Best meal replacement 2025: a dietitian’s opinion (10 brands)

The meal replacement market has changed a lot in recent years. Bland, chemical recipes have given way to a variety of new expert brands that offer practical, effective, and even tasty products.

As a reminder, a meal replacement can replace 1 to 2 main meals of the day while providing all the essential nutrients needed for the body to function properly. Most are low-calorie and high-protein.

Although they’re gaining in popularity, it’s still hard to get started and to find your way among the many products available in stores and online.

That’s why I tested and closely examined the top 10 brands of meal replacements available on the Internet.

I rated them according to 5 criteria and then selected the 3 best meal replacements.

Please note that as a dietitian-nutritionist and food blogger, I give equal importance to the nutritional analysis and to taste. 

With my in-depth comparison (personally I haven’t found a more comprehensive one yet!), you’ll discover which brand best meets your nutritional needs, and your taste and usage preferences.

Brands tested and compared: Foodspring, Feed, So Shape, Proteinworks, YFood, Saturo, NU3, NG Nutrition, Gerlinea, Shape Republic

We evaluate all dietary supplements independently. If you click on one of the links provided, a commission may be paid to us, without affecting the price or the ranking.

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Summary of my selection

# Best powdered meal replacement (sponsored) 🥇
> Slimming Shake – PhenQ

# Meilleur substitut de repas en barre
> Feed.Light – Feed

# Meilleur substitut de repas premium
> Shake – So Shape

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Selection criteria

To qualitatively and thoroughly evaluate these meal replacements, I relied on 5 criteria that take into account the products’ characteristics and my tests of 10 different brands.

For each of these 5 criteria, I assigned a score out of 5. The average of these 5 scores resulted in my selection of the 3 best meal replacements.

→ Access my complete comparison table (Google Sheet)

1. Brand

To determine the brand’s credibility, I based my assessment on its year of creation. The older the date, the more the brand endures and establishes itself in the market, despite competition.

I also give importance to its community on social media (number of followers) and to the reviews left by consumers on Amazon, TrustPilot and Avis Vérifiés. 

2. Nutritional value

In terms of macronutrients, I favored substitutes with interesting protein levels and low levels of fat and sugars. Satisfactory fiber levels also influenced the score.

As for other micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and trace elements, in my opinion this is a less decisive criterion because they are almost always present in meal replacements.

3. Safety

To determine the safety of each meal replacement, I relied on the following four sub-criteria.

Presence of sweeteners

These are additives that artificially mimic the sweet taste. They contain no calories. With a sweetening power 200 to 400 times greater than that of refined white sugar, they fuel the addiction to sweetness. Side effects can appear: headaches, bloating, flatulence. 

For the 10  meal replacements I tested, I found 4 sweeteners. Intense controversial sweeteners such as sucralose, acesulfame sucralose and maltitol. And steviol glycoside, whose consumption is not considered harmful for the moment, but which I personally advise against.

Presence of other additives

Additives are used in a product to improve its taste and texture, to prevent oxidation, or to preserve the color of a food.

The longer the list of additives, the harder it is to read labels and the more concerning it becomes.

Labels and specifics

I prioritized meal replacements with a Nutri-Score A. That means they contain appealing levels of protein and fiber, and lower amounts of fats and sugars.

I also preferred interesting features such as gluten-free and/or lactose-free.

Origin

I gave better ratings to meal replacements made from ingredients of French origin than to those containing ingredients from the European Union or outside the European Union. In France, we are often stricter from a regulatory point of view.

4. Enjoyment

The taste aspect is obviously fundamental to me. If the taste and enjoyment aren’t there, you’ll have a bad experience and won’t be consistent. As a dietitian!

I believe we eat with our five senses. It is therefore essential to consume a meal replacement that is attractive, dissolves well with no lumps, and tastes good. That is a matter for each person, but for me it should above all have a natural flavor and not be cloying.

This rating is subjective, because tastes differ from one individual to another. But I had my partner taste these meal replacements to get a second opinion.

