Our Top 10 Delicious, Healthy & Affordable Meal Replacement Powders

As a health & fitness professional I’m regularly having my brain picked about which supplements are the best, which program actually works, if I prefer TRX over weights, et cetera.

To my surprise, a popular questions that arises is;

“What’s the difference between meal replacement powders and straight protein powder?”

Meal replacement powders and protein shakes will both support your body composition and (athletic) performance goals. However, they do have significant differences in nutritional profile and benefits.

Like most health products, exact nutritional specs vary from brand to brand. With that said, many meal replacement products share the same general characteristics.

Healthy Nutrient Content

Most protein shakes will typically have less than 5g of carbohydrates (since they’re not meant to be full meals).

Meal replacement shakes have the tendency to contain more than 5g carbs to make the nutritional profile more like an actual meal.

The top meal replacement powders for weight loss will contain significant dietary fiber. Dietary fiber greatly aids in digestion and makes you feel full, helping you consume less food throughout your day.

The fat & calorie content in meal replacement powders tend to vary from by brand as well. Again, they’ll most often have more calories & fat than a protein shake but have less calories, protein, fat & carbs than a regular meal which can aid in keeping you on track with your dieting goals whether they be weight loss or muscle gain.

Here are 10 High Calorie Healthy Foods To Help You Put On Weight.

Top 10 Meal Replacement Protein Powders

Note: Each of the following Meal Replacement Powders is 100% organic with NO artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

Also, if you’re new to all of this, here are the 8 Reasons Why Organic Food Rocks.

1) Powerfood Active by Onnit (Formerly known as HempForce)

This is hands down the top of the line when it comes to meal replacement powders and is one of my personal favorite supplements – period. Powerfood Active utilizes a rich and complete protein isolated from organic hemp seeds. Containing all of the essential amino acids, all three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and both essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), the protein profile of hemp seeds makes them one of the most nutritious natural food sources in the plant kingdom.

Cocoa and Maca root not only enhance the natural flavor of the hemp, but also contain several antioxidant and bioactive compounds beneficial for peak performance. With a touch of stevia, a natural zero calorie sweetener with its own health benefits, Powerfood Active supplies the body with an all-natural, easily digestible protein supplement with a nutrition profile unlike any other protein food available.

Powerfood Active	Onnit
Nutritional Info Per Serving	2 Scoops
Calories	143
Dietary Fiber	11g
Protein	16g
Carbohydrate	12g
Sugars	1g
Fat	3g

What People Are Saying About Powerfood Active
Real and honest reviews of Powerfood Active by Onnit Labs

[My Favorite Powerfood Active Meal Replacement Recipe]:

KETO-FUEL BITES

Yields: 20 Bites |  Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Freeze Time: 20 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy

2) Garden of Life RAW Meal Replacement

RAW Meal goes beyond organic by providing live probiotics and enzymes, Vitamin Code RAW Food-Created vitamins and minerals, as well as nutrient Code Factors such as beta-glucans, SOD, glutathione and CoQ10, enabling natural recognition by your body.

Containing 26 superfoods from RAW organic seeds, sprouts and greens, RAW Meal provides 34 grams of protein, 9-15 grams of fiber and a healthy 2.5 grams of fat making it an excellent choice for weight conscious individuals. RAW Meal also offers 20 Vitamin Code vitamins and minerals providing at least 100% of the Daily Value of 16 key nutrients.

Garden of Life RAW Meal	Garden of Life
Nutritional Info Per Serving	2 Scoops
Calories	270
Dietary Fiber	9g
Protein	34g
Carbohydrate	35g
Sugars	26g
Fat	2.5g

[My Favorite Garden of Life Meal Replacement Recipe]:

VEGAN PROTEIN BROWNIES

Yields: 20 Brownies |  Prep Time: 8 Minutes  |  Bake Time: 35 Minutes |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 serving Chocolate Garden of Life Raw Meal
• 15 oz Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 bananas, ripened and mashed
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• ⅓-½ cup hemp milk (or preferred milk alternative)
• ⅓ cup agave nectar (optional)

Instructions

• Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• Blend oats until they become a fine powder.
• Add all remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into tray and bake for 35 minutes.
• Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit compote and garnish with frozen blueberries.

3) Orgain Meal Replacement Shakes

Orgain is the world’s first doctor developed, organic, ready-to-drink meal replacement. Each serving of Orgain provides the antioxidant equivalent of 10 servings of fruits and vegetables!

Orgain Meal Replacement Shake	Orgain
Nutritional Info Per Serving	2 Scoops or 1 Drink Box
Calories	255
Dietary Fiber	2g
Protein	21g
Carbohydrate	25g
Sugars	12g
Fat	7g

[My Favorite Orgain Meal Replacement Recipe]:

KIWI BLUEBERRY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

Yields: 1 Smoothie |  Prep Time: 6 Minutes  |  Blend Time: 1 Minute  |  Difficulty: Easy

4) Vega Meal Replacement Powder

Vega One meal replacement is a unique formula that is designed to help you with balance nutrition. This Meal replacement begins with organic, hormone free, pollution free ingredients. Some of the highest standards in the world can be found in Vega facilities. There ingredients are sourced local when possible and organic. As far as health they are among the cleanest, and they really have the flavor profiles down to a science. I’d say, Vega, and Nutrasumma are the tastiest meal replacement powders I’ve ever had. 

