There are a lot of reasons why someone may want to drink their calories in the form of a meal replacement shake. Strength athletes or hard-gainers who need to eat thousands of calories a day may not be able to stomach another bite of solid food. Busy gym-goers can use meal replacements to supplement their diet and hit their daily macros. Average consumers might just need a quick meal on a busy day to fill them up. Generally, meal replacements are full of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins to fuel the body with what it needs. Better yet, they’re way more convenient than breaking out the Dutch oven when you’re in a pinch for sustenance.
When it comes to selecting the best meal replacement shake, it’s important to choose a product based on your personal preferences and nutritional goals. That’s why, after testing many, many products, we’ve landed on a wide selection of the best meal replacement shakes that suit a variety of dietary needs.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
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.
Meal Replacement Shake Video Review
Like the meal replacement shakes on this list, our video review is convenient, easy to digest, and loaded with useful stuff. Check it out to gain even more insight into how we tested and picked the best meal replacements on the market.
Best Meal Replacement
The best shake on our list boasts a formula that may help with digestion and satiation, is keto-friendly, and tastes delicious.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
HLTH Code’s meal replacement really does check a lot of boxes. For one, it’s incredibly satiating — meaning it can help keep you full for a long time. That said, the calorie count is pretty much in line with other meal replacements on the market.
We also like that this meal replacement keeps the carb count low. While the label says there are 13 grams of carbs, 9 of those are fiber, which pass through your body and aren’t absorbed. So you’re really only consuming 4 net carbs per serving. That fiber — as well as the additional digestive enzymes in the formula — should help with digestion. (1) The 27 grams of protein is also a solid amount of protein per serving, and along with that comes 25 vitamins and minerals (including vitamins D, A, C, E, K, B6 and B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and biotin) and collagen, which may help with skin and joint health. There are no artificial ingredients or GMOs, and the Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla are quite tasty without being too sweet.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, and Health]
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal has just one gram of sugar and 240 calories per two-scoop serving, which makes it an ideal meal replacement for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
If you’re trying to lose weight, then you most likely want to eat your food, not drink it. That said, there are times where you have no choice — maybe you’re on vacation, a road trip, or out and about with friends. In those cases, reaching for Clean Meal is a good option. Its protein content is enough to curb your appetite, but it’s relatively low-calorie, so you don’t need to worry about ingesting half your day’s worth of carbs in a single shake. Clean Meal offers 28 grams of protein (or 42 grams for three scoops) — which is substantial — and tastes way better than chicken breast. You can buy it in Snickerdoodle or Vanilla Cake. In this case, you can have your cake and eat it too.
KAGED Muscle Clean Meal
When you're on the go or trying to slam calories, Clean Meal boasts either 270 or 360 calories-worth of nutrition with balanced macros from whole food ingredients. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake
The keto craze has reached new heights, and many companies are trying to cash in. We’ve tried many keto-focused meal replacements, but we found HLTH Code’s Complete Meal to be head and shoulders above the rest.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
More than half of the calories in HLTH Code’s formula are from fat, with another quarter coming from protein, so dieters who follow a high-fat diet can take this supplement and not worry about exiting ketosis. It also has both omega-3 and omega-6 fats, MCT powder in (which is part of its Healthy Fats Blend and may help you stay in ketosis) and collagen, is free of GMOs, and is made in an FDA-approved facility. Also, while HLTH Code has 13 grams of carbs, only four are net carbs. The other nine come from fiber, which is passed through your body and not digested.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
[Related: Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, and More]
Best Meal Replacement Bar
Bars are a great meal replacement option for anyone on the go — they’re easy to travel with and you can simply throw them in your gym bag for a post-workout pick-me-up. This pick is one of the tastiest we’ve tried.
Authentic Bar
Authentic Bars are made with whey protein isolate, which has a high percent of protein (around 90 percent) and low percent of carbs and fats compared to other proteins on the market. These bars pack 14g to 17g of protein per bar and range from 240 to 280 calories depending on the flavor you choose. They come in seven different flavors — all of which we can vouch for, having tried them out ourselves. However, if you are looking for something that contains a higher protein content, a shake would be a better option for you as many of those can contain as much as 25 or 30 grams of protein per serving.
