9 Best Gluten Free Meal Replacement Shakes & Powders

9 Best Gluten Free Meal Replacement Shakes & Powders

Last Updated on September, 2024

Meal replacement shakes are a nutritional supplement that can help anyone lead a healthy lifestyle. They offer all the essential nutrients you need. This includes essential amino acids, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals, and more.

In short, they provide all the nutrients you need along with many optimal health benefits. But, lots of these meal shakes contain many allergens and one of them is gluten. These allergens can be quite harmful for people with specific conditions. This makes it impossible for some to try them. 

But, that doesn’t mean there are no options. Through some extensive research by our team, we’ve developed a list of the best gluten-free meal replacement shakes out there. Keep reading to learn more about these shakes and what attributes make them the best around.

Editor’s Choice
kachava meal shake
Kachava
Ingredients
Taste
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
kaged clean meal
Kaged
Ingredients
Taste
Price

4.9

5.0

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
PhenQ
Ingredients
Taste
Price

4.9

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

The 9 Best Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shakes

1. Kachava (Top Pick for Taste and Nutrition)

Kachava product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score: 5.0

>>> Click Here to Checkout Yourself <<<

Kachava is one of the meal replacements that prides itself by made up of over 85+ superfoods and other plant-based ingredients. This makes it a wholesome and nutritious meal replacement without any worries.

This meal replacement consists of a plant-based blend of pea protein and organic rice protein. It is followed by Fiber blend, super fruit blend, Adaptogen blend, Super-greens blend, Pro/Prebiotic blend, and Digestive Enzyme blend.

It gives you a strong immune system and proper gut health, strengthens your nails, and adds shine to your hair. (To point out a few)

Kachava maximizes the calorie-to-satiety ratio by optimizing Protein and healthy Fat levels to keep your unnecessary cravings in check. It is dairy-free and soy-free, has no added artificial flavors, and is a suitable choice for vegans.

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

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

Pros

Variety of nutritous blends to keep overal health in check
No preservatives and artificial additives
85+ natural superfoods included to keep you healthy

Cons

Taste can be improved further to satisfy majority

2. Kaged Clean Meal (Easily Absorbed and Easily Digestible)

Kaged Clean Meal product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.9

5.0

4.9

4.9

Overall Score: 4.9

A beast in the making, looking for meal replacements to help build muscle and strength? Kaged Clean Meal is a meal replacement that provides the essential nutrients to help you bulk up on a budget.

The unique aspect of ioWhey™ Technology on their premium whey protein isolate helps achieve a 123% increase in essential amino acid absorption compared to regular whey.

These meal replacement shakes greatly suit busy parents and athletes to gain high-quality meals even when they are short of time. 

Kaged also has no MALTODEXTRIN, which cannot be said the same for other options in the market. It includes 21 organic vitamins and minerals, is gluten-free, and has no GMOs.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Kaged Clean Meal Chocolate Peanut Butter-flavored shake (260 Calories):

Calories: 260
Protein: 29 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 20 grams (3 grams and 2 grams)
Fat: 5 grams
Available flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Cake, and Snickerdoodle (Best flavor=Vanilla Cake)

Pros

Variety of flavors for users to enjoy
Has no Maltodextrin
ioWhey™ Technology has shown a 123% increase in amino acid absorption 

Cons

Not easily mixable or palatable

3. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake (Best Choice for Fat Burn)

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.9

4.8

4.8

4.8

Overall Score: 4.8

Another day and another choice to be made. What are you planning to do about those love handles? This is a familiar question we ask ourselves now and then. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is an expert in ensuring those are burnt (Fat burning Wild Fire – Cersei would’ve loved that).

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that burns fat effectively. This shake is a perfect replacement for a whole meal (tastier too). It contains 13 key vitamins and DigeZyme, which are made up of enzymes that ensure your gut health is top-notch.

The PhenQ Complete Meal Shake will ensure you don’t have unnecessary cravings by making you feel full and energized.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for PhenQ Complete Meal Shake Chocolate-flavored shake (180 Calories):

Calories: 180
Protein: 16 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 21 grams (4 grams and 2 grams)
Fat: 3.5 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry & Cream (Best flavor=Chocolate)

Pros

DigeZyme available to support gut health
Easily mixes and digestible
AMPK enzyme available that burns fat effectively

Cons

Calories per serving could have been higher

4. LyfeFuel Daily Essential Shake (Best Pick for a Complete Nutrition Shake)

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.8

4.7

4.8

4.7

Overall Score: 4.8

A consistent way to a healthy lifestyle is through a nutrient-filled health diet plan. All of this goes to waste when you cannot get the complete package through the meals; that’s where LyfeFuel Daily Essential Shake comes into play. 

