Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Finding decent meal replacement products is hard enough when you eat animal products, never mind when you’re a vegan relying on plant-based protein powder in a world designed mainly for meat-eaters. As the great Etta James once said – this is an omnivore’s world. Vegans looking to increase their protein intake could benefit from meal replacements, protein shakes, and other such supplements listed below. Alas, sometimes a multivitamin alone just won’t cut it.

The amount of protein per 100g is going to be less from a plant base, which might advocate the use of a supplement. It would be physically difficult to increase protein intake by another way bon appétit!

Dr Adam Collins,Director of MSc and BSc Nutrition at the University of Surrey.

Our Top Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes (2023)

#1 Ka'chava Vegan Nutritional Shake
9.7
Ka'Chava

Ka'Chava combines the best of all categories—and more. It's more nutrient-dense than any other health shake on market. Ingredients are sustainably sourced from nature, and you'll never encounter anything artificial. The days of hunting and gathering for your daily nutrition are over!

#2 Ample Complete Meal Shake
9.5
Ample

Ample is a complete meal made from real-food ingredients. Per 400 calorie meal, it contains 25g protein, just 4g net carbs, healthy fats, prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, electrolytes, and probiotics, with zero gluten, soy, GMOs, or artificial junk. Ample is the optimal breakfast, lunch, or meal on the go to keep you full and focused for hours.

#3 Orgain Organic Meal
9.1
Orgain

Our organic, plant-based meal powder is a power packed blend of clean, organic ingredients that deliver a delicious and satisfying meal replacement. Certified Organic and Vegan, this powder serves up 20g of plant-based protein in every serving. Delicious and creamy (while still dairy free!), our meal replacement powder will keep you feeling your best. Simply mix with water or add to your favorite smoothie and enjoy.

#1 Ka’chava Vegan Nutritional Shake

This ready-to-drink plant-derived shake has 26g of plant protein per serving, which is a little low compared to the 20g of most of its competitors on this list. Still, it clocks in at just 240 calories per serving, which is good if you’re trying to lose weight while keeping your body supplied with the right foods. Furthermore, these shakes are gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and animal-free.

If your interested in (just) protein powder, then you can also try the protein powder from Orgain Organic.

Ka'Chava Review

PROS

  • 25g of protein and 240 calories
  • Source of vitamins A, C, D, E and B12
  • 21 vitamins and minerals
  • Smooth and creamy & a variety of flavors

​CONS

  • The old formula tasted better
  • Cost per serving is more than others on the list

 

I usually prefer a simple, straightforward meal replacement shake. Something that I could just prep with water and ice, and gulp down as I leave the house in the morning.

This is exactly why I like Ample V, and I typically recommend it to my clients who don’t have time to prepare an elaborate breakfast or post-workout smoothie.

I grab a bottle, pour some ice cold water, and I’m ready for the day.

You can buy it in pre-portioned, single-serve bottles, or you can also get the bulk pouch, which is cheaper on a per-serving basis.ample plant based protein shake meal

PROS

  • Easy to prepare
  • checkHas 13g of fat, 10 g of vegan protein, and 12 g of carbohydrates
  • checkThin but creamy texture
  • No artificial flavors and sweeteners

Cons

  • Limited Flavore
  • Needs to be fully mixed
  • Flavor is not strong
  • Smellsdifferent
  • Weird color

3. Orgain

One of the top vegan meal replacement shakes I could find, this product comes with 3 unique flavors:

Vanilla, peanut butter banana, and mocha.These GMO-free shakes are made with vegan superfoods; all you need to do is mix them with water or milk as you please.According to the company, they worked with a nutritionist to find a strong plant-based formula for those sticking to a vegan diet.creamy-chocolate-fudge-2-01lb-canister orgain organic meal replacement

PROS

  • 230 Calories and 26g+ protein
  • 3 unique flavors – Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry
  • Contain the nutrition vegans nee3

​CONS

  • Somewhat chalky consistency for some users

 

This meal replacement will surely provide your body the nutrients it needs that other food sources can’t provide.

4. TrueFit Meal Replacement Shake

TRueFit Complete Meal Shake is the top vegan meal replacement solution that I would personally recommend based on my experience.This all-in-one nutritional shake contains all the complete proteins and premium fats you need on a vegan diet, in addition to carbs rich in fiber and probiotics.

There are a bunch of different flavors to try, so it’s hard to get bored of this all-in-one nutritional shake.

