Diet Shakes That Really Work

When you're pressed for time but don't want to give in to the temptation of fast food for dinner, your blender can save the day by allowing you to whip up a smoothie with all the nutrients of a complete meal. Even some store-bought shakes can help do the trick when you're that rushed.

Even if you're using shakes and smoothies for weight loss, know that lots of store-bought drinks and homemade smoothies are high in sugar with not enough protein, fat, fiber, or even calories to constitute a real meal—let alone keep you feeling full until your next nosh. (So if you just have a meal replacement shake, you may be more likely to binge eat later.) Here's how to get the most out of your meal replacement shake and achieve your weight loss goals.

How to use meal replacement shakes

In reality, having a meal replacement shake on its own isn't enough. The best way to enjoy a meal replacement shake is to pair it with healthy snacks that can help you turn it into a full-on meal. This way, you're feeding your body all the nutrients it needs to keep you moving throughout your day.

You should aim to consume roughly 325 to 400 calories, 15 to 25 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 10 to 13 grams of healthy unsaturated fat, says Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, author of The SuperfoodsRx Diet. Otherwise, you might be feeling hungry way before your next meal.

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Here are 12 store-bought meal replacement shakes that stack up nutritionally. Plus, exactly what you can pair them with if you need to make them more filling on-the-go.

Premier Protein Shake

Premier Protein amazon.com

$24.99

1. Best Overall: Premier Protein Meal Replacement Shakes

4.6 out of 5 stars
9,500+ Amazon customer reviews

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. One Amazon reviewer says, "Love these shakes. I'm doing Weight Watchers and these have been a huge tool in my weight loss."

Make it a meal: Since these shakes are only 160 calories, you want to bulk up with another snack. Consider having a banana (105 calories) with two tablespoons of natural peanut butter (188 calories).

Nutrition info: 160 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 5 g carbs (3 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 210 mg sodium, 30 g protein

SlimFast Advanced Energy Meal Replacement Shakes

SlimFast amazon.com

$20.22

2. Best Value: SlimFast Advanced Energy Meal Replacement Shakes

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,700+ Amazon customer reviews

SlimFast's meal replacement shakes are packed with 20 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, helping you stay fuller longer. Plus, they offer 24 different essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iron, calcium, and zinc, to fuel your body. Enjoy them in a variety of taste-tempting flavors, like rich chocolate, mocha cappuccino, vanilla, and caramel latte. Reviewers particularly love the caramel latte flavor: "I've tried pretty much all of their shakes from the regular meal replacement shakes to their new advance energy shakes, and let me tell you, the caramel latte flavor—oh my goodness—is the best of the of the other flavors," says one Amazon customer.

Make it a meal: Save these drinks for when you can pair them with something small—like 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese and one cup of sliced strawberries—to turn them into a complete meal. This way, you'll add about 150 extra calories, 13 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, and 2.5 grams fat.

Nutrition info for chocolate: 180 calories, 9 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 6 g carbs (5 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 210 mg, 20 g protein

Orgain Organic Meal Replacement Shakes

3. Orgain Organic Meal Replacement Shakes

4 out of 5 stars
700+ Amazon customer reviews

If you're looking for an all-organic meal replacement shake, look no further than Orgain. All five flavors—creamy chocolate fudge, sweet vanilla bean, strawberries and cream, bananas and cream, and iced café mocha—pack 16 grams of grass-fed whey protein powder. "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 says.

Make it a meal: Supplement this sweet drink with about 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt topped with 1/2 cup raspberries for an additional 105 calories, 10 grams protein, 2 grams fat, and 4 grams fiber.

Nutrition info: 250 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 32 g carbs (2 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 260 mg sodium, 16 g protein

Vega Protein Nutrition Shake

4. Best Plant-Based: Vega Protein Ready-to-Drink Meal Replacement Shakes

4 out of 5 stars
650 Amazon customer reviews

These plant-based shakes from Vega are packed with nutrition, thanks to their impressive list of real ingredients, like pea and hemp protein, flaxseed, cocoa powder, and a mix of greens powders (from plants like kale, spinach, and organic spirulina). One shake contains 20 grams of vegan protein and four grams of fiber.

