Unlike other meal replacement shakes, Shakeology claims it aids in weight loss, improves digestive function, and boost immune health, to name a few. Apparently, it does this by including plenty of superfoods, phytonutrients, and more in their formula. Although some these ingredients have shown to improve health, like coconut and brown rice protein, their effects on weight-loss are controversial.
We took an in-depth look not only into Shakeology, but Beachbody too, the company behind the shake supplement. In the end, we reviewed testimonials of actual customers, Beachbody coaches, and some weight-loss experts to see if this meal replacement was the real deal.
Shakeology can be purchased through their Official Site.
What is Shakeology?
Shakeology is a nutritious meal-replacement shake by Beachbody designed to support weight loss, muscle growth, digestive health, and high energy for an active lifestyle. The shakes come as a powdered supplement in multiple Shakeology flavors – Vanilla, Chocolate, Latte, and Strawberry – all of which also have vegan variations.
Shakeology diet shakes may have taken the diet and weight-loss industry by storm, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disapproves of their products.
The list of ingredients for the Shakeology Chocolate Flavor shake mix is below. Other Shakeology flavors include Cookies & Cream Vegan, Strawberry, Strawberry Vegan, Vanilla, Vanilla Vegan, Cafe Latte, Cafe Latte Vegan, Chocolate, Chocolate Vegan. Their ingredients and nutritional values are identical, except for the specific ingredients needed to create each unique flavor, such as vanilla or strawberry.
- Whey protein (isolate)
- Pea protein
- Sprouted brown rice protein
- Coconut flower nectar
- Maca root
- yacon root
- chia seed
- flaxseed
- sprouted quinoa seed
You will also note chlorella, spirulina, acerola cherry, and sacha inchi seed. Himalayan salt and camu-camu are also ingredients.
Shakeology is a meal replacement shake product created by BeachBody. Unlike competing meal replacement shakes, Shakeology should do more than just help dieters lose weight.
According to BeachBody’s claims, Shakeology will not only help you lose weight but will also reduce junk food cravings, give healthy energy, and support digestion and regularity.
The Shakeology brand claims to help dieters and athletes achieve their weight loss, fitness, and lifestyle goals.
We noticed many blends in the formula, which is a way to combine multiple ingredients without revealing how much of each component is in the formula. Based on research, we found out some interesting information on the potential effects of the blends.
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Whey protein, in particular, is counted as the highest quality protein that Mother Nature offers, containing a fantastic balance of amino acids with high digestibility.
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Maca has some properties for boosting sexual health and mood and memory, but more research is needed using human subjects.
- Current Clinical Pharmacology – Some modern research suggests that these compounds help improve focus, endurance, and concentration.
Shakeology Competitors
| Product |
Review
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 310 Shake | read | |
| Vega One | read | |
| 18 Shake | read | |
| Plexus Slim | read | |
| Noom | read |
Beachbody – The Company Behind Shakeology
Beachbody started in 1998 as a provider of workout videos and fitness routines. The company’s first video was Power 90. Today they have branched out more; their ongoing mission is to help their customers live a healthy, fulfilling life, even if it isn’t at maximum muscle density. While Shakeology is the company’s newest offering, significant focus remains on their workout programs and videos.
They have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2002 and carry an “A+” rating. The average customer review, however, is a low 1.81/5 stars (based on 75 reviews). In the last three years, Beachbody has closed 262 lodged complaints. Of those, 85 have been in the past year.
Beachbody is the creator of some of the most popular and best-selling fitness programs. BeachBody’s library includes P90X Series, INSANITY, FOCUS T25, 21 Day Fix, Body Beast, PiYo, and Hip Hop Abs. While the company is most famous for its extreme muscle building programs, they have recently branched out to create a plan for everyone. This includes shifting their focus away from just strength exercise to include weight loss, dance, and all-around lifestyle fitness instead.
You can contact Beachbody Customer service through the following method:
Call Support: 866 737 9407 Monday – Sunday: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM PDT
Corporate Headquarters:
400 Continental Blvd, Suite 400
El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: (310) 883-9003
(310) 883-9000
Fax: 202-640-5932
E-mail: [email protected]
Other Address:
3301 Exposition Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
United States
Other products by Beachbody, LLC:
Energize, Hydrate, Recharge, 3-Day Refresh without Shakeology, Beachbody Collagen Boost, Focused Energy BEVVY, BEACHBAR, Shakeology Boost: Digestive Health, and Orange Whey Recover.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
BeachBody Marketing and Sales
Beachbody was initially well known for using direct marketing and infomercials to sell their exercise routines and videos. This business model still applies today, even with Shakeology; these products aren’t in stores. The old infomercials are still available on BeachBody’s website.
Shakeology products are still sold entirely through direct marketing, but the infomercials no longer play a role. Instead, BeachBody uses independent contractors that sell the product directly to consumers.
