Nowadays, people are turning towards protein shakes more than following tough diet plans. Yes, shakes can not only be used to gain weight but to lose weight as well, if chosen correctly. In this article, you can find the 10 best meal replacement shakes for weight loss that you can easily get your hands on in 2024.
What are Meal Replacement Shakes?
A meal replacement shake is the one you can substitute for day and night meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The purpose is to lower the calorie content, whereas the required nutrient profile is kept high. To manage your appetite needs, you can look for a shake containing high protein content. It will help provide satiety and keep you full for longer periods of time.
According to research, the calorie needs of women range from 1,600 to 2,400 per day, whereas for men, the range is between 2,000 and 3,000 calories a day. If this requirement is fulfilled by any means, the body will remain healthy and function properly. So why not use shakes to meet this target instead of consuming heavy diets that accompany other nutrients like fats and carbs, which are known to disrupt the weight loss diet and contribute to gaining weight? These meal-replacement shakes are ready-to-drink alternatives to meals, even for those who are unable to digest heavy, solid foods.
Top 10 best meal replacement shakes for weight loss
There are a number of options available for meal replacement shakes on the market, so it can be a difficult task to choose the right one. To solve this issue, we have come up with 10 best meal replacement shakes for weight loss and muscle gain. You are free to choose from these top products to select the one that best suits your needs.
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
This is a plant-based shake specifically designed for people who are vegetarians. It is packed with cocoa powder, pea protein, monk fruit extract, and water. This is a shelf-stable protein shake that offers a healthy and vegan route to weight loss.
Pros
- Free of soy and gluten
- Non-GMO
- Shelf-stable
- Vegan
Cons
- Contain low fiber content
| Dosage | 1 bottle |
| Price | $2.8 |
Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake
This Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake is prepared with two types of proteins, i.e., casein and whey protein. This one pack is filled with 32 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 16 different vitamins and minerals, and a single gram of added sugar. It is a delicious way to improve muscle recovery and growth.
Pros
- Contains 5 g of fiber
- Include whey and casein
- Anytime snack
- Can be taken as an alternative to breakfast
Cons
- Hard to open
- Expensive than others
| Dosage | 414 ml |
| Price per dosage | $4.18 |
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs offers a comprehensive protein isolate that promotes muscle recovery and strength. It offers around 120 to 140 calories in each serving and 28 g of protein per scoop of 34 g. This shake comes in a variety of 14 flavors to make your weight loss journey yummy and feasible.
Pros
- No artificial colors
- Does not contain added sweeteners
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Purity and potency are tested by third-party
Cons
- Does not contain stimulants
| Dosage | 1 scoop/6-8 ounces of water |
| Price | $1.96 |
Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement Shakes
The word bariatric means related to obesity, and this meal replacement shake’s name says it all. This product features a nutritional drink mix containing 23 key vitamins, 150 to 160 calories, and 27 grams of protein. Alongside these key nutrients, the property of containing low sugar and fat is what makes it an ideal choice for people to fight against obesity.
Pros
- High-quality protein source
- Packed with essential minerals and vitamins
- Contains iodine and potassium
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains milk
| Dosage | 2 scoops/8 ounces water |
| Price | $4.50 |
SlimFast Meal Replacement Shake
SlimFast meal replacement shake comes in 4 creamy flavors to help you with weight loss despite satisfying your cravings. It contains 180 calories, 20 grams of protein, 23 vitamins and minerals, and only 1 gram of sugar. Furthermore, with 5 grams of fiber, this meal replacement shake provides improved digestion and suppresses appetite.
Pros
- Affordable
- No added sweeteners
- Contains fiber
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Flavor variety is not so wide
- Comparatively less protein content
| Dosage | 1 bottle (325 ml) |
| Price per dosage | $2.42 |
Orgain Organic Meal Replacement Shakes
Each serving of this meal replacement shake contains 2 grams of organic dietary fiber, 21 grams of plant-based protein, 150 calories, a net total of lower carbs, and 0 grams of sugar. You can not only use it for protein shakes but also for brownies, cakes, muffins, and cookies for an energy boost as well as weight loss meals.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Vegan and organic
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Free of lactose, gluten, soy, and dairy
Cons
- Includes peanut flour
- Limited minerals and vitamins
- Includes sugar alcohols
| Dosage | 2 scoops (46 g) |
| Price | $1.28 |
Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes
For people who are dealing with obesity as well as diabetes, this shake can be a win-win for them. It is also claimed to manage blood pressure, kidney, and liver issues. It comes in three smooth and creamy flavors, including Strawberry Banana, French Vanilla, and Milk Chocolate. This shake helps meet 23% of the daily fiber needs and contains no added sugar or carbohydrates.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great source of fiber
- Promotes satiety
Cons
- Volume of fluid is less than others
- Lower protein and calorie counts comparatively
| Dosage | 237 ml |
| Price | $1.15 |
Pure Protein Meal Replacement Shakes
Pure Protein has offered a keto-friendly protein shake for meal replacement that contains 140 calories, 24 key vitamins and minerals, and less than 1 g of sugar per serving. It is an easy yet healthy approach to achieving your fitness goal. It also provides strength to your muscles and helps them grow and recover.
Pros
- Contains 24 essential vitamins and minerals
- Non-GMO
- Low fat
- Less than one gram of sugar
Cons
- Content of fiber is low
| Dosage | 1 bottle (325 ml) |
| Price per dosage | $1.83 |
Premier Protein Shake
It is part of the keto diet and has a variety of smooth, creamy, and rich flavors. This product contains additional antioxidants and is capable of fulfilling 50% of the needs for vitamin C per day and 30% of the needs for vitamin D. With 160 calories and low fat, this protein shake serves as a bariatric meal replacement option, helping you to lose weight efficiently.
Pros
- Does not contain any added sugar
- Free of trans fat
- 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
Cons
- Expensive as compared to others
- Contains soy and milk
| Dosage | 11.5 fl oz |
| Price per dosage | $3.52 |
OWYN Meal Replacement Shake
Vegetarians should be happy to hear that this meal replacement shake is 100% vegan, which offers an ideal way of losing weight. It contains a blend of spinach, broccoli, and kale—the super greens. Low fat, zero sugar, high fiber, and the inclusion of omega-3s are what make this product different from others. You can use it for pre-workout, post-workout, as a snack or meal replacement shake, whatever you desire.
Pros
- Allergen-free
- Lacks dairy
- Vegan
- Contains probiotics
Cons
- Limited flavors variety
- More expensive than others
- 330 mg sodium per serving
| Dosage | 355 ml |
| Price per dosage | $3.92 |
Side effects of meal replacement shakes
Despite being very beneficial and efficient in helping people lose weight, meal replacement shakes can also induce some side effects in consumers, including:
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before starting any product.
FAQs
Are meal replacement shakes good for weight loss?
Having control over total daily calorie intake is one of the factors that need to be considered for weight loss. You can use these shakes to lower your calorie consumption and prove them to be effective for weight loss.
How much weight can I lose with meal replacement shakes?
Research concludes that replacing 2 meals a day with these shakes can help you lose 0.5 to 1 pound a week.
Conclusion
Losing weight can be hard if a person remains dependent on exercise and follows strict diet plans. Protein shakes can serve as an effective meal replacement option as they are packed with nutrients tailored to aid weight loss. They are prepared with the least or no sugar, the required calorie contents, and high fiber and protein to help fight obesity on easy terms. In this article, the 10 best meal replacement shakes for weight loss for women are mentioned with their descriptions, pros, and cons. You can easily find from them the one you think is most suitable for your needs.