"I am a long-time vegan athlete. I've tried every accessible protein shake on the market, and even made my own and built custom recipes. But this stuff wins. It tastes great and it's loaded with green plant material, minimal ingredients, and it does the trick for the least amount of money," an Amazon reviewer writes.

Make it a meal: Paired with one sliced hard-boiled egg (prep a bunch on Sunday and keep them in your fridge for the week!) on a piece of multi-grain toast, you'll down an additional 147 calories, 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber.

Nutrition info: 170 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 14 g carbs (4 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 230 mg sodium, 20 g protein

Labrada Whey Protein Meal Replacement Shake

5. Best High-Protein: Labrada Whey Protein Meal Replacement Shakes

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,000+ Amazon customer reviews

While this meal replacement shake is on the low side calorie-wise (280 calories), it also boasts 40 grams of protein and five grams of fiber, making it one of the most filling choices on this list. It also has zero grams of sugar and is lactose-free, making it an excellent pick for people who are sensitive to dairy. "With 40 grams of protein and zero sugar, I wasn't expecting much from this. Wow was I wrong! The cookies & cream is delicious!" says one Amazon customer.

Make it a meal: Snack on some celery sticks (30 calories) with a tablespoon of almond butter (98 calories).

Nutrition info: 280 calories, 9 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 9 g carbs (5 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 600 mg sodium, 40 g protein

Iconic Grass-Fed Protein Drink

6. Best Lactose-Free: Iconic Grass-Fed Meal Replacement Shakes

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,000+ Amazon customer reviews

With 20 grams of grass-fed milk protein, four grams of fiber, and three grams of sugar per bottle, these shakes are a great choice in a hurry. While they're packed with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, they are super low in fat and only offer 130 calories, so you'll definitely need to pair this tasty meal replacement drink (available in flavors like chocolate, coffee, vanilla bean, golden milk, and even coconut matcha) with a little something to keep hunger pangs at bay. The great news is that they're made with lactose-free protein, so they won't upset your stomach if you're sensitive to milk products.

"This brand is by far the best protein drink I've ever had. I have tried so many different whey protein powders and pre-mixed drinks, and I can never get more than a few sips down, if that. I decided to give these a try and I am so happy I did," a happy customer says.

Make it a meal: Simply snack on 1 ounce of almonds to boost the calories (164 more) and healthy fat (14 grams more) this drink lacks.

Nutrition info: 130 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 8 g carbs (4 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 220 mg sodium, 20 g protein

Pure Protein Shake, Vanilla Milkshake, 30 g Protein, 11 fl oz, 12 ct

Pure Protein walmart.com

$28.59

7. Pure Protein Meal Replacement Shakes

3.9 out of 5 stars
1,700+ Amazon customer reviews

With more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, it's clear these shakes are a crowd favorite. And for good reason: The typical bottle offers 35 grams protein (along with calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D) for only 150 calories and one gram of sugar. However, these drinks are low in both 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 like cookies and cream, peaches and cream, chocolate, vanilla, and more.

"Love this! Great amount of protein with better taste than most others. I love that Pure Protein is actually accurate with their nutrition facts unlike many other companies. Plus you really can't beat that price!" an Amazon reviewer writes.

Make it a meal: If you're grabbing this shake for breakfast and know you need to keep hunger at bay until lunch, drink this shake after you nosh on a slice of multi-grain bread topped with 1/4 of an avocado. You'll boost your meal by 150 calories, 6 grams of filling fiber, and about 8 grams of healthy fats.

