The 7 Best Dairy-Free Meal Replacement Shakes And Drinks

The 7 Best Dairy-Free Meal Replacement Shakes & Drinks

Last Updated on October, 2024

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common biological problems across the US, and the entire world in general. A large majority of the world’s population is estimated to have the issue to some degree. Because of this, many of them can’t eat a complete meal if it has lactose in it, or enjoy a balanced diet unless they’re careful.

This can lead to serious problems, as you might miss out on essential nutrients without a healthy diet plan. But, there are dairy and lactose-free products and diet plans out there that can help with this. One of the best options is dairy-free meal replacement products. 

As I go on, I’ll explain why these are such a good thing, and how they can help you. But first, let’s go over the best dairy-free meal replacement shakes before that so you know which ones to choose from. So, whether you can’t eat dairy for medical reasons or just don’t want to for personal ones, here are the options worth trying out the most.

Editor’s Choice
Instant Knockout
Ingredients
Taste
Price

5.0

4.9

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
kachava meal shake
Ka’Chava
Ingredients
Taste
Price

5.0

4.9

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
Orgain Organic
Ingredients
Taste
Price

4.9

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

The 7 Best Dairy-Free Meal Replacement Shakes

1. Instant Knockout Complete (Number One Pick)

Instant Knockout Complete product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

5.0

4.9

5.0

5.0

Overall Score: 5.0

>>> Click Here to Checkout Yourself <<<

Starting things off with one of the best shakes out there, Instant Knockout Complete is one of the best dairy free meal replacement shakes by a mile. It’s got everything that one could need in a shake like this and lacks anything that could harm those intolerant of lactose.

Its most significant selling point is its nutritional value, which is the most important thing for any meal replacement shake. For starters, it’s an exceptionally high protein shake, but it also has so much more. For example, a good bit of fiber in it will help keep you full.

With its calories, high plant-based protein, and organic fiber, it keeps hunger at bay and helps with muscle growth. Many people with lactose intolerance will appreciate this because it is hard to find dairy-free protein powder for muscle growth.

But what makes it all even better is that it’s not strictly a protein powder. Instant Knockout Complete comes with the goodness of golden flax seed, chia seeds, organic brown rice protein, and more. It’s loaded with essential vitamins, amino acids, and fats that help you grow healthy.

The reason it’s at the top should be apparent by now. The nutritional balance is exceptional, and there’s just so much of everything. One serving gives you a huge boost towards your daily goals, plus it’s all made with healthy ingredients and is excellent for weight loss.

In short, it’s one of the best meal replacement shakes for anyone that wants to avoid dairy, lose weight, and stay healthy while building muscles. Instant Knockout Complete costs $59.00 per pouch, which is $4.21 per serving.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Instant Knockout Complete vanilla-flavored shake (400 Calories):

Calories: 400
Protein: 35 grams
Carbs (Sugar, Dietary Fiber): 35 grams (3 grams, 13 grams)
Fat: 13 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla

Pros

Keeps you full for consecutive hours.
High pea protein, soy protein, and brown rice protein.
Great for anyone that exercises regularly.
Easily the best dairy free meal shake for weight loss.

Cons

Only available in vanilla flavor.

2. Ka’Chava (The Healthiest Ingredients You’ll Find)

Kachava product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

Overall Score: 4.9

Many manufacturers (and I mean many) use artificial ingredients to replace dairy in their products. This is common even in dairy free protein shakes or meal replacement shakes. But, Ka’Chava is one of the healthiest options, with nothing short of high-quality organic ingredients.

It’s a soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO vegan shake that doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners or preservatives either. It’s as healthy as a dairy free meal replacement shake gets, and the formula speaks for itself in this regard. For starters, it holds over 85+ superfoods and organic ingredients. 

These provide vegan protein, a complete amino acid profile, and many vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, you’ll have digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, and many organic nutrients in each serving.

The beneficial effects these have on the body are incredible, and there’s pea protein and high fiber in each serving, which makes sure you don’t feel hungry anytime soon. This dairy free meal replacement shake is $69.95 a bag and $4.66 per serving. 

I’d recommend getting a subscription if you plan to buy regularly. That takes things down to $59.95 a bag/$3.99 per serving. It doesn’t seem like much, but it’s enormous in the long run.

You can also read the full Ka’Chava Review HERE!

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Ka’Chava Vanilla-flavored shake (240 Calories):

Calories: 240
Protein: 25 grams
Carbs (Sugar, Dietary Fiber): 24 grams (6 grams, 6 grams)
Fat: 7 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coconut Acai, Chai, Matcha (Best flavor=Chocolate)

Pros

Many good flavors to pick from.
A breathtaking selection of organic ingredients.
Soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, GMO-free, and suitable for people intolerant to lactose.
No artificial additives since everything is natural.

