Unlike some protein drinks, smoothies, or juices, which are more like low-calorie snacks, meal replacement shakes are designed to stand in for your entire breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They should meet similar nutritional standards as a solid meal in terms of calories, carbs, fat, and protein. While we wouldn’t recommend replacing all of your meals with these supercharged sippers, they’re a convenient option to reach for on busy mornings or whenever you need to grab something on the go.
If you’re thinking these shakes are an effective diet solution, know this: Whole foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins contain beneficial nutrients and compounds that can’t be replicated in a ready-to-drink package. Rather than a healthy hack, these drinks are a way to shore up nutritional deficits or keep your body revving when back-to-back meetings or errands prevent you from sitting down for something more substantial. “If you’re an athlete or very active and require more calories and protein throughout the day, they can also be useful to meet your nutritional needs,” adds Amy K. Fischer M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., a registered dietitian and contributing writer at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Meet the Experts: Amy K. Fischer M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., is a registered dietitian and contributing writer at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Before slugging one back, it’s important to check nutrition info and ingredient labels. Many of these store-bought drinks are high in sugar and don’t have enough protein or calories to constitute a real meal—let alone keep you full until your next nosh. Additionally, most pre-made shakes aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as they’re often considered supplements, so it’s a good idea to look for third-party seals that indicate they’ve been tested for quality.
Our top picks
- BEST OVERALLPremier Protein Chocolate Protein ShakeREAD MORE
- BEST FOR MUSCLE GAINMuscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein ShakeREAD MORE
- BEST DAIRY-FREEKoia Protein Ready To Drink Plant Protein ShakeREAD MORE
To help narrow down your choices, we rounded up our top store-bought picks that should meet your nutritional needs, keep you full, and most importantly, taste delicious.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
1. Best Overall: Premier Protein Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST OVERALL
Premier Protein Chocolate Protein Shake
$30 AT AMAZONCREDIT: PREMIER PROTEIN
PROS
- Contains 24 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, E, and zinc
- Winner of American Masters of Taste Gold Medal for superior tasting ready-to-drink protein beverages
CONS
- Some users report a chalky taste
| Protein | 30 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 1 gram |
With mouthwatering flavors like caramel, chocolate, cookies & cream, and vanilla, there’s something for every sweet tooth out there. And as a recipient of the American Master of Taste Gold Medal for superior taste, Premier Protein’s shakes are so smooth and delicious that you’ll probably mistake your drink for a milkshake.
What the reviews say: “Love these shakes. I’m doing Weight Watchers and these have been a huge tool in my weight loss,” wrote one Amazon customer. “This is very convenient and delicious. Easy to grab one to get out the door quick. It handles my hunger for a meal replacement option but gives me the protein and vitamins I need,” said another reviewer.
2. Best for Muscle Gain: Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake
BEST FOR MUSCLE GAIN
Muscle Milk Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake
$29 AT AMAZON$4 AT WALMARTCREDIT: MUSCLE MILK
PROS
- Contains two types of protein, whey and casein
- Has five grams of fiber
CONS
- Some reviewers say the bottle is hard to open
| Protein | 32 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sugar | 1 gram |
Packed with a whopping 32 grams of protein, Muscle Milk’s shakes are great for satisfying hunger and building muscle. One shake provides 16 different vitamins and minerals as well as five grams of fiber, but it has just one gram of sugar. These shakes also come in four great-tasting flavors.
What the reviews say: “Delicious and filling. Leaves you feeling like you ate a wholesome meal. Tastes good,” shared one Amazon customer. “It’s creamy and doesn’t have that chalky aftertaste some shakes tend to leave…It packs a solid protein amount per serving,” said another satisfied reviewer.
