7 Best Meal Replacement Shakes For Women [Updated 2023]
7
Meal Shakes Reviewed
41
Hours of Research
91
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
If you’re a woman on the go, leading an active and busy lifestyle, then you might be in the market for the best meal replacement shakes for women. And yes, three nutritious and balanced meals daily are ideal, but that’s not always possible in today’s fast-paced world.
In reality, sometimes your schedule gets in the way of mealtimes. A meal replacement shake for women can be a good idea when you have limited time and don’t want to consume fast food for dinner.
Or maybe lunch hour turned into lunch minutes! Some of these protein powder drinks nourish your body with a great balance of fats, carbs, and proteins, making them perfect for a healthy lifestyle.
That said, these meal replacements shouldn’t be your go-to diet solution. Instead, you should consider them a way to shore up the nutrient deficiency or keep you energized when back-to-back meetings just can’t let you sit down and have a balanced meal. That’s why you must choose a quality meal replacement drink with the right nutritional value to match your needs and goals.
Fortunately, this guide will simplify your search, taking you through the best meal replacement shakes for women who want to retain or lose weight. But first things first, let’s get an overview of meal replacement protein powder.
Table of Contents
What Are Replacement Shakes?
Most people are familiar with the typical protein shake. However, pre-made protein shakes frequently lack sufficient amounts of essential nutrients compared to meal replacements.
A meal replacement shake is essentially a protein shake with a notable distinction. Their major difference from their standard counterparts is that meal replacement shakes are designed to offer the nutritional benefits of a complete meal. Therefore, manufacturers craft them using high-quality ingredients to provide a highly nutritional, delightful, and incredibly convenient on-the-go supplement.
What to Look for in The Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Here are some vital considerations when getting meal replacement shakes.
Total Calories
Calorie intake is among the top considerations when looking for the best meal replacement shakes for women. Ideally, the best shake should supply sufficient calories to energize you all day, which shouldn’t exceed the recommended 2,000 calories. Still, 300 to 600 calories can keep you going without going over the top. (1)
Protein Content
Apart from the total calories, you must also be wary of your product’s protein content, which is essentially your primary nutrient in the lean meal replacement shake. The best meal replacement should have enough protein to aid muscle recovery and strength. For ladies, 15 g -35 g of protein per serving is ideal.
Net Carb Content
If you aim to limit your carb intake, you don’t have to avoid it completely. Some low-carb meal replacement shakes contain high-carb levels, but much of it is in the form of fiber. For example, a shake with 21g carbs and 19g fiber is still low-carb. Fiber doesn’t affect ketosis, so subtracting fiber from total carbs gives net carbs.
Fat Content
By cutting down your carbs consumption, you’re only left with fat as your primary energy source. So be sure to check out this component when shopping for meal replacement shakes. In addition, consider protein shakes with the right amount of quality fats to maintain ketosis. To determine the right amount, simply subtract the product’s total fiber composition from its carb count. This calculation should leave you with a net carb content of about 2 grams.
Other Nutrients
Besides proteins, you also want meal replacement shakes that contain other essential nutrients for optimal health, fitness performance, and muscle recovery. The following nutrients are worth considering, even in minimal quantities:
- Hydroxymethyl butyrate
- Fish oil
- Sodium
- vitamin D
- Ketone body beta-hydroxybutyric acid Chromium
- Carnitine amino acid
- Creatine
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Taste
Meal replacement shakes have varying flavors, so you don’t need to force yourself with something you can’t stomach. If your meal replacement tastes terrible, it can discourage you from using it. Fortunately, you can check out customer reviews on taste and flavor before purchasing.
All that said, here are the best meal replacement shakes for women.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Women
PhenQ
Ingredient Quality
Taste
Price
Overall Score
Rootana
Ingredient Quality
Taste
Price
Overall Score
Instant Knockout
Ingredient Quality
Taste
Price
Overall Score
1. PhenQ Complete Meal Replacement
PhenQ’s Complete Meal Shake is the ideal meal replacement for women. This carb-friendly meal replacement shake is a brainchild of Wolfson Brands, a reputable health and fitness corporation renowned for investing in extensive research.