Cons

Costs a lot if you choose not to subscribe.

3. Orgain Organic Meal Powder (Nutritious and Light)

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

Overall Score: 4.8

Following things up with another very healthy option, we have the Orgain Organic Meal Powder. As the name suggests, this product features entirely organic ingredients. It’s certified USDA-organic and features a very varied but healthy set of ingredients.

What makes it even better is that the organic ingredients in the powder are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and soy-free. What’s not to like about a shake filled with nothing but ingredients suitable for a large majority of people?

It doesn’t sacrifice any quality to be more accessible, though. Orgain Organic is a good option for weight loss because of its low calories and high protein. Plus, there aren’t many fats in it, and you won’t find much sugar either. There are many vitamins, other healthy additions, and all macronutrients.

This dairy free meal replacement shake isn’t just good for protecting the body, it’s also exceptional for strengthening it. That’s because all of the healthy ingredients and balanced nutrition in a serving of Orgain boost the immune system.

Even if you have any allergies, it’ll be safe for you to drink. Furthermore, it’ll make you stronger, so you don’t have to worry about getting sick often. While offering a good chunk of vegan protein, this nutritional shake is an excellent meal replacement.

But that’s not the end of it either. Orgain Organic is quite affordable compared to other options, available at only $41.99 for 16 meals in one container, which is equal to $2.62 per serving. You can add a 10% discount to this by getting a subscription.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Orgain Organic Chocolate Creamy Fudge-flavored shake (230 Calories):

Calories: 230
Protein: 20 grams
Carbs (Sugar, Dietary Fiber): 25 grams (2 grams, 2grams)
Fat: 5 grams
Available flavors: Chocolate Creamy Fudge, Vanilla Bean (Best flavor=Chocolate Creamy Fudge)

Pros

Low calories and high protein make it a great option.
Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and soy-free.
Very positive effects on the immune system.
Highly affordable.

Cons

Only comes in two flavors.
Lacking in fiber content.

4. LyfeFuel Daily Essential Shake (Keto Dieter’s Dream)

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.8

4.8

4.9

4.8

Overall Score: 4.8

Another entirely plant-based and nutritional shake, LyfeFuel Daily Essential, is another excellent option. The “Essential” in its name should give you an idea of what this shake is all about. It has everything you need, from macronutrients to essential micronutrients.

I started by mentioning how hard it is to get on a healthy and varied diet when avoiding dairy. Well, LyfeFuel is something that makes these worries go away. It’s nutritious and prioritizes healthy ingredients that most people would be okay with consuming.

This convenient meal replacement shake comes with a good chunk of pea protein, essential vitamins and minerals, B12, D3, K2, Magnesium, a complete amino acid profile, and much more. But, it lacks carbohydrates, featuring only a few grams of them.

While these are essential, this healthy meal replacement shake doesn’t have any because it panders to a keto diet. Whether you’re going keto to lose weight or because of dietary restrictions, it’s great to have a healthy product you can rely on.

It’s perfect for weight loss because of how low the calories are and because of energy-boosting ingredients that’ll speed up metabolism and help you cut down on fat. The only downside is that the shake isn’t very filling since the carbs and calories are both low.

But there’s no doubt that the LyfeFuel Daily Essential Shake is simple and very good as a healthy keto option for those that don’t want dairy in their meal replacement shakes. It’s even backed by a money-back guarantee in case you don’t like it, so there isn’t any risk. It costs $70.00 for 24 meals, which makes it $2.91 per serving.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for LyfeFuel Daily Essential Shake Vanilla-flavored shake (110 Calories):

Calories: 110
Protein: 18 grams
Carbs: 6 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate (Best flavor=Vanilla)

Pros

Excellent micronutrient profile.
One of the best dairy free meal replacement shakes for ketosis.
Good as a lighter shake to lose weight.

Cons

Not the best for those that need nutrition in bulk.
Few calories, fats, and carbs make it less filling than other options.

5. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake (Quick and Convenient Nutrition)

Kate Farms Nutrition Shake product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.7

4.8

4.7

4.7

Overall Score: 4.7

Healthy options are what everyone wants, and Kate Farms Nutrition Shake is one. It’s light but not as light as the last options, featuring a very nice variety of nutrients and organic ingredients that’ll help your body function better.

What’s more, it’s ready to drink on top of all its benefits. Why this is such a good thing speaks for itself. You don’t have to worry about preparing anything or doing math. Just grab a bottle of this baby and drink right up. You can take it with you anywhere, meaning it’s an excellent energy boost before workouts, meetings, business trips, etc.