5. Packaging

In my view, a product’s quality also lies in reducing waste and choosing packaging. I favored brands that prioritize recyclable or recycled cardboard packaging. 

A subtlety regarding the measuring scoop that can be found in powdered meal replacements. Some brands choose not to provide one in order to reduce waste. However, when it was present, it was recyclable. So I did not penalize brands that included a measuring scoop. 

Best meal replacements

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BEST POWDER MEAL REPLACEMENT 🥇

sponsored

PhenQ is a brand specializing in weight management, best known for its flagship fat burner. With its complete meal shake, it offers a convenient solution to replace a meal while controlling calorie intake. The team behind PhenQ brings together specialists in nutrition and formulation, with a clear positioning: effectiveness, simplicity, and pleasant taste.

From a nutritional standpoint, each serving provides approximately 254 calories, with 16 g of protein, 9 g of fat, 19 g of carbohydrates (including about 4 g of sugars), which is well balanced. This is equivalent to a protein intake similar to 2 eggs and a yogurt, with a good fat profile and low sugar content.

Proteins are derived from whey, an ingredient recognized for its bioavailability and its ability to promote satiety while preserving muscle mass. The blend is enriched with 13 essential vitamins and minerals, making this shake suitable for regular use without risk of deficiency.

The shake also contains 3.5 g of dietary fiber per serving, which helps improve digestion and prolong the feeling of fullness. The added digestive enzymes (DigeZyme™) aid absorption and help prevent the discomforts often encountered with other meal replacements.

In terms of taste, the offered flavors (chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, strawberry cream) are well balanced, with no chemical aftertaste or excess sugar. Even simply mixed with water, the shake remains pleasant on the palate, with a smooth, velvety texture. No heaviness or digestive discomfort was observed after consumption.

The presence of a small amount of coconut oil provides medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), which are beneficial for energy and satiety. It also contains inulin and flax extract, which nicely complement the fiber content.

Despite the use of sucralose as a sweetener, the taste remains natural and not cloying. No bloating or bothersome side effects were reported, even after several consecutive days of use.

The packaging is practical, in a resealable pouch format, which reduces environmental impact compared to single-serve portions. However, it is less compact than powdered products packaged in canisters.

The price is €3 and €4 per serving depending on the chosen format, which is reasonable given the nutritional quality, practicality, and taste enjoyment. It’s a good investment if you’re looking for an effective meal replacement, without compromise on the composition.

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BEST MEAL REPLACEMENT BAR

Feed is a French brand launched in 2017 by Anthony Bourbon. Its team consists of around thirty experts, doctors and nutrition engineers). Feed emphasizes the convenience of consuming its products, which are guaranteed to be high in protein and fiber, gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan.

The launch of Feed is recent compared to the other brands I’ve tested (which range from 1994 to 2013). But its Instagram community is well established, with 116,000 followers who appreciate the brand’s dynamic, colorful and precise posts.

From a nutritional point of view, each 70 g bar provides 251 calories, with 14 g of protein, 12 g of fat, 23 g of carbohydrates (including 9 g of sugars), which is very satisfactory.

A 70 g bar provides as much protein (14 g) as two eggs plus a plain yogurt. The proteins are plant-based and blended (soy and pea), which greatly improves the absorption and assimilation of the proteins by the body, even though they are not of animal origin.

The fiber content is excellent thanks to 11 g per bar. Note that daily fiber needs are around 25 to 30 g.

Plant proteins and sweetened chocolate are the first and main two ingredients, hence the appetite-suppressing effect and the excellent chocolate flavor. Furthermore, I can confirm that digestibility is excellent after consuming this bar.

Despite the presence of sweeteners (sucralose and maltitol) with more or less controversial side effects, the taste is not cloying at all and I did not experience any unpleasant reaction.

It contains canola oil, which offers an excellent balance in terms of omega-3, -6 and -9 intake.

I appreciated the presence of konjac, a tuber native to Asia known for its appetite-suppressing effect, low glycemic index, and its role in lowering cholesterol levels.

