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Best Meal Replacement for Men Reviewed
Even when you sit down for a meal, you often don’t get the right around of fiber or protein that you need for the day. With these shakes, you can pack a perfect and filling meal right into your gym bag or stash in your desk drawer.
We already covered the best meal replacement shakes for women. In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of our best meal replacement shakes for men to keep you hunger monster in check throughout the course of your busy day!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
The mark of a great shake is something that will fuel you and not leave you hungry.
When you sit down for a healthy and balanced meal, you want to feel satisfied without feeling groggy. There is a big difference between how you feel after a bucket of fried chicken versus a grilled chicken salad! We wanted to select meal replacement shakes for men that made you feel the way you do after a salad.
There were a few things that we took into consideration to ensure you get that satisfied feeling after you get from a well-balanced meal. Below, we went into a little bit of detail about the ingredients included in every blend.
Protein: Protein is the most important thing that we looked at in each formula. For men, ensuring that you hit your protein quota for the day is key. Plus, if you are hitting the gym pretty hard to build muscle, protein is the most important aspect of your diet. Plus, a high dose of protein makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time.
There is a limit to how much protein is packed into every blend. More isn’t exactly always better. In one sitting, your body is only able to process about 30 grams of protein per serving. Any protein past that limit is converted into sugar- which is very bad if you want to slim down!
Carbohydrates: Many view carbs as empty calories, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! While it isn’t ideal to consume more carbs than your body can process in one sitting, packing carbs into your meal provides a quick burst of energy. They also help to make you feel full after a meal.
When you eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, your body processes them first. This means that you will get a quick jolt of energy right out of the gate that burns up quickly. Once the carbs are processed, your body moves onto more complex proteins for sustained energy.
Fiber: Fiber is another great tool to help you stay full until your next mealtime rolls around. This ingredient works to serve two very distinct purposes in your body. First, it keeps you from feeling hungry because your body doesn’t break it down before it hits the digestive system.
Secondly, it slows the process in which sugars are absorbed into your blood. High blood sugar can make you feel tired and sluggish- which is no way to feel before hitting the gym. Plus, it can also lead to unwanted side effects such as headaches, dehydration, and trouble concentrating.
Ensuring that every meal has a good balance of protein, carbs, and fiber is the best way to ensure you are full, fueled, and satisfied until the next mealtime rolls around!
Product Purity
We wanted to make sure you can feel good about the things that you put inside of your body.
Many of these meal replacement shakes for men have ingredient labels that are pretty long, and many have ingredients you may have never heard of. We made sure to investigate these ingredients, and also do a little digging to find where they came from.
The biggest offender for questionable sources comes from the protein found in each formula. Powdered proteins come from a few different sources: dairy-based, and plant-based.
Plant-based proteins are listed on the labels as pea-protein isolate (in most cases), but can also come from sources such as soy, pumpkin, quinoa, or brown rice. Users can feel good about where these products come from and are perfect for those with sensitive stomachs.
Dairy-based proteins are listed as whey protein on ingredient labels. Whey is derived when separating the proteins from the milk of a cow. When selecting products to make our list, we wanted to make sure that the whey protein in the package is considered to be grass-fed protein.
When you drink the milk from the cow, you are also ingesting all of the food and chemicals that the cow ate. To ensure that what you are putting in your body is clean, we made sure to select products that used grass-fed whet protein.
Application
Meal replacement shakes for men are intended to be quick and easy.
If they aren’t quick and easy, you might as well cook yourself a nice grilled chicken and asparagus! When selecting meal replacement shakes for men, we kept thing simple.
There are two different categories that these products fall into. The first category is the RTD category. RTD stands for ‘ready to drink’. These meals often come in cans or paper bottles to make it easy to toss into a gym bag or store in the drawer of your desk at the office. We preferred RTD options because they are quick and easy, and require nothing on your part aside from opening up the can.
The downside to RTD options is that they can sometimes carry an unpleasant taste of the container that they are stored in. For instance, some users that drink their option right out of the can report a slightly metallic taste. RTD options also mean that you cannot opt to change up your mixer.
Powdered options require a few more steps that do not make them ideal to take with you on the go. You need to have a to-go bottle to carry with you, and they have a history of clumping together if they aren’t mixed properly.