Many people hear this and assume that BeachBody and, therefore, Shakeology is just another Multi-Level-Marketing pyramid scheme. They only earn money based on what they sell individually. Coaches only earn what they work for
BeachBody’s Social Media Presence
BeachBody is active on social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. BeachBody also operates separate social media profiles targeted toward marketing Shakeology.
Shakeology’s Facebook page is most useful for finding Shakeology recipes and articles about integrating Shakeology products into a healthy diet. Success stories and photographs are also on this profile and information about Shakeology nutrition facts.
The Twitter profile for Shakeology is almost a direct duplicate of the Facebook content. There is little else that is different about what they offer.
YouTube
There are many recipes and instructional videos that explain the benefits of the product. The last video posted was in September 16th, 2021.
Pinterest is where most Shakeology recipes are shared. These recipes often include Shakeology nutrition facts for the modified shakes. Also, there are success stories as well as motivational quotes included on the page.
Shakeology Ingredients
Now let’s talk about the active ingredients in Shakeology shakes. Shakeology ingredients are chosen and combined for their supposed synergistic health benefits, meaning that many of these natural ingredients seem to be more effective for improving health and energy levels by working together as a team once they hit your tummy.
The most important Shakeology nutrients are combined into five proprietary blends of nutrients in each shake:
- Protein blend to support muscle growth and fat loss
- Antioxidants blend to protect from free radicals
- Phytonutrients blend to support longevity
- Adaptogens blend to promote overall health and mental performance
- Probiotics blend to improve digestive health
Proprietary Protein Blend
Protein is necessary for repairing and building lean tissue in the body, particularly for building muscle – which is metabolically active and helps your body burn fat and calories around the clock.
High-protein diets have been found to help active dieters to lose more fat while gaining muscle, so it makes sense that the Shakeology diet would make protein the nutritional cornerstone of its weight-loss shakes.
Proprietary Super-Fruit and Antioxidant Blend
Since the 1990s, antioxidants have been rapidly growing in popularity as a healthy, natural type of food for promoting general health.
Because of the initial research on antioxidants, many natural health and wellness proponents have latched onto them, while natural food supplement companies have used various antioxidants and their extracts as key ingredients in their nutritional products.
However, experts from the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University – among many others in the medical community – are cautioning that the earlier conclusions about the nearly magical health benefits of antioxidants may have been exaggerated.
So we still have a lot to learn about the health benefits and possible risks of supplementing with high levels of antioxidants. It’ll be interesting to see how our understanding of these substances evolves as more research is done.
For now, most of the available research points toward antioxidants as being good for us, but it’s important to point out that there is not a consensus in the scientific community regarding them and that future research is needed to confirm their value and guarantee their safety.
Proprietary Super-Green/Phytonutrient Blend
Some plant-derived phytonutrients have been shown to offer health benefits. Spirulina, looks especially interesting and could definitely live up to its name as a superfood or super-nutrient.
These blue-green algae has shown great promise for boosting the immune system.
Most research on spirulina has been on animals or in test tubes rather than humans though, so more human trials will be needed to confirm these benefits. But so far this phytonutrient seems very promising.
Kale is regarded as one of the most nutritionally-dense foods on the planet, as it is packed with a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber with very few calories. Spinach, moringa and chlorella have been chosen for this blend due to their high nutritional value as well.
Proprietary Adaptogen Blend
Adaptogens or phytoadaptogens are substances derived from plants and fungi that have been used in traditional medicine systems around the world for centuries.
Maca has been cultivated by the indigenous people of Peru for over two thousand years.
Proprietary Pre- and Probiotic/Digestive Enzyme Blend
Probiotics are bacteria that live inside our bodies and help us to digest food and fight off bad germs.
There are over 500 different species of these microorganisms, and we don’t really know yet what all of them do inside of us, but it’s an area of research that has been booming in recent decades.
Prebiotics are fibrous foods that initially resist digestion as they make their way to the colon, where they begin to ferment and become a primary food source for the good bacteria in your gut.
In other words, probiotics are the good bugs in your tummy, and prebiotics is what you feed to the good bugs. All prebiotics are fibers, but not all fibers are prebiotics.
It should be noted, however, that the research isn’t as overwhelming as some marketers would like you to believe. Probiotics don’t help everyone who takes them, and we don’t even know for sure that probiotic supplements are very useful – or if they are completely safe or not.
Some studies have made researchers think twice because the results weren’t always positive. Still, while there’s no consensus just yet, there is a good deal of evidence in favor of probiotics, which is why they’re included in these products.
Shakeology is well known for using wholesome, plant-based ingredients in its diet shakes. Each shake contains five different nutrient blends all targeted at a different function.
