The Best Meal Replacement Shakes Vegetarian Edition. Top 6 Shakes For Weight Loss

Meal replacement shakes are among the most popular types of dietary supplements on the market today. They can provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that you would find in whole foods, to make replacing meals really easy, which is ideal for people who lead busy lives or are always on the go.

They usually also have enough calories or fibre to keep you full, making them a great snack or a good way to help you not overeat. However, while meal replacement shakes are common, vegan meal replacements are not, which can make picking the right meal replacement shake difficult for those on a plant based diet.

In fact, even people on a slightly less strict vegetarian diet will often struggle to find one that they can use. That is why we have decided to compile our list of the very best vegetarian meal replacement shakes currently on the market today, to ensure that everyone can find the perfect meal replacement powder for them.

Most meal replacement shakes are vegan, so of course work for vegetarians too, but there are a couple of meal replacement shakes that use whey protein to make the shake that little bit creamier. We'll be "wheying" up the pro's and cons of the best vegetarian and vegan meal replacement shakes on the market right now.

The 6 Best Vegetarian Meal Replacement Shakes

Best Overall Vegetarian Meal Replacement Shakes - Rootana

Best Meal Replacement Shake For Weight Loss - Instant Knockout Complete

Best Ready To Drink Meal Replacement Shakes - yFood

Rootana - The Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake Overall

Rootana

Rootana is a vegan meal replacement shake containing 27 different vitamins and minerals and a variety of potent antioxidants. This is possible as it is created from a range of carefully selected, clinically proven, vegan friendly ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colours, sweeteners, or preservatives in sight.

Its nutritional profile is optimally balanced and delivers 400 calories, 44 grams of carbs, 20 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 7 grams of fibre in each serving. This ensures it can effectively replace whole meals or be used as a snack, no matter if you are trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just stay the same.

Aside from instant knockout complete, rootana is by far the best tasting vegan meal replacement shake. Avoiding the artificial sweeteners manages to make it taste on the creamier more natural side, with the chocolate flavor being a definite winner. It's a mile ahead of huel in this regard with it definitely being the best tasting chocolate meal replacement on the market.

It mixes a lot more easily as well, making it particularly good as a powder to take for outdoor activities as it doesn't clump up at all when using even a lower quality shaker.

It scores high on fullness, second only to Instant Knockout Complete (which we'd mark as most filling), and when we follow this up with it's economical pricing it makes Rootana the best all round shake.

Its primary source of protein is pea protein isolate, which is rich in most important essential amino acids (1). This is then joined by other protein sources, such as golden milled flaxseed, oat flour, and sunflower seed oil, (which then rounds out the full profile) which also contain other nutrients like complex carbs, fibre, and healthy Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Getting the full range of amino acids is important so your body can properly process protein. As a result it's important for vegan meal replacement shakes to have a blend of protein sources.

The Rootana formula is then rounded out with coconut sugar and sunflower lecithin, which can help to naturally sweeten and stabilise the shake, without causing blood sugar spikes (2).

Between them, these ingredients can prevent bloating, keep you feeling full, strong, supple, and healthy, help you combat illnesses, diseases, and ailments, boost recovery and energy levels, reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, slow the signs of aging, regulate blood sugar, and improve mental functions.

In fact, Rootana offers such a wide range of mental and physical health benefits that it is impossible to list them all here. Add in a range of three delicious flavors, quick and easy mixability, and very reasonable price tag, and it is easy to see why we rate Rootana as the very best vegan meal replacement shake around.

Pros

Contains a fabulous number of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Features no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavours, or colours
Delivers 400 calories in every serving
Complete amino acid profile
Provides an insane number of mental and physical health benefits
Extremely quick and easy to mix
Fairly priced and offers very good value

Cons

Its plant based protein content is a little lower than some other vegan meal replacement shakes

Rootana Scores

Taste 4.5/5
Consistency 5/5
Value 5/5
Fullness 4.5/5
Overall 5/5

You can check Rootana deals here --->

Instant Knockout Complete - The Best Meal Replacement Shake For Weight Loss For Both Vegans And Vegetarians

Instant Knockout Complete

Instant Knockout Complete is designed to combine the effects of meal replacement shakes, protein shakes, and weight loss supplements in a single product, with athletes like bodybuilders, boxers, and martial artists being its target audience.

It stands out as tasting fantastic, honestly it tastes as creamy as whey shakes and a lot more natural than more it's main competition huel black. It also mixes an awful lot better. Basically, imagine a nice vanilla whey protein with a slightly cereal aftertaste, that's a lot more filling than a whey based shake. This last point is why we recommend it for weight loss of Yfood which does actually use whey. It's a tiny bit less creamy, but you'd only really notice side by side and we actually prefer the taste of Instant Knockout complete, despite preferring Yfood against an other vegan meal replacement shake.

Its range of functions allows it to help you lose weight at the same time as building and maintaining lean muscle mass and recovering quickly after training sessions as you prepare for a fight or competition. The company has been making popular and well liked weight loss aids for over 10 years for this exact reason they're definitely the guys for the job of making this sort of meal replacement. Unsurprisingly a company known for making appetite suppressants can make a filling shake.

