9 Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Women & Weight Loss

Last Updated on January, 2025

Every woman wants to look her best and be at her best by eating good foods and staying on a healthy diet. But, sometimes it’s tough to do that no matter how much you try, be it for whatever reason.

Some women might have issues with commitment, while others might have specific problems preventing them from sticking to a particular diet. Some might be too busy to eat healthy all the time, while some might not be able to for other, more specific reasons. This is where a meal replacement shake can help out.

These are dietary supplements that help you consume fewer calories throughout the day. There are plenty of these meal replacement shakes for women worth trying out as they can promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 

Here’s what you need to know about the best meal replacement shakes for women if you’re interested, starting with the best to try out.

Reviewing 9 of the Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Women

1. Instant Knockout Complete (The Best of the Best)

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It’s no secret that modern life makes healthy weight loss a difficult task. Many women struggle with it, and there are plenty of reasons. But, the right meal replacement shake can make a huge difference, and that’s what Instant Knockout Complete is for.

It’s got a fantastic nutritional balance, with high protein and healthy fats. Many filling carbs inside this shake will keep you full for hours before you want to eat again. Even when you look past the macronutrients, it has exceptional micronutrient variety. That makes it one of the most nutritious meal replacement shakes.

Just to give you a little idea of what this shake offers, it comes with 26 essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, you’ll find omega 3&6 in the mix, along with chromium that can boost your mood and give you the lift-up needed before a workout.

Generally speaking, it’s designed specifically for getting into shape, and the formula reflects that. Everything inside is a part of the shake to help you lose weight and build some healthy muscle while you’re at it. On top of that, it doesn’t have too many calories per serving too.

All of this makes the Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement powder my favorite, and any woman looking to stack up on nutrients while getting into shape will love it too. It’s a perfect balance of healthy macronutrients, few calories, and extra micronutrients that help you grow healthy.

It’s an excellent fat-burning meal replacement that’s fit for vegans too. The only downside I can think of is that it’s only available in a single flavor: vanilla. As for the price, it costs $4.20 per serving, with each bag of the powder costing $59.00.

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

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2. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake (Different, But Just as Good)

Now, while the last option is pretty good for most people, it might be a little bit too… “intense” for some. So, let’s continue the list with something lighter that I think is great for women who don’t have hectic schedules or aren’t too physically active: PhenQ Complete Meal Shake.

This meal replacement shake has an excellent nutritional balance like any other. But, a significant difference is that it isn’t as dense. It features all the essential nutrients you need, but not in an amount high enough to cause issues if you don’t take it a certain way.

It features a very effective mix of micro and macronutrients that fuel fat burn and weight loss. Featuring lots of whey protein concentrate in each serving and zero added sugars, it’s a healthy meal shake worth trying. It can help most women cut down on those stubborn pounds that won’t burn away.

It’s also high in fiber, meaning you don’t have to worry about hunger creeping up on your anytime soon. A single serving will leave you feeling full for some hours, which makes a much more significant difference than you’d think. Plus, it has some nice variety in flavors too.

As for the less appreciated but just as vital nutrients, there are essential vitamins and digestive enzymes that help improve your overall health. Despite all this, PhenQ offers extra satisfaction by including a flexible 60-day money-back guarantee.

They’ll refund the total price if you aren’t satisfied with the product or have another issue. Speaking of the price, it’s pretty affordable too. A single bag costs$20.95 and amounts to $2.99 per meal. When you purchase from the official site, you can also get some deals when you buy multiple bags at a time, which considerably decreases the price.

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

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3. HLTH Code Complete Meal (Good for Keto)

Up next is another of my favorites and with good reason. The HLTH Code Complete Meal shake is a mixed and balanced drink that serves pretty much all purposes. It’s a complete package that contains most things you’ll need in a healthy diet.

Something I look for with lots of care when choosing meal replacements for myself is the variety of nutrients on display. I mean, if I just wanted to improve my protein intake, I’d just get protein shakes or protein powders instead of drinking meal replacement shakes. But that’s not what most people reading this want.

