13 Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes You WON’T Hate

You want vegan meal replacement shakes which don’t taste like dirt, right?

How about ones which are easy on your stomach, and don’t send you sprinting to the toilet?

Well, I scoured the internet, and after days of research, I found the 13 best vegan meal replacement shakes. These puppies are chock full of good ingredients too.

13 Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes

#1 – Best All Around –
Gnarly Nutrition Meal Replacement Vegan Protein Blend

Gnarly Nutrition Meal Replacement Vegan Protein Blend is a gnarly combination of delectable taste, creamy smoothness, and nutrient density. Hailed by many as the best tasting vegan protein meal replacement, it is the closest plant protein powder to match the creamy texture of whey – and exceed it even!

The primary ingredients are pea protein isolate, chia seed protein, cranberry seed protein, and high oleic sunflower oil powder. This Gnarly drink comes with pre and probiotics as well as digestive enzymes to aid in digestion. The shake also contains a vitamin and mineral blend.

At 200 calories per serving, this is one of the most ideal vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss. Combine it with your favorite plant-based milk, and you will have a solid meal to tide you over for hours. Unlike many other plant-based meal replacement shakes, this mixes up real easily. It doesn’t have that gritty texture or clump up in your shaker cup.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a supreme combination of sweet, amazing taste, high quality protein, and probiotics for easy digestibility, you can’t do much better than Gnarly’s meal replacement shake. If you’re looking for a less sweet tasting shake, check out some of the others on the list.

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#2 – Highest Quality Ingredients –
Huel Starter Kit Nutritionally Complete 100% Vegan Powdered Meal

One of the most expertly crafted and widely loved vegan meal replacement shakes on the market, Huel Starter Kit Nutritionally Complete 100% Vegan Powdered Meal is an exceptionally designed meal replacement shake. Created with incredibly high quality ingredients such as oats, pea protein, flaxseed, and brown rice protein, you will not have to sacrifice quality for convenience with Huel.

Coming in at a solid 400 calories per serving, Huel is a true meal replacement shake. Full of healthy fats (mainly polyunsaturated), thirty grams of high quality protein, and complex low GI carbohydrates, this shake makes you feel like you just ate a solid meal.

This plant based powder is easy to mix and great tasting. Some describe the taste as more mild or neutral, which can be a refreshing break from the sometimes overly sweet “artificial” taste of many vegan meal replacement shakes on the market today. Many loyal fans swear that Huel is the only meal replacement shake that doesn’t cause them gastrointestinal issues.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the most complete vegan meal replacement shake on the market, with extremely high quality ingredients that make you feel satiated, then Huel is the shake for you. Just make sure to give your body a week or two to adjust to this, as it’s packed full of nutrients.

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#3 – Fewest Ingredients –
Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Protein Powder

One of the best tasting vegan meal replacement shakes on this list, Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Protein Powder is packed with high quality nutrients, coming almost exclusively from one simple ingredient: almonds. This means it has all of the great protein and healthy fats naturally present in almonds. This shake also contains eleven grams of fiber per serving.

Coming in at 240 calories per serving, Blue Diamond’s Almond Protein Powder acts as a great meal replacement. The healthy fats and complex carbohydrates (with zero grams of added sugars) go a long way in keeping one satiated.

Most people love the taste of this shake. It’s rare to find a vegan meal replacement shake that gets so many rave reviews for it’s taste, but Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Protein Powder does just that.

Bottom Line

If you want simple ingredients, sweet taste, and something that packs a solid nutritional punch, then Blue Diamonds Protein meal replacement shake could be for you. If you’re looking for one of the cheaper options, then you may want to pass on this one and continue down the list.

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#4 – Most Complete –
Ample V Plant Based Meal Replacement Shake

The Ample V Plant Based Meal Replacement Shake is one of the most nutritionally complete shakes on this list. At 400 high quality calories per serving, it is a true meal replacement shake. Interestingly, the top ingredients are: pea protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and whole grain oat powder. Ample V possesses high quality ingredients which make you feel full, but not bloated. The taste and texture are excellent as well.

Packing in 400 calories per serving, Ample V is one of the heavier shakes on the list as far as calories go. Due to the awesome ingredients it contains, this is no problem. Ample V is versatile. Because of the full and energetic feeling it produces, it can be tailored perfectly for weight loss. On the other hand, it can be combined with a small amount of food or thrown into a smoothie if gaining muscle is the goal.