The upside to powders, however, is that they generally taste better than their canned counterparts. Plus, you have the freed to mix it with water to cut calories. To change up the flavor or add a bit more nutrition, you can also mix it with almond, coconut, or soy milk.
Brand
There are just some brands out there on the market that really know what they are doing!
Brands such as Muscle Milk, Boost, and Met-RX are brands that provide a complex line of products for all walks of life.
Met-RX, for instance, is a brand that produces supplements that pioneer new ways for athletes to achieve all of the fuel they need to get the most out of their weight training sessions. They were founded in the early 1990s and put a lot of research into the ingredients used in their brand to get the most out of the human body.
Brands such as Ensure have been on the scene for decades. In fact, ensure was originally known as the Moores & Ross Milk Company in the early 1900s. In the 1970s, they began making meal replacement shakes that allowed customers to get all of their daily vitamins and nutrients in one simple drink.
Ensuring that you get the right nutrients to start your day is a science that many of the big brands have put a lot of research into. Whether you are a man or women, young or old, active or sedentary, there is a meal replacement suited to your specific needs.
However, we did not discount the smaller and lesser known brands. 310 Nutrition, for instance, doesn’t have the same household clout as Muscle Milk, but they are a brand worth checking out.
310 Nutrition was founded in the early 2010s by a two-man team working out of a garage. Their mission was to make quality shakes that had ingredients that you could feel good about putting into your body. Today, they have sold over a million products by standing behind their quality.
We made sure that we researched each and every brand that made our list to ensure that we selected some of the best products out there on the market. To us, it doesn’t matter what size your sock portfolio is, but the quality of the ingredients in your formula.
Size
When we talk about size, we are talking about serving size and portability.
Meal replacements shakes for men are not meant to be consumed around a fancy dinner table with a nice Merlot. These meals are meant to take with you on the road, or whenever your hunger monster becomes too strong to control.
We preferred the sizes that come in about 12-ounce cans because they offer enough fuel to make you feel full without weighing you down. Many users like a pack a can into their gym bag to have before they workout. They also make for a great size to drink after your workout is complete to aid in recovery.
We also liked the powdered options because they allow you to easily cut a dose in half (or double it!) as your hunger sees fit. The downside to the powdered options is that you have to bring your own bottle, and sometimes bottles can leak when packed into a gym bag.
Top 10 Picks
1. MET-Rx RTD 51
Met creates a nice shake mixer, and we offer Optimum and Met plus others as top choices. What we love most about these meal replacement shakes for men is that it is packed with everything that active men need to fuel their day. It comes in a convenient can that is easy to pack into a gym bag or pop in the cupholder in your car. Plus, it has all of the vitamins and minerals your active body need and a lot of protein per serving.
If you need to get all of the protein from a full steak dinner but don’t have the time to sit down at the table, this is your next best option. A 12-ounce serving provides a whopping 51 grams of protein per serving. It is also low in carbs and only has 3 grams of sugar as well.
As far as taste is concerned, users generally like the taste of this formula. It isn’t as thick and rich as some meal replacements. This means that it will not sit as heavy in your stomach, which is perfect for those that are always on the move. It comes in four great flavors that include cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, creamy vanilla, and frosty chocolate.
Meal replacements for men have a history of being thick and gritty, but this blend from MET-Rx RTD 51 is smooth and light so that it will not hold you down. What we liked most about it is that packs a protein punch that is great for weight lifters or those that just need a little extra energy throughout their busy day.
2. Muscle Milk Pro Series
Muscle Milk is a trusted brand that was found in 1998 by a father and son. They wanted to make quality powders and shakes to help fuel your muscles throughout the day. What we love most about the Pro Series option in their line is that it is packed with everything you need to fuel your workouts and your day.
If you are diligently counting your macros, this formula is a powerhouse. One serving provides 32 grams of protein with only one gram of sugar. It only has 2 grams of fat and only 7 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it is packed with all of the vitamins and nutrients you get from a healthy meal in a little bottle.