It comes with a healthy amount of pea protein isolate and a lot of nice micronutrients that hold benefits for various parts of the body. Speaking of benefits for the body, it’s not just USDA-organic. This meal replacement shake contains Kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Something I like is the formula being made for ease of digestion. It’s already good for most people because of the healthy ingredients and lack of artificial additives. It’s also very delicious and has a sweet feeling to it. But, this sweet feeling comes from an excess of sugar, a downside for many people.

Because the formula is tweaked, you can even feed Kate Farms Nutrition Shake to children. Many kids are lacking in nutrients, and many of them are also intolerant to lactose. But, this shake helps you work around by giving nutrients while being free of anything too harmful for most people.

In short, it’s a simple, good option for most people. Sure, the sugar is a bit high. But, if you don’t mind, it’s a good option with great taste and excellent convenience to its name. It comes at $4 per serving, with a pack of 12 costing $48.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Kate Farms Nutrition Chocolate-flavored shake (330 Calories):

Calories: 330
Protein: 16 grams
Carbs: 38 grams
Fat: 12 grams
Available flavors: Chocolate, Coffee, and Vanilla (Best flavor=Chocolate)

Pros

Suitable for people of all ages- even children.
No need to prepare anything as it’s a ready to drink meal replacement shake.
Many certificates that provide a promise of quality.

Cons

Sugar content is quite high.
Not exactly a pre or post-workout drink like other options here.

6. Rootana

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.6

Overall Score: 4.6

Moving on, we have another option to put its head up high when discussing ingredients. Rootana satisfies in most areas, many of which are crucial ones, which is why it’s earned a spot on the list. Speaking of lists, one quick look at the ingredients list tells you how much cleaner it is than other meal replacement shakes.

You won’t find artificial ingredients in this, whether sweeteners or preservatives. Plus, it lacks any soy, which is favorable for some people because it is a significant allergen. Now, speaking of what it doesn’t lack.

There are a lot of various vitamins and minerals in this shake. While it has all the macronutrients you need, it also provides a lot on the micronutrient front, which I’ll always appreciate, and anyone worried about their health should too.

Each serving has a decent amount of calories paired with high fiber content. By now, you know that meal replacement shakes can’t be filling without these, so that’s a good thing. It can stop you from snacking on unhealthy things while providing nutrients that ensure you hit your daily goals.

Like most other weight loss shakes here, it can help you out. But, on top of being suitable for a weight loss journey, Rootana can help you manage weight and build muscle if you use it correctly. 

All of this makes it a good option, and while there are some downsides to the formula (high sugar being one), it’s still an excellent option. That’s especially true when you consider that the price is only $28.62 a bag, or $2.04 per serving. It’s got fantastic value for money because of this.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Rootana Original-flavored shake (421 Calories):

Calories: 421
Protein: 21 grams
Carbs: 44 grams
Fat: 16 grams
Available flavors: Original, Cacao (Best flavor=Original)

Pros

Filling and very good for calorie deficit diets.
Helps with weight loss and good for muscle building and weight management. 

Cons

Highest sugar content here.
Only two flavors.

7. Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal

Kate Farms Nutrition Shake product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

Overall Score: 4.6

I’ve had lots of very healthy and popular options on this list. So, it would be a shame to wrap things off with something that goes against that. But that’s not going to happen since my last entry is Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal, yet another great dairy free meal replacement.

Regarding meal replacement shakes, there aren’t much better, cleaner ones than Garden of Life. It’s a vegan shake, and unlike a vegan protein powder, you won’t have to worry about consuming harmful or artificial ingredients just for weight loss or building muscle.

There is nothing but natural and organic ingredients in the formula, all in their rawest form mixed in a healthy powder. There aren’t any synthetic additives or preservatives in the shake to change them, and it’s all just one big pile of excellent essential nutrients.

This includes micronutrients, such as 21 whole food vitamins and minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and lots of healthy fats. These offer your body support in many ways and are especially great for the gut. They’ll improve the digestive system and make it stronger. 

Speaking of being good for the body, it’s also non-GMO. You won’t find allergens like gluten, tree nuts, and soy in it either, which is excellent for anyone who can’t eat these on top of dairy. Long story short, it pretty much has anything you could expect and want from healthy meal replacements.

It was not even that expensive. You only have to pay $34.99 for a single 17.9oz container of this meal replacement shake. The 35.9oz, which is around double in size, ist $64.99 per container.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Vanilla-flavored shake (130 Calories):

Calories: 130
Protein: 20 grams
Carbs: 12 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Chocolate Cacao Powder, and Lightly Sweet (Best flavor=Vanilla)

Pros

Good for those that want to lose weight while staying dairy-free.
Another shake with lots of certifications to ensure quality.
Has vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes in abundance.

Cons

Low in the calorie department.
Many aren’t a fan of the chalky texture.

