13 best meal replacement shakes 2022
08 Apr 2022 • 8 min read
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Considering trying meal replacement shakes to support your weight loss or to increase your protein intake?
You may be overwhelmed with all the choices, which is why we’ve broken it down for you.
Discover 13 of the best meal replacement shakes of the year to help you find the right one for you.
In this article, we’ll run through
- If meal replacement shakes are good for contributing to weight loss
- If you can just drink meal replacement shakes
- The best diet meal replacement shake
- 13 of the best meal replacement shakes to help support weight loss
- Who can and can’t have meal replacement shakes
Are meal replacement shakes good for weight loss?
Meal replacement shakes may be beneficial for supporting weight loss due to their high protein content, high fibre and low sugar.
But how do these things contribute to weight loss?
Protein, in particular, has been proved to reduce appetite, help the metabolism and change multiple weight regulating hormones.1,2,3
Additionally, if the meal replacement shakes contain a viscous form of fibre, this may also help to increase digestion and absorption times, which can promote feelings of fullness and a smaller appetite.4,5
Can I just drink meal replacement shakes?
No, it is not recommended to live purely on meal replacement shakes as they are missing out on some things like antioxidants and phytochemicals.
What is the best diet meal replacement shake?
If you’re thinking of giving meal replacements a go, you might be wondering which ones are the best?
While it is hard to pinpoint one best shake for everyone, there are indicators of what makes a good meal replacement drink.
Here’s what to look out for:
- A good level of calories, as some very low-calorie options may not keep you full for very long.
- A decent balance of protein, carbohydrates and some healthy fat – as you would in a balanced meal.
- Plenty of fibre to aid your digestive health.
13 of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss
So, with all of the above info, which meal replacement shakes should you go for? Read on to see our top picks.
Developed for both men and women, the USN Diet Fuel Meal Replacement Shake is ideal for people who want to lose or maintain their weight, as well as upping their protein intake.
In a classic chocolate flavour, this USN meal replacement powder is complete with added vitamin B12 and iron.
Key features
- 25g whey protein per serving
- 2g fat per serving
- Includes 25 vitamins and minerals, glutamine, creatine and MCT
- 1-3 servings per day
- 200 calories per serving
Customer reviews: 4.2/5 stars
BigBear1 – 5/5 stars: “There are lots of this type of product on the market, but I find those to be very effective and filling. Tasty, too!”
Eveace - 5/5 stars: “I love this protein powder, I've tried a few & it's by far the best one. It mixes well & tastes great. I mix the chocolate one with my oats overnight & it's like having a dessert for breakfast & keeps me full for longer. The vanilla one is also nice but a bit sweeter.”
If you prefer a fruity flavour, then opt for the Banana Protein World Slender Blend.
With plenty of protein to fuel you post-workout or as a replacement for breakfast, this meal replacement drink isn’t going to massively bump up your calories every day.
Key features
- 22.8g protein per serving
- Added inulin, green tea and guarana extract
- 144 calories per serving
- 1-2 servings a day
Customer reviews: 4.1/5 stars
Soph44 – 5/5 stars: “Brilliant flavour and texture in a milkshake/smoothie! Well packaged and safely delivered so overall good experience purchasing this product from Holland and Barrett.”
JadeLouise – 5/5 stars: “I have bought this on occasions prior and I absolutely love the product. It’s one of the best tasting products available. I will always use this as my go to meal replacement product”
If you’re looking to increase your fibre intake as well as protein, then the Optimum Nutrition Lean Meal Replacement Powder could be the one for you.
Made with a combination of high-quality carbs, including oats, flaxseeds and chickpeas, this powder is ideal for people wanting to have a nutritious meal replacement drink.
Key features
- Made with oats, flaxseeds and chickpeas
- 202 calories per serving
- 20g protein per serving
Customer reviews
Lisa ardener – 5/5 stars: “I got the chocolate it’s a really nice shake and really good amount of protein I’m not a breakfast eater so I have this before work instead highly recommended”
Jane Peterborough – 5/5 stars: “Brilliant product, mixes and tastes great! Very good product.”
One of the best meal replacement shakes to support weight loss is the Holland & Barrett SlimExpert Meal Replacement Shake.
