If you are in the market for a weight loss shake that is not only effective but generally well received, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will find shakes that meet just about any budget and nutritional need. Whether you are looking to replace a meal or two per day, have a healthy snack between meals, or just something to help get you back on the right track to a healthier you, this is a great read!
What makes these shakes so great?
For some of us, eating healthy and following a general guideline for dieting is easy. But for those of us (myself included here) who struggle with counting calories or reading labels, these shakes offer a great option. No fuss, no worries; just blend and go for a healthy meal or a quick and portable snack! They are pre-made and easy enough for anyone to use. Not to mention the variety that each offers - there are recipes all over the place for smoothies, and even cookies using different shakes! That is a diet I could get used to!
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Meal Replacement Shake
What type of dieting are you planning on doing?
Will the shake be the only healthy food you eat, or will this be an addition to a diet (i.e. paleo, gluten-free, etc.)? If this is your only healthy option and you want to lose weight, you may need to up the ante with exercise or physical activity. You might also want to look at the shakes to replace two meals and not just one. This way you are ensuring you take the best steps to help the shakes do their job and help your body do the rest!
Are you using these for weight loss or as a nutritional supplement?
If you are already hardcore dieting or are looking to build muscle, this may affect which shake you go with as well. If you are wanting to get that bodybuilder physique, you would either want to boost your protein intake, or choose a shake that works well as a hunger blocker between meals. That way, you make sure that you are getting enough of the essentials in your diet to help you get the body you are aiming for without working yourself into a deficiency.
How picky are you about flavor/variety?
This may not seem like an issue to most of you, but think about it - if you want to dive in head first with these shakes, will you want the same flavor day in and day out? Even the best recipes can’t keep a person from becoming bored.
And that’s exactly when diets fail. So you may want to see which shakes have the most flavor variety before impulsively buying the first shake on the list. This way you are finding the best tasting weight loss shake that you can really stick with!
Do you have allergies or intolerance to any food?
This may seem like a given, but many people blindly buy foods and shakes without being really careful about whether they contain things such as fish, nuts, gluten, egg, dairy, and more. Even aspartame can affect some people, so that may be something you need to keep an eye out for since many diet products contain it or its relatives as a substitute for sugar.
What will your budget allow?
Something else to keep in mind with these shakes is the amount you’re willing to spend on them, or even what amount are you ABLE to spend.
Lots of weight loss shakes can be pretty pricey, while others are more budget friendly. Some of these weight loss shakes have to be ordered through a representative online, via a party, or however they prefer to place their orders. Others are available openly to order online without the potential hassle of a salesperson, or the pressure for repeat purchases if you decide they are not for you.
Now, on to the list of weight loss shakes!
Weight Loss Shakes That Might Change Your Life
1. ViSalus VI-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix
If you are doing any of the Body by Vi Challenges, this ViSalus shake is a must. This company calls it the foundation to any challenge kit.
This shake has their Tri-Sorb Protein blend, is low-fat, low sodium, and claims to have fewer carbs than any other shake. This shake comes in the Sweet Cream flavor only, but you can buy flavor add-ins separately. According to the company, it's the “Shake mix that tastes like a cake mix.” (And from experience, I can tell you that claim is absolutely correct.)
This product has received great reviews. People who have used it say that it is filling, and tastes great. Many people drink it to fill the gap between meals, or in the evening before bed to prevent the dreaded late night snack cravings. One downfall to this product is that it is full of preservatives, and you can only buy the one flavor. As mentioned earlier, they do offer flavor add-ins, but this is an extra expense per shake.
It comes in a bag that makes about 30 shakes, and can either be purchased from a distributor or online. But when buying online, be sure you get a good product, and don’t buy from an unreliable seller. It is certified OU Kosher as well! Each shake has about 110 calories.
2. Slim Fast Original Shakes
When it comes to weight loss products, Slim Fast is one that always comes to mind, and for good reason. They know their stuff!
On the less expensive end of the weight loss shake spectrum, these shakes can be purchased just about anywhere. They come in different flavors and have a few more calories in them - coming in at 200 calories per shake. Each container makes about 34 shakes, and you don't need to contact a distributor.
They work best when they are used to replace two meals (the third being a healthy balanced meal) while enjoying healthy snacks in between. There is a wide variety of products to pair with them as well.
