Sponsored by 310 Nutrition
Shakeology
Protein type
Whey, pea, chia, flax, quinoa, sacha inchi
Taste
Good/Average
Price
$129.95 (30 servings) or $4.33 shake
Guarantee
30 Days
Label Rating
All safe
User Rating
Cal 130
Protein 16g
Carb/Sugar 14g/7g
Mouse over to see the INGREDIENTS TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE REALLY EATING
INGREDIENTS:
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Whey protein isolate
This is the purified form of whey protein concentrate.
Basically, the protein that is collected as protein concentrate is purified again to reduce the levels of carbohydrates and fats.
Additionally it absorbs more quickly than any other protein.
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, Pea protein
Pea Protein is a relatively new form of protein powder which is valued for its high digestibility (90-95%), low potential for allergic responses and ability to supress the appetite.
Pea protein has a light, flurry texture and slightly sweet taste which mixes well in solution.
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, Pea fiber
Pea fiber is an excellent choice for fiber fortification, improving shelf life and extending yield.
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, Maca root
Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids.
Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins, and maca is a vegetarian source of B-12.
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, Organic chia
Organic Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are extremely high in Omega-3 and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
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, Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are needed for health. Flaxseed oil contains the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.
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, Yacon root
Yucon root is a perennial plant traditionally grown in the Northern and Central Andes from Colombia to Northern Argentina for its crisp, sweet-tasting tuberous roots.
These edible tubers contain fructooligosaccharides, an indigestible polysaccharide made up of fructose.
Fructooligosaccharides taste sweet, but pass the human digestive tract unmetabolised and hence have very low caloric value.
Moreover, fructooligosaccharides have prebiotic effect, meaning that they are used by “friendly” bacteria that favor colon health and digestion.
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, Acerola cherry
The acerola cherry is a unique fruit that favors tropical or subtropical climates in both the eastern and western hemispheres.The fruit has been consumed for many years in the areas to which it is native, but has gained popularity worldwide recently due to its rich vitamin and antioxidant content.
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, Camu-camu
commonly known as camu camu, camucamu, cacari, and camocamo, is a small (approx. 3–5m tall) bushy riverside tree from the Amazon rainforest vegetation in Peru and Brazil, which bears a red/purple/cherry-like fruit.
It is a close relative of the jaboticaba Myrciaria cauliflora and the guavaberry or rumberry Myrciaria floribunda.
The extraordinarily high Vitamin C content (in the order of 2–3% of fresh weight) is the most important property of the fruit, which has been exploited in positioning camu camu on international markets.
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, Pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits.
It is nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
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, Astragalus root
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body’s immune system.
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, Bilberry
Bilberry is a relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make pies and jams.
It has been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European medicine. Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and northern Asia. Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions.
Today, the fruit is used as a folk or traditional remedy for diarrhea, menstrual cramps, eye problems, varicose veins, venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart), and other circulatory problems. Bilberry leaf is used for entirely different conditions, including diabetes.
The fruit of the bilberry plant can be eaten or made into extracts. Similarly, the leaves of the bilberry plant can be made into extracts or used to make teas.
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, Blueberry powder
is rich with antioxidants which is a wonderful thing.
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, Goji berry
Goji berry is one of the most nutritionally-rich fruits on the planet, packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants.
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, Spinach
Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled.
It is a rich source of vitamin A (and especially high in lutein), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganes, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B 2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B 6, folic acid, copper, protein,phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Recently, opioid peptides called rubiscolins have also been found in spinach.
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, Acacia gum fiber
Acacia is the gum that is exuded from the acacia tree. It’s a dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.
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, MSM (Methyisultonylmethane)
MSM is an organosulfur compound which is safe for most people when taken for 3 months or less. In a few people, MSM might cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or bloating, but generally the benefits far outweigh the problems.
MSM can be effective for chronic pain, arthritis, joint inflammation, ,osteoporosis, bursitis, and tendonitis. It can offer protection against sun/wind burn, eye inflammation, periodontal disease, wounds, cuts, and abrasions. You may have heard about MSM because of the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain.
MSM is also used for treatment of many other common ailments.
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, Himalayan salt
Himalayan salt is a marketing term for halite (commonly known as rock salt) from Pakistan, which began being sold by various companies in Europe,North America, and Australia in the early 21st century.
It is commonly used in cooking, in place of other table salt, in brine, and for bath products.
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, Ashwagandha root
Ashwagandha root is a herb.
One reason for ashwagandha’s reputation as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system.
A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb.
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, Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and modern science is investigating its effects in applications ranging from anticancer treatments to endurance enhancement.
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, Neutral protease
Neutral protease is a type of enzyme sometimes used in food processing.