Some shakes can have “samey” and bland flavors, so that is certainly a nice change.
TrueFit Meal Replacement Shake Protein Powder, Grass Fed Whey + Organic Fruits & Veggies, Keto, Fiber & Probiotics, Non-GMO, Gluten Free

PROS

  • 25 grams of protein and 160 calories per serving
  • 29 Food-based vitamins & minerals
  • 100% Plant-based and vegan-friendly

​CONS

  • Berries flavor could be improved
  • banSome packages come without a promised scoop
  • Lesser known brand

Oxyfresh – which sounds more like an air freshener than a vegan protein powder – it is a 100% GMO-free shake made from superfoods.

It includes broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, spinach, and any other green stuff you can imagine.This organic vegan nutrition shake is not only an apt food replacement, but it also has the added benefit of being soy-free, which is good if you’re a vegan with dietary restrictions or stomach problems.Meal Replacement Shake, Organic | Purely Inspired All-in-One Meal Replacement | Plant Based Protein Powder for Women & Men | Organic Protein Powder | Protein Shake Powder | Chocolate, 1.3 Pounds

Pros

  • 20 Grams of Protein
  • Tastes Great 
  • Clean Ingredients
  • Mixes easily

Cons

  • Doesn’t Last as long
  • Flavors are mixed
  • Could use a different sweetener
  • Chunky

6. Gnarly Meal Replacement Vanilla Vegan

Continuing our long tradition of reviewing products with stupid names, here we have “Gnarly” Meal Replacement Vanilla Vegan…

I’m like totally stoked, dude.Still, this nutritional shake contains pea protein isolate as well as proteins from cranberries and chia seeds, so you’ve got plenty of protein while you’re losing weight.Gnarly Meal Replacement Vanilla VeganGnarly Meal.

Pros

  • Taste you can love
  • Mixes easily
  • 50% of daily vitamins

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Not as well known
  • Less protein

It also contains digestive enzymes which are there to reduce any gas/digestion problems that can crop up with these kinds of plant-based protein shakes.

7. Vegansmart Plant Based All-In-One

This product’s flagship flavor is called “Wild Berries”, which makes me concerned for this vegan shake’s sanity. What drove the Wild berries? Has it been sectioned?

I digress.Vegansmart describes their shakes as the “yummiest nutritional shakes ever”; a bold claim that I doubt is backed up by double-blind clinical trial.

Pros

  • Good amount of fiber
  • Whole Food Complex
  • 23 Vitamins & minerals

Cons

  • Not as much protein per serving
  • Lacks variety of flavors
  •  

Still, I enjoyed the flavors personally, and so do many other people who swear by these shakes.

There are 15 raw superfoods, organic peanut protein, pea protein isolate, and even rare earth colloidal minerals in this product, making it one of the best vegan meal replacement shakes in terms of nutrition.

8. Garden Of Life Meal Replacement

Featuring an array of gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients, Garden Of Life’s food replacement shake is all about being as healthy and natural as possible.Each serving contains 20g of plant-based protein, along with 5g of fiber, powdered greens, and various vitamins and minerals that your body craves as part of a balanced diet.

Want to eat chocolate (see also ‘Can Vegans Eat Chocolate?‘) and still lose weight?
Garden of Life Vegan Protein Powder - Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes - Vanilla - Pea Protein, Greens and Probiotics for Women and Men, Plant Based...

Well, now you (kind of) can, as this product contains a generous portion of Raw Chocolate Cacao (see also ‘ Navitas Organics Cacao Powder Review ‘).

Pros

  • Easy To Digest
  • Lower overall Calories Count
  • 1g of Sugar

Cons

  • Not many flavors
  • new packaging is smaller serving
  • Tastes OK

9. Soylent Meal Replacement Drink

Considering the famous fictional drink “Soylent Green”, which was made from human remains, you’d think you might want to steer clear of words like “Soylent” in your branding, yet here we are.This product contains 20g of plant-based protein per serving, which seems to be the standard for many of these plant-derived shakes. However, it also features beet-derived slow-burning carbs, as well as Omega-3s and a whopping 26 vitamins and minerals.Soylent Cafe Mocha Meal Replacement Shake with Caffeine and L-Theanine, Contains 20g Complete Vegan Protein, Ready-to-Drink, 14oz, 12 Pack

Low in calories and loaded with health benefits, these ready-to-go shakes are essentially a plant-based meal in a bottle which you can grab on your way out the door.

Pros

  • Great convenience
  • Filled with additional nutrients
  • Good taste

Cons

  • Bland
  • Pricey
  •  

10. Huel Vegan Powdered Meal

I’ve always liked Huel’s packaging – it’s incredibly simple and not marketed specifically to any gender or demographic, which is rare in the fitness world.Their vegan protein powders are also to my liking, with their low-sugar and high-protein formula helping you feel full and energetic throughout the day.

