[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EBecause%20of%20the%20recent%20uptick%20in%20consumers%20with%20gluten%20allergies%2C%20and%2For%20the%20fact%20that%20folks%20are%20simply%20more%20aware%20of%20their%20sensitivities%20to%20gluten%20and%20other%20allergens%2C%20we%20both%20have%20plenty%20of%20information%20regarding%20products%20that%20do%20and%20don%E2%80%99t%20include%20said%20allergens%2C%20as%20well%20as%20an%20increase%20in%20allergen-free%20products%20at%20our%20fingertips.%20(Case%20in%20point%3A%20we%E2%80%99ll%20be%20looking%20at%20gluten-free%2C%20dairy-free%20meal%20replacement%20shakes%20today.)%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
If you’re new to the gluten-free world, you’re not alone.
We’ll start this article by taking a look at foods that you should generally be looking to avoid if you are going gluten-free. Some will be obvious, of course, but it’s important to cover all of our bases.
And, if you’re reading this, you no doubt care about your health and exercise routine enough to at least consider making meal replacement shakes a part of your life, so we’ll conduct a comprehensive review of the best gluten-free meal replacement shakes on the market.
If you’re new to searching for gluten-free foods and gluten-free meal replacement shakes
First, we must point out that you won’t always find food products labeled as “gluten-free.” You might see it noted as such on the front of the label of course, as it’s becoming a more popular type of food item to look for. But companies are not required by law to do so, as they are for allergens such as eggs, nuts, etc.
What you’ll want to seek out on the ingredients list are wheat, rye, malt, barley, and brewer’s yeast and oats. Even flours listed as gluten-free should be investigated — is said flour “certified gluten-free”?
As is often the case, there are certain foods and ingredients that may surprise you when you find out that they do, in fact, contain gluten. There are types of nuts, chips, soups, and even candy that includes gluten, for instance. Always, always, always check the ingredients list — especially if you have a more serious and diagnosed condition such as celiac disease.
Okay, let’s take a quick spin through some helpful guidelines regarding what to look for when you’re on the hunt.
Information to know when looking for the best gluten-free meal replacement shakes
As a whole, meal replacement shakes are best when they are jam-packed with calories and nutrients — especially protein. This is by design, so that they can serve as a substitute for an entire meal. (They are called meal replacement shakes, after all.)
Many folks that get into taking meal replacement shakes on a regular basis do so because they lead busy, on-the-go lives and care far too much about their health to simply run through the drive-thru several times a week.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of gluten-free meal replacement shakes for weight loss on the market, and even gluten-free, soy-free meal replacement shakes, and gluten and dairy-free meal replacement shakes.
As mentioned, meal replacement shakes should be high in calories in order to give your body the fuel it needs to be energetic and successful throughout your day. In a perfect world, your chosen shake would be high in various nutrients.
Protein is the most important compound when it comes to building and maintaining lean muscle, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for that throughout this list of gluten-free meal replacement shakes.
Alright, let’s get into it. Ladies and gentlemen, the best gluten-free meal replacement shakes.
Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shakes
[product_tables id=”2119″]
[numbered-heading label=”Ample Meal” /]
Everything from Ample Meal includes ingredients that are completely natural, non-GMO and free of BPA and artificial sweeteners. Oh, and they’re also gluten-free and soy-free.
The Ample Meal shakes are made of 54 percent premium, healthy fats and include 27 percent protein. Everything included is organic, and falls under the category of a diabetic meal replacement shake.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20shake%20is%20400%20calories%20and%2C%20shockingly%2C%20only%20includes%20four%20grams%20of%20sugar.%20Ample%20Meal%E2%80%99s%20flavor%20is%20creamy%20and%20frothy%20and%20includes%20a%20hint%20of%20sweetness%20with%20notes%20of%20vanilla%20and%20cinnamon%20–%20all%20while%20remaining%20gluten-free.%20Amazing.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Additionally, Ample Meal is shipped in pre-portioned containers to which you’ll just need to add cold milk or water in order to make your delicious beverage. Don’t worry about storing a big, bulky container of powder that you’ll need to portion each day. And you won’t need to fall back on a ready-to-drink container, either. Nope, Ample Meal is the best of both worlds.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free and soy-free
-100 percent natural, organic, non-GMO, non-BPA
-Great-tasting product and easy to mix
-400 calories” cons=”-None” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details” link=”https://www.curedisease.com/recommends/ample-homepage/” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”BioTrust” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIt%E2%80%99s%20also%20certified%20hormone-free%20(meaning%20no%20rBGH%20or%20rBST)%20and%20is%20void%20of%20artificial%20sweeteners%2C%20colors%2C%20and%20flavors.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
BioTrust tops our list so far when it comes to protein inclusions with an impressive 24 grams of protein that come from humanely-treated, pasture-raised, grass-fed cows. Plus, the protein blend is time-released, meaning that your body’s appetite will be sufficiently curbed and you won’t need to worry about suddenly eating a bunch of food right after enjoying the shake that is supposedly replacing your meal.
Additionally, a compound called ProHydrolase — BioTrust’s proprietary enzyme — helps the product absorb in a smoother fashion, all but eliminating the stomach problems and bloating that often comes with high-protein supplements.
You can enjoy BioTrust Low-Carb, Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder in as many as eight different flavors, including but not limited to chocolate peanut butter, cafe mocha, peach mango, strawberry banana, vanilla, and more.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
-24 grams of grass-fed protein per serving
-No hormones or artificial flavoring or coloring
-Includes proprietary enzyme blend to eliminate gas and bloating
-Eight flavors available” cons=”-Only comes in one size” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hM4ZB6″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”310″ /]
It is loaded with 15 grams of Tri-plex proteins, including pea, hemp protein, and brown rice. There is also a high concentration of fiber, which works with the proteins to improve and encourage lean muscle development.