Nutrition info: 150 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 150 mg sodium, 35 g protein

Muscle Milk Original Protein Shakes

CytoSport amazon.com

$43.57

8. Muscle Milk Meal Replacement Shakes

4.4 out of 5 stars
400+ Amazon customer reviews

The name speaks for itself: These delicious shakes pack 34 grams of muscle-building protein per bottle, along with two grams of satiating fiber. You'll definitely find one you like, since they come in a variety of delicious flavors like banana crème, chocolate, cookies 'n cream, strawberries 'n cream, and vanilla—most of which have no added sugar (the strawberry flavor does contain one gram). Reviewers love it for its creamy texture and great taste. One Amazon customer says, "This stuff gets the job done. Perfect as a post-workout protein quencher!"

Make it a meal: While the protein and fiber in this drink hits the mark, 160 calories is still pretty low for a meal. Pair this meal replacement shake with a small banana drizzled with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for an extra 186 calories, 4 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, and 8 grams of healthy fat.

Nutrition info: 320 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 14 g carbs (2 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 360 mg sodium, 34 g protein

MET-Rx Original Whey Protein Meal Replacement Powder

9. MET-Rx Original Whey Protein Meal Replacement Shakes

4.5 out of 5 stars
970+ Amazon customer reviews

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the silky, creamy taste of cocoa in this meal replacement shake, which boasts 250 calories and 36 grams of protein. This whey protein-based shake also features casein—the main protein in milk—that's absorbed more slowly than whey. But when casein is combined with whey, as it is in this shake, it can enhance muscle building. One body-building Amazon customer says, "If you're looking for a great tasting meal replacement, MET-Rx is the best. I use it every day as my lunch and sometimes my dinner too. It's the best way to keep your weight down or lose weight, while preserving muscle mass."

Make it a meal: Enjoy this delicious shake with one small apple for an additional 77 calories and four grams of fiber.

Nutrition info: 250 calories, 3 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 18 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 420 mg sodium, 36 g protein

OWYN Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss, 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein, Chai, 12 Pack, 20g Protein, 23 Key Vitamins and Minerals, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Tree Nut-Free, Egg-Free, Allergy-Free

OWYN Only What You Need amazon.com

$35.99

10. Owyn Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes

4.2 out of 5 stars
230+ Amazon customer reviews

Certified vegan and gluten-free, Owyn's meal replacement shakes deliver 20 grams of plant-based protein, which is 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. Try it in chocolate or chai. "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!" says a customer.

Make it a meal: Savor this creamy drink with a small snack, like 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries and a cup of dairy-free yogurt.

Nutrition info: 300 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 31 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 330 mg sodium, 20 g protein

Soylent Meal Replacement Shakes

Soylent amazon.com

$39.49

11. Soylent Meal Replacement Shakes

3.9 out of 5 stars
2,000+ Amazon customer reviews

Soylent's vegan-friendly meal replacement shakes are 400 calories, which makes them a convenient choice for 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. "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 writes.

Nutrition info: 400 calories, 21 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 36 g carbs (3 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 9 g added sugar), 300 mg sodium, 20 g protein

Après Plant-Based Vegan Protein Shakes

Après amazon.com

12. Après Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes

4.3 out of 5 stars
70+ Amazon customer reviews

With 14 grams of protein, hunger-curbing coconut oil and hydrating coconut water, this plant-based protein drink is the perfect beverage to sip on the go. Thanks to its proprietary protein blend of pea protein, chia, and hemp, this meal replacement shake also delivers a complete amino acid profile. "I have two kids under two and work for a startup 24/7. Often times I am in back-to-back meetings all day with zero time to make lunch. These save me. I grab one quickly and know that I am getting the nutrients and protein that I need in one quick drink," a happy Amazon customer says.

Make it a meal: Pair this shake with 6 baby carrots (24 calories), 3 tablespoons of hummus (75 calories), and 11 whole-wheat pita chips (about 120 calories).

Nutrition info: 180 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 15 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 400 mg sodium, 14 g protein

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Diet Shakes That Really Work

Source: https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a20491264/7-best-meal-replacements/