There are two essential questions that need to be answered before the reviews. Those are:
- What makes a good replacement shake?
- What does “organic” really mean?
To be a good meal replacement a shake must:
- Be of adequate calories. The average person should consume between 1200-2000 calories per day. There are many factors that determine the actual number, but for the sake of argument, these are our numbers. If you eat three meals per day, you should aim for 400 calories or so at the lower end and around 600 at the upper end. You can do the math for more or less meals based on needs. Meal replacement shakes that are under 200 calories are probably not going to be enough to keep you very full for long and may be used as “part” of a meal rather than as a meal itself. Ridiculously low calorie counts will probably do nothing more than leave you feeling unsatisfied and probably a little cheated.
- Have balanced nutrition. All three of the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) should be included. Vitamins and minerals should be in abundant supply as well.
- Should leave you feeling happy, energized and ready to take on the day rather than sluggish, sick and bloated.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20term%20organic%20can%20be%20very%20confusing.%20A%20product%20can%20be%20wholly%20organic%20but%20not%20certified%20because%20of%20certain%20processes%20or%20because%20the%20process%20of%20getting%20certified%20is%20unnecessarily%20difficult%20and%20can%20be%20expensive%20for%20smaller%20companies.%20To%20get%20certified%20as%20organic%20there%20are%20standards%20that%20must%20be%20met%20for%20every%20type%20of%20product%20from%20produce%20to%20alcohol.%20Produce%2C%20for%20instance%2C%20must%20be%20grown%20on%20soil%20that%20has%20not%20used%20any%20of%20the%20prohibited%20substances%20for%20the%20three%20year%20period%20before%20harvest.%20Those%20substances%20can%20mean%20everything%20from%20fertilizers%20to%20pesticides%20and%20more.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
For products that have many ingredients, it can get a little confusing because there are several categories. To be labeled “100% organic” every ingredient has to be certified as organic. There are restrictions on the types of processing that can be used. The certifying agency has to be listed on the label or in the accompanying paperwork.
To be listed as “organic” All agricultural ingredients (including milk and similar products, meat and produce) have to be certified as organic. All other ingredients can be “not” organic as long as they are on a list of allowable items and can only make up to 5% of the overall content of the product. In this case, salt and water as ingredients do not count toward the 5% total.
To be listed as “made with organic ingredients” the majority (at least 70%) of the ingredients must be certified organic. Agricultural ingredients do not have to be organic in these products, but they have to have been produced in approved ways regardless. All other ingredients must still come from the approved list.
In each of these cases, artificial ingredients like artificial flavors and colors as well as preservatives will keep the item from being certified as organic at all, and they may not use the term in their marketing. However, they can state that they have used some “organic” ingredients.
Best Organic Meal Replacement Shakes
[product_tables id=”1910″]
[product_tables id=”1911″]
[numbered-heading label=”Ample ” /]
Ample uses organic greens and probiotics in the pre-measured dry powder that it sells. You can add either water or milk (or other beverages) as you wish and then shake. It blends fairly well, and the flavor is described as creamy vanilla with a slight taste of cinnamon.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EWith%20a%20400%20or%20600%20calorie%20per%20serving%20option%2C%20you%20can%20have%20the%20right%20size%20meal%20replacement%20shake%20to%20fit%20your%20needs.%20Every%20serving%20has%2027%26%2337%3B%20of%20your%20daily%20protein%20needs%20and%2054%26%2337%3B%20of%20the%20fats.%20Each%20serving%20also%20has%20around%2010%20grams%20of%20fiber%20as%20well.%20It%20is%20gluten%20and%20soy%20free%2C%20Non-GMO%20and%20has%20no%20artificial%20sweeteners.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Conveniently pre-measured powder in a BPA free bottle. Just add the beverage of your choice, shake and go.
-Thirty day taste and quality guarantee
-Several different versions available for every dietary need including Ample V the plant based meal replacement shake, Ample K, the ketogenic version which is perfect for diabetics.
” cons=”-Pricier than other meal replacement shakes on the market.
-Only 1 flavor is currently available for all of the various formulas.
-This is a newer company that only started a few years ago.
