For those following a plant-based diet, vegan meal replacement shakes provide a convenient, nutrient-dense option for on-the-go nutrition.
They contain a balance of plant-based proteins like pea, rice, or soy, plus added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. They are also free from common allergens such as dairy, gluten, and nuts making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
These delicious drinks can help you reach your health goals whether it be building muscle, losing weight, or maintaining a healthy diet.
The article will feature some of our favorite brands and products, and provide an overview of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s a good fit for you.
Top Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Brands
Here are three top vegan meal replacement shake brands that you may want to consider:
1. Vega One:
Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake – Plant-Based is a vegan meal replacement shake that offers a blend of plant-based proteins like pea, brown rice and sacha inchi, superfoods such as kale, spinach and acai berries, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, fiber, and omega-3s. It comes in various flavors like Berry, Mocha, Plain Unsweetened, French Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Coconut Almond, and Chocolate.
A large tub of the product costs $47.80 and has 17-20 servings. It is USDA-Organic certified, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free, and every order will plant a tree.
User reviews have given an overall rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 with 82% of the respondents would recommend this product to a friend. The users have mentioned the shake mixes well, it tastes great and improve IBS symptoms, it is convenient, and a good source of vitamins, minerals, probiotics and fibres.
2. Orgain Organic Vegan Meal Replacement:
This organic, plant-based meal powder is a blend of clean, organic ingredients that serve as a delicious and satisfying meal replacement. It is certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and USDA organic.
It contains 20g of plant-based protein per serving and also includes immune supporting vitamins and minerals. It has no sugar added, is made without soy, dairy and lactose ingredients. It can be mixed with water or added to a smoothie.
It has 4.6 star rating based on 125 reviews, with customers praising its taste, ease of use, nutritional value, and effectiveness. It is ideal for those who are looking for meal replacement or weight loss and people who are busy.
Among the top reviews, we find users diagnosed with ALS, throat cancer, and Crohns, and although we always recommend talking to your doctor, this seems to be a safe product suffering from throat, immunity, and digestive issues.
The orgain organic meal powder comes only in Vanilla flavor and in a 2lbs container, which can be bought for 59.79$.
3. Huel v3.0:
Huel Powder v3.0 is a nutritionally complete meal in powdered form that is designed for people with busy lives. It contains an ideal balance of protein, carbs, essential fats, fiber, all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients, kombucha, pre- and probiotics. The ingredients are all plant-based, sustainable, and vegan, with zero animal products. It is convenient as it can be delivered straight to the door and is affordable, costing $2.21 per meal, with the option to subscribe and save 10%.
The product comes with several flavors such as Chocolate, Cinnamon Roll, Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Original, Unflavored & Unsweetened, Caffè Latte, Berry, Banana, and Vanilla. Each bag contains 17 meals.
In addition, it is GMO-free, lactose-free, palm oil-free, contains high-fiber, Omega 3 and 6, Slow-release carbs, MCTs from coconut, vegan vitamin D2 and D3, Plant-based protein, Natural vitamin C (acerola cherries), BCAAs, Low GI (16) and has a 12-month shelf life.
A 400kcal meal of Huel Powder contains a balanced macro split of 37:30:30:3 (carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber) plus all the 27 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
First-time customers can claim a free Huel T-shirt at checkout. All first orders also include a free shaker and scoop. Customers can also build their own bundle by mixing and matching from a choice of all products.
4. Designer Plant: Essential Meal Replacement
Designer Plant Essential Meal Replacement is a vegan meal replacement powder that contains 22g of vegan protein per serving, along with all essential amino acids.
It is a complete, nutritious plant-based meal replacement and has only 3g of sugar and 210 calories per meal. It also includes prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, and probiotics to help with digestion and make you feel full.
It is made without artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. It is also certified vegan, gluten-free, certified kosher and free of soy, egg, dairy, lactose and cholesterol. It is made in the USA with environmentally sustainable packaging.
The product has a vanilla and a belgium chocolate flavor, reviews are mixed with some customers finding it mediocre while others find it the best tasting vegan meal replacement powder they’ve tried.
Coming it at 20,99$ for a 1.32lbs package, it is the most affordable product on this list.
Benefits of using vegan meal replacement shakes
There are several benefits to using vegan meal replacement shakes as a part of your diet:
Convenience: Vegan meal replacement shakes are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Nutrient density: Meal replacement shakes are typically packed with a balance of protein, carbs, and other essential nutrients, making them a great way to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs.
Weight management: Vegan meal replacement shakes can be a helpful tool for weight loss or weight management, as they can help you control your calorie intake and maintain a healthy diet.
Plant-based protein sources: made with plant-based protein sources such as pea protein, rice protein, or soy protein, which can be easier for some people to digest compared to animal-based protein sources.
Allergen-free options: Many vegan meal replacement shakes are free from common allergens such as dairy, gluten, and nuts, making them a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.
Environmental benefits: Using vegan meal replacement shakes can also have a positive impact on the environment, as plant-based protein sources generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal-based protein sources.
How to Choose the Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake for Your Needs
When choosing the best vegan meal replacement shake for your needs, here are some factors to consider:
Protein vs Ccrbohydrate content: Make sure that the vegan meal replacement shake you choose has enough protein to meet your needs. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, and is especially important for those who are physically active. If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to choose a shake that has a lower carbohydrate content. On the other hand, if you are trying to gain weight or build muscle, you may want to choose a shake with a higher carbohydrate content.
Other nutrients: Look for a vegan meal replacement shake that contains a balance of other essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Taste and flavor: Choose a vegan meal replacement shake that has a flavor that you enjoy, as you are more likely to stick with it if you enjoy the taste. The most common flavors for vegan protein shakes are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Other popular flavors include coffee, peanut butter, and berry. Some companies also offer unflavored and unsweetened options for those who prefer to add their own flavors or sweeteners.
Cost: Certified organic meal replacement shakes are usually more expensive, though depending on your priorities, they might be worth it. Always check for certifications and country of origins for the meal replacement shakes you buy. These might be cheaper, but their quality is probably worse than the higher end brands.
Brand reputation: Do some research on the brand and read reviews to get an idea of the quality and effectiveness of their vegan meal replacement shakes.
Recipes for Delicious Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
1. Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake
1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
1 banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 handful of ice
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
2. Chocolate Hemp Protein Shake
1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder
1 banana
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 handful of ice
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
3. Green Monster Protein Shake
1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
1 banana
1 cup baby spinach
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 handful of ice
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
For more recipes check out our High Protein Vegan Shakes article.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
In conclusion, vegan meal replacement shakes can be a convenient and nutrient-dense option for those following a plant-based diet.
There are several top brands to choose from,our research indicates that Orgain, Vega, Huel, and Designer Plant are the very best brands in the market at the moment.
When selecting a vegan meal replacement shake, consider factors such as protein content, carbohydrate content, other nutrients, allergen-free options, taste and flavor, cost, and brand reputation.
By incorporating a vegan meal replacement shake into your diet and lifestyle, you can ensure that you are getting the nutrition you need to support your health and wellness goals.
Anna is a 33-year-old registered dietitian based in Orlando. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Anna enjoys staying active through Crossfit and indulging her sweet tooth by baking. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through evidence-based nutrition advice and has spent the past 4 years writing for online publications on nutrition and fitness.