Slimfast offers the 14 day challenge - replace two meals per day with Slim Fast shakes or protein bars, and you can lose up to 6 pounds in the first two weeks! No workout plans, no supplements. That is a beautiful thing about Slim Fast; it's not as complicated as some others, and doesn't necessarily need to be paired with anything else.
Most love the way it tastes, and say it stays with them, keeping them full until it's time for their next meal or shake. Not to mention the value; it's pretty hard to compete with the price Slimfast offers. The only negative I have seen about Slim Fast shakes is that some don't like the taste, saying it is a little chalky; keep in mind, however, that most of these types of shakes are the same consistency. Also, the 8 grams of protein it boasts can be misleading, as those 8 grams include the 6 grams of protein you get by mixing it with milk.
3. Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Protein Shake
This brand may not be as synonymous with weight loss shakes, but what Nature's Bounty shakes offer is nothing to shrug off. By reading their advertising and packaging, it seems they gear more towards those needing a supplemental shake to support an active lifestyle and healthy living.
This shake offers probiotics and a digestive enzyme blend to help support healthy digestion. It also helps support your metabolism with plenty of vitamin B, and the immune system with vitamins C and D. It comes in two flavors - chocolate and vanilla. Each 16 oz. container has enough shake mix for 13 shakes. Not as many servings as some of the other brands, but still quite a bit for the price range.
Many people have compared this shake to the likes of Shakeology, at a much more affordable price. You can order this shake online, it doesn't require salespeople or monthly memberships (though they do offer a membership to those who want it, and it's a great way to save a few dollars).
Based on user reviews of these Nature's Bounty shakes, most people really like the flavor and texture, claiming that it isn't too chalky, and the vitamins it contains are an added bonus. The only negative reviews I have read for this product complain that there is more sugar than advertised in each shake. For those with allergies, keep in mind that this is NOT gluten-free. A few people have stated that there is a bit of an aftertaste, like that of an artificial sweetener, so if you are not a fan, this may not be the shake for you.
4. Fitmiss Delight Nutritional Shake
Targeting the ladies of the world (because, clearly, we run the world), this Fitmiss Delight weight loss shake boasts some pretty attractive packaging in hot pink and black. It can be used as a meal replacement or as a healthy snack, whichever you prefer.
It is a high protein, low-calorie mix and claims to be gluten-free. This company offers many products to pair with its shakes, and it comes in chocolate, cookies and cream, and vanilla chai! (I don't know about any of you, but I LOVE me some chai!)
Each shake is 90 calories, which is lower than some of its competitors. It also includes digestive enzymes to aid in a healthy digestive system.
The shake has ingredients that help curb hunger, and enough vitamins and minerals to give you what you need with any meal replacement. It has a low amount of sugar - only 1 gram per serving of mix! In each tub, there are 36 servings, so you definitely get a great value. No salesmen to go through, this product can be ordered online directly. Users really love the flavor (reviews show the Vanilla Chai seems to be the most popular) as well as the texture and say it is even great with plain old water.
Many women looking to build muscle mass claim to have found other products with higher amounts of protein, but that it is not the lowest in the market either.
5. Skinny Blend Shakes
This Skinny Blend meal replacement shake comes in five different flavors: banana, chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry, and of course, vanilla. It has a unique blend of 7 proteins meant to maximize your fat loss and decrease appetite.
Each bag of shakes contains about 30 shakes. There are many other “Skinny” products to combine the shakes with if you are looking to really boost your weight loss. It does contain MCT oil which is said to help burn fat and boost metabolism. This oil is found in most foods but is more prevalent in coconut oil. There are only 90 calories per serving and 2 grams of sugar as well.
For maximum effects, they recommend taking 2 shakes per day either as meal replacements or snacks. It does contain lecithin (which is derived from soy) and may contain trace amounts of gluten as well.
Users love the flavor and how easily this product blends. Lots of people state that they have tried many different shakes in their time, and this is their favorite. The top reviews show that women love the way it makes them feel and actually helped them lose those last few stubborn pounds. Negative reviews say that with these shakes only having 12 grams of protein they notice they get hungry sooner after drinking one. There are also a few who did not notice any increase in energy after drinking them.
6. IdealShake
This company offers one of the best weight loss shakes, in a whopping seven flavors! You can choose between chocolate, vanilla, orange cream, strawberry, chocolate cream pie (yes, please!), cookies and cream, and mocha. They throw a blender bottle in with an order as well!
There are two sizes - 30 servings and 60 servings, with the larger portion being a slightly better deal.
They contain an all-natural hunger blocker, as well as all whey proteins. They are gluten-free too!
