Shakeology alternatives

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Have you heard of Shakeology? According to the Shakeology-enthusiasts, it is a meal replacement shake that removes toxins from your body while allowing absorption of important nutrients. It claims to contain over 70 superfood ingredients from all over the world. Celebrities and people in the fitness industry have heavily endorsed this meal replacement shake.

First and foremost, whenever celebrities endorse a health product, your “B.S. radar system” should go haywire. Because your favorite actor or actress uses a product does not mean it is the most effective product ever; yet, they make you feel that it is. Another issue is cost. Whenever a celebrity endorses a product, chances are it is overpriced. Shakeology is not any different. Shakeology costs $129.95 for a 30 serving bag or 24 packets. In other words, it is $4.33 or $5.41 per shake. It appears Shakeology is trying to “shake” the dollars out of your wallet or purse!

Please understand that I am not knocking Shakeology. Plenty of people have expressed the effectiveness of the product. However, there are cheaper alternative meal replacement powders that provide the same health benefits as Shakeology.

Top 4 Alternative Meal Replacement Powders

If you are seriously committed to creating your very own “counterfeit” shakes built on the back of everything that Shakeology brings to the table, you’re going to need to start off with a top quality protein powder or you may as well not even waste your time.

The protein powder that you choose to act as the foundation of your new shakes is going to be the backbone of your meal replacement solutions, and is going to be the “magic powder” that makes your weight loss transformation a reality.

This all leads to the kind of super shake you’ve been looking for!

Here are 3 of the best meal replacement powders on the market today – perfect for your “counterfeit” Shakeology shakes!

1 -IdealShake® Meal Replacement Shake (Chocolate)

Sale
2,109 Reviews
IdealShake Meal Replacement Shakes |11-12g of Healthy Whey Protein Blend | Promotes Weight Loss | 22 Essential Vitamins & Minerals | 5g of Fiber | Chocolate Cream Pie | 30 Servings
  • LOW FAT + LOW SUGAR: If you are craving a smooth and creamy meal replacement with only 110-120 calories and 2g of sugar, our mouth-watering protein powder is exactly what you need!
  • PROMOTES LEAN MUSCLE MASS: 11g of whey protein in every tasty serving combined with daily exercise will help increase fat burn and post workout muscle recovery.
  • VITAMINS AND MINERALS: Our meal replacement powder is packed with 22 vitamins, minerals and 5g of dietary fiber.
  • FEEL MORE ENERGIZED, STRONGER & HEALTHIER - With the right balance of protein, carbs, and fat, just pick a delicious flavor of our meal replacement shake and mix in your favorite ingredients to keep you satisfied!
  • QUICK AND EASY - IdealShake is easy to use and easy to make. Replace one or two meals a day for safe and effective weight loss. Whip up a meal replacement shake in seconds! It's the perfect grab-and-go diet shake.

My Review

Created by IdealShape, contains 30 servings, costs $1.93 per serving.

Has a sweet chocolate flavor, from cocoa powder, with only 1 gram of sugar per shake (perfect for diabetics also).

No trans fat and includes healthy fats like Sunflower Oil Creamer, with only 3 grams of total fat per serving.

Their formula includes Slendesta, a natural hunger blocker that helps you reduce cravings as you feel full for longer period. Learn more about Slendesta here.

Why I recommend it ?

Very attractive price, and it comes with 30 Day money back guarantee so, if you are not happy, you’ll get a refund.

It has a good and easy to like taste and very low sugar. Some people find it too sweet, when preparing your shake, use sugar-free almond or soy milk.

If it’s your first time doing a meal replacement shake, this is my 1st recommendation.

Available on IdealShape official site.

2 – ViSalus VI-Shape Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake (Sweet Cream)

2,462 Reviews
ViSalus VI-Shape Nutritional Shake Mix Sweet Cream Flavor 22oz (1 Bag, 24 meals)
  • The Shake Mix that tastes like a cake mix!
  • Low fat, sodium, sugar
  • Full Serving of Fiber. Non-GMO Soy protein Isolate for heart health.
  • Specially processed to remove fat, lactose, and carbohydrates from each of the proteins.
  • Each shake is infused with 23 vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes, fiber, calcium, protein, and more! The sweet cream flavor tastes great mixed in water (as a snack or postworkout fuel) or blended with non-fat milk, soy milk, or other beverages.

