7 Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes in 2024

With vegan diets, it’s all too common for someone to be deficient in one or more nutrients. Whether it’s iron, B12, or protein, many vegans are deficient in something or another. If you’re following a plant-based diet, it’s a good idea to supplement with a high-quality meal replacement shake. 

In this article, we’ll be covering the best vegan meal replacement shakes available today. Keep reading to see our picks for the best-tasting, most affordable, and highest-quality supplements we could find!

Top 7 Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Reviewed

1. Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal – Top Pick
2. Orgain Perfect Meal Powder – Highest in Fiber Option
3. MRM Nutrition Meal Replacement – Best Value for Money
4. Ka’Chava® Superfood – Highest in Iodine Option
5. Sunwarrior Lean Superfood – Highest in Vitamin B12 Option
6. Vega All-In-One Shake – Biggest Package
7. Plantfusion COMPLETE MEAL

Product	Total	Macro Breakdown	Fiber per Serving	MICRO Breakdown	Taste + Texture	Nutrition Label Transparency	Value for Money
Garden of Life	55.5	9	9.5	9.5	8.5	9.5	9.5
Orgain	55	9	10	9	9	9.5	8/5
MRM Nutrition	55	9.5	8.5	9	9	9.5	9.5
Ka’Chava	54.5	9	9	9.5	8.5	9.5	9
Sunwarrior	54.5	9	9	9.5	8.5	9.5	9
Vega	54	9	9	9	8.5	9.5	9
Plant Fusion	53	9	9	9	8	9.5	8.5

Top 7 Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Reviewed

Starting off our list of the best vegan meal replacement drinks, arguably the most complete supplement on our list is Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Meal Shake. 

This is one of the lower-calorie options on our list at only 150 calories per serving, but it packs an impressive amount into those calories. You get 20g of protein, 2g of fat, and 13g of carbohydrates. This is easily one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios on our list! Note that chocolate is the highest sodium option, so you may want to go with a different flavor if you want less sodium!

Garden of Life also doesn’t disappoint with micronutrients, containing a dense nutritional profile with many of the vitamins and minerals of interest to vegans including Iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. With over 44 superfood ingredients, these nutrients come from a diverse blend of plant-based foods. 

It should be noted that this is produced in a facility that also processes fish, eggs, and dairy. As a result, some may not consider this a completely vegan product. However, if you’re comfortable with this as a vegan, the core formula is still 100% plant-based. 

You can get this shake in 4 different flavors, including a lightly sweetened option for those who prefer milder flavors. This is also a completely organic product, without any added artificial ingredients. Finally, at only ~$1.72 per serving, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a higher-quality shake at a lower price.

Our runner-up for the best vegan meal replacement shake is Orgain’s Perfect Meal Powder. Not only the highest calorie option on our list, but this is also the highest fiber choice. Just be aware that this is also one of the more expensive products we’ll be covering. 

As mentioned, at 250 calories, this is the most calorically dense product on our list. Each serving is broken down between 25g of protein, 7-8g of fat, and 30-31g of carbs which is partially made up of 10g of fiber. This also makes Orgain the highest fiber choice on our list. So, if you’re someone who struggles to get enough fiber in, then this will be a fantastic choice for you. 

For micronutrients, Orgain also has an extensive list of superfoods in its ingredients list. It contains high amounts of many different vitamins and minerals, which makes this a great choice for a complete meal replacement especially considering the high calorie and fiber count. 

Orgain has a fairly limited flavor variety, only coming in Chocolate and Vanilla, which is fairly standard for a vegan supplement. This is also a completely organic supplement without any artificial sweeteners or preservatives. While this is an exceptionally high-quality supplement, it can’t compete in price with Garden of Life’s product. At ~$3.57 per serving, it’s more than twice as much as the top spot on our list!

Moving on to our third product, MRM Nutrition is the only product on our list to offer better value for money than Garden of Life. Let’s take a closer look. 

At 200 calories per serving, this works out to be around the average calorie count for our list. This is broken down between 22g of protein, 4-6g of fat, and 14-16g of carbohydrates. 

Like the 2 products above on our list, MRM has a similar formula made up of superfoods, leading to a similarly complete micronutrient breakdown. It should be noted that it doesn’t appear this is a completely organic formula if this is important to you. 

Also, similar to Garden of Life, MRM is manufactured in a facility that contains dairy and eggs. While some may not consider this a completely vegan product, most should still feel comfortable using this product. Ultimately, this will be a matter of personal preference. 