Instead, a replacement for a balanced meal is much healthier. Well, that’s what the HLTH Code Complete Meal shake is. Like any other meal replacement, it has the necessary macronutrients, such as a complete protein profile. But, it also has so much more.

For example, there are lots of vitamins and minerals in each serving. On top of that, a good chunk of Omegas 3&6 means lots of healthy fat, paired with a good amount of probiotics and digestive enzymes. Looking at all of this combined, it’s no wonder that the HLTH Code Complete Meal replacement is sublime for stomach health.

But, enough of what it does have. With good reason, let’s move on to the things this shake doesn’t have. For example, the formula doesn’t have any GMOs or artificial ingredients.

I highly recommend it to any woman with keto because of its nutritional value. It’s a very filling meal shake tailored to fit the needs of those on a keto diet, and it is also one of the best tasting Meal Replacement Shakes on the market, which is always a win. You can buy it at $3.33 per serving at the official HLTH website.

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

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4. Kachava (Best Mix of Ingredients)

If you’re looking for something very high-end, it doesn’t get much more elite than Kachava. It’s one of the most popular meal replacement powders on this list, and there’s a good reason behind why that’s the case. For starters, the ingredients it features are top-notch.

Everything you’ll find in Kachava is natural, clean, and perfect for a low-calorie diet centered around losing weight. It features macro and micronutrients extracted from superfoods, organic vegetables, and fruits, making it arguably the healthiest meal replacement shake. 

From these ingredients, you’ll find all the nutrients you need inside each serving of Kachava. This includes a complete amino acid profile. If you aren’t familiar with that, this product features all nine essential amino acids. 

On top of that, it’s loaded with digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins and minerals.

All of these help the body in significant ways. What’s more, there’s just the right amount of pea protein and a good chunk of fiber in every delicious meal of this supplement. Because of that, you can rest assured that your taste buds and stomach will be satisfied after serving Kachava.

There are lots of flavors to choose from too, which is good since even those picky with what they eat or drink can find something to their liking. It’s also gluten-free and lacks any artificial sweeteners. You also won’t find any GMOs in this vegan meal replacement formula.

But, something so good in every way does come at a high price. 

Buying Kachava from the official site will cost you $69.95 a bag, which amounts to $4.66 per serving. If you choose to get a subscription, this price decreases marginally to $59.95 a bag/$3.99 per serving. We recommend this subscription if Kachava is your go-to, as it’ll save you a lot in the long run.

If you want read more about this meal replacement, Checkout this kachava review.

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

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5. Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake

Meal replacement shakes don’t get much better than Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake. The quality and cleanliness of ingredients are something that every person would want in their shake. Thankfully, this is a shake that comes loaded with organic ingredients. 

Organic ingredients are free from all sorts of toxic pesticides and fertilizers for those who don’t know why this is a good thing. Apart from being great for the human body, they’re also excellent for the environment because they don’t leave a harmful footprint on the planet.

Furthermore, organic products are excellent for your skin as well. If you’re skeptical about the authenticity of organic ingredients, you’d love to know that it’s certified USDA Organic. 

Another awesome thing is that Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake is soy-free and gluten-free, and it doesn’t feature genetically modified organisms. This aspect makes this an excellent choice for those who have allergies.

Moving on to nutrition, this meal replacement shake features loads of vitamins and minerals. These support your immune system and help the body in various ways. There’s also calcium, magnesium, zinc, and much more, which help with bone strength and healthy growth.

As for the taste, you’d love to know that Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake comes in four tasty flavors. If you think the pros end here, you’d love to know that this shake is light on the pocket as it only costs $2.60 per serving. The whole bag comes for $31.99, making it one of the most affordable shakes. 

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Orgain Organic Nutrition Shake Strawberries & Cream-flavored shake (250 Calories):

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6. Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal (Great Vegan Option)

Bringing you another organic option that’s an absolute treat for the vegans, the Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal replacement shake is exceptional. It simply can’t go wrong on the ingredients side as it is USDA-Certified Organic. 