It delivers 35 grams of protein and every essential amino acid in each serving, which is comparable to top traditional protein shakes. However, where it differs is that it delivers it with plant based protein powders like pea protein powder, organic brown rice protein, chia seed protein powder, and soy protein isolate (3)(4).

The Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement then rounds out its formula with oat flour, golden flax seeds, MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), pea starch, rice hull concentrate, and various fibres, vitamins, and minerals, which deliver 35 grams of carbs, 13 grams of fibre, and 13 grams of fat this per serving.

This will ensure your glycogen stores are quickly replenished, you have plenty of energy during workouts and recover quickly afterwards, and your body, heart, and mind remain totally healthy throughout (5).

When you put it all together, Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement shake servings each contain 400 calories, which is ideal to keep you feeling satiated and achieve your goals, whether they be to lose weight, build muscle mass, or simply maintain your current body composition.

Throw in its wonderful vanilla flavour and the Instant Knockout Complete meal replacement powder is a perfect choice for people wanting to use both vegan protein shakes and meal replacements but who don't want to have to buy or drink multiple products.

Pros

Combines the effects of vegan protein shakes and meal replacements in one supplement
Features 400 calories and 35 grams of protein in each serving
Its plant based protein blend contains all nine essential amino acids
Can help you lose weight, burn fat, and build muscle all at the same time
Complete amino acid profile
Aids both workouts and recovery, to maximise your growth and performance
Full of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required to replace whole meals
Great tasting and naturally flavoured and sweetened

Cons

A little on the expensive side
Only available in a single flavour and directly from the manufacturer

Instant Knockout Scores

Taste 5/5
Consistency 5/5
Value 4/5
Fullness 5/5
Overall 5/5

Shop Instant Knockout Complete Deals

Yfood - The Best Tasting Vegetarian Meal Replacement Shake

When it comes to taste, YFood meal replacement sets itself apart from the competition. Many users rave about the exceptional taste of YFood shakes, noting that they are among the best-tasting options available. The original line, including flavors like Chocolate, Coffee, and Coconut, offers a delightful combination of a clear milky background, strong flavors, pleasant sweetness, and excellent texture. YFood's Lassi shake, in particular, is known for its unique and mouthwatering experience.

That is largely down to them using whey protein. They do have an option for people following a vegan diet, but this is ultimately the one area where pea protein just doesn't cut it, consistency. And whilst the vegan meal replacement shakes are still very good, they're not as exceptional as the original line.

Protein is a crucial macronutrient that plays a vital role in muscle growth, repair, and overall health. YFood shakes provide an impressive 33g of protein per serving in the whey-based options. This high protein content makes YFood an excellent choice for individuals looking to meet their protein needs and fuel their workouts effectively. They're not quite as filling as instant knockout complete, which is why we generally recommend that over Yfood when it comes to weight loss or training, but it's still a good option. And of course, there's the benefit that whey has a complete amino acid profile without needing to blend protein types together.

YFood offers a taster pack option, allowing users to sample different flavors and find their favorites without committing to a full-sized product. This option, priced under $30, provides an affordable way to explore the range of YFood we generally recommend trying this out if you're not on a vegan diet.

Pros

Features a wide range of vegetarian flavors
Creamy consistency
Best ready to drink meal replacement shakes
Complete amino acid profile
Gluten and soy free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, or preservatives

Cons

The vegan meal replacement shakes aren't as good

Instant Knockout Scores

Taste 5/5
Consistency 5/5
Value 4/5
Fullness 3/5
Overall 4.5/5

Ka'Chava - The Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake For A Gluten Free Diet

Ka'Chava is a gluten free, vegan meal replacement powder that is also so rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals it can double as a greens supplement as well (6). Created using only natural ingredients, it has over 85 different superfoods in its formula, which are all scientifically proven to be beneficial to your health.

It contains vegan protein powders obtained from sources like amaranth, brown rice protein, sacha inchi, pea protein, and quinoa, which are then supported by countless adaptogens, antioxidants, berries, fibres, digestive enzymes, fruits, greens, spices, and vegetables.

Between them, they deliver 250 calories, 25 grams of plant based protein, 24 grams of carbs, 7 grams of fat, and 6 grams of fibre in every serving. This allows it to be used as either a snack or a full meal replacement and provide an incredible number of both mental and physical health benefits.

Its formula is also completely vegan friendly, soy free, GMO free, gluten free, dairy free, and free from any artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, or preservatives, which makes it usable by virtually everyone.

This is then furthered by it coming in a range of 5 flavour choices which include chocolate, chai, coconut acai, matcha, and vanilla, ensuring there is an option for every palate.

Admittedly, as a very low-calorie meal replacement, it may not be quite sufficient to replace a large meal for everyone, and its high price can also be off putting.

However, if you are in the market for high quality, gluten free vegan meal replacement shakes, Ka'Chava should be right at the top of your list of meal replacement shakes to consider.