Authentic Bar
Authentic Bars are made with whey protein isolate, and contain 14g to 17g of protein per bar, depending on the flavor you choose. They are available in five unique flavors and range from 240 to 280 calories each.
Who Should Buy the Authentic Bar
Best Low-Carb Meal Replacement Shake
Though a low-carb diet isn’t technically the same as a keto diet, our pick for the Best Keto Meal Replacement certainly fits in well with this category too.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
Fat isn’t typically as satiating as carbs and protein, so folks following a low-carb diet can be susceptible to a case of the “hangrys”. Complete Meal helps combat this by including nine grams of fiber in their formula. Fiber isn’t absorbed, but passes through your system, which can serve to help you feel more full. Macro-wise, this shake offers a 1:1 ratio of protein to fat, with 27 grams of both fat and protein (a blend of whey concentrate, collagen, and egg whites) and over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D, A, C, E, K, B6 and B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and biotin. On top of that, the formula contains a Healthy Fats Blend that contains MCT powder, coconut oil powder, olive oil powder, coco butter fat, and grass-fed ghee, as well as added apple cider vinegar powder.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain And Fat Loss]
Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake
For plant-based eaters, it’s important to find a formula that’s in line with their diet and provides essential vitamins and minerals that vegetarians and vegans specifically need. Don’t let the 400-calorie serving freak you out — after all, we’re talking about meal replacements, not light snacks.
Ample V
Ample has great macros: 20 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbs (11 grams of fiber), and 26 grams of fat. All that protein, fiber, and fat can help make it filling (and delicious). It also packs 40 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria from six different strains, which may be an important part of losing weight and maximizing nutrient absorption. Ample V is made with primarily organic pea protein and offers up vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium — three minerals and vitamins typically found in meat. Ample’s plant-based formula is all-natural, plus it has a big emphasis on gut health, fiber, and fat.
15% off
Ample V
Ample has a solid amount of calories and macronutrients, won’t leave you hungry, tastes awesome, and all of this is wrapped up in a plant-friendly formula.
Who Should Buy Ample V
[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Digestion
Standard protein powders can give folks digestion issues. And when you add more protein and calories to the mix, those problems can amplify. Here’s our pick to alleviate any potential stomach and digestion snafus.
Ample
Our top pick for digestion notably contains probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics combined with prebiotics are thought to improve your overall gut health. Ample’s formula comes in 400 or 600 calorie vanilla or chocolate bottles that contain premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, and electrolytes in addition to the pre- and probiotics. It’s packed with over 20 superfoods and can help keep you full for over four hours. Plus, you’ll get 25 or 34 grams of protein depending on which bottle you choose.
Ample
Ample's formula comes in 400 or 600 calorie vanilla or chocolate flavors that contain premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, and electrolytes in addition to the pre- and probiotics.
Who Should Buy Ample
[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]
Best Meal Replacement for Protein
While this pick still offers whole ingredients and over 20 vitamins and minerals, it packs a whole 28 grams of protein into each meal, which is ideal for those who are also looking for a meal replacement that doubles as a protein supplement.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
Protein plays a big role in satiety since it takes more energy to digest (2), and this pick contains 28 grams of whey protein isolate per serving — so though it’s relatively low in calories, the protein helps keep you fuller longer. A bonus is that the protein in this supplement can also help with muscle growth in addition to satiety. Plus, this powder contains 21 vitamins and minerals, and 6.5 grams of amino acids that can help with absorption. It comes in Snickerdoodle or Vanilla Cake, and is third-party tested for banned substances.
KAGED Muscle Clean Meal
When you're on the go or trying to slam calories, Clean Meal boasts either 270 or 360 calories-worth of nutrition with balanced macros from whole food ingredients. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
Best Meal Replacement for Bulking
For some athletes, the idea of a meal replacement isn’t to replace food but to act as an additional meal to meet increased calorie and nutrient requirements. We think when it comes to protein this pick stands above the rest.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
If you’re looking to bulk up, the 53 grams of protein and 114 grams of carbs — derived from tapioca, oat, and sweet potato — will help. Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer also includes MCTs from coconut and a serving of creatine monohydrate (which can help with strength and power production). It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a great choice to potentially help build muscle mass. Also of note, considering it contains over 100 grams of carbs, Transparent Labs’ formula has a relatively lower sugar count of just 14 grams.
