The concept of a meal replacement shake is often misconstrued to be a glorified protein powder or an elemental diet plan on steroids. It is neither of the two and could not be any more different. A protein powder or shake is designed to increase your protein intake which helps you build muscle and bulk. It is usually the choice of bodybuilders and athletes who wish to bulk up without the extra fat that comes with normal diets. On the other hand, an elemental diet is designed to promote gut health. The powder is pre-digested, as in, broken down into basic nutrients so that the stomach does not have to digest it. The diet is usually recommended to those who suffer from GI tract issues or have recently undergone surgery.
The meal replacement is designed to be an easy, convenient, nutrient-rich alternative to take-out. It is eating without really eating. You would find meal replacements for every goal – weight loss, weight gain, slimmer waist, strength, and just balanced nutrition. The meal replacement shake was first formulated to help those with busy lives or restricted incomes to have the option to consume healthy meals. These nutrition shakes can be had at any time of the day, requiring no extra cooking equipment and no shopping at the farmers’ market each weekend. Everything comes to you made and ready to be mixed in with water, smoothie, or juice so that your body meets its daily nutritional needs. These nutrient-dense shakes have a wider scope of influence when compared to protein shakes or elemental diets, which is why it is vital that you pick a brand that is good for your body and your pocket. Since there are so many choices available, decision-making becomes a task.
You’re likely here because you’re committed to achieving and maintaining good health, and we commend your dedication. Let us help by giving you the inside information on three popular meal replacements – Huel, Herbalife, and PhenQ Complete Meal Shake. At the end of this, you should have a clear idea of what you want and what you don’t want in your shake.
Huel Powder, Herbalife Healthy Meal, & PhenQ Complete Meal Shake: General Information
#3. Huel Powder
Huel is a nutrition and wellness brand that brings you a number of choices when it comes to healthy living. You are treated to a range of objects like nutrition bars, ready-to-drink shakes, instant meals, daily greens, and even accessories. The company is built on the principle of bringing healthier options to the everyday John and Jane at prices that are affordable. For this review, we will be looking at the original version because it is the most basic. The Huel shake is 100% plant-based, non-GMO, lactose-free, and rich in essential nutrients. A plus point for Huel is that earlier versions of the powder were found to be clumpy and resistant to mixing and also, there were a few complaints about the taste and texture. Huel listened and tweaked its formula, added flavors for the fussy eaters, and began to use tapioca starch to smoothen the smoothie. This has done the brand some good, as customers appreciate a brand that listens.
Each serving of Huel Powder would give you 400 calories, 13g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, 7g of fiber, 1g of sugar, and 30g of protein.
#2. Herbalife
Herbalife is a multi-level marketing company, and that alone is enough to put many people off the brand. We do not discriminate, so we shall endeavor. The actual name of the product is Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix: French Vanilla; a mouthful but informative. The company deals with a number of products like skin care, weight management, hair care, and fitness. The meal replacement shake is referred to as Formula 1, Formula 2 is a multivitamin pill, and Formula 3 is a cell activator.
Unfortunately, the official website is not very informative in terms of nutritional information, ingredients, or benefits. We had to turn to other sources on the web for that information, which may or may not be 100% true. Herbalife is vegan, lactose-free and, with the exception of two flavors, gluten-free too. The Herbalife shakes claim to be a high-protein meal replacement that is backed by science and research. However, the site has no mention of either the science or the research.
Each serving of the shake gives you 170 calories, 9.7g of fat, 33g of carbohydrates, 18g of fiber, 23g of sugar, and 35g of protein.
#1. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is part of an all-natural weight loss system that was developed for the sole purpose of weight management and muscle preservation. The brand began with PhenQ natural fat burner pills that became quite the sensation as they were safe and effective. The PhenQ Complete Meal Shake and the PhenQ PM Night Formula were added to further enhance weight loss and fat burning measures.
Unlike the other two shakes, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is created to provide a meal high in nutritional value and to ensure that you lose weight in the process. While most replacement shakes claim weight loss as a benefit, very few include an actual mechanism for it; PhenQ does, which makes it stand apart. It is a diet meal replacement that supports your exercise and meal plans by providing the body with energy to fuel your day while inducing the body to burn stored body fat. You have the choice of either adopting the system as a whole or just using the meal replacement shake. The shake works regardless. So far, PhenQ has the most comprehensive website with all sorts of information – gold for a newbie.
Each serving of PhenQ provides 180 calories, 3.5g of fat, 21g of carbohydrates, 4g of fiber, 2g of sugar, and 16g of protein.
What Health Benefits Do the Brands Claim to Have?
Before we go further, it is vital that you understand that meal replacement shakes are meant to replace one meal a day. In fact, you could even use them as snacks or desserts. The idea of the shakes is that each serving fills in the nutritional gaps left by your diet plan. Several food types are required to keep the body and soul together, and a meal replacement shake does not necessarily fulfill those requirements. Hence, using only shakes for survival could adversely affect digestion, muscle building, bone health, and overall well-being.
The benefits each meal replacement claims are similar as they all follow the same principles.
| Huel Powder | Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake |
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For best results, it is advised that you replace the heaviest meal of the day with any shake of your choice, which is usually lunch or breakfast. It would also work if you use the shakes after your workout, as it would help you recover faster from the physical stress.
What Formula Do These Supplements Use?
The meal replacement trend is healthy per se, but it is most effective if you use a brand that actually uses beneficial ingredients. What many brands do is stuff their powders to the brim with impressive-sounding ingredients, hoping to make the shake appear sturdy and efficient. The trick is to use a few ingredients that pack the maximum punch. This helps to keep the formula simple but potent and also works to keep allergies and drug interactions to a minimum. The smarter brands follow the second principle.
Huel Powder
The whole point of meal replacement shakes is to provide the body with a healthy dose of nutrients, Huel does not disappoint. Each serving of the powder provides you with vitamins A, C, D, E, K and B complex. In terms of minerals, you get calcium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, and choline.
To help provide this goodness, Huel uses a pretty simple formula that includes Oats, Pea Protein, Ground Flaxseed, Brown Rice Protein, and Tapioca Starch, which is the main source of carbohydrates, fiber, and proteins. These inclusions also mean that Huel is not only gluten-free but is also vegan-friendly.
The Sunflower Oil Powder and Medium-Chain Triglyceride Powder (from Coconut) provide you with essential fats that aid digestion, gut health, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Maltodextrin and Xanthan Gum are thickeners, Acerola Cherry Powder aids antioxidation, Corn Starch is yet another thickener, Sunflower Lecithin adds to the protein count, Kombucha Tea Powder acts as a prebiotic for the gut, and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is the probiotic contribution. However, without knowing the CFU count of the addition, it is difficult to determine whether the addition works or not. The added sugar is Sucralose, which is simply a fancy way of saying sugar. If you are diabetic or are watching your sugar intake, you may want to consult your physician or dietician before starting with the powder.
Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, Herbalife is not to be left behind. It includes vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B complex, and minerals include potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, and iodine.
To support the high claims of nutrition, Herbalife includes Soy Protein Isolate, Inulin, and Gluten-Free Oat Powder, which is the main source of micronutrition. Soy Oil and Soy Lecithin are included as emulsifiers and sources of healthy fats. Sweeteners include Steviol Glycosides and Fructose. There is also a mix of powders like Papaya Fruit, Parsley Herb, Blueberry Fruit, and Pomegranate, which come with their benefits.
There is some disconnect over how the shake must be prepared, but to be privy to that information, you must first buy the product, which doesn’t seem like good marketing. The Herbalife formula seems to be slightly too sparse, and it does make one wonder how long you can stay sated after you have had a tumbler full, though a calorie deficit is not something you need to worry about.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
Of the three meal replacements, PhenQ impressed us the most, and it wasn’t because of how easy the brand made it for us to see what the product was about. This meal replacement shake was designed with one goal in mind – to further weight loss, keep a check on calorie intake, and support the digestion of any solid food you consume. Per serving, you get a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and the whole range of B complex, which makes up the Vegetarian Micronutrient Blend. There is not a mineral sight because PhenQ takes into account the other meals you eat during the day. You only need trace amounts of minerals in a day, and an overdose of them is not a good thing.
The natural ingredients used are all designed to promote weight loss.
- The Gluten Free Oat Flour helps to keep you feeling full for longer, supports healthy blood glucose levels, and promotes digestion.
- CARB10™ is derived from premium pea starch, which absorbs complex carbohydrates and keeps it from spiking blood sugar levels.
- Whey Protein Concentrate unfortunately renders PhenQ not suitable for vegans but it does come with an impressive amino acid profile that supports muscle building, exercise stamina, and recovery.
- Flaxseed Powder is rich in essential fats and healthy fiber which promotes digestion, and gut health, deals with inflammation, and also helps with blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Digezyme™ Enzyme Complex contains alpha-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase which are essential for nutrient absorption, proper metabolism of macronutrients, and digestion. This component helps with the other meals that you consume.
Although all three shakes use natural ingredients, there is always a chance of allergic reactions and drug interactions. It is best to speak with your physician before you start the use of these or any other natural dietary supplement. This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from a pre-existing medical condition for which you are being medicated.
How Do You Get These Shakes?
The best way to buy these products is to get them on their respective official websites. This would ensure that you get the original product and you would also be able to take advantage of offers, subscriptions, and discounts.
Buy Huel
Huel shakes are available in 10 flavors like salted caramel, chocolate, and banana. Some flavors are also available in gluten-free forms. If you are a first-time customer at Huel, you get a free t-shirt, scoops, shaker, and pot.
- A single bag would cost $47. However, you must make a purchase of at least one more bag to complete the purchase process, which costs $75.00 if you choose to subscribe and $94 for a one-time purchase.
Buy Herbalife Nutrition
- One can of Herbalife Nutrition would cost $54.55. All Herbalife products can be bought only through a distributor or agent. All other facets of purchase will be available to you once you find a distributor near you. The site does offer to introduce you to an agent or will help you find someone you may already know.
PhenQ Complete Meal Replacement
The PhenQ Meal Replacement can be purchased at the PhenQ’s Official Website. The site would also give you information about the fat burners that the brand creates but the site does not actively promote any of the pills.
- A one-time purchase of a bag would cost $64.99 but if you add another bag, you get 10% off and also avail of free shipping.
You have an option of 3 flavors to choose from namely, Chocolate, Vanilla and last but not least, Strawberry & Cream. Each purchase is accompanied by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
So, which is the Best Meal Replacement Powder?
Huel, Herbalife, and PhenQ are regarded as three of the best meal replacements in the market, and for good reason too. If you do not have the time or luxury of cooking healthy meals three times a day, a meal replacement is as good as it gets. They are nutritionally balanced, can help with losing weight, are mostly low-calorie, and require no measurements as you use the same amount each day. However, when compared to each other there are a few glaring differences that do come to the surface which make it difficult for us to not play favorites. Let’s look at the similarities first.
All three are potent and balanced sources of macronutrients so there is a good chance of you meeting your daily nutritional goals with any of the meal replacements than with a pasta takeout. They can all be prepared the same way – you are required to reconstitute the powder with water, milk, or milk alternatives. If you wish you could add ice and you have a refreshing and filling drink. All three brands feature flavors so taste is taken care of. Since most of the flavors are sweet, these replacements could settle sugar cravings and keep you feeling full for longer. This is where the similarities end.
Huel is a plant-based product that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The powder includes pre and probiotics, covers most essential nutrients, and includes 30g of protein per serving translating to more protein than the other two shakes. On the whole, we don’t have much to complain about Huel with the exception of two issues. The Huel drink is not nut free, an option that many customers are looking for nowadays. Secondly, the brand states that it is a favorite and that it has sold over 300 million meals, which is impressive but we could not find a list of the benefits that you could get if you used the product. Does it support weight management or muscle building? Is it beneficial for those with gut issues or sensitive stomach? Would it be able to make a difference to cognition or overall well-being? These are questions that cannot be answered by the official website. The site has a lot of propaganda but very little information. The prospective customer would be left disappointed. Reviews from existing customers are positive, though.
Herbalife’s Website is the same as Huel’s, with a lot of marketing and very little information. We scoured the official webpage for answers but found way too little. There is some information like macronutrient profile, but that was about it, along with how to use directions. The site is made for those who are already well-versed with the product and not for newcomers. Herbalife should not be your choice if weight loss is a goal, as the drink provides you with 170 calories per serving when mixed with non-fat milk. That is a whole new workout waiting to happen. Another issue with Herbalife is getting your hands on the product; unless you are introduced to an existing agent, made into an agent, or meet one, you cannot get the meal replacement. This is a problem with most MLM brands. Reviews are mixed as users are not that happy with the powder, with claims of clumping, difficulty mixing, and even one case of liver damage (not confirmed).
Of the three meal replacements, PhenQ seems to be the most on-point. Not only does it pack its site full of information – benefits, ingredients, the role of each ingredient, how the product influences weight loss and such, it also makes a point of providing you the option to find out about the fat burners too. But it isn’t aggressive- the tabs are there for you to click should you wish to do so. Of the three, PhenQ was the only one to clearly cite the benefits of use, muscle growth and recovery, weight loss, and appetite suppression.
If you are looking for a supplement that could advance your weight loss journey, PhenQ may just be the one to choose.
- PhenQ mentions AMPK and the role it plays in fat burning.
- It also mentions how PhenQ can activate the AMPK response to support weight management.
- Reviews for PhenQ are stellar, with users claiming to drop up to 3 dress sizes while others claim it to be a healthy option for an occasional meal replacement.
So that you can make a fair comparison, here is a side-by-side representation of all the information we have.
| Huel Powder | Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Formulated to fill in nutritional gaps created by a normal diet. | Created to be a potent source of protein and support a healthy lifestyle. | Designed to be a healthy supplement to support weight loss and management and also to support recovery from exercise. |
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| Cons |
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| Allergens | Nuts | Soy | Whey |
| Flavors | 10 | 14 approx. | 3 |
| Price | $47 | $54.55 | $64.99 |
| Refund Policy | 30-day refund policy. | 30-day money back guarantee but conditions apply. | 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | Buy Huel from Amazon, Walmart, or its Official Website. | Herbalife can be purchased from Amazon, Walmart, or its Official Website. | Buy PhenQ Complete Meal Shake only from the Official Website. |
Summary & Verdict
Adding a meal replacement shake to your everyday diet is an easy, low-calorie way to get healthy and watch your weight. You get your daily dose of nutrients while also appeasing your tastebuds. We compared three meal replacements – Huel, Herbalife, and PhenQ Complete Meal Shake. Of the three PhenQ Complete Meal Shake was found to be the best solution for weight loss and complete nutrition. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is brought to you by a weight loss expert and you are free to use the shake on its own or in tandem with the fat burners that the brand makes.
When looking for the best meal replacement powder that could help you reach your goal weight, PhenQ is what we would recommend.
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