To top all of this off, Huel’s powder powder has a very low GI (Glycaemic Index) of 27, so diabetic vegans may find it preferable when dieting.Huel Complete Protein Meal Replacement Starter Kit - 3 Flavor Variety - Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla - 78 Scoops Packed with 100% Nutritionally Complete Food, Including 20g of Protein, 2g of Fiber, and 27 Vitamins and Minerals Packaged in a LastFuel Box

Who says that vegan is boring?

Pros

  • Nutritionally complete
  • 27 Vitamins & Minerals
  • 78 Scoops per container

Cons

  • Price
  • Flavors could be better
  • A bit thick, needs watered down

11. Vega All-in-One Protein Powder

Start your day with multi-sourced protein, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega-3s, all sourced from the power of plants in Vega One Organic

This all-in-one vegan meal replacement shake seems to have a good balance of healthy ingredients. For example, it features numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and Omega-3s, helping plant-eaters to get everything they need.

PROS

​CONS

  • Some users claim that the older formula was better

The manufacturer claims that in a single scoop of this powder, you will meet 50% of your DV for 8 vitamins and minerals.

What Is a Meal Replacement Shake?

A meal replacement shake is a health supplement that (yep, you guessed it) is designed to replace a regular meal. These shakes are usually around 200-400 calories on average, and good ones will have all the nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs when sacrificing regular food.So, why do people take meal replacements when they could just eat healthy dishes instead? For some people, it’s all about spare time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics & the food innovation group, the average US citizen has around 4 hours 59 minutes of “leisure time” each day.

However, once you add in activities like cooking, Netflix binging, and socializing, you’re left with very little time to cook healthy food, so meal replacement shakes can be a great alternative if you’re short on spare time.Additionally, some people take meal replacements to help lose weight and extra body fat, while others drink them due to certain dietary problems (1).

​What Are the Benefits of Taking a Meal Replacement Shake?

benefits of taking a meal replacement shake

1. Speeds up weight loss – The shakes can help you to lose weight more quickly in the short term. This is not generally a long-term solution for healthy living, but if you’re struggling to fit into your favorite outfit before a big wedding or event, these shakes could be the way to go.

For my weight loss experiment I drank a shake instead of eating my typical evening meal and that’s all it took to lose a couple pounds.

2. Contains fewer calories than regular meals – Most shakes contain 200-400 calories per serving, which is considerably less than your average balanced dish. As such, it is easier for you to cut down your calorie consumption when you’re trying to watch your weight. As you’re probably aware by now, a caloric deficit is the easiest way to drop excess pounds.

3. Simple and quick to prepare and consume – There’s a reason that the Western world is so addicted to caffeine – we need energy for all that stuff we’re busy doing…bon appétit!

One study found that “bad” cholesterol levels were significantly lower in people consuming high-protein meal replacements compared to people consuming high-carb meal replacements.

If you’re juggling careers, children, family, and social responsibilities, you probably don’t have a bunch of time to sit around reading Goop and cooking extravagant banquets.

4. Decreases food cravings – Food cravings can be instrumental in ruining a diet, but the best meal replacements help you to feel full for 3-4 hours, making it easier for you to go without food for a little while (2). The best vegan meal replacement shakes contain no artificial sweeteners. These pesky sweeteners can cause you to crave real sugar, potentially ruining a diet.

Or you can just keep eating the same oldcooked meals with sour cream & mashed potatoes…JK!

5. Lowers cholesterol level – So, assuming you stick to the protein-packed options, you should be able to reduce your cholesterol levels significantly.

6. Contains all essential nutrients – Similar to green superfood powders, these products can provide you with all the essential nutrients you need for your body. This is to assume that you picked a reputable brand.

Meal replacement shakes are designed to provide all of the nutrients that you should consume in a complete meal. As such, they are fortified with nutrients, which might fill your nutrient gap while you are cutting back on calories.

Peter Tzemis

Health Professional

7. Helps improve digestion (Benefits of using lactic acid) – Thanks to the addition of fiber and probiotics that aid the digestive system, people with digestion problems will probably find these shakes to be very beneficial. Nonetheless, some brands may “agree” with your digestive system more than others, so shop around a bit.

​What Is the Difference Between Vegan and Traditional Meal Replacement Shakes?

The vast majority of traditional meal replacement shakes are made from animal-sourced ingredients in some way. For example, honey acts as a sweetener and whey protein is derived from cow’s milk.

“The simple difference between vegan and traditional shakes is that vegan shakes contain no animal-derived ingredients at all.”