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.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
[Related: Nutrition For Bulking: 10 Tips For Intelligent Muscle Gain]
Best Meal Replacement for Diabetes
It’s imperative to note that people with diabetes should speak to a physician or certified diabetes educator before trying any new supplements. This isn’t medical advice, but 310’s Meal Replacement Shake has a lot of potential benefits for those with diabetes.
310 Meal Replacement Shake
People with diabetes tend to prefer shakes with plenty of protein, fiber, and not much saturated fat or cholesterol. 310 Shake fits that bill perfectly. With 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, there are just two grams of net carbs per serving and no saturated fat or cholesterol at all. 310 Meal Replacement is also on point with about 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either.
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.
Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake
[Related: 3 Ways To Find Your 1-Rep Max (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced)]
Best Meal Replacement for Elderly
Older people who need a meal replacement with a bunch of protein and fiber and no saturated fat will be happy to know that 310 Shake clears the bar. It’s 15 grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and just two grams of net carbs per serving.
310 Meal Replacement Shake
310 Meal Replacement also packs in some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either. If you’re concerned about your nutrient absorption or any other nutrition-related issues as you age, it’s best to share them with a physician. That said, we found 310 Shake to contain many nutrients that tend to be favored by older folks.
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.
Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake
[Related: Hypertrophy Training Sets And Reps]
Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement Shake
For folks who are more health-conscious, we’ve found a formula that offers up a tremendous amount of vitamins, minerals, and a few valuable extras in Huel’s (that stands for Human Fuel) meal replacement.
Huel
This vegan powder delivers great macros (with a moderate amount of fat) and 27 vitamins and minerals — including chromium and choline — plus a few extras...
Click here to view the article.
When it comes to selecting the best meal replacement shake, it’s important to choose a product based on your personal preferences and nutritional goals. That’s why, after testing many, many products, we’ve landed on a wide selection of the best meal replacement shakes that suit a variety of dietary needs.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
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.
Meal Replacement Shake Video Review
Like the meal replacement shakes on this list, our video review is convenient, easy to digest, and loaded with useful stuff. Check it out to gain even more insight into how we tested and picked the best meal replacements on the market.
Best Meal Replacement
The best shake on our list boasts a formula that may help with digestion and satiation, is keto-friendly, and tastes delicious.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
HLTH Code’s meal replacement really does check a lot of boxes. For one, it’s incredibly satiating — meaning it can help keep you full for a long time. That said, the calorie count is pretty much in line with other meal replacements on the market.
We also like that this meal replacement keeps the carb count low. While the label says there are 13 grams of carbs, 9 of those are fiber, which pass through your body and aren’t absorbed. So you’re really only consuming 4 net carbs per serving. That fiber — as well as the additional digestive enzymes in the formula — should help with digestion. (1) The 27 grams of protein is also a solid amount of protein per serving, and along with that comes 25 vitamins and minerals (including vitamins D, A, C, E, K, B6 and B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and biotin) and collagen, which may help with skin and joint health. There are no artificial ingredients or GMOs, and the Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla are quite tasty without being too sweet.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
- Those looking for a product that will truly replace a meal — this stuff will keep you full.
- People who have sensitive stomachs may find this meal replacement to be easier on the stomach.
- Folks who want to keep the carb count low. HLTH Code only contains four net carbs per serving.
- Anyone looking for a macro split that more heavily favors protein — 27 grams is a solid amount, but some may want more protein per serving.
- Athletes who need a higher-carb meal replacement.
[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, and Health]
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Weight Loss
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal has just one gram of sugar and 240 calories per two-scoop serving, which makes it an ideal meal replacement for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
If you’re trying to lose weight, then you most likely want to eat your food, not drink it. That said, there are times where you have no choice — maybe you’re on vacation, a road trip, or out and about with friends. In those cases, reaching for Clean Meal is a good option. Its protein content is enough to curb your appetite, but it’s relatively low-calorie, so you don’t need to worry about ingesting half your day’s worth of carbs in a single shake. Clean Meal offers 28 grams of protein (or 42 grams for three scoops) — which is substantial — and tastes way better than chicken breast. You can buy it in Snickerdoodle or Vanilla Cake. In this case, you can have your cake and eat it too.