Pros

Features a wide range of vegan protein powders
It contains all the nutrients amino acids, antioxidants, adaptogens, digestive enzymes, fibres, and essential vitamins and minerals you could want
Can be used as a meal replacement or a healthy snack, to aid weight loss and keep you fit and healthy
Comes in 5 different delicious flavors
Gluten and soy free and contains no artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, or preservatives

Cons

One of the most expensive meal replacement shakes on the market today
The number of calories per serving will be too low for some people to replace whole meals

Ample Meal Shake - The Best Vegetarian Meal Replacement Shake For Customisation

The Ample Meal Shake is only the second entry on this list that, while suitable for vegetarians, is not a vegan meal replacement shake. The reason for this is that, instead of using vegan protein powder, its protein content comes from more traditional sources like whey protein powder and egg white protein powder.

While this does mean that vegans won't be able to use it, it can be a fantastic choice for vegetarians, as whey is considered by most to be the best source of protein around, as it contains ample quantities of all nine of the essential amino acids (7).

In addition to grass fed whey protein concentrate and egg white protein, the Ample Meal Shake formula also consists of coconut oil, high oleic sunflower oil, soluble tapioca fiber, macadamia nut oil, organic cocoa, sunflower lecithin, dried honey, organic psyllium husk, sea salt, and organic guar gum.

It is then fortified with vitamins and minerals and a Probiotic Blend that contains l.acidophilus, l.paracasei, b.lactis, b.infantis, l.rhamnosus, and bacillus coagulans, and naturally flavoured and sweetened with things like monk fruit extract and stevia extract.

This all combines to deliver 200 calories, 14 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, and 6 grams of carbs per scoop.

The only issue is, while a 2 scoop serving provides great quantities of calories, protein, and carbs, it is a little high in fat and could make you feel bloated. Not only that, but having to take the two scoop serving each time, which is required in order for it to be effective, will get expensive in a hurry.

That said, if you are specifically looking for a vegetarian meal replacement shake that uses whey and egg instead of vegan protein sources and aren't too worried about price, it can still be a very good option.

Pros

Ideal for people who want to build muscle
Contains the best known source of protein, whey
Fortified with various probiotics and essential vitamins and minerals

Cons

Using whey instead of vegan protein powders makes it unsuitable for vegans
Gets quite expensive when using the two scoop serving, which is required for it to be effective
Can be a little high in fat and cause bloating

Huel - The Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shake For Variety

Huel meal replacement shakes are comfortably some of the most popular vegan meal replacements on the market today, and that largely stems from the huge amount of variety that the company offers. Not only do they sell great vegan meal replacement shakes but they also offer other meal replacement products as well.

Within the Huel range of meal replacement products you will find things like protein bars and hot, savoury, whole food sachets. This means that the Huel meal replacement shake is perfectly optimised for people who want to use multiple meal replacement supplements to completely overhaul their diet and nutrition. Of course there's also Huel Black, which can be utilized for getting enough protein for work outs and as a weight loss aid , and if you want hot ready made meals they've got some great stuff in there.

The Huel Essential meal replacement shake formula consists of various whole foods, such as coconut, cranberry seed protein, rice, oats, flaxseed, kombucha, peas, sunflower seeds, and tapioca, as well as a diverse range of antioxidants, probiotics, phytonutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

This allows it to benefit your mental and physical health from virtually every angle and ensure that you never become unhealthy due to being malnourished.

Huel's vegan meal replacement shakes are also, gluten free, soy free, low calorie, low sugar, and high fibre, while there are also extra high protein and low carb options available, to ensure that there is a suitable choice for everyone.

This is furthered by Huel Essential coming in a choice of either chocolate or vanilla flavour, as well as in single servings sachets, large tubs, or bulk bundles.

Admittedly, one of the downsides to Huel's ever growing popularity is that it has seen a sharp increase in price, which will make it either unattractive or unattainable to a range of different people.

However, if you value variety above all else, aren't worried about money, and plan to use a variety of different plant based meal replacement supplements, Huel could still be a very good way for you to go.

Pros

Has options to suit all dietary needs, such as gluten free, soy free, low fat, low carb, low calorie, or high protein products
They offer many other meal replacement products to perfectly compliment their meal replacement shakes
You can customise your own bundles to bring the price down, many of which will qualify you for a free gift
Available in a great choice of purchase options

Cons

Very expensive

Final Thoughts On The Best Meal Replacement Shakes For Vegetarians

Meal replacements are great supplements, whether you need to get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy or want to achieve a specific physique goal. While vegetarian and vegan meal replacement shakes are definitely becoming more common, the top vegan meal replacement is still definitely Rootana.

From its potent vegan protein powder content and all the nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals it contains, to its calorie, carb, and fat content, it is guaranteed to keep you feeling full, strong, and healthy. Throw its its great price and flavour and it is pretty much a perfect choice in every way.

If, for any reason, it does not sound like a good meal replacement shake to you, one of the other options on our list of the best vegetarian and vegan meal replacement shakes surely will. For everyone else though, we highly recommend you give Rootana a try and see all of the health benefits that it can offer for yourself.

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Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9412838/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9964017/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302255/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595159/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8625765/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732245/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537849/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10436305/

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