Best meal replacement bars and shakes of 2024

How we chose the best meal replacement bars and shakes

When choosing the best shakes for meal replacement as well as the best meal replacement bars, I chose products that met certain standards that would make them an adequate meal alternative. First of all, I made sure they contained at least 150 calories, around 10 grams of protein per serving, and at least two grams of fiber. These are the absolute minimum requirements, but I looked for products that offered even more. I also made sure that each product contained an adequate amount of essential vitamins and minerals to replace the nutrition that you may find in a small meal. Finally, I looked at numerous reviews to ensure that customers who have already used the products found the taste and texture to be pleasing and palatable.

Top meal replacements

• Best all-in-one: Ka'Chava Superfood
• Best plant-based: Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go
• Best powder with added nutrients and fiber: Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein
• Best ready-to-drink with added nutrients and fiber: Muscle Milk® Pro Advanced Nutrition Protein Shake
• Best whole foods-based bar: PROBAR®
• Best whey protein bar: Jacked Factory® Authentic™ Bar

Best all-in-one: Ka'Chava Superfood

About Ka'Chava Superfood

Ka'Chava is a protein powder with a goal of combining the best superfoods and nutrients into one grab-and-go meal. The shake is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free and contains no artificial ingredients. Packed with protein and good-for-you carbs, Ka'Chava gives you the healthy, full feeling and provides nutrients to help you power through workouts without crashing later. For environmentally conscious customers, there's one added benefit to choosing Ka'Chava. The company has teamed up with The Rainforest Trust to protect over 100,000 acres of rainforest since 2017.

Why we like it

• Plant-free protein
• No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners
• Partners with The Rainforest Trust

What to consider

• Contains potential allergens

Best plant-based: Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go

About Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go

If you’re looking for a meal replacement shake to fit your plant-based diet, Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go may be right for you. This USDA Organic product contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or carrageenan, and is free of gluten, soy, dairy, lactose and GMOs. This no added sugar meal replacement product tastes good alone mixed with your favorite plant-based milk product. You can also blend Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go powder with your favorite fruits, yogurts and/or nut butters for a delicious and satisfying meal replacement smoothie. With over 20% of the daily recommended value of vital vitamins and minerals, Orgain® Organic Meal On-the-Go can help you stay on top of your nutrition even when you’re short on time.

Why we like it

• Free of artificial ingredients
• Contains fruit and veggie blend
• A majority of consumer reviews report good taste profile

What to consider

• Over $1 per ounce
• Limited flavor options
• Not suitable for those sensitive to sugar alcohols

Best powder with added nutrients and fiber: Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein

About Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein

The Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein Meal Replacement Shake product is perfect for someone looking for a meal alternative to help support their active lifestyle. This whey protein concentrate product contains a rich 35 grams of protein per serving as well as seven grams of BCAAs per serving. With a slew of added nutrients in quantities over 15% of the daily recommended value, this meal replacement product goes above and beyond in providing adequate nutrition. Other notable features of this nutrition shake include no artificial colors or flavors as well as no soy and gluten. With award-winning taste and a variety of delicious flavors like chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon bun and salted caramel, you will never become bored with this shake with Labrada Nutrition Lean Body Hi-Protein in your routine.

Why we like it

• Great source of protein and fiber
• At least 20% of the daily recommended value of 15 vitamins and minerals
• Five-time winner of the American Culinary Institute’s Gold Medal Taste Award

What to consider

• More than $1 per ounce
• Contains artificial sweeteners
• Some customer complaints of thick texture

Best ready-to-drink with added nutrients and fiber: Muscle Milk® Pro Advanced Nutrition Shake

About Muscle Milk® Pro Advanced Nutrition Shake

If you don’t have time to blend or mix your meal replacement shake as you run out the door, then this ready-to-drink Muscle Milk® Pro Advanced Nutrition Shake may be right for you. With a good source of fiber, this nutrition shake helps support gut health. Not to mention that the potent source of protein it provides helps satisfy your hunger in a lower calorie form. In three delicious flavors, this nutrition shake tastes great alone or mixed in with your coffee, smoothies, or other foods for a protein and nutrition boost. So, if you’re looking for a meal replacement product that will provide comprehensive nutrition in a convenient ready-to-drink formula, then try Muscle Milk® Pro Advanced Nutrition Shake today.