My Review

Have you ever wished that cake would be healthy for you? Well that day has come! ViSalus Vl-Shape (Sweet Cream Flavor) is a Non-GMO meal replacement shake that tastes like cake mix. This shake provides a unique blend of proteins that work quickly, provide long-lasting nutrition to help you burn fat, and build lean muscle. In addition, it contains Fibersol, a new patented fiber blend that helps keep you feeling full and provide benefits of fiber without causing gas.

Averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, customers have raved about the weight loss they experience using VI-Shape. How much does it cost, you ask? Only $41.87 for 1 bag that provides 30 servings. Sounds like a better deal than Shakeology to me. Available on Amazon.com

3 -Garden of Life Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal (Vanilla)

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8,253 Reviews
Garden of Life Meal Replacement - Organic Raw Plant Based Protein Powder, Vanilla, Vegan, Gluten-Free, 34.2oz (969g) Powder
  • ON-THE-GO NUTRITION: 20 grams of clean, organic plant protein with 44 superfoods including organic grass juices, fruits and veggies and 6 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied
  • POST WORKOUT RECOVERY: Help build lean muscle and boost energy with this power-packed meal replacement
  • VITAMINS AND MINERALS: This delicious vanilla protein powder is packed with 21 vitamins and minerals
  • MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKE WITH PROBIOTICS: Tasty, smooth protein shake with 1.5 billion CFU probiotics and enzymes for easy digestion
  • VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER: Organic, gluten free, Star-K kosher, vegan, dairy free, soy free, Informed Choice Certified (Trusted by Sport), non-GMO whole food protein

My Review

In an effort to get healthier, many people are turning vegan. Regardless if you’re vegan or a carnivore for life, Garden of Life meal replacement powder is worth your hard-earned money. This Non-GMO product is certified USDA Organic and contains no dairy nor gluten. Garden of Life provides 20 grams of raw, organic plant-based protein per serving and contains probiotics & enzymes that thoroughly cleanse your digestive system. Averaging 4 stars on Amazon, the people have spoken: This meal replacement is legit. The cost? Only $36.90 for 28 servings. Another alternative shake that “shakes” Shakeology’s price while providing similar health benefits. On stock on Amazon.com .

4 – Labrada Nutrition Meal Replacement Shake (Chocolate Ice Cream)

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839 Reviews
LABRADA Nutrition – Lean Body High Protein Meal Replacement Shake, Whey Protein Powder, Chocolate, 2.47LB Tub
  • LEAN BODY contains 35g of fast-release and slow-release proteins, to give you a sustained flow of vital amino acids for faster muscle growth and increases in strength.
  • AWARD WINNING TASTE - Lean Body is a 5-time winner of the American Culinary Institute's Gold Medal Taste Award.
  • ALL-IN-ONE MRP - Forget other supplement pills and powders - you get it all in Lean Body : concentrated muscle-building, fat burning nutrition in one delicious, easy-to-make shake.
  • NO JUNK - LEAN BODY is free of maltodextrin, artificial colors, aspartame, preservatives and trans fats

My Review

If chocolate ice cream is your guilty pleasure, then you will love Labrada. If your fitness goal is to build muscle, then you will really love it! This meal replacement powder provides 35 grams of protein per serving; thus, this powder aims to pack on the muscle. Also, it contains 24 essential vitamins and minerals, 7 grams of fiber and contains no maltodextrin, artificial colors, and preservatives. The only drawback about this product is it contains 350 mg of sodium and 290 calories per serving (Note: The other 2 alternative meal replacement powders are better choices if weight loss is your goal). Other than that, Labrada is worth buying at its $29.94 price tag. Available at Amazon.com .

Shakeology Alternative Recipes

Sweet Cream Blueberry Avocado Meal Replacement Shake

I could not leave you without a recipe (more meal replacement shakes recipes here) for a scrumptious meal replacement shake!  In this shake, I added 2 superfoods, blueberries and avocado. The following is the health benefits that this shake provides:

  • Reduce Cravings
  • Provides More Energy
  • Weight Loss
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Lowers Cholesterol
  • Improves Digestion & Bowel Movements

Shakeology provides these same health benefits….at a higher cost. Do your finances a favor and get one of the three aforementioned meal replacement alternatives. On that note, try this meal replacement shake in which uses ViSalus VI-Shape Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake (Sweet Cream).

Directions:

Add ingredients in a blender, and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Kitchen Blender

There are several options here, I’ve used the Ninja Blender Professional (available on amazon.com). Today I use Vitamix 1709, find why I’ve spent $484 on a kitchen blender here. Or how to Choose the Best Blender for Smoothies under $200.