We start by biting into the chocolate coating, then into the interior of the bar, which resembles a thick mousse. My partner and I really enjoyed the texture of this bar.

The packages are recycled and recyclable. But be careful, because unlike powder boxes, the sachets here are individual, so this solution is not the most sustainable.

The price is €3.82 per bar, that is €54.65 per kilogram. It is justified by the excellent nutritional quality of this bar with its Nutri-Score A.

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BEST PREMIUM MEAL REPLACEMENT

So Shape is a French brand created in 2013 by two friends, Dr. of Pharmacy Steven Tordjeman and Raphal Wetzel, a lawyer. The product range was designed by food engineers. It is characterized by operating in 5-, 14-, or 28-day challenges.

With 23 g of protein on average per shake, the product is almost at the level of the brand Foodspring. That’s excellent!

The So Shape brand has the advantage of being low in fat with only 5 g of fat per serving, and a reduced amount of simple sugars that are on average around 5.5 g.

Unfortunately, this meal replacement is low in fiber with only 3.3 g per shake.

In addition, 3 sweeteners are used, including acesulfame potassium, which, like sucralose, is controversial. The brand has also chosen to add steviol glycoside, which is much less contested. 

The powder dissolves excellently and the flavors are varied and very tasty. I share my favorite flavors: brownie, speculoos, hazelnut and salted butter caramel. And yes, it’s a particularly indulgent and appetizing program!

I really appreciated the individual sachets, the colorful and motivating packaging, with its good vibes messages.

I think the brand does a good job of supporting each person’s goals, notably with this 5- to 28-day challenge format, during which you consume 2 meal replacements and 1 free meal per day.

This brand is very present and active on social networks with 274,000 followers on Instagram. Unfortunately, it has few reviews on TrustPilot, with a rather low rating of 3.7.

The price is €4.99 per meal for a 5-day pack, which is quite high. But the rate drops as soon as you buy a 14-day pack (€3.66 per meal), or a 28-day pack (€3.16 per meal).

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Full comparison

	Note / 5	Prot (g)	Prix (€)
1. PhenQ (sponsored)	N/A	N/A	N/A
2. Feed	4.0	14	3.82
3. So Shape	3.8	23.6	4.99
4. Proteinworks	3.4	20	3
5. YFood	3.4	34	3.99
6. Saturo	3.4	17	4.75
7. NU3	3.0	24	1.65
8. NG Nutrition	2.8	10.5	3.32
9. Gerlinea	2.8	13	0.61
10. Shape Republic	2.6	21.7	1.86

For more details on the 10 meal replacements compared, their features, and my ratings, I invite you to consult my comparison table:

→ Access my full comparison table here (Google Sheet)

The benefits of meal replacements

Meal replacements are low-calorie, which means their calorie content is lower than our average energy needs for a meal.

Fewer calories, yes, but better-distributed calories. These meal replacements generally contain little fat and sugar, with a high protein content to support fat loss (and possibly muscle gain). Their high fiber content helps achieve substantial satiety.

Resulting directly in weight maintenance or even weight loss.

They are consumed easily and quickly. I always recommend choosing a meal replacement rather than skipping a meal.

The different forms of meal replacements

Ready-to-use meal replacements

• As a drink / Ready-to-drink shake : Easy to carry and consume, this format must be kept refrigerated. It should be shaken for a few seconds before opening.
• As a bar or cookie : Just slip it into your handbag, gym bag or even a pocket; it can be stored at room temperature, and is the most convenient in my opinion.
• As a dessert cream : ideal for those with a sweet tooth, it can be kept refrigerated or at room temperature depending on the brand.
• As a soup : a perfect option for getting through winter or for a light dinner. Because its texture is thicker than a beverage, simply warm it up before consuming.

Meal replacements to reconstitute

• As a powder : using a shaker preferably to avoid clumps, vigorously mix the powder with a liquid (water, skim milk, or a plant-based beverage).
• As a meal : once reconstituted with water, it should be eaten within an hour to avoid having to reheat it after it cools and to prevent nutrient loss.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How to use a meal replacement?