No salespeople to go through, but you can get a discount by becoming a member. The website itself does have package deals and special offers, rather than the straightforward pricing. Like other weight loss companies, IdealShake has more products to pair with the shakes to help boost your weight loss. They recommend you replace 1-2 meals each day for the best results.
Reviewers rave about the variety and flavors and say these shakes really help keep them full. The only complaints I see are that it can be a bit too sweet for some and have a bit of a gritty texture, as many of these shakes do.
7. GNC Total Lean Shake
Another well-known brand, GNC does not disappoint with their GNC Total Lean meal replacement shake. They have a high amount of protein per shake - 25 grams to be exact! That amount of protein certainly helps to keep you feeling full for longer. Of course, there are plenty of other supplements to use in combination with these shakes.
The calorie count is a little higher than some of its competitors, coming in at 200 calories per serving. It has artificial sugars, so if you have a sensitivity to those you may want to steer clear. There are about 16 servings per container, so you don't get as much for your money. It comes in a few flavors such as chocolate, chocolate peanut butter (think Reese's...yum), cookies and cream, and vanilla.
Customers say they have lost substantial amounts of weight in the first month and they are staying full. Negative reviews say that they don't care for the taste or texture of the product, not to mention the artificial sweeteners.
8. Atkins Ready-to-Drink Shake
Much like its competitor, Slimfast, this product can be bought at your local grocery store, or just about anywhere. It comes in pre-made cans, and can be purchased as a 12-pack. It does win brownie points for convenience since you don’t have to do any mixing or blending yourself.
They come in a huge variety of flavors - TEN! You don’t get as much bang for your buck, but the ease of use makes up for that. There are 160 calories, 2 grams of net carbs, and 1 gram of sugar per shake. There are plenty of healthy snacks made by this company to pair with your shakes, giving you a great variety and less boredom. These Atkins shakes have about 15 grams of protein in each shake, a little on the low end of the spectrum.
A great addition to the Atkins diet, these shakes can surely help those following it to lose weight. People love the flavor and say they help keep them full, but a few users say that on occasion the product has had a somewhat slimy consistency. Others swear it is one of the best diet shakes out there. It's amazing to me that people can have such differing opinions about the same shake. I guess you'd have to try it to see if you like it!
9. Garden of Life Organic Raw Fit
One great thing about this product is right there in the name - organic. It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, and soy free to boot. When it comes to weight loss meal replacement shakes, it is the most natural.
The Garden of Life Organic Raw Fit shake has green coffee bean extract, a supplement known for aiding in weight loss, and has 28 grams of raw plant-based protein. It comes in four flavors: original, chocolate, vanilla, and marley coffee. It does not contain artificial sweeteners, only all-natural stevia.
Unfortunately, there are only 10 servings per container, the lowest on the list. Users really like the natural weight loss benefits, and those with allergies are definitely safe to turn to this shake. The only negative reviews are about the gritty texture and the fact that you don't get the best value for your money.
10. Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix
Herbalife is another well-known brand when it comes to top weight loss shakes and products.
This shake boasts 20 vitamins and minerals, 11 grams of protein (a little on the low side), and fiber to help keep you full. There are 30 servings in each container, providing an excellent value as well.
It comes in seven flavors, including an allergy-free vanilla! You get a variety of flavor options, even if you have allergies to be cautious about. This product is not gluten-free, however.
Users say they enjoy the flavor and ease of use of these Herbalife shakes, as well as adding other ingredients in it to make it taste even better. Negative reviews say they don't stay full long and that it does contain soy.
Final Thoughts
All in all, there are so many options out there for those of you looking to either lose a substantial amount of weight or to just get rid of those last few stubborn pounds.
The good news is, with this list you should be able to discover which options are right for you, and which are probably best suited for someone else.
Some people are looking for specific ingredients while others just really want the best tasting weight loss shakes out there. You will want to keep in mind that if building muscle is important to you, you need a shake with ingredients that help support that, rather than just helping aid in weight loss. Another thing to consider, of course, is allergies and sensitivities, or if you are trying to live a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle.
For those of you using these as a meal replacement and not just a healthy snack, you are going to most likely want to look for the shakes that offer a higher amount of protein, which will, in turn, keep you full the longest.
The best advice I can offer is to read the ingredients and read up on weight loss shakes reviews. I hope this article has helped to shine a little light on a very crowded market and encouraged you to find the best weight loss shakes for you!