Shakeology—made with a range of proteins, including whey and pea, this shake is a meal replacement mix aimed at helping users lose or maintain their weight. Shakeology is appealing to many users as it comes in a variety of flavors, and you’ll have the option of selecting whey-based or vegan shakes.

Below, we’ll take a look at the ingredients used to make this product, as well as how effective the formula is for keeping you full while helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

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Shakeology Overview

Shakeology is a brand that makes a range of shakes in different flavors. The products are made to address health issues through a meal replacement option that provides protein, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants and more.

Shakeology isn’t necessarily a product that jump starts your metabolism or makes you lose weight on its own. The website claims that users should use this product along with eating natural foods, following a balanced diet, and exercising. Additionally, the site focuses on the importance of following a low-glycemic diet, which may help boost energy levels and general well-being.

Experts rank their top shake picks. Click here for the master list.

Shakeology Claims

Shakeology does have the benefit of having some doctors’ testimonials posted on the home page. Collectively, the medical professionals mention that the product is ideal for people following a low-glycemic diet, that the fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics present in the shake are effective tools for keeping gut health in check. And, plastic surgeon Mark Clemens claims that this product is the complete meal replacement shake there is.

Shakeology, aside from the fact that it comes in a range of different flavors, is pretty versatile. The site mentions that users can drink this product as a breakfast replacement. The fiber and protein content help to curb cravings throughout the day and keep you full.

Shakeology also works to complement your workouts—providing muscle recovery and energy to help you stay on track. The website doesn’t make any significant health claims—aside from the doctors’ testimonials, but the shakes are part of the larger Beachbody fitness empire—so there’s some cross-selling going on—promoting the shakes alongside workout gear and fitness content.

Learn more about the diet ingredients you should avoid. Click here for a look through our review archive for details.

Shakeology Ingredients

Shakeology shakes come in several different flavors, and the option to purchase vegan or whey protein shakes. So, some variation within the products should be expected. Here’s a look at what all Shakeology shakes have to offer, as per the official webpage:

• Whey Protein
• Pea Protein
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Digestive Enzymes
• Superfruit/Antioxidant Blend
• Proprietary Adaptogen Blend
• Proprietary Greens and phytonutrient blend

Whey Protein—Whey protein is sourced from milk and is considered a complete protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids. Whey is a preferred source of protein for athletes as it works to replenish tired muscles.

Pea protein is also present in both the vegan and the regular Shakeology blends. Pea protein is used for its ability to stave off hunger pangs, as it works to lower levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin.

Supergreens blend features a range of buzzy greens like moringa, matcha, spinach, and kale. According to the official website, these ingredients are included to promote vitality and are good sources of vitamins and other nutrients.

Moringa, for example, is rich in fiber, iron, vitamins E and K, antioxidants, and protein. Kale and spinach bring vitamins A and C to the table, while matcha is a source of whole leaf tea—providing antioxidants, energy, and chlorophyll.

Matcha, however, is green tea and does contain caffeine. Users sensitive to caffeine might experience heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and more.

Adaptogens like astralagus, reishi mushroom, maca, ashwagandha, and cordyceps are all herbs used to promote energy, brain function, and athletic and sexual performance.

As a point of reference, adaptogens are plants that help the body better process internal and external stressors. These ingredients may help keep cortisol levels down, which is thought to stave off some of the more visible signs of aging, incoming illnesses, and more.

Interested in learning more about incorporating shakes into your diet plan? Here is a look at our top ten list.

The Science Behind Shakeology

Shakeology does come with a diverse range of nutrients from superfoods to protein, probiotics, and more. Users will get about 17 grams of protein per 160 calorie serving.

The product functions more as an easy way for users to get enough nutrients rather than a meaningful tool for weight loss, but that doesn’t mean it can’t play a role in helping dieters stay on track in accomplishing their weight loss goals.

We like that this product features such diverse nutritional content. The fiber and probiotics, coupled with protein and plant-based nutrients are likely to keep consumers feeling full and energized. However, we can’t help but think the shake contains so many ingredients that users aren’t getting a major dose of any one element (well, aside from protein).

As we mentioned above, Shakeology is endorsed by several doctors on the website, but we never get a look at any studies that document whether or not people lost weight from following the Shakeology program, or anything else along those lines. Sure, this product contains ingredients like fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and protein—all essential nutrients—but we don’t know if drinking this shake is better than swapping out some high-calorie meals in favor of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and limited sugar.

Learn more about the benefits of using shakes to keep track of calories. Click for more details.

Word on the Street about Shakeology

Finding impartial reviews for Shakeology is hard. The line of shakes is made by Beachbody, a company known for their infomercials, DVDs, and viral marketing techniques. Beachbody is most known for getting their “coaches” to sell products via Facebook and Instagram. It’s a multilevel marketing scheme, and as such, many of the reviews available appear to be written by coaches who want to sell more shakes, subscriptions, and DVDs.

With that in mind, we found that there was a range of reviews. Some people felt that the shakes made them feel full and healthy—as advertised, but didn’t love the taste.

It’s also worth pointing out that this product is not affordable for a lot of people. At $130 a bag, you’re getting 30 shakes—meaning each is worth over $4. Not so bad if the product comes ready to drink, but many users are adding bananas, almond milk, and nut butter to improve the taste.

Learn more about the best meal replacement shakes on the market — click the link to see what our experts have to say.

Is Shakeology Worth a Try?

Shakeology seems like it might be a decent option for people looking for a meal replacement shake that provides more than just protein. The calorie count clocks in around 160 per one-scoop serving, so adding additional milk, fruits, and veggies might turn this shake into a high-calorie breakfast shake. That said—the product has many benefits.

The makers of Shakeology don’t make any broad, sweeping claims about how this product will help you lose weight and gain muscle in all the right places, but they do claim it’s the “healthiest” shake on the market. We’re not sure how they’ve arrived at that conclusion since there isn’t any science backing that statement, but it’s not a bad choice compared to some of the other products we’ve seen.

While there are a lot of good nutrients included in this blend, many consumers have stated that Shakeology shakes have a bitter aftertaste—especially if you just mix it with water, as directed. It seems that adding extra elements like peanut butter or almond milk might give the product a better taste, but that’s a lot of extra calories you’re adding to the mix.

Finally, the price might scare some potential customers away from this product. At ~$130 per 30-day supply, each shake costs over $4. Additionally, the site doesn’t operate like your standard e-commerce platform. Users are encouraged to purchase the product through a Beachbody coach or become one themselves. Beachbody coaches are brand ambassadors that buy their inventory and sell to family, friends, and Facebook followers—your standard multi-level marketing scheme.

Click here for a look at the meal replacement shakes that best support healthy weight loss.

Shakeology FAQs

1. Where can I buy this shake?
   You can buy Shakeology from the official Shakeology website. The product costs $129.95 for a 30-serving bulk bag or 24 individual packets. Team Beachbody, the parent brand of Shakeology also sells the shakes on their official website.
2. What ingredients are in Shakeology?
   There ae quite a few; a proprietary protein blend of whey, pea protein, sacha inchi, quinoa, and flax. A superfruit blend, an adaptogen blend, and a supergreens blend featuring matcha, chrlorella, spirulina, and kale.
3. Is this product vegan?
   Shakeology is a line of shakes. Some are vegan and others rely on whey protein, sourced from cow milk.

What Actually Works?

Shakeology might be a decent option, but our expert reviewers prefer 18Shake. This meal replacement shake contains just 90 calories per serving and can easily be added to the smoothie recipe of your choice.

Ingredients include whey protein, fibersol, probiotics, and more–all working together to give the body the energy it needs to get through a workout or your average day at the office. Click here to read more about 18Shake and how it can help you with your weight loss goals.