3. Best Dairy-Free: Koia Ready To Drink Plant Protein Shake
BEST DAIRY-FREE
Koia Protein Ready To Drink Plant Protein Shake
$4 AT AMAZONCREDIT: KOIA
PROS
- Dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free
- Made with plant-based proteins like brown rice, pea, and chickpea
CONS
- Some reviewers say it has a gritty texture
| Protein | 18 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 7 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
This top-rated shake from Koia provides 18 grams of plant-based protein, with four grams of sugar. It’s an especially great option for those who are sensitive to milk products, as it’s dairy-free—it uses almond milk, along with a blend of brown rice, pea, and chickpea proteins. Plus, it’s kosher and doesn’t contain gluten or soy. You can choose from seven different delicious flavors—including unique options like cinnamon horchata.
What the reviews say: “I love this drink! I’m lactose intolerant and have been struggling to find a non-dairy protein drink that’s ready on-the-go for the morning,” said one reviewer on Amazon. “It’s become one of my favorite breakfast items, especially after an early morning workout. Would definitely recommend to friends and those looking for healthy nutritional options.”
4. Best Nutrients: Happy Viking Vegan Plant Protein Shakes
BEST NUTRIENTS
Happy Viking Vegan Plant Protein Shakes
SHOP AT AMAZONCREDIT: HAPPY VIKING
PROS
- Made with plant-based, yellow pea and brown rice protein
- Contains fruit and veggies like kale and berries
CONS
- Some reviewers don’t love the taste
| Protein | 20 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 5 grams |
Created by tennis champion Venus Williams, these shakes are full of plenty of good-for-you ingredients: They contain 20 grams of plant-based protein from brown rice and pea protein to keep you full and satisfied, and they pack in nutritious foods like broccoli, ancient grains, and carrots, as well as a cup of fruit and vegetable phytonutrients, 32 mg of DHA omega-3, and probiotics.
What the reviews say: “Loved the flavor of the triple chocolate shake. Yummy flavor without tasting thick or slimy like other ready-to-drink shakes,” said one reviewer. “My stomach couldn’t handle whey/casein protein shakes, and this has been a game changer. Thrilled that I can pronounce every ingredient on the list, and that it meets my nutritional needs as an athlete. Love the addition of the omegas as well.”
5. Best Organic: Orgain Organic Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST ORGANIC
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake
$35 AT AMAZON$41 AT WALMARTCREDIT: ORGAIN
PROS
Made with vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, and potassium
- Contains organic fruit and veggie blends
CONS
- 11g added sugar
| Protein | 16 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugar | 12 grams |
If you’re looking for an all-organic meal replacement shake, look no further than Orgain. All four flavors—creamy chocolate fudge, sweet vanilla bean, strawberries and cream, and iced café mocha—pack 16 grams of grass-fed whey protein powder. This drink is also a little more substantial than some of the other meal replacements on this list, offering 250 calories. But 250 calories still doesn’t constitute a whole meal, so be sure to pair it with something extra (like the suggestion below) to help keep you satiated until your next real meal.
What the reviews say: “I love Orgain. I recommend it to everyone. I use the shakes as a meal replacement on busy days and the protein drinks as nutritional supplements to keep up my protein levels. My elderly father has thrived since Orgain has become a staple of his breakfast meals,” one Amazon customer wrote.
6. Best High-Protein: Labrada Whey Protein Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST HIGH PROTEIN
Labrada Lean Body Protein Shakes
Now 12% Off
$42 AT AMAZONCREDIT: LABRADA
PROS
- Offers 30% of your daily value of calcium
- Contains 22 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin
CONS
- High in sodium compared to others on this list
| Protein | 40 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 9 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
This meal replacement shake is relatively low in calories at 280 calories per drink, and it boasts 40 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it one of the most filling choices on this list. It also has 0 grams of sugar and is lactose-free, making it an excellent pick for people who are sensitive to dairy or who steer clear of added sugars. While many high-protein drinks don’t have the best flavor, reviewers regularly mention the better-than-expected taste.
What the reviews say: “With 40 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar, I wasn’t expecting much from this. Wow was I wrong! The cookies & cream is delicious!” wrote one Amazon customer.