Proprietary Blends
Each of the five proprietary blends has different types and amounts different nutrients and natural minerals depending on which shake is purchased.
These differences are minor, and each Beachbody protein shake nutritional content is identical.
Protein Blend: Whey, Pea, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa
Protein is well known as a building block for muscle, but it has added functions in the body.
Human bones, skin, internal organs, muscles and much more comprise protein, just arranged in different ways. It’s the first ingredient in Shakeology.
Through daily activity we break down our muscle, bone, and skin and need to regenerate it.
Amino Acid
The protein sources in Shakeology are all vegetarian and vegan. It’s important to know plant-based protein sources do not always have essential amino acids that are present in animal-based protein sources such as beef, poultry, and eggs.
The completeness of any plant-based protein supplement is a necessary consideration.
The pea and quinoa in every Beachbody protein shake claims to be a “complete protein”.
How much protein is needed?
There are many competing beliefs about protein and how much is needed, but there a common rule of thumb for maintenance is .8 grams of protein for each kilogram of body mass.
This translates to under a half gram of protein for every pound of body weight.
The Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, but, comes to a different conclusion. They recommend 56 grams of protein as a man of any size and 46 grams of protein as a woman.
An exception is made for women who are breastfeeding, at which point they recommend a daily intake 71 grams of protein.
While it may seem women need less protein than men; women often weigh less than men; so on a per pound basis, the same rule of .8 grams per kilogram still applies.
Protein for Athletes
Active and competitive athletes often need far more protein than their less active counterparts.
A 2011 study recommends more than double the amount of protein for these individuals, with optimal results coming from 1.8 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass.
This translates to .8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body mass, or as much as 150 grams of protein per day for an athletic man. (Journal of Sports Science)
It is important to understand unlike other micronutrients, the vast majority of people cannot get enough protein from Shakeology products alone.
A single serving of greenberry Shakeology only has 16 grams of protein, meaning that someone consuming three shakes per day can only reach 48 grams of protein, below the 56 grams of recommended by the Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine.
Antioxidants Blend Camu-Camu, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Lycium Berry (Goji Berry), Green Tea, Luo Han Guo, Pomegranate, Rose Hips, Vitamins A, C, E.
Additional Nutritional Facts about Shakeology
Phytonutrients Blend Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, Kale.
Edible plants can contain thousands of natural chemicals, all with different purposes. “Phyto” nutrients, referring to the Greek word for plant, help protect the plant from outside invaders such as germs, fungi, and insects.
Because there are so many phytonutrients it can be very difficult to pin down the exact chemical that is causing health benefits.
Chlorella has had a strong effect in detoxifying heavy metals. Due to their mass and other properties, it can be difficult for your body to detox and eliminated these metals on its own.
There are many other proven health benefits associated with plant-based phytonutrients. While they may differ from plant to plant, Beach Body shakes can cover more multiple sets of phytonutrients all at the same time.
Adaptogens Blend Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra.
Adaptogens are named for their ability to help the body adapt and overcome difficult or different situations.
These are considered more holistic in traditional approaches to nutrition and supplementation.
There is far less scientific research available for these types of nutrients than there is for the other core Beachbody shake ingredients.
While there may be less raw scientific research being done, many observational studies can be found and conclusions can be drawn for some of these ingredients.
Pre- and Probiotic/digestive enzyme blend: Yacon Root, Chicory Root, Bacillus Coagulans, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucoamylase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Invertase.
The digestive system is a complex ecosystem filled with essential bacteria that help the human body function in several ways.
These bacteria help in digestion by breaking down food and by creating vital nutrients such as short-chain fatty acids.
These nutrients fall into one of two categories, prebiotics which help create a habitable environment for these bacteria, and probiotics which supplement and add to the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics such as Bacillus Coagulans are a digestible form of these bacteria; as crazy as it sounds, every Shakeology shake has millions of living bacteria as an essential ingredient.
Prebiotics, help facilitate a healthy biome for gut bacteria and have been shown to have beneficial effects including weight loss.
Yacon root has been shown to increase food satiety (being satisfied) as well as influence regularity.
These bacteria make certain that digestion is as efficient as possible, making the most out of the other ingredients in this dense nutrition shake. (Nutrients)
The rest of this blend has enzymes. These enzymes are the catalysts that facilitate the chemical reactions of digestion.
There are many digestive enzymes, each with its own purpose. Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates while lactase breaks down dairy products.
Glucoamylase and Cellulase help with the digestion of glucose. (Essays in Biochemistry)
As a whole, while Shakeology may reduce cravings, provide natural minerals, and reduce radical damage it was never intended to be a solely dedicated source of nutrition.
Shakeology is intended to supplement an existing dietary plan rather than act like any other meal replacement diet. As always, it’s best to contact your physician before undergoing any diet, especially diets as extreme as any “cleanse.”