Vega One is a highly bio available meal replacement with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, everything your body needs. We have also added a South African Hoodia, CLA, Carnatine, and Garcina Cambogia which research has shown to support metabolism of fat loss and lean muscle synthesis. Vega contains no fillers, hydrogenated oils, Hydrolyzed protein, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, Acesulfame potassium (ace-K), or sucralose.

Vega One	Vega
Nutritional Info Per Serving	1 Scoop
Calories	280
Dietary Fiber	6g
Protein	20g
Carbohydrate	11g
Sugars	1g
Fat	3.5g

[My Favorite Vega Meal Replacement Recipe]:

COFFEE MOCHA MORNING KICKSTARTER 

Yields: 1 Smoothie |  Prep Time: 2 Minutes  |  Blend Time: 30 Seconds |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 serving Mocha Vega One™ Nutritional Shake
• 1/2 cup hot coffee
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein

This is easily the best tasting, smoothest meal replacement protein I have ever enjoyed. It is loaded with nutrients, contains zero dairy, and really tickles the pallet. For those of you sensitive to legumes, fret not, as this is a fermented product, and breaks down the enzymes that with people with legume intolerances tend to react to. Just as a healthful meal contains many nutrients that work together to help you, Nutrasumma supplements are formulated with the same principle in mind.  

Fermented Pea Protein	Nutrasumma
Nutritional Info Per Serving	2 Scoops
Calories	240
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	40g
Carbohydrate	8g
Sugars	6g
Fat	4g

[My Favorite Nutrasumma Meal Replacement Recipe]:

PROTEIN BANANA BREAD

Yields: 1 Loaf |  Prep Time: 12 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 40 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Nutrasumma Vanilla Fermented Pea Protein
• 1 Egg
• 4 Egg Whites
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 Cup Truvia or Stevia Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Bananas, mashed
• 2 Tbsp Chopped Walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Line loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix egg and egg whites, protein, cinnamon, sweetener and baking powder.
4. Add in mashed bananas.
5. Mix in walnuts
6. Pour batter into pan.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes at 325F or until toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool, then slice and enjoy! Store in refrigerator or freezer.

6) Nutiva Organic Hemp Shake

Nutiva HempShakes are as delicious as they are nutritious, and make for a perfect meal replacement or snack. Hemp is a great protein source; an easily digestible, high-quality plant protein with branched-chain amino acids that are vital for good health.

Nutiva Organic Hemp Shake	Nutiva
Nutritional Info Per Serving	4 Tablespoons
Calories	120
Dietary Fiber	5g
Protein	10g
Carbohydrate	14g
Sugars	7g
Fat	2.5g

[My Favorite Nutiva Meal Replacement Recipe]:

Chunky Monkey Smoothie

Yields: 1 Smoothie |  Prep Time: 3 Minutes  |  Blend Time: 30 Seconds |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 banana (~ 1 cup) (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp. natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. Chocolate Organic Nutiva Hemp Protein 
• 1 cup milk of choice

Instructions

1. Gather and measure all ingredients.
2. Place all ingredients in a blender.
3. Blend on high until all ingredients have been completely blended together, forming your perfect smoothie consistency.
4. Pour mixture, and serve immediately.

7) Jay Robb Egg White Protein MRP

I really dig Jay Robb and their products. They value high quality, pesticide-free agriculture. By choosing to raise their chickens without cages and with access to the outdoors, the flocks are able to live naturally and gift back to us very high quality eggs. Jay Robb promotes Family Farms and Humane-Raised livestock practices. “We believe our Earth will continue to provide its gifts to us now and in the future if we respect it and make good choices.” ~Jay Robb

Jay Robb Egg White Protein MRP	Jay Robb
Nutritional Info Per Serving	2 Scoops
Calories	240
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	48g
Carbohydrate	8g
Sugars	3g
Fat	.5g

[My Favorite Jay Robb Meal Replacement Recipe]:

High Energy Bites

Yields: 20 Bites |  Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Refrigerate: 15 Minutes |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• ¾ cup raw almonds
• ¾ cup dates
• ¼ cup dried apricots
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• ½ tsp Maca
• ½ tsp shelled hemp seeds
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 4 heaping Tbsp coconut butter
• ⅓ cup Jay Robb Vanilla Egg White Protein

Instructions

• Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until a sticky texture.
• Roll into balls and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

8) HEALTHY N FIT Real Meals

Real Meals is more than just a protein supplement, it is a complete nutritional system containing 60 grams of high quality whey protein (it’s one of only two whey products that don’t make me sick), vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients scientifically combined to yield a complete and comprehensive meal replacement and a superior protein supplement. This makes Real Meals a great choice for athletes, bodybuilders, fitness and health enthusiasts, bariatric patients, or anyone who is looking to get more protein into their diet.

