The best meal replacement shakes, tested and reviewed

Serving size: 12 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 180 | Grams of protein: 26 | Grams of fiber: 3 | Grams of sugar: 0 | Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla | Features: Plant-based, allergen-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, no artificial sweeteners

OWYN offers more than your standard protein shake. Its High Protein Complete Nutrition Shake contains a balanced blend of 23 vitamins and minerals and a whopping 26 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Not only does it provide a complete nutritional profile, but it also caters to those with dietary restrictions by being top nine allergen-friendly — it doesn't contain milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans or sesame.

Plant-based protein gets a bad rep for feeling gritty, but this shake is smooth and easy to savor. I tried the chocolate flavor and was pleasantly surprised by the rich and creamy texture. As someone who tries to limit sugars in my diet, I love that these shakes have 0 grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

"No aftertaste or powdery texture and plenty of protein," said one Amazon reviewer. "They may [cost] slightly more than some other brands but are completely worth it for the quality of the product." In terms of a meal replacement, a 12-ounce bottle may not have enough calories (180 per serving) for the daily dietary needs of some, particularly if you're trying to gain weight or have high energy needs. It's also only available in chocolate and vanilla flavors, which may get repetitive if you drink it consistently.

Serving size: 11 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 140 | Grams of protein: 30 | Grams of fiber: 4 | Grams of sugar: <1 | Flavors: Vanilla milkshake, caramel churro, galactic brownie batter, salted caramel, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry milkshake, rich chocolate | Features: Non-GMO

Your body needs protein to repair and rebuild muscle tissue after hitting the gym. Pure Protein Complete Protein Shake is an ideal whey-based option because it's high in protein (30 grams per serving) and low in sugar (<1 gram per serving). It also contains 24 vitamins and minerals, including key nutrients like calcium, to support bone health.

"Animal-based proteins, such as whey, carry a complete amino acid profile, which is easily digested and absorbed," says Madeleine Putzi, a Pittsburgh-based dietitian. "This fosters overall superior muscle growth and recovery when compared to many of its plant-based counterparts," she says. The micronutrient blend in this meal replacement drink is also impressive — it contains vitamins A, C, D and zinc, which all support your immune system.

With flavors like galactic brownie batter and caramel churro, I felt like I was indulging in a treat with every sip. "I’ve spent the past decade trying a plethora of protein shakes and powder. This is by far the most delicious protein shake I’ve ever had," said one Amazon reviewer. And the other 18,500+ 5-star reviews seem to agree.

Whey is derived from milk, so it may cause digestive upset or symptoms if you have dairy or lactose intolerance. It also contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener often used to improve the taste of low-sugar products. If you're steering clear of artificial ingredients, this may not be the best choice.

Serving size: 14 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 400 | Grams of protein: 20 | Grams of fiber: 3 | Grams of sugar: 1 | Flavors: Creamy chocolate, original, mint chocolate, banana, vanilla, strawberry, gingerbread, pumpkin spice | Features: Plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, kosher

Soylent's Complete Meal is a plant-based meal replacement with 20 grams of protein per 400-calorie bottle. It contains a relatively balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats and fiber to satisfy you on busy mornings. I tested the creamy chocolate flavor and thought it was a decent substitute when you're craving a sweet and creamy breakfast. There are plenty of other flavors, too, like mint chocolate, banana and strawberry.

In terms of macros — it contains 36 grams of carbs, 24 grams of fats (including omega-3s) and 3 grams of fiber. The fats come primarily from high oleic sunflower oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Still, the fat and calorie content may be too high if you're trying to lose weight or have a condition that requires a specific macronutrient balance.

Other things we love: It contains 20% of your daily value (DV) of most micronutrients, including vitamin D, iron, vitamin A, folate, zinc and more. The reviews are also glowing. "Extremely thick and made with quality ingredients and a high protein count," said one of the more than 12,000 Amazon reviewers. This option caters to vegans, vegetarians and people with gluten and nut sensitivities.

Serving size: 11 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 455 | Grams of protein: 20 | Grams of fiber: 5 | Grams of sugar: 16 | Flavors: Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, plain | Features: USDA organic, nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free

Your body requires more protein to maintain muscle mass as you age. Research suggests that elderly adults should aim for 1.2–2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. With 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Kate Farms Standard 1.4 Shake is a convenient way to supplement your intake. It's made from organic pea protein, a high-quality plant-based protein source.

This shake has one of the higher fiber contents on our list at 5 grams per serving. Like protein, fiber becomes increasingly essential with age and can help with digestion, blood sugar control and metabolism. According to Moskovitz, plant protein outshines animal-based protein in this department. "Plant-based products often offer additional antioxidants, fiber and other micronutrients," she says.

I tried the vanilla flavor, and it lacked the chalky texture or earthy aftertaste often found in plant-based meal replacements. Since it has more than 400 calories per serving, it can easily stand in for a light meal. The main drawback is that it's high in sugar (16 grams per serving). While there are certainly options with much higher sugar content, it's something to keep in mind if you have a medical condition like diabetes or are limiting your sugar intake.