This meal replacement shake brand has served the supplements industry for over 15 years. To date, users laud its health value and convenience. As you’d expect, the brand’s complete high-protein meal replacement lives up to this reputation of the best meal replacement.
PhenQ is a premium brands meal replacement shake.
Highlighted Features
- Calories: 269
- Healthy fat: 13 grams
- Whey protein concentrate: 16 grams
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- Digezyme enzyme complex: 38 milligrams
- Sugar and gluten-free
- Keto-friendly and vegan
- Non-GMO
Features
Thanks to its exceptional quality and composition, the PhenQ meal shake is ahead of most ordinary protein shakes, taking the title of the best meal replacement on our list. But the meal replacement shake’s most notable feature is its all-natural formulation, free from artificial sweeteners, fillers, and ingredients.
The product is called a complete meal shake for a reason: it’s carefully balanced with the right amount of protein, low carbs, and healthy fats. This healthy combination supports your body’s ability to enter and maintain ketosis while supplying essential micronutrients. In addition, its 13 grams of high-quality beneficial fats deliver sufficient energy to keep you active.
You’ll also like that PhenQ’s complete meal replacement shake is CARB10 content, which is essentially a patented blend of low-glycemic carbohydrates derived from premium pea starch. This unique ingredient enhances digestion and absorption of complex carbs without causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
The meal replacement shakes also incorporate whey protein concentrate, which offers the body easily digestible and high-quality protein. Additionally, it contains a comprehensive range of essential amino acids that contribute to increased satiety, lean muscle development, and support for weight management and muscle recovery. This makes it an ideal meal replacement if you want to lose weight.
Finally, the manufacturer keeps things exciting through the high protein meal replacement shakes variant flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberries & cream.
Pros
- A balanced dose of protein micronutrients and fats
- Limit cravings and enhance body energy
- Improved muscle strength
- Helps you lose weight
- Three delicious flavors
Cons
- Some users find it too costly
Price
The complete meal shake by PhenQ goes for $17.95 per bag. This one-time purchase deal is on the brand’s website, where you can find the subscription model that gives you 10% off.
Customer Experience
This nutrient-rich meal replacement shake boasts impressive reviews. For instance, there are a lot of positive comments about the high-protein meal replacement shake on Reddit. A simple search will reveal that a majority of users are satisfied with what the meal replacement shake offers. Moreover, according to one reviewer, this PhenQ’s brainchild doesn’t just stand out in terms of nutritional value, but it also tests great.
Another common remark about the meal replacement shake is its ability to leave users feeling full for some time. In addition, many people report feeling energized.
Like any product, the meal replacement shake has its fair share of negative reviews. But most complaints aren’t about the experience users get from the meal replacement shake. Rather, a majority of negative reviewers mostly complain about the delayed response by the brand’s support team, which is quite encouraging.
2. Rootana Meal Replacement
Rootana hasn’t been around for long. The brand entered the scene in 2022 but has already joined the high and mighty. This rapid popularity can be attributed to the great meal replacement shake that reportedly stands out among the tastiest in the market.
The brand’s growth hasn’t been simple. Rather, the manufacturer has constantly based its production on purely natural ingredients. This doctrine has aided comprehensive research and development spanning two years. The result is an authentic, naturally flavored high-protein meal replacement shake that is fast becoming a favorite for many ladies.
Highlighted Features
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 14g (2g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Vitamins and Minerals: 27
Features
When thinking about weight loss, what mostly comes to mind is the belief that you have to give up your favorite delicacies. Fortunately, Rootana understands this and, thus, comes up with one of the market’s most enjoyable and best-tasting meal replacement shakes.
When you first taste this high-protein meal replacement shake, you’ll immediately notice that it tastes different from the typical chalky texture and artificially sweetened intense flavor characteristic of many other meal replacement shakes. Rather, Rootana has a pleasantly thick and satisfying texture, reminiscent of a real milkshake. In addition, it has a sweet yet subtle flavor that you’ll enjoy repeatedly.
