Our 2024 Review of Beachbody Shakeology Meal Shakes
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Protein shakes and meal replacement shakes are fast and convenient nutrition options for those with a busy schedule or as part of an overall weight loss plan. Shakeology from Beachbody is one of the world’s most popular health and fitness brands, and it promises to elevate the standard protein shake one level higher by packing in not just protein, but vitamins and probiotics.
Marketing itself as “more than just a protein shake,” Shakeology offers dessert-inspired meal shakes packed with superfoods that promise results such as reduced junk food cravings and improved mood in just four weeks of regular use. Still, is drinking Shakeology ultimately worth it, and are the ingredients in these shakes as good for you as the brand claims them to be?
We’ve asked registered dietitians for their expert opinions on Shakeology, its ingredients and its purported benefits. Our in-depth Shakeology review will compare the pros and cons, cost and effectiveness of these meal shakes, while also highlighting what customers have to say. Here’s everything there is to know about Beachbody Shakeology and whether or not it’s worth trying.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Shakeology At a Glance
- Shakes come in five dessert-inspired flavors
- Promises to reduce cravings, improve digestion and boost mood (though we can't substantiate these claims)
- Superfood blends pack in vitamins, protein, probiotics and more
- Whey and/or plant-based options available
Pros
- Free of artificial colorings, flavors and preservatives
- Includes superfoods that may support your immune system
- All flavors (including vegan options) are gluten-free
- Comes in single-serve packets or multi-serving bag
- Available as a one-time order or monthly subscription
Cons
- Proprietary blends don’t disclose ingredient ratios
- Expensive compared to other meal shake brands
- Sugar content may be high for some customers
Shakeology Claims
According to a 2021 survey of 3,144 customers, Beachbody promises that 93 percent saw reduced junk food cravings; 92 percent experienced healthy digestion and regularity; and 92 percent noticed positive mood and wellbeing after four weeks of regularly drinking Shakeology shakes. While Shakeology products aren’t directly billed as weight loss protein shakes, the brand also claims that drinking Shakeology twice a day before breakfast and lunch promoted weight management among customers.
Plus, while some customers may want to turn to Shakeology as a meal replacement shake, Beachbody makes it clear with a disclaimer on its website noting that Shakeology won’t replace a meal on its own, but can be part of a balanced meal or breakfast, or can be combined with other healthy foods (shake terminology is easy to confuse and often interchanged, so there are more details here about the difference between meal replacement and protein shakes).
Quality of Ingredients
Beachbody Shakeology shakes are made with a number of food ingredients that vary slightly between Shakeology flavors. Here’s what you can expect to encounter across products and what those ingredients may mean for your health, according to studies and nutrition experts.
BODi
Whey protein
Whey protein is often considered to be the gold standard of all protein powder because it’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that allow your body to function. Whey protein can help with muscle building, wound healing and filling nutritional gaps, the first of which is why many athletes and bodybuilders turn to whey protein. In general, experts recommend that you get 50 to 175 grams of protein per day depending on your body weight. Since each Shakeology shake only contains 16 to 17 grams of protein, it’ll fill a small chunk of your protein needs, and you’ll need to get most of your protein from other sources.
Pea and rice protein
Pea and rice protein serve as excellent alternatives for vegans or vegetarians who can’t consume traditional whey protein, or for people who are sensitive or allergic to dairy. Both the whey and vegan versions of Shakeology contain pea protein, which is a complete protein; however, rice protein is not and should be blended with a complete protein source like pea protein. Often, plant protein sources are combined to create a complete protein, which is why many vegan blends will contain several plant-based proteins like pea and rice. These blends are proprietary, meaning Beachbody doesn’t disclose exact ratios of ingredients.
Related Post: The 6 Best Pea Protein Powders, According to a Nutritionist
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are another important protein source that Cesar Sauza, MS, RDN says provides high-quality protein, good fats and fiber. “The benefits of proteins like flax are that they help our body build and repair, which is especially important for muscle-building,” he explains. Flax seeds are also “high-satiating, which may help with overall reduction in portion sizes,” he adds. (This particular ingredient may support Beachbody’s claims that its Shakeology shakes help people reduce cravings.) Flax seeds also may support healthy blood pressure levels and keep your blood sugar levels stable when fasting.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a type of freshwater algae. This highly nutrient-dense ingredient is often labeled as a superfood and can increase activity of digestive enzymes, which are naturally-occurring proteins that help your body break down food. In fact, more than 80 percent of chlorella proteins are digestible, which may back up Beachbody’s promise that its Shakeology nutrition shakes improve digestion. (Yet, like all other Shakeology ingredients, you don’t know exactly how much chlorella you’re consuming, which is a downside to proprietary blends.)