It gives you a balanced diet to keep you energized and healthy from a single shake. This 100% plant-based product comprises 25 whole natural foods, 18g of Protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals, and other ingredients that keep you at the top of your game.

Another noteworthy point is that all whole foods are processed without their quality being diminished or destroyed in sourcing and drying.

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

Calories: 110
Protein: 18 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 6 grams (1 gram and 3 grams)
Fat: 2 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate (Best flavor=Chocolate)

Pros

100% plant-based
All ingredients retain quality and value
Available flavors taste good 

Cons

Limited flavors to choose from
Not easily mixable

5. HLTH Complete Meal (Top Choice of Best Tasting Shakes)

HLTH Code Complete Meal product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.7

4.7

4.7

4.8

Overall Score: 4.8

For those of you who are here looking for a keto-friendly meal replacement to save time, HLTH Complete Meal is there for you. A meal replacement that comes to you with a package of 400 caloric intake per serving so that you don’t miss out on your workout on a busy day.

It has a 1:1 ratio of Protein to Health Fats and an ideal balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6. HLTH contains Protein derived from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen and has no GMO or added sugars. 

Although it comes only in two flavors, both of them taste too good to make you want seconds (here we are trying to replace a meal and end up having seconds just because it tastes too good 😉)

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for HLTH Code Complete Chocolate Macadamia-flavored shake (400 Calories):

Calories: 400
Protein: 27 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 13 grams (9 grams and 2 grams)
Fat: 27 grams
Available flavors: Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla (Best flavor=Creamy Vanilla)

Pros

Tastes too good for meal replacement shakes
No artificial ingredients and No GMO
A good calorie intake per serving

Cons

Limited flavors available

6. Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake (Best Pick for Internal and External Body Combo)

Orgain Organic product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.6

4.7

4.6

4.6

Overall Score: 4.6

Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake provides an All-in-One Organic Nutrition experience (That’s what they say, and that’s what they give).

It is made with 20-21 vitamins and minerals; all embroiled together with organic fruits and vegetables. This makes up for a nutritious experience.

Each serving of this meal replacement provides your body with 250 calories and 16g of organic Protein. A fact to be noted is that this gluten-free meal replacement shake is also Soy free. This is one of the meal replacement shakes that contain grass-fed Protein.

As a ready-mixed shake, this is a convenient choice like Soylent and others for those with a busy schedule. You don’t want to miss out on a healthy meal just because your boss wants you to finish that sudden work on time.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake Creamy Chocolate Fudge-flavored shake (250 Calories):

Calories: 250
Protein: 16 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 32 grams (1 gram and 12 grams)
Fat: 7 grams
Available flavors: Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Sweet Vanilla Bean, Iced Café Mocha, and Strawberries and Cream (Best flavor=Creamy Chocolate Fudge)

Pros

Convenient for busy folks
Higher calories to keep you full of energy
Easily palatable for most people

Cons

Not easily digestible

7. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake (Top Choice for All-Natural Shake)

Kate Farms Nutrition Shake product
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.6

4.5

4.5

4.5

Overall Score: 4.5

Kate Farms Nutrition Shake comprises 16g of organic pea Protein and Phytonutrients derived from nutritious whole foods. Not that these are the only plus points of this wonderful ready-mixed shake.

If you are allergic to most ingredients, consider what this meal replacement is free of. It is free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and even soybeans (It goes on and on, like Arya’s list).

This meal replacement is available in three flavors, is free of artificial sweeteners, and has no GMOs. You can take it as a meal replacement shake or a post-workout drink. Kate Farms Nutrient Shake is a convenient mixed shake that is hassle-free.

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

Calories: 330
Protein: 16 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 38 grams (5 grams and 20 grams)
Fat: 12 grams
Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coffee (Best flavor=Coffee)

Pros

No artificial sweeteners and has no GMO
Easily digestible Carbs and Fat.
No artificial flavors

Cons

Higher rate of Fat and Carbs Fat

8. 310 Meal Replacement Shake (Zero Sugar Shake)

310 Meal Replacement Shake
Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.4

4.5

4.5

4.4

Overall Score: 4.5

Coming to you with zero sugar yet tastes good as it is based on plant-based sweeteners as a MRS is rare, and 310 Meal Replacement Shake takes the spot for it. 