-The Vegan Innovation Group

Generally speaking, vegan shakes are healthier too, drawing from a large pool of plant-based protein sources such as pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein (no, you won’t get high) and much more.Vegan shakes also tend to contain fewer allergens (cow’s milk, etc.), which is a plus bon appétit!

​What Should I Look for in a Quality Vegan Meal Replacement Shake?

1. Amount of sugar

Healthline has bothered to list 11 reasons why too much sugar is bad for you, but suffice it to say that too much sugar will make you fat, give you heart problems, and lead to diabetes

(lose weight while diabetic). (3) We can only assume that you want to avoid all of that, so look for shakes that aren’t packed to the brim with sugar.

2. Source of protein

As one of your main macronutrients, it’s essential that you get enough protein in your diet. Decent vegan shakes will contain a healthy source of bioavailable plant-based protein such as pea protein or brown rice protein, fuelling your body with energy while avoiding animal-derived products. If you need a bigger boost in protein, you can supplement with a vegan protein powder. Here are some of our favorites.

3. Essential nutrients

Your nutritional shake could be giving you the nutrients you need if you choose your brand wisely, although these products should always be combined with a balanced vegan diet. Look for things like superfoods, antioxidants, probiotics, fiber, and other good clean ingredients.

Vegan Restaurant Meals

Vegan diets need variety, part of the vegan lifestyle is having nutritious meal at your avorite vegan foods restaurant . If you just drink meal replacement shakes you’ll get quick and healthy meal replacements but you’ll miss out on entire vegan meals.

A vegetarian diet has innumerable health benefits but it can be hard to stick to if you don’t let yourself have some variety. Getting enough calories or gaining extra calories is the goal of a meal replacement shake, your nutritional needs will be met & your protein content will be where it need to be for weight gain or weight loss.

Vegan Diets

A complete meal for someone that’s on a vegetarian diet is stictly focused on vegan foods…right? It seems obvious so let me explain, I can’t tell you how often I hear “Jason…is XYZ vegan? So often people try to justify foods that are in the grey-zone for someone trying to live the vegan lifestyle, enjoy the health benefits & consume real vegan meals without animal products derived wholly from animal free alternatives.

My advice is to STOP trying to make something part of your vegetarian diet when it clearly has animal products in it!

You should also note that an evening meal consisting of a pasta dish , pizza toppings like parmesan cheese, sour cream on mashed potatoes are actually doable (The Vegan Versions of course! There are unlimited recipes for vegan cooked meals that contain many of the delicious foods you love.

Back to what a complete meal is; A complete meal isn’t all your essential fatty acids, saturated fat and all your nutritional needs cramming as m,any nutrients into one meal’s worth of food into an entire day’s nutritional needs.

Vegan Food Is Everywhere

Vegan food like processed foods is everywhere & it’s up to you to develop the habit of finding it.

When I lack ideas I grab a vegan cookbook and have fun looking at the variety of things I can eat that may have slipped my mind, trust me when I say it’s better than throwing hot sauce on everything.

Vegan ice creams, dark chocolate chip cookies, scrambled eggs (Vegan substitute), dairy products (vegan substitute)..it’s all pretty much available if you look.

I understand that being vegan while doing a keto diet or some other form of food restriction limits your choices, that’s why vegan meal replacements are so popular as they fill that nutritional gap.

Vegetarian diets require good eating habits but that doesn’t mean you have to do without an afternoon snack that provides more protein, many nutrients, higher nutrient intake and basically a whole meal replacement in one drink…bon appétit!

Why Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Are A Good Idea

Veganism is a dietary and lifestyle choice that involves abstaining from the consumption of animal products.

This includes not only meat and dairy, but also honey, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients. For many vegans, the decision to eliminate these products from their diet is motivated by concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health.

One way that vegans can ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet is by consuming vegan meal replacement shakes.

These shakes are typically made from plant-based proteins, such as soy or pea protein, and are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

They can be a convenient and nutritious option for vegans who are looking to increase their protein intake, lose weight, or simply maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

There are several reasons why vegan meal replacement shakes can be a beneficial addition to a vegan diet.

One of the main reasons is that they can provide vegans with an easy and convenient way to increase their protein intake. Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many of the body’s functions, including building and repairing tissues, producing hormones and enzymes, and supporting immune function.

While it is possible for vegans to get enough protein from plant-based sources such as legumes, nuts, and seeds, this can require careful planning and a varied diet. Vegan meal replacement shakes, on the other hand, can provide a quick and easy way to boost protein intake, making it easier for vegans.

Another reason why vegan meal replacement shakes can be beneficial is that they can help vegans to lose weight. Many of these shakes are low in calories and fat, and they can be a useful tool for vegans who are trying to shed a few pounds.