Clinically proven to aid weight loss as it contains both chromium and glucomannan, this is ideal for making you feel satisfied and fuels your body post-workout.
Key features
- Suitable for vegetarians
- 210 calories per shake
- Contains weight-loss aid SlimBiome®
- 16g protein per shake
Customer reviews: 4.2/5 stars
Anthony – 5/5 stars: “Provides a filling, thick drink fortified with nutrients. A manual shaker is needed but a scoop is provided to get the right dose of powder. H&B sell highly suitable shakers for this product.”
JoeyMcJoerssen – 5/5 stars: “Tip: make it with water. You don’t need to add milk as there is skimmed mild powder already in it. I make it up to 500ml and it comes out just fine. Nice flavour (my favourite is the vanilla version) and a slightly gritty texture but that’s no big deal. Convenient to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge. It is a thick shake so the more fluid you add, the less dense it is"
For a burst of berry goodness with added protein and fibre, try the USN Diet Fuel Meal Replacement Shake in the Strawberry flavour.
Designed to ensure you get the right amounts of micronutrients, from Chromium Picolinate and HCA (calcium hydroxycitrate) to L-Carnitine, Selenium and Boron.
Key features
- 25g protein per serving
- 2g fat per serving
- 1-3 servings per day
Customer reviews: 4.4/5 stars
Paul – 5/5 stars: “Tastes great, and has good thick shake consistency even when made with water.”
Empress Vladimir – 5/5 stars: “I've tried a lot of protein powders in my quest to find one I can actually stomach the taste of. There are a lot of disgusting ones out there but this isn't one of them. The powder is mixed with water, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's going to be watery and tasteless! The shake is very thick and creamy and has a real taste of strawberry."
Another one for the fans of strawberry shakes, Optimimum Nutrition also offer a Lean Meal Replacement Shake in Strawberry.
With both fast and slowly digesting proteins, fibre and high-quality carbs, you can trust that you’re getting plenty of macro and micronutrients in one serving.
Key features
- 20g protein per serving
- 203 calories per serving
Only 1.5g sugar per serving
Customer reviews: 4.1/5 stars
SCarlyle – 5/5 stars: “Tastes great, mixes easily with no lumps! I use as a meal replacement and mix with 400 ml water, 100ml almond milk and two scoops powder”
RaeRach – 5/5 stars: “Honestly best tasting meal replacement shakes i've tried.
Doesn't make you feel sick or like you're about to gag. When it's on offer as well it's definitely worth the money.”
For those who are after a vegetarian shake to support, you’re in luck.
Made with naturally sourced ingredients and without artificial sweeteners, the XLS Nutrition Weight Loss Shake in the Chocolate flavour is popular for a reason.
Key features
- 28g protein in one serving
- Naturally sourced ingredients
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Added vitamin B
Customer reviews: 3.6/5 stars
Luccia – 5/5 stars: “I honestly thought it would be awful, and wouldn't be very filling. But I drink it whenever I want to replace a meal and honestly the chocolate flavour just tastes like a frijj milkshake!"
Doodum – 5/5 stars: “Yummy cannot get enough of this love chocolate and strawberry with an ice cube...really look forward to drinking it.”
Back with another meal replacement shake from Optimum Nutrition, but this time in a delicious vanilla flavour.
Perfectly versatile meaning you can keep it simple and classic with vanilla or add your own fresh fruit or flavours, this high protein and source of fibre meal replacement powder is a winner.
Key features
- 20g protein per serving
- 203 calories per serving
- Only 1.5g sugar per serving
Customer reviews: 4.1/5 stars
Gbrobbey – 5/5 stars: “Taste like vanilla ice cream it’s really good. I have mine with either soy or oat milk and some ice it’s lush”
Anonymous – 5/5 stars: “I love the fact that this shake is mixed with water, not milk has a good flavour. Great balanced ingredients and works well as part of a healthy diet.”
Another much loved option from USN, the Diet Fuel Meal Replacement Shake in Vanilla.
Again, with all the same benefits and features of the other flavours, this one can be used in a variety of different ways thanks to the classic taste.