KAGED Muscle Clean Meal
When you're on the go or trying to slam calories, Clean Meal boasts either 270 or 360 calories-worth of nutrition with balanced macros from whole food ingredients. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
- Anybody who wants a shake that’s both filling and low calorie will appreciate that this product is only 240 calories per serving.
- Folks who like a wide variety of potently dosed vitamins and minerals — this supplement has a solid 40 percent of most of your micronutrients.
- For those who like cookie or cake flavors, this product comes in Snickerdoodle and Vanilla Cake.
- Those who want to replace a larger meal — this is too low in calories to replace a full 500- to 1,000-calorie meal, even if you like to double (or triple) scoop.
- Athletes or bodybuilders who need a higher amount of carbs as this product only has 18g per scoop.
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake
The keto craze has reached new heights, and many companies are trying to cash in. We’ve tried many keto-focused meal replacements, but we found HLTH Code’s Complete Meal to be head and shoulders above the rest.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
More than half of the calories in HLTH Code’s formula are from fat, with another quarter coming from protein, so dieters who follow a high-fat diet can take this supplement and not worry about exiting ketosis. It also has both omega-3 and omega-6 fats, MCT powder in (which is part of its Healthy Fats Blend and may help you stay in ketosis) and collagen, is free of GMOs, and is made in an FDA-approved facility. Also, while HLTH Code has 13 grams of carbs, only four are net carbs. The other nine come from fiber, which is passed through your body and not digested.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
- People who follow a ketogenic diet and need a low-carb formula will like that this product only four grams of net carbs, and is high in both fat and protein.
- Folks who want both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as MCT powder included in their meal replacement.
- Anyone who likes chocolate or vanilla flavors will like this product’s Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla varieties.
- Athletes who want more carbohydrates for performance — this product is low in carbs.
- People who aren’t on a keto diet and eat a moderate amount of fat already.
- People who want more flavor options — Complete Meal comes in just two.
[Related: Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, and More]
Best Meal Replacement Bar
Bars are a great meal replacement option for anyone on the go — they’re easy to travel with and you can simply throw them in your gym bag for a post-workout pick-me-up. This pick is one of the tastiest we’ve tried.
Authentic Bar
Authentic Bars are made with whey protein isolate, which has a high percent of protein (around 90 percent) and low percent of carbs and fats compared to other proteins on the market. These bars pack 14g to 17g of protein per bar and range from 240 to 280 calories depending on the flavor you choose. They come in seven different flavors — all of which we can vouch for, having tried them out ourselves. However, if you are looking for something that contains a higher protein content, a shake would be a better option for you as many of those can contain as much as 25 or 30 grams of protein per serving.
Authentic Bar
Authentic Bars are made with whey protein isolate, and contain 14g to 17g of protein per bar, depending on the flavor you choose. They are available in five unique flavors and range from 240 to 280 calories each.
Who Should Buy the Authentic Bar
- Anyone who’s frequently on the go and needs a meal replacement that can come with them.
- People who prioritize flavor and are looking for a delicious protein bar.
- For athletes who prefer whey protein, you’ll like that this bar is made of whey isolate protein.
- Folks who are looking for a higher protein content — you may be better off opting for a shake.
- Those who prefer to drink their meal replacements as shakes.
Best Low-Carb Meal Replacement Shake
Though a low-carb diet isn’t technically the same as a keto diet, our pick for the Best Keto Meal Replacement certainly fits in well with this category too.
HLTH Code Complete Meal
Fat isn’t typically as satiating as carbs and protein, so folks following a low-carb diet can be susceptible to a case of the “hangrys”. Complete Meal helps combat this by including nine grams of fiber in their formula. Fiber isn’t absorbed, but passes through your system, which can serve to help you feel more full. Macro-wise, this shake offers a 1:1 ratio of protein to fat, with 27 grams of both fat and protein (a blend of whey concentrate, collagen, and egg whites) and over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D, A, C, E, K, B6 and B12, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and biotin. On top of that, the formula contains a Healthy Fats Blend that contains MCT powder, coconut oil powder, olive oil powder, coco butter fat, and grass-fed ghee, as well as added apple cider vinegar powder.
15% OFF with code BARBEND
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.
Who Should Buy HLTH Code Complete Meal
- Those who want a meal replacement that’s balanced in both fats and protein, but low on carbs.