Superfoods
Superfood is not an official designation of any sort, but the term still communicates an idea and a set of values.
Superfoods are wholesome, dense sources of nutrition, regardless of the other qualities.
A superfood does not need to be organic, nor does it have to be GMO-free, it just has to be dense food.
In practice this means that superfoods are specialized; they often fill their role better than any other comparable substitute.
Notable examples
Salmon is a fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids available.
Salmon is considered a superfood. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
Blueberries are considered a superfood due to the high levels of flavonoids found within.
Other berries carry these flavonoids as well, but blueberries have them in some of the highest quantities. (Journal of Nutritional Science)
Nuts can be considered a superfood. Peanuts contain resveratrol, a powerful flavonoid while pecans contain more antioxidants than any other nut.
Shakeology Flavors & Nutrition
There are various flavors offered here, with vanilla being one of the most popular by our research.
- Cookies & Cream Vegan
- Strawberry
- Strawberry Vegan
- Vanilla
- Vanilla Vegan
- Cafe Latte
- Cafe Latte Vegan
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Vegan
One of the major selling points of Shakeology, in contrast to other weight-loss shakes on the market, is that it’s not a basic meal replacement. Shakeology shakes are full of nutrients that they believe boost health in various ways, as described above.
The claim is that drinking one or more Shakeology meals per day is the best way to cover all of your nutritional bases and fill in your regular food intake gaps.
According to the shake’s makers, “The overall nutrients breakdown in the Shakeology drink provides you with more than 50% RDI (recommended daily intake) in each serving.”
Is Shakeology Gluten-Free?
For those of you with gluten allergies, the good news is that Shakeology is gluten-free.
The bad news is that its products are not certified gluten-free because the facilities might sometimes make other products that contain gluten. So is Shakeology gluten-free? No, it is not 100% gluten-free.
Is Shakeology vegan?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Beachbody does offer vegan meal replacements, but their entire catalog is not vegan.
The meal replacement diet options for vegans are indicated and set apart from the rest of the offerings.
Shakeology offers vegan flavors, too. There are plant-based options. Since plant-based protein sources often do not include all essential amino acids, a blend is required. The current vegan protein blend is Chia, Pea, Sacha Inchi, Flax, Quinoa, Rice, and Oat.
Not only do these plants combine to include all essential amino acids, the quinoa and peas contain complete protein, guaranteeing that all amino acids are present in vegan meal replacement shake.
Shakeology Benefits
The Shakeology diet is designed to offer the following health benefits:
- Weight loss
- Improved digestion
- Immunity boost
- Enhanced energy and mood
We’ve already talked about how the various ingredient blends in Shakeology are supposed to help you regarding digestion, energy, mental performance and overall health. But, if you’re like most Shakeology customers, your primary goal is probably to lose weight, and you just want to know if Shakeology really can help you lose weight or not. So let’s take a closer look at Shakeology for weight loss.
Shakeology for Weight Loss
Shakeology is known for weight loss effects, but it is important to note that it is a nutrition supplement first and a weight-loss tool second. The main goal is a diet that is nutritionally complete, and Shakeology can help any diet plan reach that goal.
The primary benefits of Shakeology is a body that functions as it was intended to. Most notably, people notice heightened energy, reduced cravings for junk food, as well as improved digestion and regularity.
Shakeology Diet
As a whole, there is no one Shakeology diet. The benefits of Shakeology are recognizable when used as a supplemental form of nutrition.
It can fill in all the missing gaps that are quickly filled by very specific superfoods.
Shakeology and Dietary Restrictions
Shakeology can fit within many diet plans. As with any diet, please contact your physician before starting.
Keto
With keto, there are many varying opinions and levels of dedication. Ketogenic diets are often characterized by low net carbohydrate counts as well as moderate protein intake.
These diets often vary in method, when comparing a keto diet done as a lifestyle compared to a keto diet done for medical reasons under the guidance of a physician.
Every Beachbody meal replacement shake has 8 grams added sugar.
A shake like the Shakeology vegan chocolate has 17 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of net carbohydrates. (Total carbohydrates minus fiber.)
Many sources cite 35 grams of total carbs and 25 grams as absolute daily limits in order to achieve ketosis.
With 18 and 13 grams, Shakeology can be consumed on a ketogenic diet but is not the best option; keto dieters will need to limit carbohydrates in other areas of their diet.
Shakeology Nutrition
Pea
Pea is a vegan protein used in Shakeology. Its low cost and complete amino acid profile make it an excellent candidate. Some consider it to be second only to whey in terms of overall effectiveness, completeness, and ease of digestion.
Soy
Soy is a source of protein. Due to its low cost, high yields from GMO processes, and cultural relevance, it can be almost impossible to find a dietary supplement without soy.
Whey
Whey is a popular protein source derived from milk.