Serving size: 8 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 150 | Grams of protein: 13 | Grams of fiber: 3 | Grams of sugar: 7 | Flavors: Viva vanilla, chocolotta | Features: Top 9 allergen-free, vegan, dairy and lactose-free

Getting your kids to eat a balanced breakfast can feel like wrangling wild cats, especially if they have allergies or dietary restrictions. These shelf-stable Shake Ups from Ripple help bridge the gap between what they should and are willing to eat. They come in fun, kid-friendly packaging and are free of the top nine allergens.

Each 8-ounce serving packs 13 grams of pea protein and only 7 grams of sugar, less than many kids' shakes we've seen. However, they're not as nutritionally complete as we'd hoped. "Lower-calorie shakes, say, those around 100 calories, should be consumed to supplement a healthy diet rather than replace an entire meal," says Putzi. That said, kids shouldn't replace whole foods for meal replacements unless a doctor recommends it — these are great for picky eaters, though.

My kids love the Viva Vanilla and say it tastes like a melted vanilla milkshake (think hot summer days at the local ice cream shop!). Though they've tried a few comparable options, none match Ripple's creamy texture and delicious flavor. "I love to keep these on hand for rushed mornings or protein snacks for soccer games," says one Amazon reviewer.

Serving size: 11 fl. oz.| Calories per serving: 250 | Grams of protein: 16 | Grams of fiber: 1 | Grams of sugar: 12 | Flavors: Sweet vanilla bean, creamy chocolate fudge, iced cafe mocha, strawberries & cream | Features: Organic

These ready-to-drink Organic Nutrition Shakes from Orgain boast a blend of organic, grass-fed milk protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. With 16 grams of protein per serving, 28 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fat, they're pretty well-balanced despite the lack of fiber — only 1 gram per serving.

I've tried several Orgain products in the past with good results, and these shakes stand up to the brand's reputation. They're smooth, have a natural flavor and keep me full until lunch. 

This shake also contains an organic "fruit and vegetable blend" on its ingredient list including acai, kale, raspberry, spinach and blueberries (to name a few). For added calories, try making it into a smoothie by adding healthy nut butter, leafy greens and a handful of ice to a blender before mixing. My only criticism is the relatively high sugar content at 12 grams per serving.

Serving size: 16.9 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 400 | Grams of protein: 35 | Grams of fiber: 6 | Grams of sugar: 6 | Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla | Features: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher

"To gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you're burning," says Moskovitz. And "if you're targeting lean muscle mass gains, a higher protein shake, greater than 20-25 grams of protein per serving, will be most effective," she adds. This vegan, gluten-free Black Edition Ready-to-Drink from Huel certainly fits the bill.

Each 16.9-ounce serving contains a whopping 400 calories and 35 grams of protein. This calorie-to-protein ratio makes it ideal for anyone trying to gain weight. It also contains 6 grams of fiber and at least 20% of the daily value for 25 vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and B vitamins.

These keep me full for hours. But my husband swears by them for combating the swing-shift munchies at work. "Definitely the whole package for taste, convenience and nutrition; this would be my meal replacement shake of choice," says one of the five-star Amazon reviewers. Unfortunately, it only comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors and isn't suitable for those with tree nut allergies.

Serving size: 11 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 180 | Grams of protein: 20 | Grams of fiber: 6 | Grams of sugar: 3 | Flavors: Vanilla bean, cacao bean, chocolate banana | Features: Dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO

Dietitian Alyssa Pacheco explains that if you want to lose weight, you'll need to create a slight calorie deficit. This Koia Nutrition Shake has only 180 calories per 11-ounce serving. I've been drinking Koia protein shakes for years but only recently tried these nutrition shakes. I'm honestly sad I didn't know about them sooner.

Not only are they shelf-stable (Koia's protein shake requires refrigeration), but they are chock-full of ingredients you can actually pronounce. Each serving contains 20 grams of plant-based protein and only 3 grams of sugar. There are fewer carbs than comparable shakes (12 grams per serving), so it's a great choice for weight loss or maintaining a lower-carb diet. And the 6 grams of fiber will keep you full for longer.

The 4.4 out of 5-star average review on Amazon speaks for itself. "I have never been a fan of protein shakes but I genuinely like these. They are packed full of vitamins, fiber and amino acids," says one reviewer. I love the cacao bean flavor, as it's not too sweet but still has the rich chocolate taste I crave. Just beware if you have a tree nut allergy, as this shake contains almonds and coconuts.

Serving size: 12 fl. oz. | Calories per serving: 480 | Grams of protein: 16 | Grams of fiber: 7 | Grams of sugar: 13 | Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate | Features: Vegan, dairy-free, lactose-free

I've never been a fan of overly processed meal replacement shakes, so the simplicity of Raw Generations Meal Shakes caught my attention. This vegan, dairy-free shake contains just six ingredients: cashews, almonds, dates, pumpkin seeds, vanilla and Himalayan salt. Though slightly gritty, the ingredient list will tell you it's simply from the nuts and seeds.

This is one of the cleanest ingredient lists you'll find, yet it still packs in 16 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving. While the fat content is a bit high at 35 grams, most are mono- and polyunsaturated fats (considered the heart-healthy fats).

These come directly from the company frozen; you'll need to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying them. The company recommends drinking within 24 hours of thawing for optimal freshness. I'll admit, this is a hard sell if you're as forgetful as me. But it's worth the hassle if you want a minimally processed, plant-based shake. "One keeps me full until late afternoon. Also, I love that I can pronounce all the ingredients in it," raved one reviewer.