Organic ingredients aren’t the only reason it’s an excellent option for vegans, as there’s a lot more that makes this one of the best meal replacement shakes. The macronutrient profile is exceptional thanks to 21 whole food vitamins, minerals, and much more. 

As mentioned, there aren’t many healthy options for vegans out there. That’s because manufacturers tend to use many artificial ingredients to produce vegan-friendly shakes. That’s not the case with Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal as it is made entirely with organic ingredients.

The shake contains healthy fats, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. All this ensures that this shake is excellent for gut health. Health benefits don’t just stop here, as it’s free from many allergens like dairy, gluten, tree nuts, and soy. 

Not to forget, organic ingredients mean this shake is non-GMO, so vegans out there wouldn’t find many better options as this shake checks almost all the boxes.

Apart from being great health-wise and taste-wise, the shake isn’t that expensive either. You can get a Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal container for $34.99.

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

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7. Soylent

Following up with another vegan option, Soylent is an exceptional RTD meal replacement shake. It’s an excellent example of the saying “good things come in small packages” because behind every little bottle of this meal replacement is a shake that’ll fill you right up.

When you need a quick burst of energy after or during a long day of work, there aren’t many shakes that help more than this. Not only is Soylent filling, but it’s also nutritious and great for those that want to catch up on their daily nutrition while feeling energized.

Since it’s ready to drink, you don’t have to worry about preparing it. Just grab a bottle and take it with you anywhere, whether it’s to the office, the gym, or anywhere else. You don’t have to take time out to prepare it. It’s easy nutrition that anyone can enjoy by cranking open a bottle of their favorite flavor before drinking it.

Speaking of flavors, Soylent has an exceptional variety of them. Some pretty neat and unique flavors on display will give even the pickiest eaters more than enough options to work with. They are also vegan, featuring plant-based protein and vegan-friendly ingredients. But, it has some artificial ingredients, which I’m not a fan of.

As a one-time purchase, Soylent is available at $45.00 for 12 bottles, amounting to $3.75 per serving/bottle. That’s not that expensive, especially for a shake as nutritious and convenient as this one.

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

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8. Huel Powder v3.0 (Value for Money)

Everyone loves something that gets straight to the point while getting the job done. Well, at least I know that I do. This is why I love the Huel Powder V3.0; an effective meal replacement shake that can help any woman with weight loss or muscle gain goals.

As the name suggests, it’s Huel’s third main attempt at creating the perfect formula. I must admit that it’s undoubtedly the best attempt of all so far from the brand, and the nutritional values speak for themselves when it comes to this. It’s loaded with just about everything one needs in their daily diet.

You’ll get all 26 essential vitamins and minerals needed, along with so much more than other shakes lack. For example, there are phytonutrients, kombucha, and preprobiotics, all of which come with their benefits for the human body. You can’t say no to variety like that, especially considering it’s got needed macronutrients.

It’s also 100% vegan and has no GMO ingredients. Pairing that with it being lactose-free, palm-oil-free, and having little to no sugar, it’s an excellent option for most. What makes it all better is that it comes in many flavors, meaning you’ll have many fantastic options each time you order Huel.

This shake is also to the point when it comes to hunger, with the point being that “anyone who drinks this won’t be feeling hungry for hours.” That’s thanks to a hefty supply of fiber, a decent amount of calories, and lots of plant-based protein.

All this gets even better when you realize Huel’s V3.0 formula is seriously cheap. Even as a one-time purchase, it costs around $2.08 per serving, with two bags costing only $71.08. If you subscribe, this gets even cheaper by 10%, so we’d say that’s certainly a bargain if you plan to purchase Huel for months to come.

Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Huel Powder v3.0 Cinnamon Swirl-flavored shake (400 Calories):

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9. Rootana

It’s essential to go out with some flare, and that’s what Rootana is for. It’s another good meal replacement shake that satisfies on many fronts, and I’m here to highlight what these areas are. Starting things off is the ingredients list, which is very, very clean.

There aren’t any kind of artificial flavors or sweeteners in this meal replacement. You won’t find any lactose in it either or soy. Not having two major allergens is always a plus, especially if you’re one of the many people that suffer from the related allergies in the first place.