Plant-Based
The remainder of the Shakeology ingredients is plant-based.
Shakeology Meal Plan
The Shakeology meal plan is relatively simple. Shakeology directions have you consuming one shake per day in place of a regular meal, and then you eat low-calorie portions of traditional foods for the other meals and snacks.
You’ll need to load up on low-calorie veggies to provide bulk to your other meals and help keep you feeling full between meals. Shakeology also includes diet and fitness advice to help you adjust your lifestyle to support your goals.
Shakeology Recipes
There are over 100 Shakeology recipes – on the official website and some blogs created by Beachbody coaches. The packets only come in a handful of flavors but can be used in shakes, puddings, no-bake cookies, and other snacks you can create by combining the shake mix with different ingredients.
Here are some more popular recipes using Shakeology, with links to some more ideas:
- Greenberry Shakeology
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 natural apple juice
- 1/2 raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- dash of cinnamon
- Chocolate Shakeology
- 2 egg whites, whipped
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 Tbsp. instant coffee crystals
- ½ cup of water
Almond Joy
- 1 serving Chocolate Shakeology
- 1 cup light coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp. all-natural almond butter
- Water as needed
For an added thickness, you should use a blender and ice. The more ice you add, the thicker the shake becomes.
Because BeachBody shakes are useful with any diet, any milk or milk substitute is helpful.
PB & J
- 1 serving Vanilla Shakeology
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup red grapes
- 2 tsp. all-natural peanut butter
As with all recipes, any milk or milk substitute is an option. Ice can be added in and blended for additional thickness.
Strawberry-Vanilla
- ½ serving Strawberry Shakeology
- ½ serving Vanilla Shakeology
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
This simple recipe combines two Shakeology flavors to make something new. Add a blended banana and ice to get a delicious Strawberry-Vanilla-Banana shake.
Potential Side Effects From Shakeology Ingredients
From our research, some users reported:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Side effects associated with Shakeology are mostly mild and typically involve changes in digestion. Those who are sensitive to dairy products may experience discomfort when consuming the non-vegan flavors since they contain whey protein from dairy.
Like with any significant diet change, gas and bloating may also occur.
Some believe that Spirulina’s properties can help it attach to heavy metals within the body, aiding the body in a natural cleansing process.
So far, the side effects experienced by Shakeology users have been either mild or unconfirmed. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your physician.
Shakeology Alternatives
Many meal replacement shakes on the market are designed to help you lose weight, such as SlimFast, Met-Rx, and Medifast. There are even some generic ones out there, like the Kirkland weight-loss shakes at Costco. If you decide to use one of them instead of Shakeology, be sure to read the labels and get one that is full of vitamins and minerals. You might have a hard time finding shakes that offer all the nutrients included in Shakeology.
We did notice a lot of people complaining about the taste of Shakeology, so if that prevents you from sticking to the diet, then maybe you should go with some Shakeology alternatives that taste better.
Some other meal replacement shakes are:
- Herbalife
- 310 Shake
- Ideal Shake
- Juice Plus+
- Orgain
- 18 Shake
- Arbonne
Shakeology Vs.:
There are many Shakeology substitutes and Shakeology alternatives available in the market. Each product goes about solving similar problems differently.
It can be difficult to compare every quality of these products, but a few of these qualities define Shakeology as a complete nutrition shake.
Price, protein completeness, phytonutrient content, probiotic support, and antioxidant levels are among the most important considerations.
Shakeology Vs. 310 Shake
310 Shake is a Shakeology alternative that provides many of the same ingredients at a lower price point. At $69.99 for a 28 day supply, it is at almost half that of Shakeology. It also uses stevia, a natural zero-calorie sweetener, making it more suitable for ketogenic diets.
Much like Shakeology, 310 Shake’s protein is from either pea or whey depending on the flavor. Both of these are complete proteins. 310 shake also includes many of the same phytonutrient sources that Shakeology does, such as Spirulina and Chlorella.
Probiotics get backing by 310 Shake, but not in the same manner or significance. 310 Shake includes Lactobacillus Acidophilus as a probiotic and does not include prebiotic supplements. Antioxidants are present in some ingredients but are not a significant focus of this product.
Shakeology Vs. Thrive
Thrive is a supplement company that sells many dietary supplements, most of which do not provide complete nutrition. Their closest competitor, Thrive Mix, is a competent shake, but far from complete. At the very least, it is priced appropriately at $59.99 for a 30 day supply.
The protein in Thrive Mix comes from a blend of soy, pea, and whey. This means that the protein is complete, but also is no longer vegan. There are no significant, scientifically verified sources of phytonutrients. Probiotics are well-supported, with
Shakeology Vs. Lactobacillus
Antioxidants are supported, but there are no whole food sources of antioxidants in Thrive Mix through artificial means.