Ingredients:

21 Day Fix Containers

1 Red, 1 Purple

Breakfast Replacement Shakes Recipes

Get more ideas for your morning shakes. All my favorite meal replacement shakes recipes available here.

 

Get Your Free Copy of The Meal Shakes Book

The Meal Shakes Book

Get access to all my lunch and breakfast recipes by downloading The Meal Shakes Book.

I’ve created The Meal Shakes Book to provide you with all the information you need to start your meal replacement shakes plan.

It’s more than just recipes; in this book you can find my plan, my recommendations and what you need before starting.

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Last update on 2019-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sarah

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m so happy that you’re here! I've shared my story here

91 Comments

      • There are a lot of things on your page that I read and use. However, I think that the alternatives to Shakeology are misleading. While they can be grouped together as “meal replacements”, the ingredients and health benefits between the Shakeology and 3 alternatives differ greatly from one to the next.

        • Hi Kevin,

          Thanks for your kind words.
          Shakeology contain a lot of more ingredients, that’s true. Although more ingredients does not mean that is more effective or healthy. Shakeology is more popular, more advertised, more celebrities endorsed, and that is reflected on it’s high price, we customers, pay for the product.
          These list is, in my opinion, along with “The best meal replacement shakes for weight loss” are the best meal replacement shakes on the market today for the price you pay. This is based on my opinions and experience. That’s my opinion 🙂

  1. Looking forward to seeing the recipes. I have a soy allergy so fining a good protein powder that tastes good is a little difficult. Thanks for the info!

  2. Hi! Thank you so much for all this amazing information, it has been so helpful and I feel prepared with the tools necessary. I loved the pages that you posted on protein options. After you post recipes for shakes, maybe put them under: Days to fitness menu on the right under this page? or under the 21 Day Fix Recipes? Either way maybe let us know, we should be able to figure it out 🙂 Thanks again!

    • Hi Emily. Thanks for your kind words and for the suggestion. A new guide will be published next week, a new protein shake approach that you can easily do at home. Thanks for your patience.

    • Hi Renee,
      I’ll publish a new approach for shakeology alternatives including recipes. Thanks for your patience, next week it’ll be ready and published.

    • Hi Chris,
      I’m taking a new approach, regarding Shakeology alternatives. I’m still working on the guide and recipes will be included and more. I know that I’ve been taking more time than I expected but, I’m pretty sure, that you’ll like it. Allow me some more days, and next week the new guide will be ready and published.
      Thanks for your patience.

      • I’m looking forward to this. I can’t afford shakology and can’t tolerate the MSM it has in it. Making my own would allow me to fix that 🙂

  3. hello 🙂
    I am looking to do the 21 day fix because I have friends getting such great results. My question is about protein powder….what do you think of the total lean by GNC? I have some at home and would love to be able to use it. But I’m not sure if it will be sufficient. Thanks for the help!

    • Hi Erin,
      I never tried Total Lean by GNC. I did some research about it and found that this is a Milk and Soy way Isolate, containing soybean oil. It seems that is working for some people as a meal replacement but can’t tell if that’s the best for you. My advice would say to start without the shake and then replace a meal with a protein shake (check the meal replacement matrix to create a complete shake) and then see how it goes for you. Hope I have helped.

  4. What other protein/meal replacement are an alternative to Shakeology? I’ve been reading other websites and they have more of a selection than you have put and they go into detail about it. I have read that Lean Body has a very similiar taste and ingredients

    • Hi,
      I’ve updated this post and have included the “meal replacement matrix” so you can easily create your own meal replacement shakes by picking 1 Low sugar cab, 1 Healthy fat and 1 Probiotic. At Protein Shake Recipes you can find some examples. Hope I’ve answered your question and let me know what you think about this new version of Shakeology Alternatives. Thanks

  5. I’m not sure you will be able to duplicate the Shakeology nutritional shake. It’s not just a protein shake from what I’ve read and the amount of super foods in it is staggering and I’ve priced some ate the health food stores….would spend way more on the separate ingredients. I’ve had pretty amazing results with Shakeology and just dumped a bunch of stuff that wasn’t healthy in my diet and replaced it with Shakeology. Phoebes, thanks for your insight on the protein powders on the market.