It has a blend of 26 essential vitamins and minerals and 25+ superfoods to keep your body thriving. The phytochemicals and antioxidants from them support total body health and vitality.

The Protein is based on a Tri-Plex Protein Blend derived from pea protein, brown rice protein, and pumpkin. It keeps your metabolism, gut health, and muscle maintenance in order.

This is one of the gluten-free meal replacements that is an excellent choice for someone looking to reduce weight. The majority of them have seen results. It is also free of dairy and soy-free also has no added artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for 310 Meal Replacement Shake Vanilla Crème-flavored shake (110 Calories):

Calories: 110
Protein: 15 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 6 grams (5 grams and 0 gram)
Fat: 2.5 grams
Available flavors: Gingerbread, Peppermint Swirl, Pumpkin Spice, Horchata, Chocolate Bliss, Vanilla Crème, and Caramel Sundae (Best flavor=Vanilla Crème)

Pros

Tri-Plex Protein to keep up metabolism and gut health
Has zero sugar
Free of Dairy, Soy and has no artificial additives.

Cons

Doesn’t mix easily. 
Variety of flavors but not as tasty

9. Soylent Complete Meal (Best Choice for Picky Eaters)

Ingredient
Taste
Effectiveness
Price

4.3

4.4

4.4

4.4

Overall Score: 4.4

Remember again that this is one of the gluten-free meal replacements, not your Starbucks shake to-go. For all the busy folks and picky eaters, this has been a lifesaver with its variety of flavors and compact bottles that scream convenience.

Soylent is made up of soy Protein, nine essential amino acids, and 28 vitamins & minerals to keep your overall health in order. This meal replacement shake is also nut-free and free of dairy.

Each serving of this shake gives you 400 calories and is packed with slow-burning carbs, which gives it a low glycemic index. Omega-3 and omega-6 are included to provide cardiovascular support.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Soylent Creamy Chocolate Protein Nutrition-flavored shake (400 Calories):

Calories: 400
Protein: 20 grams
Carbs (Dietary Fibers and Total Sugars): 36 grams (3 grams and 1 gram)
Fat: 24 grams
Available flavors: Banana, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate, Original, Creamy Chocolate, Strawberry, Café Mocha, Café Latte, Café Chai, and Gingerbread (Best flavor=Creamy Chocolate)

Pros

High calories to keep you energized
Wide variety of flavors
Convenient and hasslefree

Cons

Too sweet for sensitive taste buds
Some of the flavors are not tasty at all (Bad texture)

Things to Look Out for When Buying Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shakes

a human holding Meal Replacement Shake

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to these supplements. That’s why it’s important to know how to choose the best one for yourself. If you’re new to the whole idea and want to learn how to choose the best shakes for yourself, here’s what you need to know

Check the Protein

Lots of people use gluten-free protein powders as a means of getting the nutrition that they need. But, meal replacement shakes can do a similar job while providing additional nutrients as long as you choose the right one. That said, protein is an important thing to watch out for. (1)

They promote healthy weight loss and increase your lean muscle mass through protein. It can even help with muscle recovery and maintain currently-existing muscle mass. It’s also good for helping other parts of the body strengthen, such as your bones and tissues.

Make sure that whatever meal replacement you get features lots of it. Another thing to consider is that there are several types available. For example, you’ll find brown rice protein, hemp protein, soy protein, and many more. Do your research and decide which one is best for you.

Extra Nutrition

Many people only check the calories, protein, and other main nutritional values of these shakes. In doing so, they forget to remember other important things such as essential amino acids, digestive enzymes, essential vitamins and minerals, and more.

These all help the body in various ways and can even aid your weight loss goals. Additionally, healthy fat, probiotics, prebiotics, and more are good for you too.

It’s especially good if they come from organic and real food sources since these are the most reliable and healthy.

best gluten free meal replacement shake on the table

Avoid Allergens

Many drink gluten-free meal replacement shakes because they’re healthier. But, gluten isn’t the only thing you have to watch out for. Many other allergens and ingredients can be just as harmful as gluten, if not more so, depending on your medical history.

On top of being gluten-free, your shake should also be soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and lactose-free. Keep in mind that these aren’t exactly necessities. You don’t have to avoid these ingredients if you aren’t allergic or wary of them.