Prebiotic fiber
All Shakeology shakes include a pre-and probiotic blend that contains several prebiotic fibers like chicory root and yacon root. Prebiotics are widely hailed for their digestive benefits which include promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and reducing bloating. Higher intake of dietary fiber (such as prebiotics) has also been linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Some studies even point to prebiotics being able to promote satiety, or fullness, which can support weight loss goals.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb used for millennia to reduce stress and lower levels of anxiety, which modern studies support the benefits of. Shakeology shakes contain ashwagandha, but like all other ingredients, it’s not exactly clear how much. Still, this may help support the brand’s claims that Shakeology can improve overall mood and well-being, perhaps by reducing stress.
Related Post: 10 Best Ashwagandha Supplements of 2024
Matcha green tea
Matcha (or Japanese powdered green tea) is another ingredient largely hailed as a superfood for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows that matcha may enhance cognitive function (such as by increasing energy levels) and support heart health. Although matcha has relatively low levels of caffeine compared to coffee (around 70 milligrams per cup), those who are sensitive to caffeine may want to consider the pros and cons of this particular ingredient or speak to a healthcare provider about any risks.
Maca
Not to be confused with matcha, maca, or Peruvian ginseng, is a medicinal plant that may help reduce fatigue, lower inflammation and protect the brain. Maca, an antioxidant and source of phytonutrients (or natural chemicals found in plant foods that can prevent disease), is also rich in fiber, which can help you stay full for longer (and potentially reduce junk food cravings).
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only lends great flavors to foods and shakes, but it comes with a host of health benefits as well. Cinnamon is a spice with powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol.
Mushrooms
Shakeology includes several mushroom (or fungi) ingredients such as reishi and maitake. These mushrooms may offer various health benefits such as supporting the immune system and reducing high blood pressure. In addition, Sauza says that “nootropics like mushrooms help with focus and concentration,” which may be beneficial for your energy levels (nootropics are natural cognitive enhancers).
Other ingredients
Shakeology shakes are sweetened with organic cane sugar and stevia leaf extract, a sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant. One thing to be mindful of is that the shakes are higher in added sugar (vegan chocolate, for example, has seven grams of total sugar, with five grams stemming from added sugar). If you’re watching your sugar intake while drinking Shakeology, keep an eye on how much sugar you consume elsewhere.
Shakeology Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
160 | 16-17 | 17-18 | 2.5-3 | 7 |
While Shakeology nutrition facts vary slightly from flavor to flavor, we’ll use the whey-based chocolate Shakeology as an example of the macronutrients (fat, protein and carbs) that you can expect to encounter, as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). The chocolate flavor provides 17 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. Sugar is on the high end with seven grams per shake, including five grams of added sugars. As for vitamins, you’ll get 200 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, 100 percent of vitamin D and 50 percent of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate, among other important vitamins and minerals.
As for the caloric content itself, don’t expect Shakeology to replace an entire meal (which the brand advises against anyway). “One serving of Shakeology provides 160 calories, the equivalent of a low-calorie snack,” says Blanca Garcia, RDN. She also adds that the whey protein options have a “higher vitamin and mineral profile than the plant-based vegan options,” so this is something to consider if you eat a plant-based diet.
Sauza echoes that Shakeology is essentially a “protein shake with a large amount of other nutrients coming from whole foods," He adds, “At only 17 grams of protein per serving, it provides far less protein than most protein shakes, which usually contain around 25 to 30 grams per serving. I would not recommend Shakeology to replace meals as it’s far too low in calories and will not meet the nutritional needs of most individuals.”
Still, Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, argues that the low caloric content may be helpful for those with weight loss goals when used as part of a balanced diet. “Shakeology can help with weight loss or management,” she says, “as it’s portion-controlled and low in calories.”
Shakeology Shakes
Shakeology shakes come in five flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookies and Creamy, Cafe Latte and Tropical Strawberry. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Cookies and Creamy doesn’t come in the whey protein form, but rather as a vegan option only. The other four flavors come in both whey and plant variations. A lot of the ingredients, such as quinoa, camu-camu and spinach, span every flavor, while other superfood blends vary slightly depending on the flavor.
Related Post: Pea Protein vs Whey: Which One Is Right For You?
To create a creamier texture, Beachbody recommends adding a nut butter like peanut butter to your shake, or you can blend in a banana or avocado. To make a shake, you’ll blend one scoop of Shakeology or a single-serve packet with eight to 12 ounces of liquid, such as water or dairy or non-dairy milk, and blend or shake (these are our favorite shaker bottles for enjoying your protein shake on-the-go). If you want to increase your intake of veggies or super-fruits, like blueberries or goji berries, you can also add your favorite foods to your shake before blending.
Shakeology Cost
Shakeology is a higher-end nutrition shake that runs on the costly side. A one-month supply of a 30-servings bag or 24 single-serve packets comes to a hefty $164.00 per order, which means you’ll be paying this amount monthly if you plan on drinking one Shakeology shake each day. While some brands offer discounts for monthly subscriptions, the price for Shakeology is the same whether you subscribe for a monthly delivery, or buy shakes as a one-time purchase. In addition, you can expect to pay a $5 shipping and handling fee for each delivery round.