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You can find 310 in five different flavors: chocolate, salted caramel, strawberry, vanilla, vanilla chai. The starter kit includes both chocolate and vanilla.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, soy-free, sugar -free
-No artificial sweeteners or flavorings
-15g of Tri-Plex proteins
-Probiotics and 20 vitamins and minerals included” cons=”-Only 90 calories per serving” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hJeCAn” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Invigor8″ /]
Invigor8 goes the extra mile by including both pre and probiotics, as well as immunity boosters. That means that this shake will improve your gut health, as well as help your immunity system feel better as a whole. And not only that, but the third-party testing that has been completed suggests that the ingredients included in Invigor8 will also help improve brain function, too.
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And the benefits don’t stop there, either. Invigor8 also has raw coconut (provides a metabolism boost), colostrum (boosts the immune system), and Omega 3, 6, and 9-rich chia and flax seeds. The superfoods included are kale, spinach, alfalfa, chlorella, and broccoli.
You can purchase your batch of Invigor8 in two flavors, chocolate brownie or french vanilla. The only real potential downside to this product is that it only includes 170 total calories per serving.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, non-GMO
-Many superfoods included-20 g of grass-fed, premium whey protein
-Includes pre and probiotics” cons=”-Only 170 calories per serving” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/32HFsmc” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”UB Super” /]
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UB Super’s product also includes ample amount of pre and probiotics to enhance gut health with the proper digestive enzymes. Plus, the included Hyaluronic acids assist with support to encourage healthy skin and joints.
When you purchase UB Super, you’ll be getting either “Vegan Chocolate” or “Vegan Vanilla”, and the product will be arriving at your doorstep in a 16-ounce container.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan
-Rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants from superfoods
-Includes pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes” cons=”-Only one size and two flavors to choose from” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hGkiLL” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Garden of Life” /]
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There are 20 grams of clean, organic plant protein, 44 superfoods, and 21 vitamins and minerals included in each serving of Garden of Life’s products. The superfoods include but are not limited to fruits, veggies, and organic grass juices. Additionally, there are six grams of fiber per serving — and don’t forget the added bonus of probiotics.
Your shipment of Garden of Life will arrive in either a 16-ounce or 32.1-ounce container, or in a similar total amount but divided into individual serving packets. Simply pick the quantity that fits what you need best, wait for it to arrive, and enjoy.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
-Non-GMO, vegan, organic, and kosher
-20 grams of plant protein
-44 superfoods and 21 vitamins and minerals” cons=”-N/A” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EMKVQq” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”PlantFusion” /]
PlantFusion’s offering is, of course, gluten-free, as well as dairy-free, non-GMO, and vegan. Again, another dairy-free and gluten-free meal replacement shake option. It’s also free of all other major allergens, including soy, rice, eggs, nuts, fish, tree nuts, and shellfish.
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There are 200 calories per serving, which is palatable and fairly middle-of-the-road for what we came across. You can buy PlantFusion in either a one-pound or two-pound tub, or in individually-portioned, single-serve packets of powder.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
-Free of all major allergens
-18 grams of plant-based protein per serving
-200 calories per serving” cons=”-Only two flavors to choose from” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EKMHl6″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Kate Farms” /]
Kate Farm’s product’s 16 grams of protein is actually organic plant protein geared towards accomplishing goals such as maintaining and repairing lean muscle and encouraging cell growth. Additionally, this shake has a low glycemic index, which allows your body to appropriately digest the nutrients delivered by the supplement.
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You’ll find flavors including vanilla, coffee, and chocolate; the flavoring is all-natural with no chemical additives or artificial sweetener.
In terms of the best gluten-free, dairy-free meal replacement shakes out there, this one is right near the top of the list.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and corn-free
-All-natural, vegan
-Low-glycemic, includes 24 vitamins and minerals and 29 antioxidants
-290 calories, three flavors to choose from” cons=”-N/A” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34LARCk” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Final Thoughts
Perhaps this goes without saying — or, at least it should — but before you make a final decision on which meal replacement shake you’re going to go with, make absolutely sure that the shake that you’ve chosen is indeed gluten-free. Our list is a great list, but we would strongly encourage everyone to read the ingredients list on each product before purchasing, and certainly before consuming, each product.
Remember what we said at the start of the article about which nutrients were the most important? That’s right, calories and protein. You’ll recall that they both contribute to hunger control, and that protein is an important player when it comes to building and maintaining muscles.
All that said, be sure to pay attention to those totals. We had options on this list that were all over the board, although the majority fell in the 200 to 400 calorie range. While the lower-calorie options are still viable, you may need to plan on enjoying a healthy snack or side item to supplement those meal replacement shakes.
Also, be sure to consider the many additional benefits that many of these products offer. This might be the inclusion of superfoods, real fruits and veggies, significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, pre and probiotics, additional antioxidants, or a unique or proprietary blend of protein.
In other words, as long as you’re at it in terms of finding a gluten-free meal replacement shake that fits your needs and has a taste that you enjoy, be sure to consider what the extra benefits each of the options might be able to provide. And even if it’s simply a tiebreaker to choose one product over another — at least at the start — ancillary benefits are absolutely something that should be taken into consideration before your purchasing decision.
Oh, and don’t forget: consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine — and that includes beginning to use meal replacement shakes on anything resembling a regular basis. While meal replacement shakes are widely considered to be healthy and effective when utilized properly, it’s always best practice to make sure your physician is aware, and ideally, approves of the changes you’re making.
There are plenty of outstanding options on this list and elsewhere, but ultimately, it’s up to you, the consumer. Do your research, check with your doctor, and get to choose a gluten-free meal replacement shake!