-There is a limited spectrum of nutrients here so it may not be fully balanced. ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details” link=”https://www.curedisease.com/recommends/ample-original/” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EOrgain%20Organic%20protein%20powder%20is%20vegan%2C%20gluten%20and%20dairy%20free%2C%20Kosher%20and%20has%20no%20GMO%20ingredients%20at%20all.%20It%20comes%20in%20four%20flavors%3A%20creamy%20chocolate%2C%20pumpkin%20spice%2C%20vanilla%2C%20and%20vanilla%20almond.%20There%20are%2021%20grams%20of%20protein%20per%20serving%2C%205%20grams%20of%20fiber%20and%20around%20150%20calories.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The protein is a blend to make it more easily digested. There are no artificial sweeteners used. Instead, stevia extract is used for sweetness. Stevia is an all natural plant that is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. It is currently believed to be safe for consumption, however, there are newer studies that are being conducted and have not yet completed.
Several of the ingredients here can cause problems with nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, and painful cramping. Stevia itself has been associated with an increased risk of migraines.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Created with a protein blend of organic pea/brown rice and chia
-Third party certification and rated A+++ in regard to heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury
-USDA certified organic.
” cons=”-Several of the ingredients in this meal replacement shake can be problematic including the organic acacia gum, erythritol, and guar gum.
-There are reports of foreign objects being found in the containers.
-Not enough calories to be a real meal replacement ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YJBAQu” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Garden of Life Organic, Raw Plant Based Meal Replacement Shake ” /]
It also comes in three sizes: small, large and 10 count packets. It is gluten free, Star-K kosher certified, vegan, dairy and soy free and has no GMO ingredients. The plant based protein is not heat processed in any way.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EEach%20serving%20has%2020%20grams%20of%20protein%2C%206%20grams%20of%20fiber%20and%201.5%20billion%20live%20colony%20forming%20units%20(CFUs)%20of%20probiotics.%20There%20is%20115%20calories%20per%20serving.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-4 flavors for variety
-Probiotics for digestive health
-21 vitamins and minerals
” cons=”
-Tends to separate into layers if not consumed quickly enough.
-Taste is unpleasant.
-Not enough calories to count as an actual meal replacement ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lukArh” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=” Crucial Four Superfood Organic Meal Replacement Shake ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20company%20promises%20that%20their%20blend%20will%20restore%20all%20of%20the%20missing%20nutrients%20in%20a%20person%E2%80%99s%20life%20including%20neurotransmitters%2C%20antioxidants%2C%20growth%20factors%2C%20prebiotics%2C%20and%20beta%20glucans.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
While the company cannot promise to diagnose and/or treat any conditions, they do say that they can “help” with stress, sleep problems, gut health, and weight loss, immune system issues, thyroid and food sensitivities.
There are dozens of products available on the website with most of them dedicated to a group of conditions. Each product can be used with others in that group and various ways.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-100% organic
-Uses plenty of ingredients, all natural and all beneficial
-Targets a wide range of common conditions and problems by addressing the nutritional deficiencies that cause them.
-Can be used in a wide variety of ways including in making several different recipes
” cons=”-To the average person, the marketing and information for Crucial Four products may sound like mumbo jumbo.
-There are more than a few ingredients that are likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive
-There is little talk about what the flavor of the Meal Replacement shake is.
-The actual full ingredient list is difficult to find and does not list common things like calorie count, protein grams or anything that some people look for when choosing a meal replacement shake. ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/32AEtEt” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”RSP True Fit Lean Meal Protein, Fiber and Probiotics Powder ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EEach%20serving%20has%208%20grams%20of%20fiber%2C%2012%20Non-GMO%20fruits%2C%20and%20vegetables%20and%20provides%2016%20essential%20vitamins%20and%20minerals%20including%20calcium%20and%20Vitamin%20B.%20It%20is%20gluten%20free.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
There are 4 flavors: chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon churro and unflavored in two styles, original formula and grass fed. Cinnamon churro and unflavored are available in grass fed while the chocolate and vanilla are the original formula.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-No added sugar, artificial colors or flavors, and no preservatives
-8 grams of fiber per serving
-4 flavors, 2 in original formula and 2 in grass fed formula
-Whey protein with BCAAs and glutamine
” cons=”-This is hard to blend
-The texture is grainy
-Despite all of the health claims, this product uses sucralose which may be linked to migraines as well as other side effects.
