5 Healthiest Meal Replacement Shakes of 2026 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
In our research, we found that the healthiest shakes are made from mostly whole foods ingredients, feature a balanced macro- and micronutrient profile, and work with many of your dietary restrictions. We looked at meal replacement shakes that are ready-made and rounded up our favorites, including Naturgel and Orgain.
Quick List - Top Healthiest Meal Replacement Shakes
Orgain
Formulated With USDA Organic Ingredients
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
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How to Choose a Healthy Meal Replacement Shake – Buying Guide
Ensure Your Shake Contains the Right Ingredients
Meal replacements are meant to be a quick and healthy alternative to eating a full meal, To make sure you get all the right nutrients, it's important to check the labels to see what the drink or powder includes.
Go for a Drink With Mostly Whole Foods
Unlike some other health foods, however, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a meal replacement shake that only has whole food ingredients - though they do exist. That’s because these shakes often include vitamin mixes and protein powders to make them more balanced.
When it comes to meal replacement shakes, it’s best not to be too afraid of some scientific-sounding ingredients like potassium chloride, which is used to prevent low levels of potassium in your blood, or ferric orthophosphate, an iron supplement.
Check to See if It's Free from Undesirable Ingredients
Some particular ingredients to avoid include added sugar, artificial flavors or dyes, and preservatives. Of course, if you have any dietary restrictions look out for those ingredients as well.
Keep Energy Levels Up With a Balanced Nutrient Profile
A Good Balance of Fat, Fiber, and Protein Will Keep You Feeling Full
When it comes to figuring out what kind of calorie count you’re looking for, you also want to consider your goals. While higher calorie shakes might keep you full longer, if weight loss is your goal there are also lower calorie shakes to choose from.
Meal replacement shakes generally range from 100-400 calories per serving, so decide where you want yours to fall in that range.
Micronutrients Keep Your Body up and Running
An iron deficiency can result in various auto-immune disorders, magnesium keeps your nerves and muscles strong and healthy, zinc supports your immune system and helps convert food to energy, while folate combats inflammation and helps to regulate your mood.
If possible, find a shake with a solid balance and range of these vitamins and minerals. 12 is a good number to aim for—and make sure you check that you’re meeting your daily requirements; the nutrition facts should list the percentage of DV the shake will help you meet.
5 Healthiest Meal Replacement Shakes
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Naturgel Meal Replacement Smoothie｜2 pack | | A Whole Foods-Based Protein Smoothie That Tastes Great | |
2 | Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake｜Sweet Vanilla Bean, 12 count | | Formulated With USDA Organic Ingredients | |
3 | OWYN Vegan Meal Replacement Shake｜Chai, 12 pack | | Vegan and Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shake | |
4 | Kate Farms Vanilla Meal Replacement Formula Drink｜12 pack | | Has a Balanced Nutrient Profile | |
5 | Soylent Meal Replacement Shake｜Cacao, 12 pack | | Stay Full of Energy for Longer |
A Whole Foods-Based Protein Smoothie That Tastes Great
Reviewers write that this is one of the most palatable meal replacement smoothies available. While it still doesn’t taste quite like a smoothie bar drink, it’s tasty and makes for a great protein-filled, on-the-go meal.
OrgainOrganic Nutritional Shake ｜ Sweet Vanilla Bean, 12 count
Formulated With USDA Organic Ingredients
Reviewers say this shake is absolutely delicious and has a texture similar to almond milk. They also say it fills them up as much as a meal. This is the perfect shake for those who want a meal replacement shake with a generous helping of natural and organic ingredients.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Meal Replacement Shake
Reviewers love both the lightly spiced chai flavor and texture and write that these shakes do keep you full enough to serve as a full meal replacement.
Kate FarmsVanilla Meal Replacement Formula Drink ｜ 12 pack
Has a Balanced Nutrient Profile
Reviewers appreciate that this shake includes fruit and vegetable extracts along with isolated vitamins and write that it’s quite filling. Do note, however, that the sugar content is quite high, so this may not be suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
Stay Full of Energy for Longer
Many reviewers say that no matter the type, this shake is delicious without its added flavor (such as cocoa) being too sweet or overpowering. Some even compare the flavor to milk leftover from chocolate-flavored cereal.
Its calorie count and fat content are on the high end of the meal replacement shake scale, but it also provides 20% of 26 vitamins and minerals your body requires daily.
More Healthy Snacks to Supplement Your Lifestyle
Making healthy choices isn't as hard as you think - there are plenty of ways to find easy replacements for snacks, drinks, and spreads. If you need a little help choosing, though, take a look at some of the articles below.
Top 5 Healthiest Meal Replacement Shakes
No. 1: Naturgel｜Meal Replacement Smoothie｜2 pack
No. 2: Orgain｜Organic Nutritional Shake｜Sweet Vanilla Bean, 12 count
No. 3: OWYN｜Vegan Meal Replacement Shake｜Chai, 12 pack
No. 4: Kate Farms｜Vanilla Meal Replacement Formula Drink｜12 pack
No. 5: Soylent ｜Meal Replacement Shake｜Cacao, 12 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.