Incorporating a meal replacement shake into your everyday diet is an excellent idea – provided you know what to expect from it. There are several types of meal replacement shakes. Some for extra nutrition, others for weight loss, and others for weight gain. There are also combinations of the three. Meal replacements were originally designed for the military and space missions but the fact that they actually work and are a feasible concept has made them a successful dietary addition. So many use meal replacements for several reasons. But the most common reasons are convenience, ease of pocket, weight management, essential nutrition, and efficacy.
Whatever your reason for the addition, most meal replacement shakes have been designed to be great additions to your diet. Focus on the word ‘addition’. Though there are a few who try to live on meal replacements alone for greater weight loss, this is however not a very good idea. Meal replacement shakes can replace one meal or you could use them as your dietician or doctor has instructed. Consuming only meal replacements would leave you weak, your immunity a mess, and your gut health in tatters. This is because most meal replacements are high in protein powder and not very rich in fiber. The lack of fiber would affect the gut microbiome negatively which would then negatively influence your overall well-being. If you are looking for a healthier diet, add healthy fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats too, to the other meals that you have. This would help you with your goals immensely.
Because the idea of meal replacement shakes caught on, many brands decided to get in on the action as well. This is why if you go to the local drugstore or check the merchant portal online, there are only too many options. This is a serious problem. Not all brands offer good products. Some may claim to provide health benefits but cannot deliver on such claims. This same is so true for those brands who promise that you would drop a significant number of pounds in a matter of days. There is no safe way to do this. To help you choose, here is a comparison of 3 popular meal replacement brands. If you know more, you could decide better.
310 Shake, Slim Fast & Instant Knockout Complete: What Are They?
310 Shake
- All-in-One Meal, this is a shake designed to induce weight loss and weight management.
- These meal replacement shakes are plant-based, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free and contain no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
On the official website, the literature often uses meal replacement shakes and protein powder interchangeably. Whether this is done by accident or if the 310 Shake is actually a glorified protein powder, we cannot be too sure. The brand began with just one shake to its name but is now a million-dollar business thanks to the popularity of the products it churns out. It is not just restricted to shakes but offers many wellness and fitness products that can be found on the website. Available in 7 flavors, the 310 Shake is a strong contender for the best meal replacement shake ribbon.
SlimFast
SlimFast is a weight loss brand that has products for every aspect of weight management. You could find products to support the keto diet or intermittent fasting, protein powder, healthy snacks, ready-to-drink shakes and shake mixes. SlimFast is an old seasoned player. It’s been around for a greater part of 40 years and still growing strong.
- The USP of the product is that it is packed with protein which helps you to stick to your diet.
- SlimFast is gluten-free and is available in 6 flavors.
However, the official site does not offer you much in terms of information about benefits or the ingredients that go into the actual shake, with the exception of how tasty and customizable the SlimFast shake really is.
Instant Knockout Complete
Instant Knockout Complete was originally intended to be paired with the weight loss supplement known as the ‘Instant Knockout Cut’ from the same brand. But the meal replacement got so popular; the brand decided to launch it as a separate product entirely.
- From the fitness brand Roar Ambition, Instant Knockout Complete is the ultimate fat loss and weight management that offers a low-calorie diet and aids muscle growth.
- Intended for the gym buffs, the meal replacement shake is a simple, no-nonsense nutrition-packed shake that helps alleviate stubborn plateaus, slow metabolic rate, and unhealthy meal choices.
- The unique factor of the shake is that it has a slow-release system which stops the body from going into a state of nutritional deficit. Considering that this is a real possibility with diets, Instant Knockout Complete is already earning points.
- It is also vegan-friendly.
To learn more about Instant Knockout Complete, meal replacement supplement visit this link!
How to Use the Meal Shakes?
All three shakes follow the same method of use. 1 scoop of the desired powder mixed with a glass of water, milk, or dairy-free milk alternatives. It could be blended or shaken and can be had hot or cold.
