Plant-based meal replacement shakes: which ones count as a meal replacement?
Huel, Protein Works Vegan, USN Diet Fuel Vegan and others compared. Not every vegan shake meets the rules for a weight-loss meal replacement. Here's how to tell.
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Plant-based shakes are everywhere, but "vegan meal shake" and "weight-loss meal replacement" aren't the same thing. Only shakes that meet set rules can claim to help weight loss.
What makes a meal replacement
Under UK rules, a meal replacement for weight control has to provide:
- 200 to 250 calories per meal
- set minimum amounts of protein and of vitamins and minerals
- limits on fat
Only products that meet these rules can use the approved claims:
- Replacing two daily meals of a calorie-controlled diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss.
- Replacing one daily meal contributes to keeping weight off after weight loss.
How the popular vegan shakes compare
| Shake | Calories per serving | Protein per serving | Meets the 200 to 250 calorie rule? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huel Powder | about 400 (2 scoops) | 30 g | No, at a full serving |
| Huel Black Edition | about 400 | 40 g | No, at a full serving |
| Protein Works Vegan Diet Meal 360 | check pack | check pack | Designed as a diet meal |
| USN Diet Fuel Vegan | check pack | check pack | Check pack |
Huel is a good, filling meal, but it's not a weight-loss meal replacement at a full serving. If weight loss is the goal, choose a shake designed as a diet meal, or measure your portion carefully.
What to look for on the label
- Calories per serving between 200 and 250.
- Protein per serving. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- Whether the shake is made with water or milk. Plant milk adds calories, so check the "as prepared" column.
- Fibre per serving. Shakes made with oats or added fibre contain more.
Our picks
Best for: A vegan shake designed as a diet meal
The Protein Works Vegan Diet Meal 360
Made as a diet meal shake rather than a general 'complete food', with added vitamins and minerals.
Worth knowing: Check the per-serving calories fall between 200 and 250.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Best for: A widely stocked vegan option
USN Diet Fuel Vegan
A plant-based version of USN's diet meal shake.
Worth knowing: Check the per-serving calories and protein on the pack.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Best for: A complete, filling meal when you're not cutting calories hard
Huel Powder
Vegan and nutritionally complete. A standard serving is about 400 calories with 30 g protein.
Worth knowing: At 400 calories, a full serving is above the 200 to 250 calorie range for a weight-loss meal replacement. One scoop is about 200 calories.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)The short version
- "Vegan" doesn't mean "meal replacement". Check for 200 to 250 calories per serving.
- Huel is a complete meal, not a diet meal, at a full serving.
- The approved claim is for replacing two meals a day as part of a calorie-controlled diet.
Common questions
Is Huel a meal replacement for weight loss?
Huel is sold as a complete meal. A standard 400-calorie serving is above the 200 to 250 calories a UK weight-loss meal replacement has to provide, so it can't carry the weight-loss claim. Some people use a smaller serving, but then the vitamins and minerals per meal are lower too.
Are plant-based shakes lower in protein?
Not necessarily. Many blend pea, rice or soya protein to reach a similar amount to dairy shakes. Check the protein per serving on the label.
Can I replace all my meals with shakes?
Replacing every meal is a total diet replacement, which should only be done with medical supervision. The approved weight-loss claim is for replacing two meals a day as part of a calorie-controlled diet.
Sources we checked
- What people ask about Huel (Huel)
- Huel Black Edition nutrition (Huel)
- Vegan Diet Meal 360 (The Protein Works)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1413: meal replacement health claims (UK version) (legislation.gov.uk)
This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified clinician about your own health, especially before starting a supplement or if symptoms are new, severe or worrying.
Got a question about this, or a claim you want checked? Ask us.
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