Real meals is natural in that it does not contain any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors as seen in many competing brands. Also, while there are many protein products on the market which contain protein, vitamins, and minerals, very few, if any, can match Real Meals in terms of potency.

Healthy N Fit Real Meals	Healthy N Fit
Nutritional Info Per Serving	3 Scoops
Calories	327
Dietary Fiber	.5g
Protein	60g
Carbohydrate	10.5g
Sugars	5g
Fat	5g

[My Favorite Healthy N Fit Meal Replacement Recipe]:

No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

Yields: 12 Bars  |  Prep Time: 10 Minutes  |  Refrigerate Time: 1 Hour |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats
• Whey protein
• Honey
• Chia seeds
• Almond butter
• Coconut oil
• Mini Chocolate chips

Instructions

• Line an 8×8 pan with foil; coat the foil with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl mix together the protein powder, oats, and chia seeds.
• Place the almond butter, coconut oil, and honey in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
• Microwave for 20 seconds or until pourable.
• Pour the almond butter mixture into the oat mixture and still until thoroughly combined and a dough forms.
• Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
• Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan.
• Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or drizzle of melted chocolate over the top if desired.
• Refrigerate for an hour or until set. Cut into 12 bars and serve.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.

9) Amazing Grass All In One Shake

NON-GMO, VEGAN, ENZYME-RICH and DAIRY FREE are designed to “Fuel Your Fitness” of all lifestyles. Nutritionally balanced and rich in raw, organic ingredients, Amazing Grass can boost energy, enhance metabolism, strengthen the immune system, cleanse toxins & waste materials and improve your overall health. 

Amazing Grass All In One Shake is ideal anytime of day when you need a protein rich supplement. Amazing Grass is a comprehensive, convenient and cost-effective tool that provides, “Quite possibly the best meal you will ever Drink.” That said, while it is absolutely loaded with great ingredients, it does tend to lack a bit in the flavor department imo, with chocolate being the favorite of most. 

Amazing Grass All In One Shake	Amazing Grass
Nutritional Info Per Serving	1 Scoop or Packet
Calories	280
Dietary Fiber	3g
Protein	20g
Carbohydrate	8g
Sugars	0g
Fat	3g

[My Favorite Amazing Grass Meal Replacement Recipe]:

Aloha Snickers Bites

Yields: 20 Balls |  Prep Time: 2 minutes  |  Refrigerate Time: 10 Minutes |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Amazing Grass Peanut Butter Superfood Protein Powder*
• 7–8 large medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds or other neutral nut of choice (rolled oats will also work)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• extra crushed peanuts to top
• 1–2 tsp plant milk (if needed)
• 1/3 cup vegan dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Place peanuts, almonds and salt into food processor and pulse until slightly broken down.
2. Add dates, vanilla, protein powder and pulse until a dough begins to form. Sizes of dates can vary, so if you find your mixture a little on the dry side, go ahead and throw in another date, or add plant milk by the tsp just to help it out.
3. The dough should pull away from the sides and stick together when crushed between the fingers.
4. Roll mixture into small balls, and place in fridge to set on a parchment lined plate or baking sheet while you prepare your chocolate.
5. Melt down your chocolate
6. Remove balls from fridge and using a fork, dip and coat in chocolate, making sure to evenly coat.
7. Let excess drip off and place back on parchment to set.
8. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts for garnish and return to fridge until set (should take about 10-15 minutes–use the freezer if you’re an eager beaver).

10) MRM Egg White Meal Replacement Protein

MRM egg white MRP produces a source of protein that is 100% made from egg albumen. Made from a highly tested extraction process, their egg white concentrate brings a foundation of essential amino acids that blends easily and tastes great. All natural Egg White Protein contains at least 23 grams of protein per serving and no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.Free of any dairy products.

MRM Egg White Meal Replacement Protein	MRM
Nutritional Info Per Serving	1 Scoop
Calories	120
Dietary Fiber	0g
Protein	23g
Carbohydrate	5g
Sugars	0g
Fat	.5g

[My Favorite MRM Meal Replacement Recipe]:

Autumn Harvest Overnight Oats

Yields: 2 Jars |  Prep Time: 5 Minutes  |  Refrigerate Time: 4 Hours |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 scoop MRM Vanilla Protein
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
• ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1 honeycrisp apple, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Add the oats, chia seeds, MRM protein, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a bowl and mix well.
2. Add the milk, pumpkin puree, and half of the diced apple to the bowl, stirring until evenly combined. Transfer into glass jars, then top with the remaining apple and chopped walnuts.
3. Store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Serve chilled.

Last Word

Meal replacements are intended to be more filling and contain more calories than a protein shake. Although meal replacements are higher in calories than protein shakes, they tend to be lower in calories than actual meals, which can assist with your diet. Egg white protein isolates tend to be the lowest calorie protein shakes, with 101 calories or less per serving, while others may contain about 120 calories or more.

The majority of Meal replacement shakes (including non organic) TYPICALLY contain between 250 and 400 calories.

I love hearing from YOU! If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line below.

To you fitness,

David “Top Meal Replacement Powders” Aston

P.S. 

Check out my Top 10 Easy To Make Muscle Growth Foods.