Shakeology Vs. Arbonne
There is no proper comparison to be made between Shakeology and Arbonne. Arbonne currently does not sell or support a complete nutrition meal replacement shake.
The company currently offers a wide variety of targeted nutrition supplements, but nothing intended for complete nutrition.
The closest comparison that one can make is to their protein shake mix FeelFit Pea Protein Shake Vanilla Flavor. Priced at $89 for a 30 day supply, it is cheaper than Shakeology, but not so considering that it is only a protein shake.
The protein is from a vegan blend of pea, rice, and cranberry, a relatively diverse blend of protein sources to Arbonne’s credit.
Kelp powder and alfalfa leaf are ingredients in unknown quantities, so a small amount of phytonutrient content is available in the protein shake. There is nothing added for probiotic support, nor is there anything added for antioxidant support.
It is also essential to know that it is made in a facility that processes wheat, eggs, soybeans, and milk. Meaning that it not vegan depending on your standards.
Shakeology Vs. Isagenix
Isagenix is another dietary supplement company that focuses on having as many products as possible for as many applications as possible. The company does not offer any single specific complete nutrition meal replacement shake.
The closest alternative is the IsaLean Shake, which is marketed as a “nutritious, balanced meal replacement clinically-tested to promote effective, healthy weight loss and lean muscle building.”
Priced at $67 for 14 servings makes Isagenix competitive in terms of pricing. It is by no means the same product as Shakeology, but the cost is appropriate
The protein comes from whey, meaning it is an amino acid complete and not vegan. There are no added phytonutrients to the IsaLean Shake.
Probiotics are supported with added Lactobacillus acidophilus and lactase, but nothing else. Antioxidants are entirely unsupported.
Shakeology Vs. Advocare
Advocare is yet another supplement company that does not have an excellent competing product when compared to Shakeology.
Like other supplement companies, Advocare offers many dietary supplements and dietary aids, meal shakes, bars, and capsules, all of which support fitness or weight-loss rather than total nutrition.
The closest comparison to Shakeology is meal replacement shakes priced at $44.95 for a 14 day supply, which is nearly $100 for a 30 day supply. This price becomes $35.96 for customers that sign up for a preferred customer membership, which costs $19.99 annually.
When it comes to natural, whole-food ingredients, these shakes miss the mark entirely.
Just about the only natural thing is the whey protein, which at least guarantees complete amino acids.
There is otherwise nothing added in terms of phytonutrients, probiotic support, and antioxidant support.
Shakeology Vs. Herbalife
Herbalife is another large-scale, corporate dietary supplement operation that focuses heavily on diversifying products into every potential niche.
Fortunately, there are many shake options available and targeted to different dietary needs. For this analysis, we will be looking at their “core offering,” the Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake.
What stands out most about the Formula One shake is the price. A 30 day supply is priced very competitively at $43.30 suggested retail price.
It would not be surprising to purchase this from a store for even less, specifically for those who have loyalty cards at stores such as GNC.
The rest of the product is lacking. Herbalife offers very little in the way of phytonutrients, and absolutely nothing added for probiotic support.
Antioxidant support is vital, featuring blueberry, papaya, and pomegranate powder.
The most disappointing part about Formula 1 Shake is the protein. Not only is a protein soy-based, but there are only 9 grams of protein per serving, making it one of the weakest offerings on the market. Formula one is a little more than empty liquid calories.
Shakeology Vs. Idealshape
As the name might suggest, Idealshape is not a meal supplement company focused on complete nutrition. Instead, they focus almost entirely on weight loss drinks. As such, the IdealShake Meal Replacement Shake is not a real competitor for Shakeology, nor should it be compared to such.
This product isn’t entirely lacking. Most notably, the IdealShake is priced very competitively at $59.99 for 30 servings.
This makes IdealShape among the most competitive price of meal replacement shakes on the market.
The protein comes from whey, making this supplement amino acid complete and non-vegan. There is nothing added to phytonutrients, but there is considerable support for digestion.
Idealshape’s proprietary probiotic enzyme blend (Bromelain, Papain, DigeSEB, Lactase) is relatively complete considering the low price. There is nothing added for antioxidant support.
IdealShape stands out because of the addition of a hunger blocker blend to reduce cravings. This includes Isomalto-oligosaccharide and Potato Protein Extract. These additives have a proven prebiotic impact and have some scientific basis in aiding weight loss. (AMB Express)
Shakeology Vs SlimFast
SlimFast is one of the oldest and most recognized meal replacement shakes on the market. As their name indicates, their focus is once again on weight loss rather than complete nutrition.
In terms of price, SlimFast is the most competitive meal replacement shake on the market. SlimFast Original Shake Mixes cost $9.99 for a 12.83 oz canister.