But the goodness of Rootana meal replacement shakes doesn’t just lie in its unique taste. In addition, the manufacturer also ensures that you get all the nutrients you need, as evident in their smart formulation.
For instance, Oat Powder is among the meal replacement shake’s key ingredients, comprising relatively more carbs than its other options. However, this composition perfectly complements a low-carb or no-carb diet. In addition, these complex carbs release sustained energy, keeping you energized and fueled throughout the day.
Another attractive feature of this meal replacement shake is its highly potent protein powder. The manufacturer derives the meal replacement shake from pea protein isolate and combines it with oat powder and golden flaxseed proteins. The resulting product features a complete amino acid profile.
From meticulous crafting to nourishing ingredients, the Rootana meal replacement shake is a rare example of a high-quality, vegan-friendly protein source for effective muscle building.
Pros
- It tastes amazing
- Non-GMO and vegan-friendly
- No artificial components, including flavor (uses organic coconut sugar)
- Sufficient fiber and calories to keep you full
- Sustained energy release
- No artificial sweeteners
Cons
- You can only buy it from their website
Price
Rootana meal replacement shakes cost $44.99 for every pouch containing 14 meals, so each meal translates to just $3.57. While there aren’t any bulk order deals at the moment, you can leverage the subscription model. This offering grants 10% off, which means you’ll enjoy each meal at about $2.80.
Customer Experience
Rootana hasn’t been around for long, so there’s not much information about the meal replacement shake on the web. But judging from the few available testimonials, the meal replacement shake’s taste is among the most notable features.
For instance, one user recently posted their experience on Trustpilot, mentioning that the product has served them right and considers it their ideal replacement shake. Another United Kingdom member mentioned that Rootana is the best meal replacement they’ve ever tried and quoted the Cocoa flavor as their favorite.
3. Instant Knockout Complete Meal Replacement
Health-conscious ladies keen on their starch or calorie intake can find immense value in Instant Knockout Complete Meal Replacement. Most users claim this stellar product is among the best meal replacement shakes in the scene. While there might be some reservations to the claim, the manufacturer actually delivers on their promise of a healthy meal replacement.
This low-carb, high-protein meal replacement shake comes from the UK supplement company Roar Ambition, established in 2014. Throughout this period, the brand has become one of the most preferred by fitness enthusiasts. Its complete meal replacement shake is what has taken the company’s popularity over the roof.
Highlighted Features
- Servings per container: 14
- Calories: 400
- Total fat: 13 g
- Gluten-free plant-based protein: 35 g
- Total carbohydrates: 35 g
- Dietary fiber: 13 g
- Total sugar: 3 g
- Essential vitamins and minerals: 26
- Chromium
Features
Roar Ambition built this meal replacement shake based on the key principles of a healthy body: weight loss, muscle mass, and strength. In addition, the manufacturer also acknowledges that besides prioritizing low-carb inputs, other crucial nutrients can also come through.
Based on the company’s understanding of these nutritional needs, the brand has created the Instant Knockout Complete Meal Replacement to cover the loopholes with a sufficient and steady energy and protein supply.
For one, the primary component of this high-protein meal replacement shake is protein from peas and soy, guaranteeing a well-balanced amino acid profile that promotes muscle synthesis, lower body fat, and aids muscle recovery. The lean meal replacement shake includes 26 essential vitamins and minerals, incorporating micronutrients from natural sources such as golden flaxseeds and chia seeds. The ingredients supply additional health benefits of dietary fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, and calcium.
However, the Instant Knockout high protein meal replacement comes in a single vanilla flavor. But the taste is delicious and lacks an unpleasant chalky aftertaste.