Like Orgain, MRM only comes in Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. While it does appear to be made up of all-natural ingredients, it’s worth noting that it’s not completely organic. Finally, as mentioned, this has the best value for money on our list at only ~$1.30 per serving. If you’re after an excellent vegan meal replacement supplement on a budget, then MRM is for you!

Next up on our list is Ka'Chava Superfood’s Whole Body Meal shake. Alongside having one of the most unique names in the supplement industry, Ka’Chava delivers an exceptionally high-quality shake as well. Let’s see what to expect!

Similar to Orgain’s shake, Ka’Chava delivers a higher-calorie shake with 240 calories per serving. This is also a high-protein option with 25g of protein per serving. The rest of its calories are split between 7-8g of fat and 21-25g of carbs depending on the flavor. 

Like the products above on our list, Ka’Chava also has an excellent micronutrient breakdown. This, however, is the first product on our list to contain a significant amount of Iodine, which may be tough for vegans to get through diet alone if they are not using iodized salt. 

Ka’Chava is another product that is manufactured alongside eggs and dairy so keep this in mind when making a decision! Also, although most of its ingredients are organic, it does appear there are a few that aren’t, and this product isn’t listed as 100% organic as a result.

Ka’Chava does easily have the best flavor variety on our list so far, doubling Garden of Life’s options with 9 different choices to choose from! Like all the products we’ve covered so far, it also doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners or additives. Finally, be aware that this is one of the most expensive options on our list at ~$4.20 per serving.

Next up on our list is Sunwarrior, which is a very recognizable brand in the vegan supplement space. Let’s see how their Lean Superfood Shake compares to the first 4 products we looked at. 

If you’re looking for a diet-friendly meal replacement shake, this may be a good option as it’s the lowest calorie option on our list with only 120-130 calories per serving. As a result, this is also the lowest protein option on our list with 15g per serving. There’s also 4.5-5g of fat and 6-7g of carbs.

Sunwarrior contains a solid superfood blend making up its nutritional profile. If you’re specifically after Vitamin B12, Sunwarrior contains an exceptionally high 500% of the RDV in each serving. Sunwarrior is also Certified Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. 

Sunwarrior has 3 different flavors, including the unique Snickerdoodle option alongside more standard chocolate and vanilla flavors. Alongside the organic certification, you can expect no additional artificial ingredients. Finally, despite the low protein content, this is still a relatively expensive supplement at ~$2.45 per serving.

Another very recognizable brand in the world of vegan supplements, let’s take a look at Vega’s All-In-One Plant-Based Shake. If you’re looking to buy in bulk, this may be the choice for you as this is easily the biggest package size on our list. 

At 150 calories per serving, this is another fairly low-calorie option. It’s still decently high-protein with 20g per serving. The rest of the calories are made up of 12g of carbs and 3.5g of fat. Overall, this gives Vega a very similar nutritional breakdown to Garden of Life’s shake. 

In terms of micronutrients, Vega is decent, although it doesn’t have any super high doses of any single micronutrient. However, it does still have solid moderate doses of many different nutrients. Like many of the products on our list, Vega is also certified organic by USDA.

As with several other options on our list, Vega is produced in a non-vegan facility. It’s up to the individual to decide if they consider this product vegan as a result.  

Vega has the lowest amount of flavor variety on our list so far, only being available in chocolate. Also, as to be expected from the organic label, there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this product. Finally, because this comes in the largest package, you might expect great value for money. Unfortunately, despite this, Vega is still more expensive than similar products like Garden of Life and MRM at ~$2.47 per serving.

Closing off our list is Plantfusion complete meal supplement. While this is a very high-quality supplement, it’s also the most expensive product on our list. Let’s take a closer look to see if it's worth the hefty price tag!

At 200 calories per serving, this is about the average for our list. The 20g of protein per serving you’re getting here is also fairly standard. The rest of the calories come from 7g of fat and 15g of carbs. 

The micronutrient breakdown is also good, containing most of the vitamins and minerals of interest to a vegan. One downside is that this is easily the lowest iron supplement on our list with only 2% of the RDV. Also, although this is labeled as a non-GMO product, it’s unclear if it's completely organic as well. 

Like most of the products on our list, Plantfusion comes in 2 basic flavors, chocolate and vanilla. It’s also free of any artificial flavoring whatsoever. Finally, at ~$4.39 it’s easily the most expensive product on our list. Considering the fairly standard macro and micro breakdowns, it’s unclear why Plantfusion comes at such a high price point.

What Are Meal Replacement Powders and What Are They Used For?