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, Alpha-amylase
Is a protein enzyme EC 3.2.1.1 that hydrolyses alpha bonds of large, alpha-linked polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, yielding glucose and maltose. It is the major form of amylase found in humans and other mammals. The first step in the production of high fructose corn syrup is the treatment of cornstarch with α-amylase, producing shorter chains of sugars.
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, Bromelain
Bromelain is an extract derived from the stems of pineapples. It is a mixture of enzymes that digest protein and is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects.
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, Cellulose/cellulose gum
One of an array of factory-made additives, cellulose is increasingly used by the processed-food industry to thicken or stabilize foods, replace fat and boost fiber content, and cut the need for ingredients like oil or flour, which are getting more expensive.
Cellulose is especially popular because it can be used in many ways in food and is relatively inexpensive.
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, Lipase
An essential amino acid.
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, Papain
Papain is an enzyme naturally found in unripe papayas and it helps break tough protein fibers, making it great for digestive support.
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, Lactase
Lactase is an enzyme produced in the digestive enzyme of infants and some, mostly European, adult humans. Lactase is essential to the complete digestion of whole milk. Lactase breaks down lactose, a simple sugar which gives milk its sweetness. Lacking lactase, a person consuming dairy products may experience the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactase can be purchased as a food supplement, and is added to milk to produce “lactose-free” milk products.
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, Maitake mushroom
The maitake mushroom has been prized in Asia for thousands of years for its health benefits.
It has been linked to benefits such as cancer prevention, immune system, blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and weight loss.
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, Reishi mushroom
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as reishi, is derived from the cap and stem of the Japanese reishi mushroom.
Reishi has been a popular medicinal herb for at least 2,000 years in the Far East, where it is touted as the mushroom for longevity and eternal youth.
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, Luo han guo
Luo han guo fruit is an herbaceous perennial vine of the Cucurbitaceae family, native to southern China and northern Thailand.
The plant is cultivated for its fruit, whose extract is nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in China as a natural low-calorie sweetener for cooling drinks, and in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes and obesity.
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, Citrus bioflavonoids
Citrus bioflavonoids are derived from fruits high in vitamin C, and they appear to act synergistically with the vitamin to neutralize free radicals. Bioflavonoids’ antioxidant properties are thought to be particularly beneficial for capillary strength.
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, Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants and may offer a variety of health benefits.
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, Green tea extract
There is some scientific evidence that drinking green tea can improve thinking skills, enhance metabolism, and might help lower cholesterol and other fats called triglycerides. Green tea consumption might also prevent or delay Parkinson’s disease and possibly help to prevent cancer of the bladder, esophagus, and pancreas. We’d give this ingredient a green but due to caffeine we are keeping it neutral.
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, Holy basil
Holy basil is a plant originally from India and has been used to combat the common cold, the flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, upset stomach, heart disease, fever, stress and more.
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, Rosa canina fruit
The plant is high in certain antioxidants. The fruit is noted for its high vitamin C level and is used to make syrup, tea and marmalade.
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, Schisandra
Schizandra berry has been used for over 2,000 years in China, where some claim it can help revive the body from stress and fatigue.
Schizandra berries are sold as supplements online and in health food stores worldwide.
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, Cinnamon bark
claims have been given that this helps diabetes, diarrhea, infections, worm infestations, the the common cold, influenza, upset stomach, gas (flatulence), spasms, appetite stimulation, and menstrual discomfort.
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, Apple pectin
compound found in apples mainly used for digestive issues
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, Barely grass
Barely grass a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain.
Important uses include use as animal fodder, as a source of fermentable material for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods. It is used in soups and stews, and in barley bread of various cultures.
Barley grains are commonly made into malt in a traditional and ancient method of preparation.
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, Ginkgo
Ginkgo is an herb.
The leaves are generally used to make “extracts” that are used as medicine. However, a few medicines are made from the seed, but these are not well studied.
Ginkgo is often used for memory disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.
It is also used for conditions that seem to be due to reduced blood flow in the brain, especially in older people.
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, Kamut grass
This grass reaches about 4 feet high and has stems that undulate just below the flower head.
The black, humped kernels grow to about twice the size of durum wheat kernels.
Kamut grain contains 20 to 40 percent more protein than common commercial wheat does, and has a greater concentration of amino acids, according to Robert M. Quinn in “Perspectives on New Crops and New Uses.”
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, Moringa
Moringa is a plant whose leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine. Moringa has all essential amino acids, beneficial fats and omega oils. It has rich amounts of calcium, iron and many other vital minerals, as well as a wide variety and copious amounts of vitamins, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances but very few calories attached to it.
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, Oat grass
Oatgrasses are very common perennials with yellowish roots. The shining stems grow to a height of 1.5 meters, but die off in winter. The leaves are hairless with blunt ligules. The inflorescence is a panicle with two-flowered bisexual spikelets.
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, Wheat grass
Wheat grass is a food prepared from the cotyledons of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum.