“Shakeology can be relatively expensive compared to similar [shakes] on the market,” Best says. While the shakes may be convenient and come with the added bonus of being designed by the Beachbody brand, which is hailed across the industry as a leader in fitness and weight loss, you can likely find comparable (if not more nutritious) shakes at a much lower price.
Who Should Use Shakeology
Garcia says that Shakeology is best for “healthy adults who also follow a balanced diet and exercise program.”
Dr. Kevin Hoffman, a licensed nutritionist and doctor of osteopathic medicine, plus founder and president of the American Bariatric Consultants, adds that Shakeology can be a “useful option for people who find it challenging to meet their nutritional requirements through whole foods, and it can also serve as a convenient post-workout snack.”
Who Should NOT Use Shakeology
If you’re strict about not skipping meals, and obtaining a balanced and fulfilling nutritional intake through food alone, Garcia says Shakeology isn’t worth adding to your diet. “It’s promoted as a way to reduce cravings, but a simple peanut butter sandwich can do that,” she explains. Plus, Garcia adds that the high cost of $129.95 per month per order can be a barrier for many, and if you plan on using Shakeology more than once daily (i.e., once in the morning and one protein shake before bed), you may be looking at double the price.
What Customers Are Saying About Shakeology
Shakeology reviews from customers tend to be mixed. Take, for example, Shakeology Chocolate reviews on Amazon. Taste is hit or miss, depending on the customer. One buyer, for example, enjoys the Chocolate flavor, but only when blended with ice, banana, and coconut or skim milk. Others claim the flavor is way too strong, and they can barely stomach it (on the flipside, one buyer actually says the powder has a bad smell, but tastes great).
Still, many buyers say that the shakes do as they claim by curbing appetite and reducing sugar cravings. Yet few can justify the high price tag, which is the most common complaint amongst customers. On Influenster Shakeology reviews, for instance, a few buyers note having to cancel their subscriptions due to the cost, even though they actually enjoyed drinking the shakes. Still, the variety of dessert-inspired flavors make the high cost worth it for dedicated customers.
About Beachbody
BODi
Beachbody is one of the world’s leading at-home health and fitness brands. Founded in 1998 with the mission to help people lead healthy lives, the California-headquartered international brand is perhaps best known for its Beachbody On Demand streaming service, which offers hundreds of hours of premium exercise content and nutrition guides. Its highly-popular fitness programs, which include P90X, are taught by celebrity trainers and world-renowned coaches.
Beachbody is also a multi-level marketing company that allows everyday individuals to join the brand as a BODi Partner, which lets them earn a commission by selling Beachbody products and services. Beachbody coaches can also receive a discount on various Beachbody products.
Shakeology FAQs
Is Shakeology high in sugar?
With seven grams of sugar per shake, five of which come from added sugar, Beachbody Shakeology is much higher in sugar than other protein or nutrition shakes. The American Heart Association recommends that adult women consume no more than 24 grams of sugar per day, while adult men consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day. People drinking Shakeology twice per day, for example, can easily consume 14 grams of sugar—nearly half of the daily limit. That number can easily increase if you’re blending Shakeology with milk or other fruits.
Do you lose weight on Shakeology?
While Shakeology isn’t necessarily marketed as a weight loss shake, Beachbody claims that drinking Shakeology twice a day before breakfast and lunch promoted weight management. A Beachbody supported study of Shakeology also found that it was effective in reducing hunger and food intake, which may make these shakes effective for weight loss. However, they are too low in calories to replace a meal, so they should be consumed as a snack or as part of a balanced meal.
Is Shakeology just a protein shake?
Yes, Shakeology is just a protein shake that comes with 16 to 17 grams of protein per serving (depending on the flavor). Of note, it also includes a superfood blend that offers more probiotics, vitamins and minerals than your average protein shake.
Why do you drink Shakeology in 30 minutes?
It’s recommended to drink Shakeology within 30 minutes not because of any changes in its nutritional value, but because this will help maximize the flavor and texture. If you’ve ever let a protein shake sit in the open air for too long, it tends to separate, which can happen here. Still, if it comes down to it, you can absolutely drink Shakeology after 30 minutes. Just be sure to give it a good stir.
How much is Shakeology per month?
Shakeology costs $129.95 per month for a 30-serving bag or 24 single-serve packets. You’ll also need to pay a $5 shipping and handling fee for each delivery. Regardless of whether you buy Shakeology as a monthly subscription or a one-time purchase, the price remains the same.
Takeaway: Is Shakeology Worth It?
If cost isn’t a barrier, Shakeology is a tasty protein shake option that can help you increase your nutritional intake. It comes in both whey and plant-based options that both contain added vitamins, minerals and superfoods. Still, Shakeology is lower in protein than most other protein supplement brands (which typically have 20-25 grams of protein per serving), so if you’re looking for a meal replacement, Shakeology isn’t your best bet.
It's also very expensive compared to competitors, with one serving costing $4.33. Even premium protein shakes usually cost less than $3.00 per serving. Unless you're beholden to the Beachbody brand, there are more affordable protein powder options that taste just as good and have more protein per serving.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
