Last Updated on September, 2024
Meal replacement shakes are increasingly popular supplements that are in use worldwide. More and more people, especially in the fitness world, are starting to use these drinks. That’s because they offer lots of health benefits.
Meal replacements are a way for people to skip entire meals. Instead of eating food, you can just drink a bottle of these shakes. They provide you all the nutrients you need from a full meal and are vegan friendly at the same time, making them very convenient substitutes.
The thing about meal replacement shakes is that they come in many variations. Not all of them are suitable for vegans. This is where vegan meal replacement shakes come in.
If you’re having trouble finding the right one for yourself, we can help. After some extensive research and testing, we’ve developed a list of the best vegan meal replacement shakes available in the market based on their biggest strengths and weaknesses.
Table Of Contents
- Top Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Options
- 1. Instant Knockout Complete (Editor’s Choice)
- 2. Kachava (#2nd Best Choice)
- 3. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake (#3rd Best Choice)
- 4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
- 5. Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake
- 6. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake
- 7. Ambronite Complete Meal Shake
- 8. Soylent Meal Replacement Shake
- 9. Lyfefuel Daily Essentials Shake
- What is a Vegan Meal Replacement Shake?
- What Makes Vegan Meal Replacements Good for Health?
- What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Vegan Meal Replacements?
- Buyers’ Guide
- Do Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Taste Bad?
- Benefits of Drinking Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Top Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Options
1. Instant Knockout Complete (Editor’s Choice)
Overall Score: 5.0
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Finding a suitable meal replacement to lose excess fat but keep all those muscles intact is a hassle. There are various supplements for this case for others while you are grasping the straws for a vegan product.
This is among the best vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss but also with all the essential nutrients that supports muscle growth.
Don’t worry about this; Instant Knockout Complete is a complete food package for you to replace your meals. It is vitamin enriched and has all essential nutrients in loads for you to enjoy.
It contains 13g of Fibers that assist your body in digestion and slow the release of energy. And the 35g of protein from wholly plant-based protein sources – soy and pea extract.
Therefore, this meal replacement shake helps you retain your gains and build on it by keeping you energized. It is with the help of pea protein isolate and soy protein isolate that makes this possible.
This is a basic need for all the vegan fitness freaks who are training to the max (or not, too 😉) to regulate their muscle mass, muscle repair, and stamina.
Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) which help your body with a short rise in metabolism, which will burn fat faster.
Chia seed, golden Flax seed, oat flour, and organic brown rice are included in this plant based protein powder. These real food ingredients are an excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, proteins, and carbs to help you maintain your energy levels while training.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Instant Knockout Complete Vanilla Flavored shake (400 Calories):
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2. Kachava (#2nd Best Choice)
Overall Score: 4.9
What if I say that Kachava is made up of 85+ superfoods, nutrients & all natural ingredients? Cool, right?
Kachava contains an alphabet of vitamins. What I meant by the alphabet is that it includes; Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and D. All of these vitamins are vital in providing you with energy and immunity.
The omega-3s, vitamin E, and vitamin C are a great fit for your meal if you are keen on having a brighter complexion, strengthened nails, and a shine to your hair. It even helps your immune system by creating new immune cells, protecting the existing ones, and keeping you fit as a fiddle.
Not only your physical body but also your mental health is taken into account by this meal replacement shake. Yes, I said that right. Kachava states that too little vitamin D, magnesium, and other nutrients can drive depression and mess with focus, for which they ensure you have the adequate amount to ward it off.
Kachava meal replacement is also free of any artificial additives and cheap ingredients. For those planning to shed some weight, Kachava maximizes the calorie-to-satiety ratio by optimizing protein and healthy fats levels to keep your hunger in check.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Kachava Vanilla flavored shake (240 Calories):
Pros
Cons
3. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake (#3rd Best Choice)
Overall Score: 4.8
You want to lose those love handles, but your relationship with food has been strong? No worries, The PhenQ Complete Meal Shake will ensure you don’t crave excess food by making you feel full and energized.
This is one of the best vegan meal replacement shakes focused on ensuring that your weight management game is on point. It consists of 13 essential vitamins and 16g of whey protein to help you replace a full meal.
