the best for weight loss
The product thus proves to be one of the filling options on the market which can keep hunger away longer. With the help of the fatty acids, it also represents a great option when it comes to better hormone health as well.
Conclusion & What is the Best Meal Replacement Shake Brand
When it comes to the Top Meal Replacement Shakes, every product can be used for any type of goal. In the end, the foods you consume are also very important. When it comes to replacing a meal, the Ample Meal (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE – Use Coupon Code CL15 to save 15%) replacement products represent the best solution. Made with impressive ingredients in terms of quality, the products offer the real nutrition which is needed for any type of fitness goal. With products for each goal, Ample has managed to offer the leading option in terms of meal replacement shakes.
About Becca Shaeffer
Becca Shaeffer is our resident health nut. An Ohio native, she loathes for the day she can quit her day job and move to somewhere warmer. When she's not at the gym, she's either hacking her way through skin treatments or thinking about her favorite cheat meal - thin crust pizza with anchovies and jalapenos.