In some ways, you get what you pay for with SlimFast. The primary shake contains only 10 grams of whey protein, no phytonutrient support, no probiotic support, and no antioxidant support.
However, one positive aspect is the single gram of sugar per serving, making this shake an excellent choice for low carb and ketogenic dieters. SlimFast makes weight loss drinks, and nothing more.
Altogether there is no product currently on the market that seems to rival the complete nutrition profile of Shakeology. Some come close at a much lower price point, but none manage to outclass it entirely.
Shakeology Price
The price of Shakeology is one of its most substantial weakness as a product. There are many products in the Shakeology line, with Shakeology price break down as follows:
- $129.95 for a 30 day supply
- $24.95 for a 5-day flavor sampler
- $160 for a Beachbody challenge pack, containing a 30 day supply, one-year access BeachBody fitness content, a Set of 7 Portion-Control containers, and a Shakeology shaker cup
There are other Beachbody challenge packs available at varying price points.
These contain DVD copies of select workouts as well as the essential exercise equipment necessary for the exercises.
Resistance bands are the most used, though there are different products included in some challenge packs.
It is one of the most expensive dietary supplements with a retail price of $129.95 for a 30-day supply.
Some physicians recommend that dieters replace two of their meals with Shakeology, which would bring the total cost to over $3,000 per year.
There’s a way to reduce the cost of Shakeology.
People who sign up to become a Beachbody coach can purchase Shakeology products at a 25% discount. This program has a monthly membership fee of $15.95, but saves $32.48 for every 30-day supply.
This benefit also extends out to other people; as a Beachbody coach, you can sell Beachbody products, including Shakeology.
Many users find that they can share their discount with other friends and family members after becoming coaches.
Shakeology Sampler
At $24.95, the five-day Shakeology flavor sample pack is the most popular way to test out the product before taking the plunge.
This sample pack contains all five Shakeology flavors in individual packaging.
Beachbody Challenge Packs
Challenge packs consist of a fitness program, five Shakeology flavors, and a free 30-day trial membership to Beachbody On Demand, although they offer various options. The site allows you to “customize” the pack to fit your experience level and costs anywhere from $160.00 – $220.00.
Other Beachbody Products
Beachbody may sell meal replacement shakes today, but their core offering has always been their series of workout tapes and fitness guides. Starting initially with the Power 90 series, the company branched out into other home workout routines and focused on achieving results.
P90X Series
P90X started as a 90-day workout series hosted by Tony Horton. The advertising promised to be the best workout of your life and could bring into the best shape of your life, all in just 90 days, so long as you are dedicated and have the will power to stick with it. The exercises consist mostly of bodyweight exercises as well as some activities done with resistance bands. Today P90X is on its 3rd iteration, still hosted by Tony Horton, with Dreya Weber as support.
Insanity Series
Insanity, hosted by Shaun T, is a cardio-heavy workout focused on doing maximum effort done for as long as possible. Workouts can be as short as 30 minutes, but beginners often can’t make it past 3. Persistence is the goal of Insanity; if you can go 30 seconds longer each day for two months, you will complete the entire workout.
T25
T25 is another workout series hosted by Shaun T. The focus remains on short bursts of maximum effort exercise called interval training. What makes T25 unique is that the workouts are short, clocking in at just 25 minutes per day.
80-Day Obsession
80-Day Obsession is a workout series marketed to women that promises to work out ab muscles while building a sculpted booty. What makes 80-day Obsession unique is that there are no repeated workouts; each of the 80 sessions teaches a new exercise routine.
2B Mindset
2B Mindset is Beachbody’s diet video series. It provides counseling on the kind of mindset needed to eat right and feel good about it. It includes recipes, tips for everyday life, and advice for more unique situations such as social events. The 2B mindset takes dieting and makes it a lifestyle rather than a constant test of will power.
Pros and Cons of Shakeology
Pros
As a whole, Shakeology represents the total dietary aid on the market. The ingredients contained within each Shakeology flavor are more comprehensive than several competitor’s offerings combined. Even when a supplement has everything, there are still downsides to consider. The flavors exceed normal expectations for diet food, and the recipes provided by Beachbody help improve taste and variety.
Is Shakeology gluten-free? The surprising answer is no, it isn’t. This is frustrating because there are no gluten-based ingredients in Shakeology; the only reason Shakeology is not gluten-free is due to the methods and facilities used to prepare it. Besides, it isn’t available in stores, which somewhat of an inconvenience. At least we can say “yes” if the question becomes “Is Shakeology ingredients gluten-free?”
For most people, having extra ingredients does no additional harm, but it does raise the price. In some cases, these other ingredients may be irritating or have side effects. This effectively turns a product that would be ideal into something more expensive and worse.
Cons
The Shakeology price. At $129.99 for a 30 day supply, $259.98 for two shakes per day; Shakeology is one of the more expensive meal replacement shakes.