Bottom Line

A tasty option, Ample V is great if you’re looking for high quality ingredients and a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake. Just know that it’s one of the more expensive options on the list.

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#5 – Most Filling –
Soylent Plant Protein Meal Replacement Powder

Soylent Plant Protein Meal Replacement Powder is one of the most popular vegan meal replacement shakes on the market, and for good reason. Soylent is created mainly with soy protein isolate, as well as canola oil, isomaltulose, and maltodextrin. This meal replacement has a diverse macronutrient breakdown, with plenty of fats, carbohydrates, and protein in a standard 400 calorie serving. There’s also a vitamin and mineral blend added.

Soylent really shines as a true meal replacement shake. It is one of those rare meal replacement shakes that actually feels like you just had a full meal. Have one in the morning for breakfast and you likely won’t be hungry for hours. Thus it can be considered one of the better vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss on this list. This shake provides fairly high quality ingredients with a nice taste. The taste is usually described as mild, yet quite enjoyable.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a full meal replacement shake with a more mild taste that will leave you totally satiated and satisfied, then Soylent is a fantastic option. Those with a soy sensitivity should steer clear, as it is a soy-based product.

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#6 – Best for Weight Loss –
LEAN1 Nutrition 53 Meal Replacement Powder

The LEAN1 Nutrition 53 Meal Replacement Powder makes its mark by being one of the best all-around vegan meal replacement shakes on the list. Created with a combination of pea, potato, and chlorella proteins, and full of fiber at 10 grams per serving, this shake packs a punch. In addition, there is a vitamin and mineral blend, vegetable and fruit blend, and an enzyme blend to aid in digestion.

At 200 calories per serving, it is right in the middle for a meal replacement shake. This one also functions as one of the better vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss on the list due to it creating that full feeling. As far as taste, many are fond of this one, with the only downfall being that it can be somewhat chalky.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a nutritionally complete shake with easy digestibility and a moderate amount of calories, LEAN1 is an awesome choice. Keep in mind that, for some people, they find the texture a bit too chalky.

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#7 – Best With Zero Added Sugar –
Openfit Plant-Based Protein Shake

The fanbase for the Openfit Plant-Based Protein Shake shake is fanatical about the taste. They will swear up and down this is the best tasting vegan protein meal replacement ever! Formulated mainly out of pea protein powder, as well as non-GMO soluble corn fiber and cocoa powder, this is a nice all around shake nutritionally. With seven grams of fiber and zero grams of added sugars, it is nutritionally efficient.

One benefit of this shake is the way it mixes. Many plant based meal replacement shakes do have a gritty, chalky texture and do not mix easily. That is not the case with Openfit’s Plant-Based Protein Shake. It mixes quite smoothly. As for calories, you can opt for the standard serving which is 140 calories, or if that is too low for you, go for one and a half or two scoops.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an amazing tasting shake with limited and high quality calories, Openfit is a seriously awesome choice. It is, however, one of the more expensive options on the list.

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#8 – Most Versatile –
Almond Pro Almond Protein Powder

The Almond Pro Protein Powder claims to be the original almond protein powder ever created. They definitely set a high standard for almond protein powder. This shake is both delicious and nutritious. It can be easily used as a full meal replacement given the complete nutritional breakdown, with plenty of protein, carbs (the good kind), and healthy fats.

It comes in at 100 calories for one serving, and 200 for two servings. This versatile shake can be used to supplement a bulking or cutting regimen. It’s a great multipurpose option.

Bottom Line

The original almond protein powder! If you’re looking for a delicious, versatile option, Almond Pro Protein Powder may be ideal for you. Just know that it’s a little expensive, with only 12 servings of 200 calories per bottle.

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#9 – Best Ready-to-Drink –
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake with Coffee

Ripple Vegan Protein Shake with Coffee definitely stands out. This shake contains coffee, making it unique from the others on our list. Concocted out of pea protein, cane sugar, sunflower oil, and coffee extract, this is a fantastic ready-to-drink vegan meal replacement shake option. This shake is known for being easy on those with gastrointestinal issues. Taste-wise, it is just sweet enough without being too sweet.