It is sold either as a juice or powder concentrate.
Wheatgrass differs from wheat malt in that it is served freeze-dried or fresh, while wheat malt is convectively dried.
Wheatgrass is also allowed to grow longer than malt is. It provides chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.
Claims about the health benefits of wheatgrass range from providing supplemental nutrition to having unique curative properties, though few if any have been scientifically proven.
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, Amaranth
Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth, is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants.
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, Chlorella
Chlorella is a genus of single-cell green algae, belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta.
It is an attractive potential food source because it is high in protein and other essential nutrients; when dried, it is about 45% protein, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrate, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals and vitamins.
Mass-production methods are now being used to cultivate it in large artificial circular ponds.
It is also abundant in calories, fat, and vitamins.
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, Quinoa
Quinoa, a species of goosefoot, is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.
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, Sacha inchi
A seed high in omegas and tryptophan levels, helping to alleviate depression and reduce inflammation in the body.
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, Spirulina
Spirulina contains about 60% (51–71%) protein.
It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine and lysine when compared to the proteins of meat, eggs and milk.
It is, however, superior to typical plant protein, such as that from legumes.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine stated that spirulina was no better than milk or meat as a protein source.
SOURCE: www.shakeology.com 12/25/13
Average User Rating:
13 user reviews
Write Your Review
14 thoughts on “Shakeology”
What’s Behind This Popular Shake?
We always like to expand a bit more on our top 3 picks so if you’re looking for a whey/plant-based shake and/or a healthy lifestyle vegan solution, Shakeology might be a great option for you, as it offers both and many give it rave reviews. Shakeology has impressively removed all soy from its formulations and now leverages a wholesome blend including rice, pea, chlorella and other high quality plant-based proteins in its two vegan shake options. It also offers five whey-based protein shake flavors.
We love that Shakeology is now running with pea protein especially since recent studies have revealed how it plays offense in attacking your hunger cravings. Each serving is packed with more than 70 highly beneficial ingredients including superfoods and essential vitamins and minerals to help energize you throughout your day.
The Label: Decoded
So the big question…why don’t we rank Shakeology #1? There’s no doubt that all of the ingredients are outstanding in their own merit but remember that we are rating according to weight loss metrics, not how many exotic ingredients we can name and/or how many we can fit into a bottle. Remember, weight loss isn’t rocket science, and the right blend of basic proteins and fiber can go a long way in supporting a winning weight loss system. This being said, there are a few things on the Shakeology shake labels that have us wondering when it comes to weight loss.
Starting first with the Strawberry shake as an example, it has 130 calories per serving. That amount is not bad however, a lower calorie amount would be better, especially for those who would like to add ingredients into their shakes.16 grams of protein is sufficient, but with only 3 grams of fiber, we think that’s too low to support your body’s overall functions. Fiber is essential to help flush the body of toxins, keep your body regular, and aid in the weight loss process. Finally for this shake flavor, there is 7 grams of sugar per serving! We find that amount to be extremely high for a weight loss shake, and for health purposes in general.
Looking at the Chocolate shake as an example, we see even higher calories at 160 per serving. The protein is higher at 17 grams, along with the fiber at 6 grams, but the sugar is still high at 6 grams per serving.
Taste Test
There are mixed reviews on the taste of Shakeology compared to other weight loss shakes. While some people say they enjoy the taste, others have described it as downright awful. Finally, others have claimed it’s “okay” but nothing to get excited about.
One thing to keep in mind is that for their plant-based shakes, typically these types of shakes do not rank high on taste tests, with only a few brands being able to satisfy customers with incredible taste. It doesn’t look like Shakeology does that with their vegan shakes, leaving customers lacking in the taste department. Users have said the shakes are less creamy than the other, whey-based shakes. In regards to the whey-based shakes, there are mixed reviews, but more favorable flavor reviews than for the vegan shakes.
In general, taste is another reason that Shakeology does not score our top spot, because we don’t believe that anyone looking to become healthier and lose weight is going to stick with a weight loss shake if they don’t like the taste, and there aren’t enough positive taste reviews to claim a win in this area.
Price Tag
One final thing to take note of is the price tag on Shakeology shakes. At almost $4.50 a serving, Shakeology is on the much higher end of the pricing spectrum when it comes to meal replacement shakes. One 30-serving bag of this shake will empty your wallet a bit at $129.95. Of course, when you consider you are replacing a meal with each shake, it’s not as bad, but there are other great weight loss shake options that have shown proven results for less of a cost.
Summary
Shakeology claims to be one of the best shakes not only for weight loss but for a healthy lifestyle. While we agree that it has many admirable qualities, enough to give it our number 2 spot in the rankings, there are a few places it falls short, namely in the high sugar content, questionable taste and higher price tag. We do think this shake deserves to be tried, but keep in mind it may not be the right overall balance that will get you to your ultimate goals.
