Shakeology Alternatives: Protein Shakes

Update on 3/20/2018 – Things have changed since I first wrote this post! I’m updating it with some new information.

Update on 3/22/2018 – GUYS. I just watched this news report – some of the shakes I had recommended (including the one I drink!) have dangerous amount of metals in their formulas. So I’ve pulled these shakes out of this post for now and will add in more after I’ve had time to do some research. It looks like most plant-based shakes score poorly on tests like these.

When I started the 21 Day Fix, I bought the package that came with a month’s worth of Shakeology. I really, really liked the chocolate Shakeology – it tasted great, it was high in protein, and it’s plant-based. For some reason, whey protein shakes kind of weird me out. I feel like there’s cheese in my shake, and I just can’t get over that idea (is that weird??). But, it’s pricey…at around $4 per serving, it was hard to justify a daily shake.

So, I started looking for plant-based Shakeology alternatives. I found that many of them had quite a bit less protein or questionable ingredients…and many of them were expensive, too. You DO NOT need protein shakes to make the 21 Day Fix work…but they are a great way to meet all of your daily container requirements and feel like you’re having a treat when you’re really eating something healthy (it really does help reduce cravings).

{Side note: If you’re using Shakeology to replace a meal, $4/serving really isn’t all that bad…but for me, it was more of an afternoon pick-me-up, which made it a $4 snack…and that is kind of expensive when you’re on a budget! I do really like it…it just isn’t financially feasible to drink it every day.}

These aren’t meal replacements…You can learn more about meal replacement shake options here.

Shakeology Alternatives

I know many of you don’t require a plant-based shake, though, so I’m going to share a few great protein shake options that are plant-based AND a few that have whey.

Here’s what you need to know about protein shake alternatives to Shakeology.

One red container on the 21 Day Fix is between 100-200 calories, and 15-25 grams of protein. And you are looking for a product with no artificial sweeteners and as few “processed” ingredients as possible (acknowledging, of course, that a protein shake is a very processed product…but that doesn’t mean it needs to be filled with weird, hard-to-pronounce ingredients!).

You can learn more about what each container on the 21 Day Fix is equal to here.

Many of you in our Facebook group have heard me talking about Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Powder. I love the chocolate! But unfortunately, since I originally wrote this post, they have changed the ingredients up some. These shakes have erythritol in them, which means they are not Fix-friendly, but I wanted to address this brand because I have recommended them for so long. 

I am not currently using Orgain.

Then I moved to Vega One, but it scored the LOWEST when tested for heavy metals by an independent lab. BOOOO!! 

So, I am currently shake-less. (sad face)

Here a couple of options that you can look into:

Natural Force Organic Whey Protein Powder 

Here’s one I haven’t tried…but based on the ingredient list and cost, I think it would be worth it if you’re looking for a whey protein powder. With only three ingredients, no artificial sweeteners (it’s sweetened with Stevia), and 20 grams of protein, this highly-rated shake looks like a solid choice.

Natural Whey Protein Powder

With 24 grams of protein and 130 calories, this Stevia-sweetened shake is also a suitable option. The whey is sourced from grass-fed cows, which is also a positive. You can find Natural Whey protein powder on Amazon.

Buy a small size first and if you’re worried about these bothering your stomach (some people complain of bloating), start with a half serving (for Shakeology, too). These ALL taste better if you mix them with something – I have lots of shakeology recipes for you below:

• Chocolate Shakeology Recipes
• Greenberry Shakeology Recipes
• Strawberry Shakeology Recipes
• Vanilla Shakeology Recipes

I hope that helps you out some! Here are some shake recipes you might like: