Though confused to be the same thing, Meal replacement powders, and rich protein shakes are very different indeed. As the name suggests, a meal replacement shake is designed to replace a meal. They are fortified with all the nutrients one should receive from a meal and are meant to be healthier as compared to takeout or fast food. In contrast, protein powders were created to support bodybuilding efforts. Instead of eating more protein, which would inevitably mean the intake of carbs and fats, fitness brands created powders that included high protein content to support muscle building. Protein powders have been around for a while, but meal replacements came about as a weight management tool. They were meant to help users get a handle on calorie intake. Meal replacements usually have some protein content in them in the form of whey, soy, or pea protein. Since animal products are generally avoided to appeal to a larger audience, completely plant-based meal replacement powders are on the rise. Which is healthy, so no one is complaining. However, though, you have the choice of mixing the powder with water, milk, or milk alternatives.
If you are trying to keep an account of how many calories you consume in a day, adding a meal replacement to your diet could prove to be useful. The better brands offer additional benefits like probiotics, enhanced muscle growth, and nootropic support. However, you must be careful to use a supplement that is a healthy mix of nutrients and use ingredients that are of good quality. It is only then that you benefit from these dietary supplements. Since the meal replacement fad took off, a lot of health and fitness brands jumped onto the bandwagon, creating their own concoction, which means that now there is an excess of choice. This makes it difficult to choose one. And since we would not want you to waste time trawling through the net, we compared three such brands for you. By the end of this, you should be able to find a meal replacement shake that suits your particular needs.
Huel vs Ka’Chava vs Instant Knockout Complete: Meal Replacement Products
#3 – Huel
Huel is a complete health brand with a product for every aspect of health and fitness featuring meal bars, ready-to-drink shakes, protein snacks, and daily greens products. Huel Black – a protein powder, is, by far, their best seller, followed closely by Huel V.3.0, a nutritionally complete meal. Designed to be the ideal combination of proteins, carbs, fiber, and essential micronutrients, Huel is also reinforced with pre and probiotics. The brand claims to have a whopping 174 health benefits ranging from brain health, muscle growth, and immunity to improving hair and nail quality. The Huel powder is plant-based and includes slow-release carbs that leave you feeling fuller for longer.
Huel is most proud of the fact that the powder has an impressive shelf-life of 13 months unopened and 6 months once the pack has been opened. Huel could be used as post-workout meals, desserts, or just breakfast. The product is available in 9 flavors so that you could have your pick.
Each serving gives you 400 calories, 13g of fat, 45g of carbs, 7g of fiber 30g of protein, and 1g of sugar. (These nutritional facts are based on the Original V3.0 powder).
#2 – Ka’Chava
Ka’Chava is a soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly meal replacement shake. Created using only plant-based nutrition, Ka’Chava includes over 85+ organic ingredients and is available in 5 flavor profiles. The powder claims to support gut health, brain function, cardiovascular systems, and skin and hair health as well. Formulated to be the ultimate nutrition source for the mind and body, Ka’Chava includes nutrients from herbs, vegetables, fruit, superfoods, mushrooms, and whole-food grains. Essentially, the brand has taken the ideal meal and made a shake that tastes like dessert. The product was created with the sole purpose of providing you with a meal that is nutritionally sound and does not have you worrying about calories. All Ka’Chava ingredients are responsibly sourced from sustainable farming sources, and the quality of these ingredients is tested by a third party.
Each ready-to-drink meal would provide you with 240 kilocalories, 7g of fat, 24g of carbs, 6g of fiber, 25g of protein, and 6g of sugar.
#1 – Instant Knockout Complete
Instant Knockout Complete is not a stand-alone product but part of a weight loss and fitness system, which includes the meal replacement shake and a fat burner – Instant Knockout Cut. However, you could use just the meal replacement shake as well. The shake was designed to facilitate fat loss without compromising on nutrition. The meal replacement is incorporated with a slow-release system that keeps you feeling sated, which puts a stop to hunger pangs and cravings. Unlike the previous two powders that focus on overall health and well-being, Instant Knockout Complete was specifically created to check body weight and aid weight loss efforts in addition to overall well-being. The product has been making waves within and outside the fitness community and is now a staple for many, athletes and otherwise. Instant Knockout Complete would be the perfect accompaniment for your diet if you are trying to restrict your intake of calories and unhealthy foods.
Each serving would provide you with 400 calories, 13g of fat, 35g of carbs, 35g of protein, and 3g of sugar.
Tap here to learn more about the Pro’s Secret, visit the Official Instant Knockout Complete Official Website.
What Can You expect from these Meal Replacement Shakes?
Each meal replacement powder claims to be the best and presents itself as the best possible addition to your diet. To that end, each supplement provides a list of benefits you can expect once you start using.
| Huel Original V3.0 | Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal | Instant Knockout Complete |
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Each of the meal replacement brands has put forth an impressive list of benefits, but that is easy to do. The true test is to look at the formula each includes to see whether these benefits claimed can actually be delivered. Since each claims to provide complete nutrition, we would also be looking at the essential nutrients each brand provides.
What are the Natural Ingredients Found in Each Meal Replacement Powder?
With each meal replacement formula, you would be able to see the different ways supplements showcase their ingredients. Huel mentions them by name and offers no explanations, Ka’Chava clubs its ingredients into proprietary blends, while Instant Knockout Complete mentions each inclusion by name and explains the reason for their addition. Since they all have provided a stellar list of benefits, we need to check if the formula used can actually support those claims.
The Huel Powder Formula
You must keep in mind that Huel is a health supplement giant with a range of products and ardent followers who call themselves ‘Hueligans’. There is so much more that customers expect from products that smart marketing just doesn’t cut it anymore. A little more thought has to be put into the Huel meal replacement itself because of the three meal replacement shakes, Huel has the weakest formula. Each serving of the powder would provide you with essential vitamins D, A, C, E, K, and the complete B complex, and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, and choline.
The formula per se is a confusing affair. For the everyday user, there are only a few inclusions that would make sense, like oats, pea protein, brown rice protein, tapioca starch, sunflower oil powder, Acerola cherry powder, corn starch, Kombucha tea powder, and Medium-Chain Triglyceride Powder from coconuts. Unfortunately, there is no explanation provided as to where these ingredients are sourced from or which ingredients provide what nutrition or benefits. You would also find Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, which is the probiotic addition. Adding one probiotic doesn’t do very much and a lot depends on how many CFUs of the probiotic strain were added. Again, there is no information about that either. All the other mentions in the ingredients sound like the contents of a chemistry textbook and don’t provide much enlightenment. For the everyday user, the fact that one cannot make out what is in the product would be off-putting.
The Ka’Chava Powder Formula
Ka’Chava is a lot more thorough, going out of its way to mention the source of its ingredients and the reason behind each inclusion. While looking at the supplement label here, you would see the word ‘organic’ quite a few times. A single meal would provide you with the following vitamins and minerals – vitamins A, C, D, E, and all the B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, sodium and potassium. The formula itself is divided into proprietary blends – each group for a specific benefit. The vitamins and minerals blend are mentioned above.
Plant-Based Protein Blend, 29.25 g
Here, you will find a complete protein complex derived solely from plants – yellow pea protein, whole grain brown rice, Sacha Inchi, Amaranth, and Quinoa. These inclusions provide a range of essential amino acids that influence muscle growth, hormone, and neurotransmitter production and also stop you from feeling hungry sooner.
Omega EFA/ Fiber Blend, 11.12 g
Including whole grain oats, acacia gum, chia seeds, and flax seeds, this group provides you with omega-3 fat, which falls under healthy fats and fiber. Both these nutrients are vital for digestive and gut health. They also play a role in maintaining blood sugar, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
Antioxidant/ Super-Fruit Blend, 5.1 g
This blend includes coconut flower, acai berry, maqui berry, camu-camu berry, strawberry, tart cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. This group of ingredients aims to reduce oxidative stress caused by the free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress, if left unchecked, could lead to a variety of chronic medical conditions.
Adaptogen Blend, 1020 mg
Consisting of maca root, shitake mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, cordyceps, and ginger root, the adaptogen blend helps the mind and body to effectively deal with stressors that originate within and outside the body. They also help to balance energy levels and anxiety.
Super-Greens Blend / Vegetable Blend, 500mg
This blend includes most of the veggies that get ignored at the store, like beetroot, carrot, spinach, broccoli, tomato, kale, cabbage, parsley, Brussels sprouts, green pepper, asparagus, and several others. Designed to supply a drink with greater nutritional value but is low in carbs, this blend is rich in phytonutrients that are beneficial to the body in several ways.
Prebiotic/ Probiotic Blend, 50 mg
For prebiotic content, Ka’Chav includes inulin, which is a rich fiber, and for probiotics, it adds L. Rhamnosus and L. Acidophilus. Though these bacteria strains have several health benefits, however, we cannot be sure that they appear in CFUs that matter.
Digestive Enzyme Blend, 50 mg
Amylase, protease, cellulase, lactase, and lipase are digestive enzymes that support nutrient absorption and effective breakdown of food and can help stave off cravings and hunger pangs.
Though many consumers are happy with Ka’Chava, the use of proprietary blends does not sit right with a few. This is because, even though the list of ingredients is impressive, there is no way to check how much of what has been added. Proprietary Blends are a common tool used by supplement brands to either hide ingredients or dosages. Even though the intent of using blends was right, we can’t be sure how much of each component was added in order to make it effective.
The Instant Knockout Complete Powder Formula
This meal replacement powder would demonstrate a balance of ingredients – not too little or too many. The supplement uses ingredients that provide a multiplicity of nutrients and benefits from a few select ingredients that have been chosen for this very purpose. The formula is simple and clearly explained, and there is not a proprietary blend in sight. A serving of Instant Knockout Complete gives you the following essential nutrients – vitamins D, A, C, D, E, K, the B vitamin complex, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, and choline. Whereas the other components of the formula are as follows.
Plant-Based Protein
The protein source is pea and soy extract. While some may look at soy through unfavorable lenses, it is a source of essential amino acids that are required for a number of biological processes, especially muscle building, energy production, and diffusion of fatigue. These amino acids also support muscle repair, especially after long periods of exercise.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)
Available as a powder supplement, MCT oil powder is a health benefit powerhouse. MCT is also able to boost your metabolic rate temporarily, which can help you lose weight and burn fat faster. MCTs even facilitate using stored fatty acids as an energy source, which means you would still have strength and energy even if you are on a calorie-deficit diet.
Golden Flax Seeds & Chia Seeds
Both these superfood seeds are low in calories but rich sources of omega-3 fats, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. They can maintain healthy blood sugar levels and lipid levels and help maintain a healthy weight. They also take time to move through the digestive system, leaving you sated for longer.
Oat Flour
Oats are great for energy and getting a healthy dose of carbs. Because of the low glycemic index, oats are best at maintaining energy production and can even support nutrient absorption.
Organic Brown Rice
Rich in the amino acid valine, isoleucine, and leucine, the BCAAs, brown rice can support energy production and protein synthesis for muscle growth and bone strength. It is also a great vegan source of protein and healthy starch.
The three meal replacement shakes use natural inclusions in their formulae, which reduces the chances of side effects quite a bit. However, there have been a few instances of stomach upsets, bloating, or bowel issues when these supplements are first used. This would generally correct itself within a few days, and if the symptoms persist, please get in touch with your doctor. Also, consult your physician before you start the use of these or any other dietary supplement.
Where and How Can You Get These Meal Replacement Powders?
Buy Huel
Huel Original V3.0 can be bought from e-commerce websites like Amazon or from its official website. You have 8 flavors, like salted caramel and chocolate, to choose from.
- You have to make a minimum order of two bags, though, and that would cost you $94.
- If you choose to subscribe, you get 20% off on your purchase.
- And if you spend $120, you get an extra 10% off on your purchase.
- If this is your first order with Huel, you also get a free T-shirt, shaker, and scoop.
- Huel provides a 30-day refund policy in case you aren’t happy with your purchase.
Buy Ka’Chava
- Ka’Chava shakes can be ordered from Amazon, GNC or from its official website, where a bag would cost $69.95. If you purchase two bags at once, the company waives the shipping costs.
- You can create your own bundle by choosing between flavors like matcha tea and coconut acai.
- If you choose to subscribe, you save $10 on each bag you buy.
- Here too, you are offered a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Buy Instant Knockout Complete
Instant Knockout Complete can be ordered from its exclusive official website; click here to visit!
- A single bag containing 14 meals would cost you $59.00, which would last you 2 weeks, and a month’s supply would cost $118.
- The latter would also get you access to a video program and detailed e-books about nutrition, exercise, and body transformation and free shipping.
- The meal is available in a vanilla flavor.
- The return policy is similar to that of Huel and Ka’Chava,
The Huel, KaChava & Instant Knockout Complete – Comparison
When looked at individually, each of the three shakes is are pretty decent product. They are mostly at the receiving end of positive reviews, and they are healthy meals on the go. However, when compared against one another, you start to see a few key differences. But let’s start with what they have in common.
Huel, Ka’Chava, and Instant Knockout Complete are all vegan-friendly and lactose-free powders. Depending on how many meals you plan on replacing in a week, they can provide you with a nutritional bolster to a certain extent, as they are designed to replace a full meal. They all use food ingredients that are healthy and are a healthier alternative to microwave meals and takeouts.
Verdict on Huel
Let’s look at Huel. For a supplement giant that makes energy bars and daily greens drinks, it has skimped on the components that could be added to a meal replacement shake. The brand should know better. We aren’t saying that the product is bad, only that the product could have been a whole lot better with a little more research. There is also the question of synthetic vitamins. A lot of people mistake that the vitamins and minerals in the product come from food ingredients. That is not so for Huel. In some cases, these can do more harm than good, but only very rarely. Better brands either use actual food ingredients or generate their nutrients in-house, where a close watch can be kept on them.
Verdict on Ka’Chava
Ka’Chava is the better of the two, as this powder has a more wholesome formula. If anything, some may say that it is a bit crowded. The only factor that does not sit right here is the use of proprietary blends. We could have done without it, as plenty of other meal replacement powders do.
Verdict on Instant Knockout Complete
Instant Knockout Complete is hard to fault. Considering that the product was made exclusively to aid weight loss and muscle growth, the formula is perfect – just enough of everything. The formula is meant to be used in tandem with the Instant Knockout Cut, fat burner pills, but even if you use the meal replacement shake on its own, the product still works. Unlike other meal shakes that pack too much fiber into the product to ward off hunger, Instant Knockout Complete has a slow-release system that keeps you going for longer. However, not many are happy about the price of the product, but you must consider that this meal replacement powder eliminates the use of protein shakes and post-recovery shakes, too, so you save there.
To give you a clearer picture of how different these three products are, here is a side-by-side comparison of them:
| Huel Original V3.0 | Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal | Instant Knockout Complete | |
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| USP | Formulated to fill in nutritional gaps. | To fulfill nutritional gaps | Designed to support weight loss efforts & muscle growth |
| Audience | Men & women over the age of 18 | Men & women over the age of 18 | Men & women over the age of 18 |
| Allergens | Gluten | None | Soy |
| Price | $94 for two bags | $69.95 for one bag | $118.00 for 28 meals |
| Refund Policy | 30-day return policy | 30-day risk-free purchase | 30-day return policy |
| Where to Buy? | Buy Huel from Amazon or from its Official Website. | Buy Ka’Chava from Amazon or from its Official Website. | Buy Instant Knockout Complete from its Official Website, click here! |
Verdict
Meal replacement powders are an excellent way to lose weight and fill in the nutritional gaps. They are mostly low-carb and can stop you from consuming more calories than necessary. We compared 3 brands – Huel, Ka’Chava, and Instant Knockout Complete. It was found that when it comes to weight loss, only Instant Knockout Complete was best equipped to support weight loss efforts and muscle growth and preservation.
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