They can be used as a meal replacement, providing a balanced and nutritious alternative to a high-calorie, high-fat meal. By replacing just one or two meals per day with a vegan meal replacement shake, vegans can reduce their caloric intake and achieve their weight loss goals more easily.

One of the biggest advantages of drinking meal replacement shakes is their convenience. Unlike traditional meals, which can take time to prepare and eat, meal replacement shakes can be quickly and easily consumed on the go. This makes them an ideal option for busy individuals who don’t have the time or inclination to sit down and eat a full meal. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or traveling, meal replacement shakes can provide the nutrients you need to stay energized and focused throughout the day.

Another benefit of meal replacement shakes is their portability. Unlike traditional meals, which can be difficult to transport, meal replacement shakes can be easily carried with you wherever you go. This means you can have a healthy, satisfying meal even when you’re away from home or the office. Whether you’re at the gym, on a hike, or just out and about, meal replacement shakes can provide the nutrients you need to stay nourished and energized.

In addition to their convenience and portability, meal replacement shakes are also highly customizable. Most meal replacement shake brands offer a wide range of flavors and ingredients, so you can choose the option that best fits your taste preferences and dietary needs. This means you can enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients without having to worry about getting bored with the same old meals.

 

FAQs

vegan meal replacements

Are vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss only?

Vegan meal replacement shakes are not only for weight loss. They can also be used by people with dietary deficiencies or vegans looking for a convenient and nutritious “meal” to fit into their busy schedule. Nonetheless, vegan meal replacements can be used for weight loss effectively.Are vegan meal replacement shakes healthy enough?

Vegan meal replacement shakes are healthy enough for most users, assuming you go with a reputable brand and a formula that is suited to your personal diet. Most vegan meal replacement supplements undergo intense research to ensure that they are nutritious enough to support people eating a plant-based diet.

Can you live on replacement shakes alone?

No, it is not advisable to be on replacement shakes alone. While they claim to provide the essential nutrition you need on the daily, it is still best to consume your macro and micronutrients from natural food. Remember that these shakes are supplements, which, as the term means, is only to supplement what is lacking in your diet. You will still need to eat a healthy breakfast like some vegan cereals or proteins that can help start your day.

​​How often should vegan meal replacement shakes be taken in a day?

Vegan meal replacement shakes are usually taken 1-2 times per day, depending on your diet and health goals. Do bear in mind that these shakes need to be combined with regular solid meals too, so any more than 1-2 per day could leave you feeling malnourished if you don’t eat enough normal vegan food.How do you know if your vegan meal replacement shake is healthy?

You know your vegan meal replacement shake is healthy if it contains a high amount of protein (around 20g), a blend of vitamins & minerals, probiotics, essential amino acids, superfoods, and other such ingredients. When in doubt, read unbiased online reviews about the product and see what its regular users have to say.Will taking vegan meal replacement shakes cause side effects?

Taking vegan meal replacement shakes can cause side effects for some people — although these side effects are often similar for animal-derived shakes too. Common side effects include bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Always check that you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients before taking a meal replacement shake.

​Our #1 Recommended Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Is…

So have we found our top plant-derived shake here?

When it comes to meal replacement, I like mine simple and easy. And after a bunch of testing, I would have to say that Ka’Chava Meal replacement Shake is my personal favorite because it’s convenient, and I consider it a full meal replacement.

It’s got a good macronutrient balance, and keeps me full for hours. It’s a good breakfast or lunch alternative, especially when you’re always on the go. The texture is quite impressive, too. My wish has come true…more flavor options are now available: Coconut Acai, Chocolate, Vanilla, Chai, Matcha.

​Again, you can check out our full review here.

What’s your favorite meal replacement shake?

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Vegan Liftz

All the essential nutrients for your body + mind, sourced from nature, in one delicious superblend.

To maximize deliciousness, you’ll want to keep things chilly! Cold water and ice are key. The total liquid amount with ice should equal 12-14 ounces. If you like a thicker consistency, add more ice cubes before you blend. Play around with the ratios to find your ideal texture.

Forget what you’ve heard—convenience and healthy nutrition are not mutually exclusive. Thanks to a deliciously crafted combination of superfoods, Ka’Chava provides you with all the functional fuel you need to thrive both physically and mentally in a single, ready-to-go meal.

Boosting energy levels is about so much more than getting your morning coffee fix. To be truly energized, on a cellular level, you need to exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and eat a well-balanced diet. Beyond that, several key nutrients play a critical role in the conversion of food to energy and your ability to power through a hectic work week—or workout—without running yourself ragged. Take a look at Ka’Chava’s energy-revving lineup.

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Jason Hughes
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