Why we like it

• At least 20% of the daily recommended value of 14 vitamins and minerals
• Only 1 gram of sugar per serving
• Convenient ready-to-drink formula

What to consider

• Not suitable for those who don’t or can’t consume dairy products
• Lower in calorie than other meal replacements
• About $2.50 per 11-ounce bottle

Best whole foods-based bar: PROBAR® Meal On-The-Go

About PROBAR® Meal On-the-Go

If you’re looking for a meal replacement bar that is free of artificial ingredients and rich in flavor, then PROBAR® Meal On-the-Go is just the fit for you. Rich in calories and whole-food goodness, this meal replacement bar option is a great meal alternative no matter your activity level. This Non-GMO Project Verified meal replacement bar is free of gluten and soy and is a good source of fiber to support gut health. Not to mention that this sustainability-sourced product is perfect for anyone looking for a meal replacement product made with all-natural ingredients like oats, nuts and seeds. In a variety of flavors, from Superfood Slam and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip to Original Trail Mix or Blueberry Muffin, PROBAR® Meal On-the-Go has a flavor to please just about anyone’s palate.

Why we like it

• 100% plant-based ingredients
• USDA Organic certified
• Good source of fiber

What to consider

• Lower in protein than other meal replacement bars
• Over $2 per bar
• Low levels of limited added nutrients

Best whey protein bar: Jacked Factory® Authentic™ Bar

About Jacked Factory® Authentic™ Bar

If you’re looking for a whey protein-based bar that can act as a meal replacement, then Jacked Factory® Authentic™ Bar may be the fit for you. In a variety of fun flavors like Birthday Cake, Smores and Peanut Butter Pieces, this meal replacement bar pleases the palate with no artificial sweeteners. With no sugar, alcohol, or fiber additives, this meal replacement bar option is easy on your gut and ideal for those with digestive sensitivities. Using only the highest quality whey protein isolate, Jacked Factory® Authentic™ Bar supports your activities from running errands to working out. Made with real nut butter and honey, this real food meal replacement bar will support just about any healthy lifestyle.

Why we like it

• Certified by Good Manufacturing Practices for potency of ingredients
• Comes in a variety of fun flavors
• Good source of protein

What to consider

• Only 2 grams of fiber per bar
• Low levels of limited added nutrients
• Contains 15 grams of added sugar

How to choose meal replacement bars and shakes

When choosing a meal replacement shake or bar product, you should be sure to read the label to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You should make sure it contains at least 150 calories at minimum to help provide similar energy to a small meal. Those with 200 calories or more will satisfy your hunger more efficiently, but you can always add a snack with lower-calorie meal replacement options like a few hard-boiled eggs, a piece of fruit or an ounce of nuts to make it more filling. A meal replacement bar should also contain an adequate source of protein and fiber. A meal replacement bar or shake with around 10 grams of protein and at least three grams of fiber is an optimal choice. Finally, be sure that the meal replacement product you choose does not contain any ingredients that you are allergic to or intolerant to.

Methodology

To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top meal replacements on the market. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best meal replacement bars and shakes for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.

FAQ

Can you eat just meal replacement bars?

As a healthcare provider, I would not suggest consuming only meal replacement bars for your total nutrition. This is because meal replacement bars cannot provide you with the diverse array of nutrients that whole foods can, and most do not provide adequate natural fiber sources to support gut health. Therefore, meal replacement bars should just be a way to provide you with a source of calories, protein and a small dose of vitamins and minerals if you miss a meal or don’t feel like cooking or eating a meal.

How healthy are meal replacement bars?

The health status of meal replacement bars varies depending on the brand. There are some brands, like those mentioned in this article, that contain high-quality ingredients including fiber and other nutrients. However, not all meal replacement bars hold to this standard. Be sure to check the nutrition label of a product before choosing a meal replacement bar since some products may contain artificial flavors, dyes and fillers that provide no nutritional value and may impact taste.

Is it OK to have a meal replacement shake every day?

When it comes to meal replacement shakes, it is ok to have one every day if you miss a meal or are on the go during meal time. Just be sure that a majority of your meals come from nutritious food sources to ensure that you consume a diverse array of adequate vitamins and minerals daily.

References

Min, J., Kim, S.Y., Shin, I.S., Park, Y.B., and Lim, Y.W. (August 2021) “The Effect of Meal Replacement on Weight Loss According to Calorie-Restriction Type and Proportion of Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” J Acad Nutr Diet, 121(8):1551-1564.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.05.001. Epub 2021 Jun 16. PMID: 34144920. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34144920/

Xu, Q., Wang, W., Sun-Waterhouse, D., Zou, Q., Yan, M., Liu, X., Lan, D., and Wang, Y. (August 2023) “Assessing the nutritional quality of lipid components in commercial meal replacement shakes using an in vitro digestion model.” Curr Res Food Sci.,7:100568. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100568. PMID: 37654441; PMCID: PMC10465867. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37654441/

Ye, W., Xu, L., Ye, Y., Zeng, F., Lu, X., Li, Y., and Liu, L. (October 2023) “Efficacy and Safety of Meal Replacement in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab.,108(11):3041-3049. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad273. PMID: 37192345. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37192345/