There are only two flavored offered in the Pro Series line- chocolate and vanilla. While most users generally liked the taste of these meal replacement shakes for men. What we found, however, is that many preferred the state of the chocolate option over that of vanilla. Each serving comes in a small 11-ounce carton that is easy to toss into a tote or a bag.
If you want to add some meal replacement shakes for men to your diet, Muscle Milk is one of the most trusted brands out there on the market. This blend if perfect for men that are counting their macros. It also provides enough vitamins and minerals to really fuel your day from the start.
3. Ensure Plus
Ensure is another brand that really needs no introduction. These meal replacement shakes for men are packed with all of the vitamins and nutrients that active men need to jumpstart their day. What we liked most about these meal replacements shakes for men is that they are light and pleasant to drink.
This formula is just a little bit different than other protein-dense options out there on the market. One serving provides users with 350 calories of quick-burning energy. This means that it gives you a bit of a boost right out of the gate when taken in the morning. One serving has 13 grams of protein, over 50 grams of carbs, and 10 percent of your daily recommended dose of fiber.
Flavor options include butter pecan, strawberry, vanilla fiber, and chocolate fiber. From what we have discovered, users really love the taste of each and every flavor. They taste light and refreshing, and they will not sit heavy in your stomach. One serving offers only 8 ounces and comes in a small bottle that is simple to take with you on the go.
If you want more nutrition packed into your meal replacement shakes for men than just a punch of protein, this is one of your best options. Uses love that it has a light and refreshing tastes, and has all of the nutrition that you would want from a well-balanced meal.
4. Boost Optimum Advanced
Boost is another one of those trusted brands out there market that you may have tried before. What makes their meal replacement shakes for men stand out from the crowd is that they pack a lot of nutrition into a very little bottle! This small serving has all of the nutrition that you get from a well-balanced meal, without all of the things that your body doesn’t need.
The thing that we liked most about this option is that it offers an impressive 22 grams of protein per serving. It also has 26 vitamins and nutrients to help your body perform at its very best. One small 8-ounce bottle is low in carbohydrates and fat, which is great for those tracking their macros. The only downside to this option is that it is a little high in sugar.
These meal replacement shakes for men are offered in two basic flavors- chocolate and vanilla. Users really love the flavor of the chocolate and the vanilla, and they report that it leaves them satisfied until the next mealtime rolls around. It will not sit heavy in your stomach, which makes it a great option to pack into your gym bag to take before hitting the treadmill!
If you are in the market for something that offers balanced nutrition with a little bit more protein than some of the other options out there on the market, this is an excellent choice. Users love that is has a light flavor that won’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste, and it comes from a trusted brand
5. LABRADA
These meal replacement shakes for men from LABRADA is a perfect way of getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need to fuel your day. If you want to lean down and build muscle at the same time, this is one of the shakes you need to reach for come mealtime.
What makes this formula stand out from the crowd is that it is has a high level of protein to help build muscle and repair muscle after workouts. If you are counting your macros, this shake has everything you need. Coupled with a high level of protein, it also has a low carb count and under 10 grams of fat.
With 280 calories per bottle, it will keep you from getting too hungry throughout the day. Our favorite thing about these meal replacement shakes for men is that they come in a wide variety of flavors. Some flavors include cookies and cream, banana, cafe mocha, cinnamon bun, and salted caramel. With a wide variety of flavors, you can switch it up when you start to get bored with classic vanilla.
Users really love these meal replacements shakes for men because they come in a wide variety of unique flavors to keep mealtime exciting. They give you all of the fuel you need for your day, but also to help build and repair muscles at the gym.
6. Pure Protein
Want to bulk up and slim down at the same time? Counting your macros is the best way to get there. The great thing about these meal replacement shakes for men is that they have all of the fuel you need to build muscle with none of the things that you don’t. It is lower in calories than more high protein shakes, making shedding those pounds simply.
One small 12 -unce can is packed with the vitamins and minerals you get from a well-balanced meal in a small and compact can. It has about 170 calories per serving and an impressive 35 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it only has 1 gram of sugar that won’t make you crash later in the day.
Flavors include your basic chocolate and vanilla. Due to the high protein count, the taste of both the chocolate and vanilla have a little bit of a chalky aftertaste. However, even with just one gram of sugar, it tastes incredibly sweet like you are drinking dessert for your meal!