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Taste like chalk!
This is a wonderful shake but a little pricey.
This product really does work. I began using it December 25th, 2013 and I’ve lost 9 pounds since! Two shakes a day with a reasonable dinner. My stomach has greatly decreased in size. For hunger pangs while using this, supplement it with Garcinia Cambogia. I buy a large bags of mixed frozen fruit from Costco. First I use a blender to chop up ice into tiny pieces, then 1 cup of nonfat milk, then a half cup (sometimes a cup) of the mixed fruit, then Shakeology on top, then blend.
Out of all the nutrition supplements I’ve tried, this one is THEE best. I keeps me full & energized as well as tastes good.
I will order more of this stuff.
love Shakeology, lost 15 lbs in two months and I’m feel better than ever.
As a coach I recommend shakeology but also use. There is nothing else close to this shake that has better ingredients or nutrition. I recommend to all my clients.
This…not sure why someone would spend 100$ a month on something like this…
I paid 89$ for my nutribullet, bought some protein powder, frozen fruit, activia yogurt, flax seed and wham shakes for less…
instead of 4$ a shake I might spend 2$ a shake and it’s full of protien, omega and fruit etc…
These might be 4$ a shake but that doesn’t include the stuff you have to add to make them drinkable so really it sounds like more of 6$ a shake…
I’ll ADMIT, I used Shakeology when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter back in 2010-2011
It offered me extra nutrition (not to lose weight). Instead to feed me and my baby more nutrients for growth and health.
I then thought it was too expensive…I bought it from a coach who later got really mad at me when I cancelled my account.
I then switched to Slim Fast 3-2-1 shakes (for the same nutrition)
I got over my eating disorder from all of this and in the end, I got a beautiful healthy baby girl. Who will be 2 this September.
Not a fan of the flavor..I had to add extra “goodies” to it to make it taste better. IMO I think it tastes like chalk.
Next pregnancy, I’m using Whey Protein…yep its safe for pregnancies =)
I just tried 3 samples from a BB coach and I really enjoyed the taste and felt great. I noticed the difference in my energy levels and the lack of cravings I had when I started my day with the shake. Seeing these reviews and also looking at the price, I am trying to decide if I should continue with the Shakeology, OR find a different product to help with the cravings and energy. All these reviews have been really helpful!
I have been using Chocolate Shakeology now for a couple of days at work with no blender available, I use a shaker. I am wincing the whole time I drink it. I tried it with just water then I tried it with milk and banana that I blended that morning. Both days, bad. I have now bought a personal blender for work and I will try the recipe on this post and if there are any other recipes out there that make this bearable, I would love to see them. I like the idea of Shakeology just can’t get past the taste yet. Maybe I’m doing something wrong but I love the hope that these posts give me 🙂 Thank you!
I took it, I lost weight. Not because any of the ingredients in the shake actually burned fat. All this stuff does is block up your intestines, causing bloat and discomfort and surprise surprise you don’t feel like eating!!! When you don’t eat, you lose weight. Ta da!!
I just started Shakeology 10 days ago – I actually started with the 3 day cleanse and lost 6 lbs during that. I have kept it off since switching to just 1 shake a day. However, I am eating better the other 2 meals, having fruit instead of crackers for snacks, etc. And I am exercising 30-45min most days. I am pleased so far. I’m not having the late afternoon cravings for crackers or sweets like I was before. This is helping to make lunch easy for me – (my “problem” meal where I used to eat whatever I was making my 2 year old).
As far as a long term thing, I think I would be okay with that but the cost is a factor – I’m considering becoming a “coach” just to get the discount. 🙂
My face broke out, and I got a splitting headache – it is just like taking medications sometimes you don’t know your allergic until it is to late……. The headache is a sign that my body is not taking well to it, I tried to sleep off the headache but when I laid down the headache escalated into a migraine. Had to turn all the lights off and eat about 4 ibuprofen. I will not touch this stuff again.
Although the ingredients in this shake are awesome this may be the worst tasting shake I’ve ever had, and that is saying a lot. I’ve used Creatine, Nitrogen, Meal Replacement and so many Proteins like egg, soy and whey. I also use BCAA’s, and even the vegetable replacement powders and nothing has even come close to how poorly this product tastes. The trouble is that there are so many of these independent marketing people getting paid 25 % of the price, which at $ 129 a bag isn’t shabby ($32 commission) so they say how great it is.
Also, as I found out when I ordered this product, they place you on an “Automatic” replenishment cycle where they just ship and bill you for the products. Not cool! I was very displeased with this practice and have had to call the center which of course is foreign run (so you take a half hour to get this resolved).
Do your homework folks. Just about every nutritional shake they offer has a less costly and much better tasting alternative. If taste is important to you buyer beware.