7. Best Plant-Based: Ripple Vegan Protein Shakes
BEST VEGAN
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
PROS
- Non-GMO project verified
- Soy-, lactose-, and nut-free
CONS
- Low in fiber
| Protein | 20 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 9 grams |
These plant-based shakes from Ripple are packed with nutrition pea protein, cocoa powder, water, and monk fruit extract. One shake contains 20 grams of vegan protein and two grams of fiber. They’re also soy-, lactose-, and nut-free, and don’t that gritty texture that most plant-based protein shakes have, according to reviewers.
What the reviews say: “I have tried literally every plant-based protein drink or shake on the market and none of them compare to Ripple. Ripple Chocolate is the closest-tasting product to a high-quality whey protein drink that I’ve found,” shared one reviewer.
8. Best Keto-Friendly: Pure Protein Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST KETO-FRIENDLY
Pure Protein Vanilla Protein Shake
Now 23% Off
$22 AT AMAZONCREDIT: PURE PROTEIN
PROS
- Contains 24 added vitamins and minerals—including vitamins A, C, D, and E plus Zinc
- Only 1.5 grams of total fat per shake, making it the lowest fat shake on this list
CONS
- Low in fiber
| Protein | 30 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugar | <1 gram |
People love Pure Protein shakes for good reason: A typical bottle offers 30 g of protein (along with calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D) for only 140 calories and about one gram of sugar. However, these drinks are low in fiber and fat, so you may want to sip on one with a snack on the side for a complete meal replacement. Still, if you’re craving something sweet, they come in satisfying flavors vanilla and rich chocolate.
What the reviews say: “I’ve been drinking this for breakfast for a few months. I find the packaging very convenient for on-the-go breakfast. It’s quite tasty, and you really can’t beat the macros,” an Amazon reviewer writes.
9. Best Allergy-Friendly: Owyn Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST ALLERGY-FRIENDLY
OWYN Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Protein Shake
$37 AT AMAZONCREDIT: OWYN
PROS
- Dairy-, soy-, peanut,- tree nut-, and gluten-free, and vegan
- Contains all nine essential amino acids
CONS
- Higher in carbs than other options on this list
| Protein | 20 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
Certified vegan and gluten-free, Owyn’s meal replacement shakes deliver 20 g of plant-based protein—a blend of pea protein, organic flaxseed oil, oat powder, and organic pumpkin seed powder. It also offers 23 different vitamins and minerals and contains zero fillers and artificial sweeteners. For for anyone with an allergy, these are also free from soy, dairy, and tree nuts.
It’s also important to note that these have a higher calorie content than some of the products on this list—each shake contains 250 calories. This means it’s perfect to pair with something light, like a serving of fruit, or veggies with a couple tablespoons of hummus to help round out your on-the-go meal. Try it in chocolate, vanilla, or chai, or pick up a variety pack to try all three flavors before settling on your favorite.
What the reviews say: “I have severe IBS and a number of health conditions that make eating real food difficult. These shakes have helped me significantly, and they taste great!” said an Amazon customer. “I’m allergic to gluten and dairy, and this is a healthy protein shake that’s safe to eat. The taste is on point and it’s really smooth and creamy,” wrote another reviewer.
10. Best Kosher: Soylent Meal Replacement Shakes
BEST KOSHER
Soylent Ready-to-Drink Meal Replacement Shakes (12 Pack)
$48 AT AMAZONCREDIT: SOYLENT
PROS
- Contains 35mg caffeine for an energy boost
- Vegan, kosher, and gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free
CONS
- High in fat and carbs
| Protein | 20 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 1 gram |
Soylent’s vegan- and kosher-friendly meal replacement shakes are 400 calories, which makes them a convenient choice for closer to a full-on meal when you don’t have time to pick up breakfast. One shake has 20 grams of protein and three grams of fiber, plus hefty doses of vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients. They come in coffee shop-like flavors including chai, cafe latte, and cafe mocha.
What the reviews say: “Soylent is pretty good! I love chai so I was excited to try this flavor. You can definitely taste the chai and it doesn’t taste too much like a protein drink. I am excited to try the other flavors and I love that it keeps me full for several hours,” an Amazon reviewer wrote.