Pros
- Great flavor
- Aids fat loss with limited muscle loss
- Vegan-friendly and Keto-friendly
- Chromium composition elevates mood
- Appetite suppression capabilities
- Facilitates thermogenesis
- A complete nutritional balance
- Created in FDA-approved facilities
Cons
- It has just one flavor
- Relatively costlier
Price
A single pouch of Instant Knockout meal replacement shake retails for $59. This comprises 14 servings, enough for a supply of two weeks. In addition, you can go for the monthly package for $118. Unfortunately, unlike most of its peers, Roar Ambition doesn’t offer a subscription model.
Customer Experience
While the website doesn’t offer many reviews from users, there’s a lot that you can learn from Trustpilot, Facebook, and Reddit. Generally, this meal replacement shake has positive reviews, and the most common words in these remarks include “reliable,” “works great,” “sufficient energy,” and “feeling full.”
One user on Reddit acknowledges seeing results after just three weeks, while another mentions that while the meal replacement shake doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, it boasts a solid recipe with impressively low-fat content. In addition, numerous independent publications give this meal replacement shake a thumbs up.
4. LyfeFuel Daily Essentials Meal Replacement
Lyfe Fuel, the innovative vegan brand from California, has done it again! The manufacturer brings a highly potent new arrival in their selection of plant-based shakes and meal bars, the Daily Essentials Meal Replacement Shake.
LYFE, which stands for Living Your Fullest Everyday, is a creatively spelled acronym that reflects the brand’s mission to make health accessible to everyone. The foundation of the company’s philosophy rests on three essential principles: efficacy, high quality, and sustainability. These terms perfectly describe the Daily Essentials shake.
Highlighted Features
- Servings per container: 24 (each 33g or one full scoop)
- Calories per serving: 110
- Macros (C/P/F) 9/65/16
- Keto: No
- Protein per serving: 18g
- Carbs per serving: 6g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat per serving: 2g
- No artificial sweeteners and additives
- Contains micronutrients
- Protein powder flavors: Chocolate and vanilla
Features
LyfeFuel considers itself as more than the typical “meal replacement.” Instead of merely focusing on calories, carbs, and protein, this powerhouse delivers a captivating lineup of essential nutrients. Picture this: one serving bursts with a staggering 27 vitamins and minerals, including mind-boggling amounts like 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 1,200 IU of vitamin D3, and 75 mcg of iodine. This is way above standard replacement shakes.
LyfeFuel meal replacement shakes unleash a probiotic blend and five digestive enzymes for optimal absorption. This nutritional juggernaut is crafted in an FDA-registered facility and undergoes third-party testing to ensure purity, shattering any doubts. In addition, the powder is carefully dried and minimally processed, retaining the natural essence of the protein powder that can satisfy even the most ardent vegan.
And, oh, did I mention the taste? Chocolate and vanilla flavors tingle your taste buds, while the versatility of the lean meal replacement shake shines when paired with ice and banana. Each serving of LyfeFuel Daily Essentials contains 110 calories; it might feel more like an irresistible treat than a complete meal.
LyfeFuel meal replacements encourage experimentation; you can customize your experience and find the perfect balance. It’s a powerhouse packed with nutrients that could be your wallet-friendly substitute for a drawer full of meal replacement shakes.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly protein powder
- Highly nutritious meals
- Impressive subscription discounts
- Aids weight loss
- Great customer service
- Free economy shipping
- Lots of benefits per serving
- Allergen free
- Ultra healthy meal replacements
Cons
- Available in only two flavors
- It's relatively costly
Price
The meal replacement shake is priced at $70 per packet when purchased individually, costing $2.91 per serving. If you prefer the Daily Essentials Nutrition Bars, they are available in boxes containing 10 bars. The one-off purchase price for a box of meal replacements is $40.
Customer Experience
Daily Essentials is a great protein powder if customer reviews are anything to go by. The different flavors match their descriptions, and most users acknowledge that these meal replacements offer a smooth blend with no grains. Others also mention that the meal replacement shake doesn’t require much shaking, emphasizing its smooth texture.
Daily Essentials also comes through regarding its health value, as evident in numerous positive testimonials on social media and review sites. Very few meal replacement shakes can match its reputation.