This is a boon for helping build lean muscle, support weight loss efforts, improve satiety, and boost muscle recovery.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake has a complete micronutrient blend with a rich profile of vitamins. This includes Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
Most of us have problems when it comes to digesting these meal replacement shakes at times. But, to break that challenge, PhenQ has the Digezyme Enzyme Complex.
These digestive enzymes ensure that all nutrients are absorbed and also breakdowns Carbs, Fat, and protein to ease the process of digestion.
It comes in three desert flavors that tickle your taste buds yet have no added sugars. This meal replacement shake is also noted to be gluten-free.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for PhenQ Complete Meal Shake Chocolate Flavor (180 Calories):
Pros
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4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
Overall Score: 4.8
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal is made up of nutrient-rich vegan-based ingredients that strive to be a wholistic meal replacement shake without any drawbacks.
It is also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free consisting of organic matter farmed without the use of any pesticides or fertilizers.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal has 13 raw sprouted ingredients that provide 20 grams of clean protein per serving and 21 vitamins and minerals. This is one of the best vegan meal replacement to help you stay energized and build lean muscles.
This meal replacement shake boosts your energy and helps your body build lean muscles (Only if you work for it). A fact to be noted is that Garden of Life Organic Meal is Raw; as in, it has never been heated nor processed, so the protein in the food is preserved.
This shake has a complex group of 1.5 billion probiotics included in it that makes it easier for digestion.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Chocolate Cacao Powder Flavor (130 Calories):
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5. Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake
Overall Score: 4.7
Orgain’s Organic Nutritional Shake comes in cartons ready to drink for individuals who are too bored or busy to create their shake. This is one of the main benefits of this shake – It caters even to individuals who are always out of time but still health conscious.
Being a gluten and soy-free shake, it is no wonder that it caters to a crowd that stays away from them but still ensures that they receive an All-in-One Organic Nutrition experience.
This meal replacement provides your body with 250 calories per serving and 16g of organic, grass-fed protein. This meal replacement shake also consists of the 20-21 vitamins and minerals, along with organic fruits and vegetables needed to energize your body for its fitness journey.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake Creamy Chocolate Fudge Flavor (250 Calories):
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6. Kate Farms Nutrition Shake
Overall Score: 4.7
Another addition to the list that is gluten-free and soy-free vegan-based products is Kate Farms Nutrition Shake. This, too, is a ready-mixed shake, just like Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake for people looking for convenience.
There is no mixing and no clean-ups after preparation when you can have it on the go without any hassle whatsoever.
Each sering contains 16g of organic pea protein and phytonutrient extracts which will help yu maintain and build muscles. These organic ingredients are all certified, so you need not worry about their authenticity.
It is also free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Depending on your fitness and vegan diet plans, you can drink this either as a meal replacement shake or a post-workout drink.
Kate Farms Nutrition Shake provides your body with a boost of 330 calories per serving. It allows you to go above and beyond in your workouts.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Kate Farms Nutrition Shake Chocolate Flavor (330 Calories):
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7. Ambronite Complete Meal Shake
Overall Score: 4.6
Are you looking for a product that is both a plant-based meal shake and a green juice? Ambronite Balanced Meal Shake specializes in fitting into that category.
This meal replacement shake provides your body with a delicious combination of complete proteins, long-lasting energy, and greens and berries. It is a whole foods super meal powdered down for you even when you are busy (or very lazy 😊).
Ambronite Balanced Meal Shake keeps you full and makes you feel that you had a proper meal instead of a snack or dessert.
It is made up of carbs and greens to give your body the essential amino acids and plant-based omega-3 to keep you thriving while focusing on getting your work done.
This is Dairy-free, Soy-free, and has no GMO or artificial additives making it something that you can fit into your diet if you are planning to stay away from them.
It is also a good meal replacement shake to substitute for a whole plant based meal without feeling guilty. It has 400 calories per serving, vegan protein, and 29 vitamins and minerals thereby making it the best vegan meal replacement shake for you.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Ambronite Balanced Meal Shake Original Flavor (400 Calories):
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8. Soylent Meal Replacement Shake
Overall Score: 4.5
These compact bottles might even become your new favorite drink with all the flavors to choose from. You may forget that it is a meal replacement, not your Starbucks order.
It contains 20g of soy protein containing all nine essential amino acids along with 28 vitamins & minerals that support metabolism, immunity, and overall health. Soylent shakes also provide cardiovascular support as it consists of Omega-3 and Omega-6.