Coming in at 200 calories per serving, this hits the ideal calorie threshold for many. This shake is just a great all-around option, and the fact that it is ready-to-drink instead of a powder only adds to it, making it one of the more convenient options.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a ready-to-drink option with a caffeinated twist that’s easy on the stomach, Ripple is a great choice. Just know that there’s a certain amount of people that report not liking the taste.

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#10 – Best Protein Blend –
RSP TrueFit Vegan Protein Powder Meal Replacement Shake

The RSP TrueFit Vegan Protein Powder Meal Replacement Shake just gets so much right. This shake has some interesting, high quality ingredients making up the protein blend, including pea protein, incatein, chickpea protein concentrate, and hemp protein. It also includes vegetable extracts as well as a probiotic blend.

Coming in at 150 calories per serving, this shake is a bit lower than some others on the list. Despite that, it comes packed with protein and a decent amount of fiber (20g and 5g, respectively). The shake is notorious for being an easy product to drink and digest.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an efficient combination of high quality ingredients and fantastic taste, RSP TrueFit’s shake is a good bet. Just know that the texture can be a bit grainy.

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#11 – Best Pre and Post Workout –
Designer Protein Designer Plant Vegan Meal Replacement Protein Powder

The Designer Protein Designer Plant Vegan Meal Replacement Protein Powder has one of the best combinations of taste and creaminess on this list. It is smooth and delicious. There is a solid amount of high quality carbohydrates. This shake has a nice blend of fruits and veggies, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics.

Designer Protein’s shake blends super well, making it easy to use. Coming in at 210 calories per serving, it is a true meal replacement shake. This shake leaves you feeling energized and ready for a workout.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a combination of amazing taste and creaminess, with enough carbs to keep you fueled through your workouts, Designer Protein’s shake is a great option. Just watch the calories if you are trying to lose weight and know that some people feel the texture can be a bit too chalky.

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#12 – Best Greens Blend –
IDLife Vegan Shake Plant Based Protein & Greens

IDLife Vegan Shake Plant Based Protein & Greens is one of the best all-around vegan meal replacement shakes on the list. It’s packed full of excellent protein. The primary ingredients are pea protein isolate, brown rice protein concentrate, and hemp protein powder. There is a vegetable greens blend and a fruit blend, as well as other high quality ingredients like chia seed and flaxseed. Taste-wise, this is a great choice.

Coming in at 160 calories per serving, it is on the low end, and makes sense for those looking for a lighter option. Despite the lower calorie count, the high quality ingredients in this shake should make you feel full and satiated.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a nutritious blend of high quality protein and fruits and vegetables, IDLife is the perfect choice. It is, however, one of the more expensive options on the list.

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#13 – Creamiest Texture –
Pirq Vegan Protein Shake

Last, but not least on our list, Pirq Vegan Protein Shake is another excellent ready-to-drink option. The primary ingredients are pea protein, almonds, maca, and curcumin. These are definitely some of the more unique ingredients in the list, especially maca and curcumin. Taste-wise it is sweet, but not overbearing. The texture is smooth and creamy.

Coming in at 110 calories per serving, it is on the low end as far as calories for this list. A lot of people may need to consume two of them as a proper meal replacement.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a great, ready-to-drink option with unique ingredients, Pirq is an awesome choice. It is probably going to be too low calorie for some people to serve as a true meal replacement option, and many will need two shakes to fit the bill.

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Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes FAQ

Q: How did you compile this list? What criteria did you use to rank and choose these shakes?

A: There are five criteria I used to determine this list:

• • Taste and texture
  • Quality and simplicity of ingredients
  • Nutritional profile/macronutrient breakdown
  • Digestibility
  • Cost

Q: I heard you should only eat whole foods. Why should I bother with a meal replacement shake?

A: This is a great question. I want to make clear that meal replacement shakes are not a proper substitute for regular, whole foods. These shakes should only be used as a supplement for people with specific issues. Those who stand to benefit from the use of vegan meal replacement shakes are people whom…

• • have limited time and need to quickly get some high quality calories in
  • are just starting a vegan diet and having trouble getting protein or calories in
  • are trying to manage their weight and/or track calories

Q: Do you have any recommendations for DIY vegan meal replacement shakes recipes?

A: Absolutely! Here is a great article for 7 healthy vegan protein meal replacement smoothie recipes: https://www.treehugger.com/healthy-vegan-protein-smoothie-recipes-4869355

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