-Not enough calories to be a true meal replacement ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3b5JYim” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Complete Start Plant Based Meal Replacement Shakes” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EComplete%20Start%20Meal%20Replacement%20Shakes%20come%20in%20several%20flavors%3A%20peanut%20butter%20and%20banana%2C%20rich%20mocha%20and%20super%20greens%20which%20has%20a%20vanilla%20flavor.%20You%20can%20also%20buy%20a%20variety%20pack%20so%20that%20you%20can%20sample%20each%20flavor%20without%20committing%20to%20one%20without%20tasting%20it%20first.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Each serving has around 250 calories, 20 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber. Each flavor is sweetened with coconut sugar and contains 5 grams or less. It is glute, soy and dairy free and has no GMOs. All ingredients were selected by a nutritionist.
The founder of the company started making these plant based shakes after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012. Crohn’s disease is a painful, chronic and sometimes life threatening condition that causes a wide range of symptoms that include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
People can go through periods with no symptoms at all, or they may have very mild symptoms that are mistaken for other conditions. Serious complications can arise including dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and even death. There is no cure for this condition.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-100% USDA certified organic
-Supplies nearly half of a day’s fiber per serving*
-Available in several flavors and options including a bonus starter back that includes 9 shakes plus a free blender bottle
” cons=”-May have an unpleasant taste
-Is naturally very grainy which some people may not enjoy
-The mocha flavor may have too much caffeine for people who are sensitive. ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3gKDKW5″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Amazing Grass Organic, Plant Based Vegan Protein Superfood Powder ” /]
Calorie counts range from 110-190 depending on the flavor. Those flavors include original, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, rich chocolate, and vanilla. You can choose either a small or large tub or 10 single serve packets instead.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-USDA certified organic with No GMOS, gluten, dairy and grain free
-7 alkalizing greens, 9 fruits and vegetables and 6 carbs per serving
-5 flavors
-Protein from 4 sources
” cons=”-Not enough calories to be a full meal
-Way too much stevia for most people
-Flavor is described as “oversweetened grass.” ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/31BJaP4″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=” Kate Farms Komplete Meal Replacement ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAt%20290%20calories%20it%20is%20just%20above%20snack%20and%20just%20under%20light%20meal%20so%20it%20may%20be%20perfect%20for%20the%20midday%20slumps.%20Each%20serving%20has%20the%20vitamins%2C%20minerals%2C%20and%20antioxidants%20of%2029%20super%20foods%20providing%20up%20to%2035%26%2337%3B%20of%20your%20recommended%20daily%20allowance%20of%20most%20of%20these.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Kate Farms Komplete meal replacement shake is gluten free, dairy free and nut free. It uses organic plant protein and no chemicals or artificial sweeteners at all.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-High in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants
-Ready to drink, no need to mix or add anything unless you want to.
-Uses all natural ingredients with no chemicals and zero non-nutritive sweeteners
” cons=”-Very thick, almost like pudding
-Chalky texture with a strange aftertaste ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EBnnhC” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Skinny Blend Weight Loss Meal Replacement Shake for Women ” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20several%20flavors%20to%20choose%20from%20including%20banana%2C%20chocolate%2C%20cookies%20and%20cream%2C%20creamy%20cappuccino%2C%20strawberry%2C%20and%20vanilla.%20Protein%20sources%20include%20whey%20protein%20concentrate%2C%20whey%20protein%20isolate%2C%20milk%20protein%20isolate%2C%20egg%20whites%2C%20micellar%20casein%2C%20calcium%20caseinate%2C%20and%20lecithin.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Uses a blend of 7 different protein sources
-Several flavors to choose from
” cons=”-Not enough calories to count as a meal replacement or even a light snack
-Too many ingredients, too many artificial ingredients
-The taste is terrible
-These are expensive shakes for very little real benefit. ” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2G9wfM2″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Final Thoughts
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Whether you are using meal replacement shakes for weight loss or just out of sheer convenience you want to choose the ones that have the best and healthiest ingredients. In most cases, it is worth a bit more money to go with the organic products especially when it comes to plant based protein.
All plants have trace amounts of heavy metals in them. Organically grown plant proteins will have the least amount of these heavy metals however, the number will not be zero. Traditionally grown plant proteins will have higher amounts with some sources having an unacceptable level of heavy metals in them.
Look out for plant proteins that are sourced from countries that have reduced regulations regarding food safety as well as for countries with known contaminated soils. Most companies do have third party testing reports and should make them available.
The best companies have these reports on their web sites and make mention of this fact in their marketing information. Others may have the reports, but they must be requested. Never be afraid to request this information because your health is very important.
You want good tasting, nutritionally balanced and organic meal replacement shakes so that you have the energy and strength to get through whatever you need to get through.