Meal replacement powders are more than simple protein powders or mass gainer shakes. Instead of specifically being meant to support muscle gain, they’re meant to be a nutritionally complete supplement for those who mainly struggle to get enough micronutrients in their diet. 

While they do usually contain a good amount of protein, this typically isn’t their main focus. They’re especially useful for vegans, as it can be challenging to consistently get enough of certain vitamins and minerals through a plant-based diet. Specific micronutrients to look for in these supplements include Vitamins D, and B12, as well as Iodine and Iron. 

Overall, meal replacement shakes can be seen as a halfway point between a protein powder and a multivitamin. They’re a great way to meet all your nutritional needs while getting a balanced amount of protein, carbs, and fats in as well. 

What Are the Benefits of Meal Replacement Powders?

If you follow a vegan diet, you may be wondering if a vegan meal replacement shake is even necessary for you. Below we’ll be covering some of the benefits of these supplements so you can see if you need one. Overall, meal replacement shakes will be beneficial for most vegans, especially those looking to eat in a caloric deficit while still maintaining good nutrition. 

✅ They Are Low in Calories and Can Replace a Standard Meal

Meal replacement powders are a great supplement for those on a cut or diet. This is because you can be confident you’re getting a solid amount of nutrients without sacrificing too many calories. 

Especially on plant-based diets, it can be difficult to balance eating in a caloric deficit with a nutritionally complete amount of food. If this is something you struggle with, then meal replacement powders can be a simple way to boost your micronutrient intake for only 100-200 extra calories a day.  

✅ A Good Meal Replacement Shake Contains at Least 20 G of Protein per Serving

Most of the options on our list contain a solid 20g+ of protein per serving. While protein isn’t as difficult to get on a vegan diet as many people think, it’s still an area of concern for many vegans. 

Once again, especially on a diet it can be tough to get enough protein in without eating a ton of extra carbs and fats. The high protein content makes a high-quality meal replacement supplement ideal for vegans looking to lose weight. Beyond this, any vegan looking to maximize their protein intake alongside micronutrients should seriously consider a high-quality meal replacement supplement. 

✅ They Simplify the Calculation of Calories and the Amount of Macronutrients

Regardless of what your dietary goals are, it can be difficult to keep track of calories and macronutrients. When you make a standard meal containing a multitude of plant-based ingredients, you may be left guessing about the total calorie count and macro breakdown of your food. 

This isn’t a problem at all when it comes to meal replacement shakes. Especially if you aren’t mixing them with any other ingredients, you can be certain about how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates you’re getting in each serving. 

✅ They Are Enriched With Vitamins and Minerals

Finally, and arguably the biggest benefit of meal replacement shakes for vegans is their extensive micronutrient breakdowns. As mentioned throughout this article, it can be tough for vegans to maximize their intake of certain vitamins and minerals, especially when trying to eat in a caloric deficit. The high amount of vitamins and minerals in each serving of a meal replacement shake makes them beneficial for virtually everyone following a vegan diet. 

How to Choose the Best Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes?

If you’ve decided that a vegan meal replacement shake is right for you, then you may be overwhelmed by all the different choices out there! In this section, we’ll be covering how to pick the best supplement for your needs, paying specific attention to your dietary goals.

1. Consider Your Goal (For Weight Loss / Simply Replacing One Meal and Other Tasks, Different Products May Be Better Suited)

First, consider what your overall goal is when taking a meal replacement shake. Are you looking to lose or gain weight? Do you just want an easy option when you don’t have the time to make yourself a full meal? Do you get enough protein in your diet already, or do you need more? Are there any micronutrients you don’t get enough of? 

By asking yourself a couple of questions about why you want a meal replacement shake and what your goals are, you can get a better picture of what you need out of the supplement you choose. Regardless of what your goals are, below we’ll be covering a few general guidelines for how to pick a high-quality supplement. 

2. Choose a Meal Replacement Supplement With at Least 15G of Protein per Serving

The most important macronutrient to look for in a meal replacement supplement is protein. While most of the products on our list have 20g+ per serving, we recommend finding one that has at least 15g. Anything less than this, and the product will likely have an unbalanced ratio of carbs and fats to protein. With protein being the most challenging macronutrient to get on a vegan diet, we recommend prioritizing it here, especially if you’re on a cut. 

3. Consider Vitamins and Minerals

Next, think about which vitamins and minerals you’re lacking in your diet. Especially if you’ve gotten blood work done recently, you should have a good idea of what you need more of. Typically, vitamins and minerals of interest to vegans include:

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Calcium 
• Iron
• Zinc

While individual needs will vary, these 5 micronutrients are a good place to start when considering which supplement is best for you. If you want to maintain the best health possible when following a vegan diet, it’s a good idea to prioritize your micronutrient intake, whether it’s through whole foods, vitamins, or a meal replacement supplement. 