Rootana focuses on improving users’ overall nutrition, and it achieves that goal perfectly. You won’t have to worry about fulfilling your needs by offering 27 vitamins and minerals and lots of your daily macronutrient needs.

Speaking of fulfillment, you’ll be feeling full after each serving of Rootana because of the high fiber amounts and a good chunk of calories. It’ll take a lot of time before you’re left feeling hungry after each serving, so you don’t have to worry about unhealthy cravings catching up.

There are still a few noticeable flaws, which is why it’s on the last rank. For example, the sugar content is pretty high, and there isn’t exactly a plethora of flavors. But, despite that, it’s an excellent option that I like for what it is, and it’s only $28.62 a bag, or $2.04 per serving, meaning the value for money is exceptional.

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

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What is a Meal Replacement Powder/Shake?

Well, going through all the best meal replacement shakes isn’t of any use if you don’t have a clue about what they are in the first place. So, for the odd few that aren’t familiar with them, let’s take a quick rundown of what they are next.

The best way to explain these supplements is to compare them with another type of supplement. This, of course, refers to protein powder or a protein shake. You can add these easy proteins to your diet without preparing something specific.

Meal replacements are essentially the same thing. But, instead of being only easy-protein, they’re easy nutrition in general. They have many macronutrients, and the best ones have many micronutrients. On top of that, they don’t have many extra calories.

Instead, a meal replacement shake has just enough calories, protein, and fiber in it to keep you filled for long. That way, you can avoid eating unhealthy things. Not only does this help you switch to a healthier diet, but it also helps you lose weight if you play your cards right. 

In short, many meal replacement supplements are what you need them to be. They help you avoid extra calories, facilitate weight loss, help you get much-needed nutrition, provide lots of health benefits, and much more. They’re pretty much exactly what every woman needs for a healthy life.

Factors Taken Into Account While Ranking Each Meal Replacement Shake

Most meal replacement shakes are good in their way. But, you don’t want to settle for a good meal replacement shake. What you want is the best of the best. That’s what the list above features; each of the best meal replacement shakes for a woman.

How do we decide what makes them the best, though? Well, that part is easy enough to explain. It’s a step-by-step process that involves checking certain individual things for each meal replacement shake, followed by how it compares to other similar products.

It all starts with what’s on the surface. This includes the ingredients and nutritional values above all else. Both go hand-in-hand and are essential to finding the best meal replacement shake. 

Just about all meal replacements have the basics like carbs and high protein. But those aren’t the only things your body needs to function well. Healthy fats, amino acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals are crucial parts of the package. They’re what make meal replacement shakes good.

After that came looking at the sources for each thing. For example, there are different sources of protein, i.e., pea protein, plant-based vegan protein, whey protein isolate, etc. There are healthy proteins and unhealthy proteins. Similarly, there are healthy fats and unhealthy fats. You can say this for just about any specific type of nutrient.

That’s why looking at the sources was one of the most significant steps and a major deciding factor in choosing meal replacements for the list. After that came more research into each product’s effects on the consumer.

For example, it was necessary to narrow down the effects these meal replacement shakes have on those who drink them. This includes positive effects after regular consumption and any noticeable side effects too.

Other than that, I also looked at what others had to say about them individually by going through reviews. Based on their experiences and the kind of remarks, it was easy to decide which meal replacements were best in the long run.

After narrowing down the best nine, all that was left was to compare them with each other. That way, their most significant strengths and weaknesses became apparent, and placing them on the list became easier.

We created the entire list after many days’ worth of research and careful comparing. So, you can rest assured that they aren’t just ranked randomly and that there’s weight behind each ranking.

When and Why Women Should Use Meal Replacement Shakes?

So, they’re excellent drinks with plenty of benefits for any woman. That’s fine and dandy. But when should you use them? Well, that’s another great thing about these supplements. You can use them whenever you want because they’re just healthy drinks.