Key features
- 25g protein per serving
- 2g fat per serving
- 1-3 servings per day
Customer reviews: 4.4/5 stars
Amy B – 5/5 stars: “Great high protein shake, used as a meal replacement or post workout. Use a small blender to mix with cold water and ice, tastes like vanilla ice cream. Add a scoop of coffee in the mornings too, it’s delicious”
Jmac – 5/5 stars: “Nice thick shake, blends well without feeling gritty and has a great flavour. I often blend a banana in to add to flavour. Would definitely recommend this shake. Great value as purchased during an offer and got to use a voucher as well.”
Both low in sugar and GI carbs, the PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Lean Meal Replacement Shake is another great healthy choice.
And in an indulgent salted caramel flavour, it doesn’t even feel like you’re on a diet – win win!
Key features
- 26g protein per serving
- 210 calories per shake
- 18g carbohydrates derived from wholegrain oats
- Added Matcha Tea & L-Carnitine
Customer reviews: 4.1/5 stars
Louisa B – 5/5 stars: “Lovely flavour easy to drink and when shaken well the powder all blends. Quick and easy snack for me.”
Agnesmarch – 5/5 stars: “I use the PhD MRP along with USN Diet Fuel MRP. Great ingredients, generous protein, content, just right consistency of the prepared shake with wide variety of flavors to choose from. Use it for breakfast pancakes as well when fancy solid food instead of shake. Great value for money too. Scoop included.”
Being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on meal replacement shakes.
The popular USN have made a vegan friendly version of their Diet Fuel Meal Replacement Shakes in a sumptuous strawberry flavour, with added vitamin B12 and iron for a fully nutritious alternative to a meal.
Key features
- 26g protein per serving
- Added vitamin B12 and iron
- For men and women
- 210 calories per serving
- Made with a blend of pea, soya and rice protein
Customer reviews: 4.3/5 stars
Rach – 5/5 stars: “The first protein shake that I found and actually like! It doesn’t have the powdery taste to it at all and is filling. I blend with soy milk and ice and it’s makes a really nice milkshake.”
Gabrielle – 5/5 stars: “So I got this because they didn’t have my usual meal replacement in stock. And thank goodness for that! I’ve been using the other product for years, but this one is so much better: better texture, great taste! I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but I love it and will only buy this from now on.”
Want to try meal replacement drinks but don’t know which flavour to choose?
Enter the Forza Shake It Slim Starter Pack.
With vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate to choose from, you can discover what works best for you in one easy product that is designed to support safe and healthy weight loss.
Key features
- 14.3g protein per serving
- 200 calories per serving
- Can be consumed hot or cold
- Now contains 60% less sugar
Customer reviews: 4.1/5 stars
Jodiewil38 – 5/5 stars: “I was a bit wary when I first purchased this product as other similar brands tasted vile! But after trying the whole 3 different flavours I can say it's one of the best meal replacements I've ever had! The taste isn't sickly, and the texture isn't too thick or runny, Its perfect ! Would defiantly buy it again!”
Pete68 - 5/5 stars: “My order was delivered very quickly. The product dissolves easily using a shaker and tastes great.”
Another great option for plant-based folks, USN also do a vegan meal replacement shake in a chocolate flavour! With all the same nutrients and potential benefits, from added vitamin B12 to being high in protein, why not give it a try today?
Key features
- 26g protein per serving
- 208 calories per serving
- Take 1-2 servings a day
Customer reviews: 3.9/5 stars
SL23 – 5/5 stars: “Very filling and tasty too. Great to have a dairy free shake out there”
H Y V – 5/5 stars: “This protein shake is delicious and filling. It is my go to vegan shake.”
Are meal replacement shakes suitable for everyone?
Generally speaking, meal replacement shakes are suitable for everyone to drink.
However, it is important to remember that you should try to consume any nutrients you won’t be getting from your shakes to keep a healthy, balanced diet.
The final say
In order to choose the best meal replacement diet shake for you, you need to consider how much you’re exercising, what nutrients your body may be lacking and your current sugar intake.
This is important because people who exercise more should opt for a higher protein shake, those with slow digestion may go for a shake with plenty of fibre and those who already consume a high level of sugar may want to avoid meal replacement drinks with a high amount of sugar.
Last updated: 8 April 2022
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