Why Dairy-Free Meal Replacement Shakes?

a human holding meal replacement shake powder in spoon

Going dairy-free even if you’re not lactose intolerant is up to you because ditching dairy is not a problem. It’s not even critical to your health after all. 

However, if you’re intolerant of lactoset, you’ll need to completely reduce or eliminate dairy intake. Even though it has its pros, giving up on it will not be an issue. 

If you’re lactose intolerant and drink meal replacement shakes that aren’t dairy-free, the lactose in those can pass into your intestines. This can lead to issues like gas, cramps, a bloated feeling and even diarrhea. 

So avoiding dairy can put a full stop to all these issues, especially for lactose intolerant individuals.

If you want tastes, check out our article to find what is best tasting meal replacement shake.

Look Out for These Before Buying a Dairy-Free Meal Replacement

When looking for the best dairy-free meal replacement shakes, there are some essential factors that you need to look out for. Below I’ve mentioned all of it, so it’s vital that you consider all of it when buying meal replacements that are dairy-free. 

Amount of Protein

Protein is one of the main, if not the main, ingredient in meal replacement shakes and protein shakes. So try to go for a shake with a good amount of protein. There are many good options when it comes to this. For example, hemp protein, soy protein isolate, brown rice protein, and pea protein isolate, are all good dairy free protein sources.

They biggest one you’ll want to avoid is whey protein, which is derived from milk and is a common component in meal replacements. Since you’re here, you shouldn’t be worried because all the shakes here have the perfect amount of dairy-free protein in them. 

some High Protein foods

Fiber

This is another critical factor to consider. If you want to lose weight, dairy-free meal replacement shakes with the correct amount of fiber is essential. It not only does help you to shed pounds but also keeps your digestive system balanced. 

Almost all the shakes have the exact or higher amount of fiber in this list apart from just three.

Fat

Many people overlook this, but it’s important because most meal shakes contain healthy fats. These can provide you with the energy needed and even support cell growth. So a shake with 10-15 grams of fat is ideal. 

Probiotics 

Going for a meal replacement with probiotics is an added benefit because they are known to aid digestion and help maintain gut health. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Always try to go for a meal shake that’s able to provide you with the highest amount of vitamins and minerals. 

Benefits of Dairy-Free Meal Replacement Shakes

a human having meal replacement shake

There are a lot of benefits to going dairy-free, and below are some of the most significant ones. 

Shed Some Pounds

Cutting dairy means the removal of excess saturated fats. In addition, dairy is considered an acidic food that is known to disrupt your body’s alkaline/acid balance. So when you ditch dairy from your diet, it aids digestion, and you can expect nothing but shed some extra pounds. 

Happier and Healthy Skin

Going dairy-free is known to improve the conditions of your skin. Especially if you’re suffering from eczema, psoriasis and dryness. It provides better tone, texture, hydration, and enhanced rosacea and acne conditions. 

More Focus and Energy

Giving up dairy can drastically increase your energy. Products with milk in it are often high on amino acid tryptophan; this can promote tiredness.

Next is, since dairy is hard to digest, your body tends to use more energy. So cutting back can increase your energy and provide you with more focus.

Healthier Stomach

Saying goodbye to dairy results in much more consistent digestion. This means less cramps, gas and bloating.

Saves the Environment

Land, water, and air are affected by the dairy industry in so many ways, so going dairy-free can somewhat reduce its impact on the environment. 

Conclusion

It’s easy to find a good dairy free meal replacement shake if you look in the right place. Well, in this case, the right place to look would be the list above. So, make sure to give it a good read and you’re sure to find your new favorite meal shake.

My personal pick is the Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement. It’s good at just about anything you could want out of these supplements, and the nutritional values are just incredible. Anyone that works out should give it a shot since it’s dairy free and comes with so many benefits. 

But, I’m not here to drag things out. My part of sharing the best options with you is done. Now that you’ve read about them all, the next job is yours. Make sure to read through what we’ve said and you’ll definitely spot something you’ll love!

FAQs

Yes, all of these shakes are safe for lactose intolerants as they are dairy-free and do not contain any lactose.

No, dairy free shakes are not less effective. There are many nutritious, non-dairy alternatives that can offer just as much nutrition as dairy-based shakes.

It is not okay to replace all your meals with meal shakes because you need a balanced diet with different types of food to avoid health issues.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Instant Knockout
Ingredient quality
Taste
Price

5.0

4.9

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
Keeps you full for consecutive hours.
Great for anyone that exercises regularly.
High pea protein, soy protein, and brown rice protein.
Easily the best dairy free meal shake for weight loss.
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of October
Cons
Only available in vanilla flavor.

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Jennifer Pantall
Jennifer Pantall is a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. She loves tennis and has one daughter with a lovely husband whom she adores. Jennifer also loves to spend time outdoors playing with her dog or walking in nature. You can find more about me here.

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