It doesn’t mean you should be replacing meals at a stretch because it tastes great and is convenient. If you are new to this, it is better to start slowly and gradually include it in your diet.
Yes, they taste good due to the Allulose and sucralose available in the ingredients, but no artificial flavors or sweeteners are included in them.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Soylent Creamy Chocolate Protein Nutrition Shake (400 Calories):
Pros
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9. Lyfefuel Daily Essentials Shake
Overall Score: 4.4
A balanced diet, consistent energy, and a combo of all the nutrients and essential vitamins you want to include in your diet are available in Lyfefuel Daily Essentials Shake.
This shake has all the critical nutrients that whole natural foods have to offer without it being diminished or destroyed in the process of sourcing and drying.
The quality maintains authenticity by being tested by an FDA-Registered Facility for Heavy Metals, Pesticides & Microbials.
Are you always on a raid for food for your bouts of hunger between short intervals? Lyfefuel Daily Essentials Shake has the right enzymes and nutrients to keep your cravings in check by providing your body with what it needs.
Although it has valuable nutrient filled natural ingredients, the calories per serving is pretty low.
Here’s the nutritional information and key facts for Lyfefuel Daily Essentials Shake Vanilla Flavored (110 Calories):
Pros
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What is a Vegan Meal Replacement Shake?
Like vegan protein powder, a vegan meal replacement shake is a health supplement that usually comes in powdered form. But, its purpose is entirely different from plant-based protein shakes.
That’s because these vegan meal replacement shakes are used for getting nutrition while replacing full meals. You can maintain a healthy vegan diet through these drinks. They give you all the nutrients a nutritious meal would but they require only a fraction of the effort to make.
The best vegan meal replacement shakes provide energy, essential vitamins, and more nutritional benefits that are perfectly suitable for a plant-based diet. All you have to do is mix the powder with a liquid, and it’s ready to drink for you! They’re also available pre-made.
What Makes Vegan Meal Replacements Good for Health?
As we’ve already mentioned, vegan meal replacements provide several health benefits. Unlike vegan protein powders, these drinks provide a balanced nutritional intake. You can get essential vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes, fiber, and more through them.
This also includes various kinds of protein. For example, they might have organic pea protein, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein, and plant protein in general.
These things let you maintain a healthy diet and help the body in many ways.
Another thing that makes vegan meal replacement shakes good for health is that they provide fewer calories than an actual meal. This can help with weight loss. Losing weight becomes much easier when you’re eating fewer calories and doing more exercise.
There are many other benefits to drinking a vegan meal replacement shake. But, these might vary depending on the specific meal replacement you choose to drink.
What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Vegan Meal Replacements?
Generally speaking, vegan and traditional meal replacements are the same. They’re meant for the same purpose and provide the same benefits. However, how they deliver these benefits and fulfill their purpose might be different.
There’s only one significant difference between them. Traditional meal replacement drinks help you conveniently replace meals. But, they use ingredients that might be derived from animals.
On the other hand, a vegan meal replacement drink helps with the same thing but doesn’t use any ingredients derived from animals. Plant-based protein powders typically only have vegan-friendly organic ingredients in them.
So, they’re the same thing, but vegan meal replacement shakes specifically benefit vegans. They do so by helping vegans get enough nutrition throughout their day while following dietary restrictions. Any other differences will usually depend upon the specific products in question.
Buyers’ Guide
Now that you know so much more about vegan meal replacement shakes, it’s also essential to learn how to choose the perfect one for yourself. We’ll be covering everything you need to know about this in our buyers’ guide given right below.
Check for Certifications
Anyone can claim that their meal replacement shake is healthy, organic, or even vegan. But, whether or not they’re telling the truth can be hard to tell. That’s why it’s always vital that you check for certifications when buying vegan meal replacement shakes.
They can give you all the peace of mind you need while shopping for a vegan meal replacement shake.
What kind of certifications you’re looking for depends on your preferences. Generally speaking, though, USDA certification and any vegan certification should do the trick.
If the meal replacement you get has these or similar certifications, you know that it’s compatible with your vegan diet and healthy in general. It’s a reliable promise of quality and reliability.
Nutritional Value
We’ve already mentioned that a vegan meal replacement shake will usually include essential vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients. But, exactly how much of these nutrients they have varies depending on the shake you get.