  6. Hi Sarah,
    Just wanted to know, What would the container count be if I used your recipe, Sweet Cream Blueberry Avocado Meal Replacement Shake. Would it count as a read because it’s a meal replacement.

    Please advise…
    Thanks in advance,
    Felicia

    • Hi Felicia,

      Good question, that information was missing. I’ve just updated the recipe.
      It’s 1 Red (for the meal replacement shake powder) and 1 Purple (frozen blueberries). Not counting the avocado because it’s a very small piece, but if you decide to add a little more remember to add a blue container. Hope I’ve answered your question.

  7. Just received by Extreme package. I, however, was hoping for more detailed meal planning. I don’t quite reach the 1200 count so know I need to use that as my number, but I can’t seem to find something already planned out for this (I am not using the Shakelology – too expensive). Can someone help me with a sample daily plan for 1200 calories. I have no allergies or diet restrictions, so anything goes. Not a real fan of coconut. Please help.Also I have the Garden Of Life Raw Meal vanilla packages (2.8 oz each). Is that equal to one scoop? And does the honey count? Can Agave be substituted? Thank you very much

  8. I ordered the visalus sweet cream mix, when I make this do I use 2 scoops as directed on the package when mixing with water or 1 scoop? They also rec. trying it with unsweetened almond milk, would that change the portion from 1red container?

    • Hi Justyna,

      2 scoops of visalus is 1 purple container. In my opinion, adding unsweetened almond milk doesn’t add an extra red container. Although if you add 1 cup of fruit consider adding half a purple container. Hope I’ve helped.

      • Don’t you mean that 2 scoops = 1 red? You said red in another answer above but here you say purple. Just want to clarify that 2 scoops of Visalus would be 1 red and then a serving of fruit would add a purple.

  9. So I have isagenix shakes which are 240 calories for one shake. Should I just have 1 shake as a snack and call it 1 red container. Or as a meal replacement?

  10. I just ordered the ViSalus VI-Shape Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake (Sweet Cream) and I am about to start the 21 day fix extreme and I didn’t want to spend 129$ on shakeology. I was looking under your alternate shakeology recipe, but i can’t find any other ones that explain the containers. Am i blind or do you not have other ones. If you do can you tell me where they are. i\

    • Hi Kayla. All the meal replacement shakes are 1 red container, because of the protein levels of this shakes. Now if you had some fruit or veggies, use the color containers to know how much of purple and green containers you have used before adding the ingredients to the blender.

  11. Thank you so much for this info. I bought some shaklee protein drink powder and wonder how it stacks up with the ones you recommend?

  12. Have you tried the chocolate Raw Meal? I assume it should be equivalent to the vanilla but just chocolate flavored?
    Thanks!

  13. What is the difference between the 3 meal replacement powders listed under shakeology alternative and the 3 meal replacement options in the article on choosing meal replacement for weight loss? If I want to make healthy meal replacement shakes which product should I be considering? There are a total of 5 powders you mentioned but I don’t know if they are for the same purpose. Thank

    • Hi Carolyn,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Yes it’s true, there are different options in those 2 articles. The reason is because those articles have been published on different times. So Shakeology Alternatives was published when I was looking something to cut the costs of Shakeology, while Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight loss was published after when I decided to start a plan to lose weight with meal replacement shakes. But let’s get to the question.

      All of them are, in my opinion and experience, the best options, to lose weight, you have today on the market without paying a fortune. (Note: Labrada Nutrition is more directed to those who want to build muscle)

      As you can find on the last section ( “My Personal Recommendation”) of Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight loss :
      If this is the first time you are trying Meal Replacement Shakes, go for IdealShake . (or ViSalus VI-Shape )
      If you are vegan, or lactose intolerant or have any soy allergy go to Vega One or RAW Organic Meal Vanilla.

      • Thank you for responding. I have tried the RAW organic powder before but couldn’t get past the taste. I prefer sweeter powders so I will try the ViSalus creamy vanilla since u said its like cake batter. Hopefully, that will help my sweet tooth along with the weight benefits.

  14. I love the Shakeology shake in my vitamix. But would love to have it as an 11:00 snack at work. Is there a way to make it beforehand and still have it be good at work? I really like your site!

  15. Wouldn’t the homemade shake also include a blue container, in addition to the red and purple? Also, what about the almond milk, isn’t that another ontainer too?

  16. Amanda Dunham on

    Thank you for your recommendations! I’ve been using Visalus and really like it! I was telling my mom about meal replacement shakes and I’d like to see her start using them, however she is allergic to sucralose, which is in Visalus. Do you have any recommendations for weight loss/meal replacement shakes that don’t have Sucralose? Thank you!!