That’s all there is to it. If you like a specific meal replacement shake and think it can help you go on a healthier diet, you can make a schedule and start drinking daily. But, if you’re looking for more specific examples, I have some of those too. For example:

On a Busy Schedule

So, if you want to avoid eating unhealthy or just want something nice without spending hours cooking it, meal replacement shakes are a good option.

To Make Up for Nutritional Imbalances

Many young women are at a much higher risk of nutritional deficiency than others, according to studies. This has to do with relatively higher requirements, but poor diets and an unhealthy lifestyle also have to do with this.

For example, according to the same study, many women lack micronutrients like Vitamin B12. The same can be said for plenty of other vitamins and minerals. Generally speaking, these deficiencies cause enormous problems for our health. That’s why you must balance out your diet to avoid issues. 

Well, that’s what a meal replacement shake can help with. These drinks have lots of vitamins and minerals. They have iron, zinc, healthy enzymes, and many more, which are essential for the human body. So, if you have any nutritional deficiencies you want to make up for, meal replacements are an excellent way to deal with them.

As a Workout Drink

They give you much-needed protein, which helps muscle growth. Plus, the ones on our list also have the proper nutrition for weight loss. If you work out regularly and want something healthy to improve things, consider giving meal replacements a shot.

During Pregnancy

That’s why I recommend that expecting mothers give them a shot, as they can be a big help during pregnancy. But, before you make any decisions, I also highly recommend consulting your dietician/doctor before taking meal replacements while pregnant.

Can Meal Replacement Shakes Help Women Lose Weight?

Yes, meal replacement shakes can help women lose weight. There are no two ways about it. These drinks are formulated to have just the right mix of calories, protein, fiber, and more to facilitate weight loss.

Lots of these supplements are even marketed as weight loss drinks entirely. So, you have nothing to worry about. They’ll help you cut down on weight. However, it would help if you asked how to use them for weight loss. We have the answer to that one too.

How Women Can Use Meal Replacements for Weight Loss?

Some might have to work a bit harder if they want to see results. This doesn’t mean you should just replace all your meals with a shake. That’ll cause more problems than it’ll cause good, especially for your digestive system.

Instead, people with slower metabolism could give exercising a shot. This can include full workout routines at the gym, or it can simply be jogging and doing light stretches before or after drinking a meal replacement shake. Either way, you can expect fast results after making something like this a part of your regular life.

It’s up to you to figure out what works best for you. Good metabolism aside, I’d recommend developing a light exercise routine and implementing it in your daily schedule. That way, whether or not you burn fat quickly, you’re sure to see results and get rid of some pounds while getting healthier each day.

Related article: Meal Replacement Shakes & Weight Loss Result

Health Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes

We’ve gone over many things that make a meal replacement shake an excellent addition to any diet. But, there’s still a lot more to discuss too. That’s why, before wrapping things up, I’ll be going over some of the significant health benefits that meal replacements offer:

• The most significant benefit that comes to mind is weight loss, which we’ve already discussed. Obesity is a massive worldwide issue and can cause severe damage to the body. Meal replacement shakes can help anyone that’s overweight get back into shape.
• A meal replacement shake is usually great for your gut. These have fiber, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and much more that clean your stomach and help it function at its best.
• Many women miss essential nutrients because their requirements are higher than others. Meal replacements cover most micronutrients, so adding them to your diet can help protect this and positively impact the body.
• They have added benefits for pregnant women since they’re filling and have many essential nutrients that help the mother and her growing child.
• Meal replacement shakes have high protein in them. Paired with a healthy schedule, this means building lean muscle. Strengthened muscles are always a good thing for your health and your looks.

Check out the Best meal replacements for men here, incase if you’re a male reading this article.

Conclusion

There are plenty of good options for women for different reasons, and I’ve highlighted them in the list above. You can go through each and decide which is best depending on your needs since everyone has their own thing.

My pick for most people would be Instant Knockout Complete because of how much nutrition it offers and how effective it is for weight loss. It also tastes excellent, and you can use it as a workout drink.

But, enough about that. I’ve done my fair share of talking, and the result is in front of you. Now, all that’s left is choosing which meal replacement shake you’re going with. Once you have that narrowed down, the rest is easy!

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