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7 best meal replacement shakes 2022
Meal replacement shakes are everywhere currently, but which are the best? Discover our top 7 picks to help you find the perfect shake for you. Find out more.
Our top 3 picks
Vegetarian
SlimExpert
Holland & Barrett SlimExpert Meal Replacement Shake Chocolate Flavour 540g
Boxing Day Event
18+
£13.32
£19.99
Vegetarian
USN
USN Diet Fuel Meal Replacement Shake Strawberry 1kg
18+
£27.00
Vegan
USN
USN Diet Fuel Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Chocolate 880g
18+
£27.00
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.
7 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.
1
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.
- 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
- Add 2 rounded scoops (55g) to 200-300ml of cold water (or skimmed milk).
- Mix thoroughly in a blender or a shaker for about 30 seconds.
- Take 1-3 servings daily.
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.”
2
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.
- Suitable for vegetarians
- 210 calories per shake
- Contains weight-loss aid SlimBiome®
- 16g protein per shake
- Best used as part of the SlimExpert plan
- 284ml (1/2 pint) or 350ml of water (depending on how thick you like your shake)
- 52g (2 scoops) of powder
- Combine using a blender or shaker
- Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.
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"
3
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.
- 25g protein per serving
- 2g fat per serving
- Add 2 rounded 55g scoops to 200-300ml of cold water (or skimmed milk).
- Mix thoroughly in a blender or shaker for 30 seconds for a smooth tasty shake.
- Have 1-3 servings daily.
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."
4
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
- 28g protein in one serving
- Naturally sourced ingredients
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Added vitamin B
To replace a meal:
- Mix 40g of XLS-Nutrition (4 heaped measuring spoons) with 200ml semi skimmed milk (1.5 % fat).
- Tightly close the lid and shake it vigorously.
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.”
5
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.
- 25g protein per serving
- 2g fat per serving
- 1-3 servings per day
- Add 2 rounded 55g scoops to 200-300ml of cold water (or skimmed milk).
- Mix thoroughly in a blender or shaker for 30 seconds for a smooth tasty shake.
- Have 1-3 servings daily.
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.”
6
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.
- 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
- Add 2 scoops (55g) to 250ml-300ml of cold water.
- Mix thoroughly in a blender or a shaker for about 30 seconds.
- Have 1-2 servings as meal replacements daily.
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.”
7
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?
- 26g protein per serving
- 208 calories per serving
- Take 1-2 servings a day
- Add 2 scoops (55g) to 250ml-300ml of cold water.
- Mix thoroughly in a blender or a shaker for about 30 seconds.
- Have 1-2 servings as a meal replacements daily.
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.7
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
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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