Shakeology Refund Policy
Shakeology takes a “Bottom-of-the-Bag Guarantee” approach to refunds. Essentially, if you don’t notice a difference in how much better your body feels within the first month, or if you’re not 100% satisfied for any reason that’s fine! All you need to do is return the empty bag within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. Shipping and handling is not included.
What Users Are Saying
“Excellent! Better than Herbalife as far as nutrients but doesn’t taste all that great!”
“This was no good for me. The taste is not great, always leaves a powdery feel in my mouth. Has added sugar that makes it seem counterintuitive for a “diet drink” and also never kept me full. As far as “meal replacement,” I was always hungry when I tried to force these down.”
“These shakes are really pricey. That being said, they’re not bad tasting, and I’ll use them as a meal replacement at lunch time. Just a warning, if you have gastro issues, these may wreck your stomach, so beware!”
The Bottom Line on Shakeology
As a whole Shakeology is a complete package, including the parts that you might not necessarily want. It represents a complete and total commitment to seeking every advantage and opportunity you can get for yourself. This is reflected in the inflated price point; excellence isn’t cheap. Shakeology is an Ultra-premium product and charges and Ultra-premium price.
While Shakeology can promote weight loss its primary function is to provide for complete nutrition. There is plenty of ongoing research and dispute for many of the ingredients in Shakeology, but none of them have been labeled unsafe by the FDA. Many of them have scientifically proven benefits.
But there are a few concerns about both the product and the subculture surrounding it.
- Lack of Shakeology clinical studies to verify health claims
- Shakeology cost is pretty high for a diet shake
- Cult-like following of coaches who – in reality – are basically just distributors
- The products aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Overall, we think you can find diet products that will get the job done at a lower cost and there’s no real reason to say that Shakeology weight-loss benefits are any better than those associated with alternatives. We want people to succeed at weight loss, which is why we suggest trying out a weight-loss program to get things moving in the right direction faster.
One of the products we like the most is Noom. There’s human coaching, nutritionist support, and personalized meal plans with this doctor-created program. It’s also nice that you get access to a clinically-proven method of weight loss.
The company behind the formula is so certain you’ll see results with Noom that they’re offering a free trial offer to Dietsupplement readers.
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Shakeology Questions & Answers
Shakeology is a meal-replacement shake that comes in powdered form and is designed to support weight loss, muscle growth, digestive health, and high energy for an active lifestyle.
The benefits of Shakeology include weight loss, improved digestion, immunity boost, enhanced energy, and mood.
Yes, Shakeology can help with weight loss, but it is important to note that it is a nutritional supplement first and a weight-loss tool second.
Side effects associated with Shakeology are mostly mild and typically involve changes in digestion. Those who are sensitive to dairy products may experience discomfort when consuming the non-vegan flavors since they contain whey protein from dairy.
Shakeology’s flavors include Café Latte Shakeology , Café Latte Vegan Shakeology, Chocolate Shakeology, Vanilla Shakeology, Vanilla Vegan Shakeology, Strawberry Shakeology, Greenberry Shakeology and Chocolate Vegan Shakeology.
Shakeology can be purchased using their Official Site.
The Home Direct Program or Team Beachbody Club membership can be canceled anytime by calling (800) 470-8780 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday PST. You can also send an email to [email protected] with your request.
Each serving of Shakeology contains 17g of protein.
If you’re not 100% satisfied with your results, return the product within the MBG for a refund of the purchase price, less shipping and handling.
Shakeology is not approved by the FDA because the FDA does not perform approval processes for dietary supplements.
Although you can have two Shakeology shakes in one day, it is not recommended to replace more than two meals a day with the product.
Right now, you can only purchase Shakeology from the official website or Beachbody coaches.
Some individuals use Shakeology as a healthy meal replacement in a weight-loss diet plan. However, the product itself isn’t designed to lead to weight-loss.
No, there is no one specific Shakeology diet. The benefits of Shakeology are recognizable when used as a supplemental form of nutrition.
Although you can use a blender for Shakeology, it isn’t necessary. The mixture can be blended using a shaker cup as well.
Some Shakeology flavors may contain trace amounts of caffeine from plant sources like cacao.
Shakeology contains a balanced amount of protein and fiber, which can help curb appetite. However, the formula itself doesn’t contain any ingredients designed to stop hunger.
Shakeology is a “superfood” meal replacement shake. It is heavily promoted alongside Beachbody workout programs.
One bag of Shakeology containing 30 servings costs $129.95.
Shakeology is sweetened with stevia extract. The formula also contains some natural sugars from vegetable and fruit juices.
Shakeology is owned by Beachbody, LLC. Beachbody is a wellness company that produces numerous health and fitness products and services.
Article Sources
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