IF you need to slim down as you bulk up, these meal replacement shakes for men from Pure Protein is one of your best options. It ensures that you get all of the protein that you need to fuel your workouts without any of the unwanted calories.
7. Nutrition
Unlike many of the ready-to-drink options on our list, these meal replacement shakes for men from 310 Nutrition come in powder form. This means you need to employ the use of your favorite shaker bottle to take it with you on the go. However, it also means you can control the calorie count depending upon your mixer.
One scoop of this powder offers enough energy to fuel some of your most brutal workouts. It contains only 90 calories while ensuring you get the right amount of fiber and protein. What we liked most about this blend is that uses 100 percent plant-based proteins and no dairy which is perfect for sensitive stomachs.
Flavor options include all of your basics- chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Since it comes in a powder, you have the choice of mixing it with simply water for no added calories. However, to boost flavor and nutrition, we suggest mixing it with your favorite brand of almond or soy milk!
If you are in the market for something that is low in calories but will keep you full, these meal replacement shakes for men from 310 Nutrition is one of your best choices. Plus, if you have a sensitive stomach that rejects many of the dairy-based options, this plant-based blend is worth checking out.
8. RSP TrueFit
Do you have a sensitive stomach that simply doesn’t tolerate most meal replacement shakes for men? If that’s the case, you will want to check out this blend from RSP TrueFit. It contains all-natural ingredients that are derived from grass-fed cows, fruits and veggies, Plus, is it packed with a few extras to keep your gut happy.
What makes this blend different is that it is packed with probiotics that are essential to gut health. It also has 8 grams of prebiotic fiber that makes it easy to digest, even for sensitive stomachs. It also packs an impressive 25 grams of protein to ensure you have the fuel needed to get through your daily workout.
You will need to use your shaker bottle to blend this powder into your mixer of choice. Flavor options include classic chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. What we really loved about these meal replacement shakes for men is that they also come in an unflavored option so you can add your favorite flavor option right into your shake.
For sensitive stomachs, RSP TrueFit is one of your best meal replacement shakes for men. It is derived from all-natural ingredients that you can feel good about putting in your body. It also provides enough fuel to get you through even some of your most brutal workouts!
9. CLICK All-In-One
If you slept through your alarm and only have time for breakfast or coffee- you would likely skip a nutritious breakfast and opt for the coffee. While this choice isn’t going to fuel your day or provide you with any nutrition- we understand the choice! Luckily, these meal replacement shakes for men means that you will never need to choose between the two!
Simply mix one scoop of powder into a glass of water or almond milk for a quick jolt of caffeine. One scoop offers up a whopping 150 mg of caffeine! This is comparable to your favorite energy drink or a shot of espresso! Don’t worry, it also has all of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to get your day started right.
One serving has 16 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbohydrates. It has about 110 calories per scoop, which is on the lower end of the scale when compared to some of the other options out there on the market. Plus, one serving packs in at least ¼ of the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis.
If you cannot live without your morning cup of coffee for that jolt of energy in the morning, these meal replacement shakes for men from CLICK is a great way to get out of the door faster in the morning with the fuel you need to really tackle the day!
10. Protein Coffee Co.
This is another great option for all of those coffee aficionados out there! What we loved about these meal replacement shakes for men is that it packs a really powerful punch of caffeine, but it also has the nutrients you need to start your day. If you often need to choose between coffee and breakfast, Protein Coffee Co. Nutrition Shake is worth a look.
One scoop of this meal replacement blend has about 120 calories and an impressive 20 grams of protein. This is enough protein to really fuel your muscles, and help them repair around a brutal workout at the gym. Plus, it is packed with 150 mg of caffeine, which is about the same as 2 cups of coffee or a 12-ounce energy drink.
One downside to this option is that is doesn’t come in any additional flavors. However, if you want to switch up the flavor from day to day, we suggest trying out different types of mixers such as almond, coconut, or soy milk. Users generally love the taste of this blend, but some find that it is a little too sweet for their taste.
If you are in the market for a great breakfast replacement while still getting your daily kick from coffee, this is a great choice that is worth a look. It has all of the vitamins and minerals you need to start your day, plus a powerful dose of protein.
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