  17. I love candy on

    I just orderedthe Vi-salus because of your recommendations. Funny that I was just talking to my husband about how much I like Shakeology but it was too expensive and I wish there was an alternative. Your article was on time. I’m hoping this will work like shakeology did for me.

    • Hello Sher,

      I’ve heard about 310 Shake but I haven’t tried, yet. I would like to try it and do a review, but can’t tell you when that will happen. A lot of surprises are about to come to Days to Fitness, stay tuned 🙂 Have a great day

  18. Hi. I appreciate your reviews and recommendations above. i have hesitated ordering Shakeology because of the cost.
    I need a product without Soy at all, if a sweetner is added, using Stevia, a low sugar content and a low Carbohydrate content. Not required, but preferred…No Gluten. And all the nutrients of Shakeology!
    I know that is a lot to ask…and still be cheaper than Shakeology.
    Thanks for any in put!

    • Hi Mary,

      Thanks for your comment. Based on your requirements: Soy-free, low sugar, low carb and gluten free I would recommend Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal, available at Amazon.com. It’s soy free, low sugar (1 gram), low carb (8 grams), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan. And yes, it’s cheaper than Shakeology 🙂 . Let me know your thoughts. Hope I’ve helped. Have a great day.

  19. I would love for you to share a shake you are able to compare as being “just like” or “as good” as shakeology by listing a shake that provides every single health benefit that shakeology has to offer. Not just that it is good for you and cheaper. If you can’t, then you need to express that you are providing an opinion and not passing it off as a fact.

    • Hi Christina,

      The shakes listed here are high quality shakes for weight loss. In my opinion, this shakes are very good, in terms of quality, and cheaper alternatives to Shakeology.

  20. Shakeology is not a meal replacement, you know that right? You are giving an opinion in the guise of facts. I drink shakeology and it is once again…….NOT A MEAL REPLACEMENT

    • Hi Amanda,

      Thanks for your comment. Yes, shakeology is designed to replace a meal or snack. In 21 day fix eating plan, shakeology shakes are used to replace meals and reduce cravings, this is, by definition, a meal replacement shake. But more important than labelling it, is if you like it or not? And can you afford it or not ? In this article I suggest, my personal recommendations for shakeology alternatives. If you love your shakeology you probably don’t need any of this suggestions, but, you might be tempted to give a try, maybe enjoy it, and save a lot of money. Have a great day.

  21. Hey my name is Sarah too !!

    I was wondering if you have ever found an alternative to the Energize (preworkout)

    Ive found unflavored beta alanine products but i was hoping there was something else out there more closely related to energize!

  22. I’m considering purchasing the Ideal Shake that you’ve recommended. I see there is Chocolate and Chocolate Super. Which do you recommend?

    • Hi Karen,

      I do prefer Chocolate but they are both very similar. If it’s your first time doing meal replacement shakes, chocolate is a good way to start. All the luck

  23. Sarah,
    I appreciate these alternatives. While Shakeo does boast of giving many different benefits and I would LOVE to buy it every single month, it’s cost prohibitive right now. I don’t go to Starbucks, we don’t eat out as a family, and I don’t have a daily/weekly “luxury” I can give up. Putting 130/month toward our grocery bill so I can have “superfoods” or a meal replacement or a magical substance of any kind is a lot to ask of my family. (especially when they don’t get any!!)
    So – thank you for pointing me in the right direction. The world of shakes is endless and intimidating. Ignore the haters that are picking at you. I am a Shakeology fan AND I love my BB coach, but sometimes you just need an alternative and a place to start. Thank you!

  24. Sarah,

    I like your post. I have a question What is the difference between the Shake and the Isolate Protein?

    Thank you for the information.

    • Hello,

      I don’t know if I understand your question correctly, but I assume that you mean a meal replacement shake and buying isolate protein? There are two different products. Isolate Protein is protein that is added to homemade shakes, can be pre or post workout. There are different applications. While the shakes on these post are meal replacement shakes. The goal of these shakes is to replace one meal and reduce calorie intake and lose weight. These shakes contain protein because protein takes time to be digested helping to reduce appetite and you feel full for longer, reducing cravings and avoid constantly snacking, With Isolate Protein you can also create your own meal replacement shakes. Hope I’ve helped. Have a great day.

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