4. Consider Fiber per Serving

Although it’s not especially challenging to get fiber in through a vegan diet, it may be something you want to maximize. Adults need 25-35g of fiber a day to help lower the risk of numerous diseases. With some of the products on our list containing up to 10g of fiber, a meal replacement shake can be a great way to maximize your total daily intake. 

5. Consider the Amount of Added Sugar per Serving

Another helpful thing to consider when looking at nutritional labels is the amount of sugar you’re getting in each serving. It can be tough to limit the amount of sugar we have every day, especially when consuming plenty of processed foods. Because excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity and heart disease, it’s a good idea to buy supplements with minimal added sugar. 

6. Choose a Meal Replacement With a Lower Amount of Sodium

Finally, you may want to choose an option lower in sodium. Similar to sugar, most people already get more than enough sodium in their diets, making extra intake from supplements like these completely unnecessary. While most of the products on our list aren’t especially high in sodium, be sure to double-check the nutrition labels if this is something you’re concerned with. 

How to Take Meal Replacement Shakes?

How you decide to take meal replacement shakes depends largely on your goals!

First, if you’re looking to use them as a weight loss supplement, we recommend simply mixing the powder with water or a low-calorie plant-based milk. This will keep the total calorie count close to what’s listed on the package.

However, if you’re looking to gain muscle, you can use meal replacement powders as part of higher-calorie multi-ingredient smoothies. For these, blend your powder with a higher-calorie plant-based milk, nut butter, and frozen fruit. In doing so, you can easily make smoothies with 500-1000+ calories each.

If you’re wondering when to take a meal replacement shake, it all comes down to when it’s most convenient for you. Some people enjoy having their shakes in the morning as an easy breakfast. Others will simply use them as a quick, satiating snack in between meals.

Overall, consider your goals to decide what the best way to take a vegan meal replacement shake is for your own needs!

FAQ

Is There a Vegan Meal Replacement Shake?

Yes, there are plenty of excellent options available for high-quality vegan meal replacement powders. While we recommend Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal as our top pick, check out our full list for other excellent options. 

What Is the Best-Tasting Vegan Meal Replacement Shake?

Because taste is a matter of personal preference, it’s difficult to say what you’ll think is the best vegan meal replacement. With that being said, Ka'Chava® Superfood offers the most flavor variety on our list by far, showing their commitment to delivering excellent taste. 

Are Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes Healthy?

While some people may not see vegan meal replacement shakes as healthy as whole foods, they are overall a nutritionally complete option when you don’t have time to cook a complete meal. Especially considering all of the products on our list contain a rich blend of plant-based superfoods, they are likely a healthier option than most standard plant-based protein powders. 

What Are the Best Plant-Based Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss?

The best vegan meal replacement shakes for weight loss are those with a high protein-to-calorie ratio. With protein being important for maintaining muscle mass while losing weight, as well as the most satiating macronutrient, this is what you’ll want to focus on when using vegan meal replacement drinks for weight loss. 

Conclusion

If you follow a vegan diet, a high-quality plant-based protein meal replacement can make a huge difference in how many important nutrients you’re getting through your diet. With many vegans being deficient in things like Vitamin B12, Iron, and more, most people on plant-based diets will benefit from these supplements!

If you’re interested in trying our choice for the best plant-based meal replacement shake that’s both affordable and high-quality, check out Garden of Life RAW Organic Meal. We hope these vegan meal replacement shake reviews can help you make a more informed choice!

What are you looking for in a vegan meal replacement shake? Are you using it to help you bulk up or cut down? How long have you been following a vegan diet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Also read:

• Best Keto Meal Replacement Shake
• Best Meal Replacement Protein Bars
• Best Meal Replacement for Weight Gain
• Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Diabetics

References

1. The Nutrition Source, “Vitamin B12”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b12/#:~:text=Vitamin%20B12%2C%20or%20cobalamin%2C%20is,in%20the%20foods%20we%20eat. (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
2. The Nutrition Source, “Vitamin D”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
3. The Nutrition Source, “Calcium”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
4. The Nutrition Source, “Iron”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/iron/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
5. The Nutrition Source, “Zinc”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/zinc/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
6. The Nutrition Source, “Fiber”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, ​​https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)
7. The Nutrition Source, “Added Sugar”, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/ (Accessed Nov. 13, 2023)