5. Huel Powder v3.0 Meal Replacement
Huel is a nutritional brand primarily specializing in meal replacements. The company opened its doors in 2014. and the founder, Julian Heam, aimed to create a nutrient-filled meal replacement that aligns with the European Food Safety Authority recommendations.
The manufacturer offers meal replacement shakes in vast categories, including snack bars, complete protein bars and drinks, pre-mixed shakes, and sustainable clothing. Huel Powder v3.0 is among its leading products.
Highlighted Features
- Proteins: 29g
- Vitamins and minerals: 27
- Animal products: zero (gluten-free)
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Fatty acids: Omega 3 and 6
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 13g (saturated 2.5g)
- Cholesterol: <0.5mg
Features
Huel Powder v3.0 protein powder is for busy women struggling to reach their daily nutritional needs. The meal replacement shake prides itself as a convenient and naturally complete protein shake with many valuable health benefits.
Huel Powder v3.0 offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, providing you with a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, protein, fiber, and an impressive range of 27 essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, the manufacturer crafted the meal replacement shake using sustainable vegan ingredients and Kombucha and acerola cherries. So it’s rich in vitamins C and B and free of animal products and allergens. (2, 3)
Most users also like the meal replacement’s high concentration of pro- and prebiotics and sufficient supply of protein from brown rice and peas.
The company prioritizes customer convenience, delivering the complete meal straight to your door. In addition, the meal replacement shake has the most generous subscription on our list. The meal replacement shakes offer a convenient and cost-effective way to maintain a nutritious meal and lose weight.
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly plant-based protein with high fiber
- 12-month shelf life
- A relatively affordable subscription model
Cons
- Noticeable aftertaste
Price
Huel Powder v3.0 protein powder costs $75. The replacement shakes company offers an affordable option for customers through the company’s subscription service, allowing you to save 20% on your orders.
Customer Experience
Huel enjoys positive online reviews. From most comments on independent review sites, the manufacturers strongly emphasize providing nutritionally complete meal replacement shakes, prioritizing nutritional value over flavor. One of their popular flavors is vanilla, known for its refreshing and wholesome taste. Huel replacement shakes also offer an unflavored and unsweetened formula with a subtle, earthy taste.
Of course, there are also some complaints, mostly regarding the taste of Huel, with some individuals finding it too chalky. This feedback primarily results from including powdered oats in the meal replacement shake.
6. Exante Original Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake
Exante was established in 2003 and was initially called IdealShape. The company offers a range of simple and flexible diet plans, and the Original Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake is one of its greatest inventions ever.
Highlighted Features
- Protein: 18g
- Energy: 876kJ / 209 kcal
- Fat: 6.6g (3.1g saturated)
- Carbohydrate: 17g
- Sugars: 14g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Salt: 0.93g
- Vitamins: A, D, E, K, and C
- Minerals: Folic acid, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper
Features
Exante Original Strawberry protein powder offers true convenience with its pouches, offering seven servings of your favorite flavors while reducing single-use sachets typical in most meal replacement shakes. The product is packed with 27 essential vitamins and minerals and is high in protein and fiber. These attributes regulate your calorie intake, making it perfect for incorporating into a VLCD.
The three-hour hunger-blocking meal replacement shake uses Slendesta and Digenzyme to boost satiety. Consequently, the lean meal replacement shake is a satisfying substitute for meals. It comes with smooth and creamy textures of skimmed milk powder and sweetener.
Each serving of this meal replacement provides at least 25% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals. Choose from flavors like Birthday Cake, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, or Chocolate protein powder.
What’s more, the meal replacement is easy to use. Simply pour 200 ml of water into your shaker, add one scoop from the pouch, shake well, and you’ll be ready to enjoy.
Pros
- The 7-serve pouch is convenient
- The meal replacement shake is rich in fiber and proteins
- Comprises a handy one-scoop meal
- It contains 27 vitamins and crucial minerals
Cons
- Contains meal protein, hence prone to allergens
Price:
Exante’s Original Strawberry meal replacement costs £13.29 on the product’s website. You can also pick any 12×7 serve shake pouches and bundles for just £76 and enjoy free standard delivery around the UK.