What Can These Meal Replacement Powders Do for You?
The whole point of a meal replacement shake is to provide you with a balanced meal that supplies the right vitamins and minerals in appropriate percentages. If a meal shake can do that, it has fulfilled its primary responsibility. Everything is the bells and whistles.
| 310 Shakes All-In-One Meal | SlimFast Original Shake Mixes | Instant Knockout Complete |
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These listed benefits are only those that are mentioned anywhere on the official website. By count alone, Instant Knockout Complete is a serious contender. The test now is to see whether these meal replacements can actually deliver on the claims they make. We can do that by taking a closer look at what goes into the making of the shake powder and the reviews that the existing customers have about the products. Let’s look at the ingredients now.
The Shakes and their Respective Formula
The strength of a meal replacement shake powder depends on how much nutritional value it could provide you with each serving. The benefits claimed by the meal replacement also depend on how much of what is included.
310 Shakes Ingredients
With each serving of this vegan meal replacement shake, you get 110 calories, 15g of protein, 5g of fiber, 3g of fat, and 6g of carbs. In terms of vitamins and minerals, you get vitamins D, A, C, E, and K and the whole group of B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. These make up for the 310 Vitamins & Minerals Blend. The other inclusions are as follows.
310 Tri-Plex Protein Blend™
The Triplex Protein Blend is the star of the 310 shakes. It is mentioned as an exclusivity that provides for the protein and the texture of the product. However, if you were to take a closer look at the blend, you would see that there is nothing unique or new about the components. Organic pea protein isolate, organic brown rice protein concentrate, and organic pumpkin protein are ingredients that are used by most meal replacement brands and there is nothing exclusive about it. This makes for a bad start.
310 Fiber & Superfood Blend
Oat fiber, carrot root, celery seed, goji berry, hydrangea root, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, organic alfalfa, organic apple powder, organic beetroot, organic broccoli powder, organic Chaga mushroom powder, organic chlorella powder, organic ginger root, organic spinach powder, organic spirulina, organic turmeric powder, and pineapple make up this group. From this group alone you get antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, and phytochemicals which bolster several physiological functions. The fact that many of the additions are organic adds several points.
310 Healthy Fats Blend
Healthy fats are required for gut health, brain function and maintenance, and healthy lipid profiles. Coconut oil creamer (organic coconut oil, acacia gum), chia seed, and flax seed are included here.
310 Adaptogen Blend
Organic Chaga mushroom extract, cordyceps mushroom extract, lion’s mane mushroom extract, reishi mushroom extract, ashwagandha, and maca root are ingredients that are designed by nature to help the body and mind adjust to the rigors of everyday life. In addition to that, these components also provide fiber, amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory elements that help the body heal and recover.
310 Digestive Blend
This group includes the probiotic Bifidobacterium Bifidum 100 billion CFUs, and digestive enzymes amylases, lactase, lipase, protease I, and protease II and ensures that every meal you eat is digested and metabolized properly. This translates to greater energy production, better nutrient absorption, and improved gut health. This also means that more food is used as fuel and not stored as body fat.
SlimFast Shakes Ingredients
One serving of SlimFast Original would give you 110 calories, 2g of protein, 4g of fiber, 3g of fat, and 18g of carbs. Vitamins and minerals include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and 7 B vitamins, and calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum. These essential nutrients also make up most of the ingredients in the powder.
If you were to take a closer look at the supplement label for SlimFast, it would look more like a chemistry textbook as very few words are easily recognizable. There is maltodextrin – a highly processed food powder based on cereal or grains, sugar, cocoa powder (depending on the flavor you choose), sunflower creamer – 50% high oleic non-dairy creamer, milk protein concentrate, xanthan gum, lecithin, salt, aspartame, acesulfáme potassium – yet another sugar substitute and natural and artificial flavors.
That is about it. With ingredients like these, no natural food content, and the absolute lack of fiber, it would be difficult for SlimFast shakes to compete with the other shake powders here.
Instant Knockout Complete Ingredients
Instant Knockout Complete provides essential vitamins like vitamins D, A, C, E, K, and the whole pantheon of Bs. Minerals are left out because you get calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, and choline. In order to appeal to a larger audience, Instant Knockout Complete steers clear of ingredients like whey protein concentrate and uses only plant-based ingredients.
This shake powder also gives you 400g of calories, 13g of fiber, 35g of protein, 13g of fats, and 35g of carbs. When compared to the previous two meal replacements, the calorie count is heavy. However, you must take into account that Instant Knockout Complete is intended for those who live physically active lives or those who wish to spend long hours at the gym.
Plant-based Protein
Because this particular meal replacement shake aims at weight loss and muscle gain, there is quite a lot of emphasis on providing adequate protein to achieve those results. Instant Knockout Complete uses pea and soy extract. This amount of protein would help with protein synthesis, muscle repair, and recovery after a workout.
MCT
Medium Chain Triglycerides are a dietary supplement on their own and are usually found as a powder that you can sprinkle onto acai bowls or nutrient shakes. MCT is rich in healthy fats and can raise metabolic rate which hastens the calorie-burn process. Extracted from coconut, MCT can help with the conversion of fat cells into fuel. This especially helps with stubborn accumulations of fat like the belly or thighs. It also automatically increases energy output.
Golden Flaxseed
A great source of Omega-3 fatty acid, which contributes to digestion and gut health, as it is rich in fiber, flaxseeds are the ultimate superfood. It also keeps a check on lipid profiles and blood sugar levels. If you are trying to cut calories then adding flaxseeds to your meals could help as evidence suggests that it can also curb appetite and cravings.
Chia Seeds
Another superfood, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are often used together. With benefits similar to flaxseeds, chia seeds have the added advantage of being protein and nutrient-rich.
Oat Flour
Compared to all the other flours, oat flour is the healthiest as it can also improve cardiovascular health, keep cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels in check, and is the main fiber source for the meal replacement shake. It increases nutrient absorption, energy production and improves digestive health.
Organic Brown Rice
The perfect protein source for the lactose intolerant and vegans, organic brown rice is high in nutrients, and proteins and is the best component to add to your diet if losing weight, melting fat, and building muscle is on your mind. The proteins and amino acids also contribute to quicker muscle recovery and focus.
From the formulae used by each meal replacement shake, only SlimFast disappoints with its lack of real food ingredients and rather sketchy chemical additions. 310 Shakes and Instant Knockout Complete are still impressive products that you can add to your meal plan.
Where & How Can You Buy These Meal Replacement Products?
Buy 310 Shakes
For the 310 Shakes, you could go to their official website or buy it on Amazon, Walmart and other e-commerce websites. Once there, you could choose the product flavor you prefer and you could order them with a single click.
- There are 7 flavors to choose from and you could order them in pouches of 14 servings for $44.99 or 28 servings for $67.49.
- You also have the option to subscribe and if you do, you get a 25% discount on the purchase. You can also order the variety box for $50.62 to check which flavors you prefer or the Triple Flavor Pack for $134.99.
310 Shakes offers you a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case the product does not live up to its reputation.
Buy SlimFast
For SlimFast, visit their official website or buy it on Amazon, Walmart, and other e-commerce websites. Here, you have several options, like the Original (which is being reviewed here) or the High Protein Shake, or the Keto meal replacement shake.
- Prices vary, depending on which product you choose but the Original costs a mere $11.99 for 14 servings and $14.99 for 22 servings.
- You could buy bundles as well.
You have 4 flavors to choose from and you could also choose to subscribe. There is no pre-drawn refund policy, so if you have any issues, you should contact customer service.
Buy Instant Knockout Complete
- Instant Knockout Complete is only available in 14 servings packs and a vanilla flavor and would cost you $59.00.