11. Best Tasting: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Shake
BEST TASTING
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Shake
$21 AT AMAZONCREDIT: OPTIMUM NUTRITION
PROS
- Contains 24 added vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc
- Zero trans fat and zero added sugars
CONS
- Low in fiber
| Protein | 24 grams |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugar | 1 gram |
You’d be hard-pressed to find another meal replacement shake that comes as highly reviewed as Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Protein Shake. This grab-and-go drink has more than 1,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It comes in two standard flavors—chocolate and vanilla—with no added sugars and 24 grams of protein. At just 140 calories a pop, one of these drinks certainly needs to be paired with an extra snack to add calories, fats, and fiber, but if you’re looking for an easy way to add protein to your diet after a workout, this is a good way to go.
What the reviews say: “I’ve tried a lot of different protein shakes. Some have a chalky taste, some are a little rough on the stomach. This one is one of the only pre-made shakes that tastes good and is easily digested,” an Amazon customer said.
How to choose (and use) meal replacement shakes
Check the calorie content. In reality, having a meal replacement shake on its own isn’t enough. “The number of calories needed per person varies greatly depending on factors such as height, weight, activity level, age, and health goals,” explains Fischer. “Some adults might require only 400 calories per meal while others may require a lot more than 500 calories. Most meal replacement shakes usually fall in the range of 150-300 calories, so some individuals may need to supplement their shake with other food.”
Given that calorie content varies greatly from shake to shake, it’s important to pay attention to how many calories you’re consuming. There’s a big difference between a shake with 140 calories and a shake with 400 calories, so what you decide to pair with your shake may also need to be adjusted to meet your personal nutritional needs.
Check the protein and fiber content. Beyond just the calories in the shake, it’s important to pay attention to the nutrients as a whole. Protein typically varies from 15-40 grams per serving, and how much you need may depend on how active you are (athletes tend to need more protein than those who are inactive). Likewise, fiber and fat can help keep you full between meals, so drinking a shake with these nutrients can be beneficial. “While protein needs vary from person to person, look for a shake that contains more than 15-20 grams of protein, more than five grams of fiber, and 10-15 grams of unsaturated fat,” suggests Fischer.
Make it a meal. Remember it’s important to eat a balanced diet that delivers a wide range of nutrients from a variety of sources. A meal replacement shake may be able to check some of the boxes, but low calorie, fiber, or fat content may make it hard to stay full and energized all day. Depending on the nutritional content of the drink, make sure you add small, healthy snacks alongside it, like those suggested here. Easy, portable options include nuts, fruits, veggies, single packs of hummus, and hard-boiled eggs.
Can you lose weight with meal replacement shakes?
Weight loss depends on many factors, including total daily calorie intake. While it’s possible to lose weight with meal replacement shakes if you’re reducing your calorie intake to a level where you’re burning more calories each day than you’re consuming, it’s not a foregone conclusion. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to talk to a registered dietitian to make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, as most short-term diets don’t lead to sustained weight loss.
Is it okay to only drink meal replacement shakes?
As a general rule, no, you shouldn’t consume a diet that solely consists of meal replacement shakes. Fischer says, “Food first is always the best policy” and that meal replacement shakes are great for when you’re in a pinch but should be used sparingly. “I would not recommend drinking more than one a day except if there is an underlying reason, like a medical prescription,” she says.
Benefits of meal replacement shakes
While many meal replacement shakes do not offer enough calories to count as a meal, they do contain proteins, fats, and carbs, making them a good option to combat hunger—especially when paired with a nutritious snack.
Additional benefits, per the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Compensate for nutritional deficits
- Great source of protein
- Keep lean muscle
- Feel full
- Lower body fat
How we chose the best meal replacement shakes
We spoke with Amy K. Fischer M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., a registered dietitian at the Good Housekeeping Institute for nutritional insight on selecting the best meal replacement shakes, as well as her product recommendations. We also reviewed customer feedback and highlighted some of the internet’s best-selling drinks.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