Customer Experience
The ready-to-mix strawberry skimmed milk powder enjoys a great reputation. Besides the positive remarks on the brand’s website, users have also taken to social media and independent review sites, reporting the valuable benefits of this meal replacement formula.
One of the most common comments about the product is that it’s a great meal replacement for weight control.
7. Raw Organic Meal Shake & Meal Replacement
Raw Organic Meal Shake is a brainchild of Garden of Life. The company doesn’t just consider “empowering extraordinary health” its mission statement, but a key guiding principle. As such, the firm aims to empower customers with the meal replacements they need to enhance their health.
At the same time, the teams strive to deliver traceable, clean, and clinically evaluated ingredients in their meal replacements. This explains the great quality of these replacement shakes.
Highlighted Features
- Protein: 20g
- Calories: 115 to 130
- Superfoods: 44
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Vitamins and minerals: 21
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Live Probiotics, Plus Enzymes: 1.5B
- Sugar: Less than a gram
- Sodium: 10mg
- Potassium: 180mg
Features
Raw Organic is an incredible organic meal-on-the-go that satisfies hunger while providing exceptional nutrition for weight management. This lean meal replacement shake offers the nutrition equivalent of seven products in one convenient container.
Moreover, each serving delivers 20 grams of clean protein from 13 sprouted ingredients, fiber, greens, healthy fats, probiotics, enzymes, and 21 essential vitamins and minerals. These components make it more enriching than standard meal replacement and protein powders.
The meal replacement shake also contains 44 superfoods, which can beat hunger and naturally boost energy. All these don’t impede it from providing the protein and minerals typically found in a healthy raw food shake or meal. In addition, these replacement shakes come from 13 organic sprouted grains and seeds, certified USDA Organic and non-GMO.
Raw Organic meal replacement is gluten-free and doesn’t contain dairy, soy, filler ingredients, tree nuts, flavors, artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. And it’s raw, preserving the integrity of the proteins with limited heat and zero processing.
Pros
- Convenient organic remedy that's ready to use, unlike the typical protein powder
- Boosts energy and builds lean muscle and boosts body energy
- It keeps you full and supports a healthy weight
- Contains enzymes and probiotics, typical of high-quality meal replacements
Cons
- A sandy/grainy texture
- The protein powder has a somewhat chalky taste
Price
The Raw Organic Meal Shake & Meal Replacement Chocolate Cacao costs $29.59 on the product’s website, a price cut of about $10. You can also get another 10% off with the subscription model.
Customer Experience
Garden of Life protein powder promises a “delicious” and “yummy tasting” meal replacement shake in Raw Organic Meal. But it seems the manufacturer paid more attention to the nutritional value at the expense of taste.
While most users laud the brand’s impressive health results, the meal replacement shake’s taste and texture have been its biggest undoing. The term “gritty” texture appears in most reviews.
Verdict: Which Are The Best Meal Replacement Shakes?
Protein powders and meal replacement shakes have unique attributes and nutritional profiles. You can drink meal replacement shakes as a healthy alternative to a nutritious meal, but this depends on the product’s nutritional content and your preferences.
The best and most effective shake brands supply the calories, protein, and nutrients you need, even during busy times. Fortunately, the items in this list provide quality products to cater to the nutritional needs of busy days.
Click to see our picks for top meal replacement shakes for weight gain, weight loss, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- NHS. (n.d.). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-should-my-daily-intake-of-calories-be/#:~:text=An%20ideal%20daily%20intake%20of,women%20and%202%2C500%20for%20men.
- What are the 27 essential vitamins and minerals?. Huel. (n.d.).
https://huel.com/pages/information-on-vitamin-and-minerals-in-huel-deficiencies-and-toxicity - WebMD. (n.d.). Kombucha – ingredients, health benefits, and risks. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/the-truth-about-kombucha