- If you order 28 servings – 2 packs, at once you would also gain access to e-books that could help answer some questions you have on nutrition, weight loss, and putting on muscle weight. This pack of 2 would cost $118.
You could make purchases at the Instant Knockout Complete Official Website, click here! Fast and free shipping is available within the USA and UK. You could ask for refunds within a 30-day window from the date of sale.
So, Which Is the Better Meal Replacement Shake?
Let’s begin with 310 Shakes. There are lots of things going for this particular meal replacement. It can effectively act as a nutritious snack and the availability of several flavors would appeal to a larger number of people. However, 310 Shakes has one major flaw – the use of proprietary blends. The list of ingredients is impressive but the fact that it is grouped makes for dicey dosage. It is unclear as to how much of what has actually gone into the shake powder. It cannot be judged whether the product has enough of a component to make a difference or have any effect on losing weight or health in general. However, users of the 310-meal replacement are pretty happy with the product and keep going back for more.
SlimFast shakes are the most unsatisfactory. The meal replacement has almost no fiber content at 4g (must lesser than the other 2 products) and has 2g of protein – which is something of a joke because if the product is designed to replace a meal, 2g of protein is as good as not eating at all. The sparse inclusion of fiber would do little to nothing for gut and digestive health. The components used are sparse and have no whole-food inclusion. The benefits are claimed as great but based on the ingredients, it would be hard to deliver on those claims with the few ingredients it has. The use of extra artificial sweeteners does nothing for the shake either. Weight loss with SlimFast would not be healthy and there is no energy you would get from the supplement. Users were disappointed with the value-add of the product and many have switched brands.
Instant Knockout Complete is often compared to protein shakes because of its high protein content. It wouldn’t be an unfair comparison either. The product was made to encourage muscle building and recovery. The clear explanation and dosage of its ingredients and the all-around inclusion of macro and micronutrients have made the product a hit. Many choose to use Complete along with Cut, the Instant Knockout fat burner to achieve even better results. However, this is not a necessity. The meal replacement works on its own as well. The only thing users are not too thrilled about is the price but considering that Instant Knockout Complete eliminates the use of protein shakes, and recovery supplements and helps you with weight loss, the price is justified for the benefits it delivers.
To give you a clearer picture, here is a brief comparison of the three meal replacements.
| 310 Shakes All-in-One Meal | SlimFast Original | Instant Knockout Complete | |
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| Cons |
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| Nutrients count | 26 | 24 | 28 |
| Audience | For men and women who are trying to stay healthy or lose weight. | Men and women looking for weight loss options | For men and women over the age of 18 looking for weight loss and help building muscle tissue |
| Reviews | Mixed to positive | Negative | Mixed to positive |
| Price | $4.28 or $3.21 per meal $44.99 for 14 servings & $67.49 | $0.85 per meal $11.99 for 14 servings | $4.21 per meal $59.00 for 14 servings |
| Refund Policy | 30-day money-back guarantee | No pre-determined refund policy | 30-day return window |
| Where to Buy? | From Amazon, Walmart, GNC and other e-commerce websites. | From Amazon, Walmart, GNC, and other e-commerce websites. | Click to Buy Instant Knockout Complete from the Official Website. |
Summary & Verdict
Whether it be weight loss, muscle building, or convenience, meal replacement shakes are gaining popularity. However, all brands are not the same and some simply slip under the radar. We compared three popular brands – 310 Shake, SlimFast Shakes, and Instant Knockout Complete. Of them all, SlimFast is a product that we would definitely not recommend for the reasons mentioned above. 310 Shake uses blends and the actual dosage of ingredients is unclear. However, users are pretty happy with the meal replacement so we would leave it to you to decide.
But Instant Knockout Complete though has check marked all the boxes and is a product we would recommend. You should especially profit from the use of the product if you are a gym bug and are looking for simultaneous weight loss and muscle growth. Instant Knockout Complete is the definite winner here.
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