You only need to replace one or two of the main meals of the day. A meal replacement provides you with all the necessary nutrients, replacing breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

How to use it depends on its form. Ready-to-use (drink, bar, dessert cream, soup) or reconstituted by mixing a powder or a dish with a liquid.

Are meal replacements dangerous?

They are not dangerous if you follow the usage instructions. A meal replacement replaces a full meal. It can optionally be supplemented with a piece of fruit or plain yogurt. Otherwise, it is sufficient on its own and provides all the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

If you are unsure about incorporating them into your diet, check with your dietitian.

Are meal replacements effective for losing weight?

A substitute by itself is not enough to achieve the expected results. It’s essential to have a healthy lifestyle before consuming these substitutes, and to engage in regular, appropriate physical activity.

Furthermore, if your sleep is disrupted and your mood is low, results will inevitably be delayed.

The best piece of advice I can give you as a dietitian is to take your time losing weight and forget drastic diets. Make sure you have a solid foundation before consuming these substitutes. That way you will lose weight slowly and sustainably, avoiding the yo-yo effect.

Where to find meal replacements?

You can find them in supermarkets in the dietetic aisle, online via official brand websites, and on reseller sites like Amazon. Their prices may vary depending on the time of year and the place of purchase.

For example, a Gerlinéa product may be sold at a higher price in a small supermarket. In a large supermarket and on Amazon, the price remains relatively similar.

Can you make a homemade meal replacement?

It’s difficult to make a homemade meal replacement. It will not be as nutritionally complete as a commercial meal replacement.

This would rather be described as a low-calorie, protein-rich snack. I recommend blending in a blender 250 mL of semi-skimmed milk or a plant-based drink (unsweetened if possible), 40 g of nuts (almonds) and whey or plant protein powder for the proteins.

When to take a meal replacement?

If you want to lose weight or gain muscle mass, replace 2 meals a day with meal replacements: breakfast and either lunch or dinner of your choice. However, if you want to maintain your weight, a single meal replacement per day will be sufficient, at lunch or in the evening.

Meals without meal replacements can then be traditional and balanced: a plate with 25% animal protein (unless you are vegetarian), 50% vegetables and 25% whole-grain starchy foods. You can add a fruit and/or an unsweetened dairy product depending on your hunger. 

How long can you take meal replacements?

I recommend using them for one month and then following up with a dietitian. Changing your eating habits or using meal replacements is not trivial. That’s why you should have professional support to ensure your lifestyle remains healthy and that meal replacements are used under appropriate conditions.

Can you build muscle mass with a meal replacement?

The high protein content helps you lose body fat. Obviously, physical activity optimizes muscle mass gain, but it needs to be appropriate. Not everyone likes running, which is why it’s important to find an activity you enjoy and can do.

My dietitian’s advice

Want to get started? There are contraindications to consider. Children and adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults and people with eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia) should not consume them.

Not all meal replacements are equal in terms of nutritional and taste quality. Take the time to read the labels. Indeed, we become what we eat… It gives you something to think about, doesn’t it?

Depending on the type of meal replacement, your hunger and the time of day, you can of course add a serving of vegetables, a fresh fruit and/or an unsweetened dairy product without added sugars. 

But normally a meal replacement provides all essential nutrients and minerals, no need to eat more.

Meals referred to as “normal” or “free” (that is, without a meal replacement) should be balanced. Keep up the good habit of cooking your meals.

Always remember the following guidelines:

• Each day, our protein needs are about 1 g per kg of body weight. For example, an adult weighing 60 kg will need about 60 g of protein.
• We need 20 to 25 g of fiber each day. They are mostly found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Finally, keep in mind that the consumption of meal replacements is part of a varied and balanced diet.

Don’t hesitate to consult a dietitian to adopt a healthier lifestyle. You can supplement with meal replacements later if necessary. It’s the best way to reach your goals.

When you buy the selected products, a commission may be paid to us to support the site, compensate our writers, and ensure you receive quality information. This does not affect prices.