Hold the Sugar

Speaking of things that can be bad for you, one of the main problems with many gluten-free meal replacement shakes and these supplements, in general, is sugar. Sugar is terrible for your body in many ways and can cause huge dents in weight loss goals as well.

So, try to ensure that whatever meal replacement shake you get has zero sugar. If it can’t be completely sugar-free, try to find something with less than 10-12 grams of it. Anything more than that can be seriously detrimental to any healthy lifestyle.

Shakes Should Be Tasty

Meal replacement shakes are something you’re supposed to drink regularly, which is why they should also taste good. Luckily, that’s not a huge problem.

There are many flavor options to choose from in the modern-day age, regardless of whether or not the shake is gluten-free. You should easily find a great-tasting meal replacement that satisfies your taste buds while matching health requirements.

What is Gluten?

gluten foods

Gluten is actually a type of protein, and it can be good for you. It is found in wheat, barley, and rye. Many common foods include it, such as pizza, cereal, pasta, and more. It’s been consumed for centuries, and people have only started avoiding it recently. 

That’s because of celiac disease. People that have this disease can’t eat gluten because it causes problems in their system. It’s one of the most common genetic diseases. But, only approximately 1% of the population has celiac disease. (2)

This means that the remaining 99% should eat gluten without problems. Still, many people tend to avoid it, and that’s why gluten-free products are increasingly popular in recent years.

In short, gluten is a protein usually found in wheat and some other grains, which a minor percentage of people are allergic to.

Why Gluten-Free Shakes?

There are a couple of big reasons why you should choose gluten-free meal replacement shakes over other options. First things first, they’re the safest and only option for those who have celiac disease. If you suffer from the disease, it’s a great way to get some quick nutrition.

The other big reason is the health benefits. When a meal replacement is gluten-free, it also tends to lack most other allergens and harmful ingredients. Because of that, many people opt to drink these instead since they’re often more reliable than their regular counterparts.

The Pros and Cons of Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shakes

Pros

The main and arguably biggest advantage of these shakes is that they make gluten-free dieting much easier. So many snacks and meals have gluten in them. But, you can avoid them through these shakes while getting lots of nutrition simultaneously.
Speaking of nutrition, this brings us to our next point. Our body needs a certain amount of nutrients every single day to function healthily. You can get a good chunk of what you need daily with ease through these shakes.
On top of all the different benefits they offer, these shakes are truly quite convenient. There’s no need to spend so much time on them. You can prepare one within a few moments and then drink it with ease no matter where you are.
A big advantage of gluten-free shakes is that they’re generally much safer. They lack most major allergens and usually don’t have any artificial ingredients or harmful additives. You can’t be so sure of this with other types of meal shakes.

Cons

The lack of gluten can also mean a lack of some nutrition. They might not have certain nutrients since there won’t be any grain. Grain includes lots of iron and other micronutrients, which are great for the body in various ways.
Gluten-free shakes might be a bit more expensive than regular ones. The price difference isn’t usually that big. But, when you buy these supplements more and more often, they can be big enough to put a dent in your other spending.
Drinking too many of these shakes can bring up many issues of its own. For example, you might develop nutrient deficiencies if you replace too many meals or start to grow weaker because of a lack of specific nutrition.

Conclusion

Our list above should help you decide which gluten-free meal replacement shake works best for you. It’s up to you to read through it and decide which one works best for you. Just take a look at their benefits and other information to figure out which of them will suit you best.

We’ve featured Kachava as our top pick for these kinds of shakes. That’s because they’re convenient, nutritionally balanced, healthy, and overall one of the best options around.

It should be able to serve you well. But, even if you don’t want to go with Ample, there are many others.

Remember to choose according to our tips and the other details we’ve mentioned. If you do that, you’ll find an exceptional gluten-free meal replacement soon enough once you do so.

FAQs

Go for a gluten-free meal replacement shake to enjoy a healthy meal that provides all essential nutrients and is suitable for those with coeliac disease.

There is no evidence to support that cutting out gluten is effective for weight loss.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Kachava
kachava meal shake
Ingredient quality
Taste
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
Variety of nutritous blends to keep overal health in check
No preservatives and artificial additives
85+ natural superfoods included to keep you healthy
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of September
Cons
Taste can be improved further to satisfy majority

REFERENCES:

  1. https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet
  2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/treatment/

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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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