- Folks who want a boost of calcium and iron included in their meal replacement.
- People who want a formula with collagen, which can aid in skin and cartilage health.
- Vegans and vegetarians. Collagen is an animal product, so this meal replacement probably won’t work for you.
- Folks who want more flavor options than Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla will want to look for a formula with a wider variety of flavor options.
- People who prioritize a healthy dose of carbs in their diet.
[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain And Fat Loss]
Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake
For plant-based eaters, it’s important to find a formula that’s in line with their diet and provides essential vitamins and minerals that vegetarians and vegans specifically need. Don’t let the 400-calorie serving freak you out — after all, we’re talking about meal replacements, not light snacks.
Ample V
Ample has great macros: 20 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbs (11 grams of fiber), and 26 grams of fat. All that protein, fiber, and fat can help make it filling (and delicious). It also packs 40 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria from six different strains, which may be an important part of losing weight and maximizing nutrient absorption. Ample V is made with primarily organic pea protein and offers up vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium — three minerals and vitamins typically found in meat. Ample’s plant-based formula is all-natural, plus it has a big emphasis on gut health, fiber, and fat.
15% off
Ample V
Ample has a solid amount of calories and macronutrients, won’t leave you hungry, tastes awesome, and all of this is wrapped up in a plant-friendly formula.
Who Should Buy Ample V
- Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate that this is a plant-based meal replacement comprised mostly of pea protein.
- People who limit artificial ingredients — there are no artificial flavors or sweeteners in this product.
- Anyone who wants to emphasize their digestive health. Very few of these shakes provide this much fiber, prebiotic fiber, and probiotic bacteria.
- Folks who want to feel full, as the combination of fiber, fat, and protein make for a satiating drink.
- Folks who don’t want a plant-based formula.
- People who want many vitamins and minerals in their meal replacement shakes. Ample only provides 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium.
- Penny pinchers may find that this shake is a bit pricier than other options on the market.
[Related: I’m A Professional Powerlifter. Here’s What I Think About Bodybuilding]
Best Meal Replacement Shake for Digestion
Standard protein powders can give folks digestion issues. And when you add more protein and calories to the mix, those problems can amplify. Here’s our pick to alleviate any potential stomach and digestion snafus.
Ample
Our top pick for digestion notably contains probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics combined with prebiotics are thought to improve your overall gut health. Ample’s formula comes in 400 or 600 calorie vanilla or chocolate bottles that contain premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, and electrolytes in addition to the pre- and probiotics. It’s packed with over 20 superfoods and can help keep you full for over four hours. Plus, you’ll get 25 or 34 grams of protein depending on which bottle you choose.
Ample
Ample's formula comes in 400 or 600 calorie vanilla or chocolate flavors that contain premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, and electrolytes in addition to the pre- and probiotics.
Who Should Buy Ample
- Anyone who’s looking for a prebiotic and probiotic blend in their meal replacement shakes to help with digestion.
- Athletes who need a meal replacement that can provide 4+ hours of satiety.
- Folks who want a formula that’s low in carbs will appreciate that this formula only contains 11g of carbs.
- Customers who are looking for a cost effective meal replacement option.
- Folks who want more flavor options than vanilla and chocolate may want to look elsewhere. That said, we love the way these flavors taste.
[Related: The Real Pros And Cons Of The Bodybuilding Lifestyle]
Best Meal Replacement for Protein
While this pick still offers whole ingredients and over 20 vitamins and minerals, it packs a whole 28 grams of protein into each meal, which is ideal for those who are also looking for a meal replacement that doubles as a protein supplement.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
Protein plays a big role in satiety since it takes more energy to digest (2), and this pick contains 28 grams of whey protein isolate per serving — so though it’s relatively low in calories, the protein helps keep you fuller longer. A bonus is that the protein in this supplement can also help with muscle growth in addition to satiety. Plus, this powder contains 21 vitamins and minerals, and 6.5 grams of amino acids that can help with absorption. It comes in Snickerdoodle or Vanilla Cake, and is third-party tested for banned substances.
KAGED Muscle Clean Meal
When you're on the go or trying to slam calories, Clean Meal boasts either 270 or 360 calories-worth of nutrition with balanced macros from whole food ingredients. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.
Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Clean Meal
- Anybody who wants a shake that’s high in protein and low in calories.
- Folks who are looking for a wide range of vitamins and minerals in their meal replacement.
- Those who want a meal replacement that’s been third-party tested for banned substances.
- Athletes who are trying to grow their muscles will like that this product has a high protein content.
- Customers who are looking for a high calorie meal replacement can find products with more than 240 calories per scoop.
- Anyone who’s trying to gain weight and needs a supplement higher in carbs.
Best Meal Replacement for Bulking
For some athletes, the idea of a meal replacement isn’t to replace food but to act as an additional meal to meet increased calorie and nutrient requirements. We think when it comes to protein this pick stands above the rest.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
If you’re looking to bulk up, the 53 grams of protein and 114 grams of carbs — derived from tapioca, oat, and sweet potato — will help. Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer also includes MCTs from coconut and a serving of creatine monohydrate (which can help with strength and power production). It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a great choice to potentially help build muscle mass. Also of note, considering it contains over 100 grams of carbs, Transparent Labs’ formula has a relatively lower sugar count of just 14 grams.
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.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- People who want a mass gainer supplement free of artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
- Athletes looking for a convenient source of extra calories with a solid macronutrient split. This one offers 53 grams of protein, 114 grams of carbs, and just 14 grams of fat (per serving).
- Athletes who are also looking for a dose of creatine in their meal replacement will like that this mass gainer has three grams of creatine per serving (five grams per day is generally recommended if creatine is part of your supplement stack).
- People who are looking to lean out, you should go for a lower calorie powder. Other meal replacements on this list have a lower calorie count — this formula has 760 calories per serving.
- Folks looking for something with a more robust micronutrient profile.
- Anyone on a keto diet will want to look for a formulation that sports a higher fat content.
[Related: Nutrition For Bulking: 10 Tips For Intelligent Muscle Gain]
Best Meal Replacement for Diabetes
It’s imperative to note that people with diabetes should speak to a physician or certified diabetes educator before trying any new supplements. This isn’t medical advice, but 310’s Meal Replacement Shake has a lot of potential benefits for those with diabetes.
310 Meal Replacement Shake
People with diabetes tend to prefer shakes with plenty of protein, fiber, and not much saturated fat or cholesterol. 310 Shake fits that bill perfectly. With 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, there are just two grams of net carbs per serving and no saturated fat or cholesterol at all. 310 Meal Replacement is also on point with about 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either.
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.
Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake
- People who want a shake with protein and fiber to help slow digestion.
- Anyone after a really low-calorie shake as there are just 90 calories per serving in this product.
- Those who want to avoid artificial sweeteners will appreciate that this product is free of them.
- Anyone who wants a shake to replace a meal. Let’s be honest; 90 calories isn’t a meal.
- People who want more carbs. There are just two net carbs in a scoop.
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Best Meal Replacement for Elderly
Older people who need a meal replacement with a bunch of protein and fiber and no saturated fat will be happy to know that 310 Shake clears the bar. It’s 15 grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and just two grams of net carbs per serving.
310 Meal Replacement Shake
310 Meal Replacement also packs in some two dozen vitamins and minerals. The consumers concerned about the potential effects of sucralose on insulin sensitivity will be glad to learn there are no artificial sweeteners here either. If you’re concerned about your nutrient absorption or any other nutrition-related issues as you age, it’s best to share them with a physician. That said, we found 310 Shake to contain many nutrients that tend to be favored by older folks.
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.
Who Should Buy 310 Meal Replacement Shake
- People who want a shake with ample amounts of protein and fiber.
- Anyone who wants a really low-calorie shake — there are just 90 calories in a serving.
- Elderly folks who want to focus on consuming natural ingredients will appreciate that there are no artificial sweeteners in this shake.
- Anyone who wants a shake to replace a full meal’s worth of calories will need more than this product’s 90 calories.
- People who want more carbs as there are just two net carbs in a serving in this shake.
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Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement Shake
For folks who are more health-conscious, we’ve found a formula that offers up a tremendous amount of vitamins, minerals, and a few valuable extras in Huel’s (that stands for Human Fuel) meal replacement.
Huel
This vegan powder delivers great macros (with a moderate amount of fat) and 27 vitamins and minerals — including chromium and choline — plus a few extras...
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