For example, some might offer a lot of calories but not a lot of dietary fiber. Others might offer lots of fiber and other nutrition while providing fewer calories. Depending on the kind of diet that you follow, get a vegan meal replacement shake that matches your dietary needs.
Ensure that there aren’t that many added sugars or other ingredients that might be bad for your weight loss goals.
You can also find something gluten-free and soy-free if that’s what you prefer. There are many options. Just remember to check their nutritional value to find one that suits your needs.
Figure Out Which Meal to Replace
A critical thing to deal with is knowing which meal you intend to replace with the supplement. At first, this might not sound related to shopping for a vegan meal replacement shake. But, it’s an essential step in the long run.
Take breakfast and dinner, for example. They’re both two important meals of the day, but they’re both completely different.
One provides a certain amount of nutrients, while the other provides an entirely different amount. This is where deciding what meal to replace becomes essential.
When you know what meal to substitute, you know what to look for in a shake. For example, if you’re looking for something to replace breakfast with, you’ll need something that gives you low calories, lots of nutrients, and lots of energy to start the day with.
But, those looking to substitute dinner should generally look for something relatively higher in calories, with even more nutrients and essential ingredients for the body. That’s because dinner is a much bigger meal, and you should only replace it with something equally filling.
Always Remember Your Budget
Don’t forget that you’re supposed to drink these vegan meal replacement shakes regularly.
That means you have to frequently purchase new ones, as they’ll run out sooner rather than later. It’ll become a regular part of your expenses, so you’ll want your meal replacement to be affordable.
Look for something that provides everything you need on a reasonable budget. Good vegan meal replacement shakes aren’t that expensive. You should comfortably be able to find something that fits into your budget.
But, do remember not to go for something just because it’s cheap. Many shakes you find might be reasonable in price, but they might be inferior in quality too. On top of the cost, you should make sure that the certifications and user reviews are good too.
Speaking of ensuring good quality, this brings us to our next point.
Do Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Taste Bad?
One of the most common complaints you’ll see about vegan meal replacement shakes is that they taste bad. This isn’t necessarily true at all. While some of them certainly taste chalky and unpleasant, many of them taste great and are healthy at the same time.
Even most of the options that we’ve mentioned above have a delicious taste. One of the best things about these supplements is that they also come in many delicious flavors. Regardless of how picky you are with food, there’s sure to be a vegan meal replacement that suits you.
It’s all about finding the right one. Depending on what fruits or spices you like, just get a vegan meal replacement shake with their flavor. Lots of them taste sweet and tasty.
So, to answer the question, while some vegan meal shakes might taste bad, many of them taste delicious too!
Benefits of Drinking Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
You’ve learned what vegan meal replacement shakes are and how to choose the right ones. But, one important thing left to do is knowing what benefits these shakes offer. That said, just read through this brief list to find out precisely what advantages they hold:
- They’re an excellent source of nutrition for vegans. It’s no secret that getting some nutrients can be difficult while strictly sticking to a vegan diet. But, these meal replacements are more than capable of helping you with that.
- Just about every vegan meal replacement shake is straightforward to make. These supplements are known for their convenience. You can make them in mere moments and get all their health advantages in the form of a tasty shake.
- One of the most important advantages is that these are great for weight loss. Since they have fewer calories than other meal replacement shakes and meals in general, they can help you lose weight.
- You can drink them on the go. If you’re a busy person and don’t have any good vegan options around you to rely on for a quick snack, these shakes are your best bet. Since they’re so easy to make and consume, you can drink them anywhere you like.
- Vegan meal replacement shakes tend to have much fewer artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors than their traditional counterparts. This is a massive bonus because these artificial ingredients are terrible for the body if you consume them regularly.
Conclusion
Vegans don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to meal replacement shakes. As you can see, there are a lot of entirely plant-based meal replacement shakes out there that you can try. These are all usually vegan-friendly and have lots of advantages for your health.
Out of all the options, the Instant Knockout Complete is our leading pick out of the best vegan meal replacement shakes out there. But, any of the other options are exceptional if you want to go with those. We’ve given you the information you need. Now it’s just up to you to choose!
Don’t worry about picking the wrong option. If you follow our tips and choose from our list, you’re sure to pick the best vegan meal replacement shake. You won’t have anything to worry about as long as you remember the things in this guide.
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