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:
Thank you for this! I’m currently loving my chocolate shakeology but so much $$. I saw they had the VegaOne at Costco from for only $30 so I jumped on it. There was only vanilla and I’m gagging it down. Ugh! Chocolate might be better so maybe I’ll try and order from Amazon next. I think I’ve just been spoiled by how good Shakeology is. Its so yummy!!
I totally agree that Shakeology has the best taste! It’s SO good. I would actually crave them like crazy. I had the chocolate Vega One but it’s been awhile…I don’t recall it being terrible, but I don’t think it tasted very much like chocolate. I tried to remind myself that I was getting lots of healthy greens in with the Vega One though!
Have you tried that Idealshakes from Idealshape and if so, are they a good substitute
I have not tried those yet. I’m not familiar with the ingredients either so I can’t say for sure!
Put 2 tsp. Of cocoa powder in it so much better. I akso use almond milk and matcha powder. Tastes similar to shakeology i think
I agree! I’ve started using almond milk in mine too…sooo good!
Thank you for this post. Very interesting. I love Shakeology but is expensive especially since we have a pretty tight budget.
I have tried Goo Nature Protein Shake, cost less but could tell the difference, especially how it blended.
Both of these blend very well…I’ve never heard of the one you tried, but I think you’d like the Orgain.
I tried the Vanilla Chai Vega One and I actually couldn’t finish it, it was so grainy and gritty and powdery tasting.
Yeah, it’s definitely not easy to get down. I just tell myself it’s reallllly good for me! I haven’t had any in awhile though.
The Organ is also available at Costco. I don’t remember how much I paid. I agree the Vega Vanilla is hard to get down. I have to make it with frozen berries and it still has a weird taste. Thankfully my husband doesn’t notice so I feed it to him.
I have to check out Costco next time I am there…I love Costco. Should have known they would have it!
I’m not sure if prices change based on location but Costco has Orgain and it is $29.99 for a really big container. If I made a shake everyday, I think it would last a month or so. I absolutely LOVE it and think it’s well worth the cost. I’ve made it in a blender with other ingredients as well as on it’s own with almond or even regular milk and either way it’s yummy. It definitely curbs my chocolate cravings. Or satisfies them I suppose. LOL
Yes, I love buying it at Costco! I’ve been told they have a peanut butter flavor available at Costco…I haven’t seen it at mine though.
I really like the raw fit chocolate shake. I would love to try shakeolgy, but I can’t justify spending that much on protein.
I haven’t tried that one before – I will have to look into it!
For the orgain protein would u recommend the protein powder or the all in one meal protein powder?
I just use the regular protein powder. I haven’t tried the all-in-one meal protein powder yet!
I literally just cancelled my shakeology auto ship today because I can’t get over the price. I even have the orgain one at home and had no idea it had less sugar and carbs! Good to know!!!
The price of Shakeology was killing me!
I’ve been using the Orgain chocolate flavor in place of Shakeology for about a month now. It doesn’t upset my stomach as much and still tastes great! I just can’t justify the cost of Shakeology – love it but not that much!
I haven’t taste Shakeology, but I’m in love with the Orgain, I always have it in my pantry, both flavor, vanilla and chocolate (MY FAVORITE), for variations I look up shakeology recipies, just for a change.. It doesn’t upset my stomach, and I use it as a snack before my 21 day fix workout.
Thank you for the information and for the recipies..
Lilliana
I alse love Orgain! I was just thinking I haven’t had a shake in awhile and will probably make one today.
SO glad I stumbled across your post. I too just finished my Shakeology from a challenge pack and cannot justify spending $120 for another bag. I will be going online to order the Orgain thanks to you and the posts! Thank you 🙂
I hope you like it Heather! I also could not justify the Shakeology expense. Also…I think the ingredients in Orgain are even healthier!
Does the Orgain protein help reduce cravings like shakeology does? Like you, i love shakeology but i personally cannot afford and was looking for an alternative that will help reduce cravings to keep me on track.
Hi Lauren! For me, it *definitely* does. I crave chocolate and sugar in the afternoons. This does the trick.
I have been using Orgain and also Amazing grass superfoods powder to my smoothies. I was looking into how Shakeology compares and they are a mixture of the 2 products that I am currently using. They are not just a protein powder, but also have antioxidants and probiobitcs. I think the price is pretty similar when comparing a protein powder plus antioxidant powder. I can’t get over the amount of sugar that Shakeology uses so I think I will stick to m Orgain and Amazing Grass duo.
I know…the sugar!! I’m going to check out the Amazing Grass superfoods powder…thanks for telling me about it!
HI! This is such a helpful blog!! I was wondering if one serving of these alternative shakes would count as 1 red container for the 21 day fix program? Thanks!
Hi Joyce! Yes, I count them as one red. If you add anything else you would of course need to count that as well…but for just the shake, I count it as a red! 🙂
Thank you!!
How do you like to drink the Orgain? I’ve tried it so far mixed just with water, but it was not very tasty! Do you mix with almond milk, add banana, etc? I would love to find a great tasting breakfast shake without spending $$ on shakeology.
My favorite way to drink it is like this: 8 oz ice(about), 10 oz water (about)two scoops orgain, one banana, scoop of peanut butter, handful of spinach, and two tablespoons of cocoa powder. The cocoa powder is my secret ingredient. It makes it so rich and more chocolate-y!
How much of the Cocoa do you add? Thanks for this post and for responding! 🙂
I use 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa for a more chocolatey flavor!
My wife and I use a blend of 10oz of Almond milk (around $8 per six pack from Costco) , 1-2 bananas, and a heaping tablespoon of Organic PBfit peanut butter powder per serving of Orgain Chocolate protein powder. My cousin loves the Shakeology mix but the price is laughable in my opinion especially when comparing the ingredients. We’ll be sticking with our formula.
I haven’t tried it with the PBfit, but that might be a good option for me. I’m going to check it out. I agree, the price of Shakeology is just too much.
Carrie, thank you so much for this post! I love the taste of Shakeology, but the price is absolutely ridiculous IMO. I’m thinking I may try mixing in some of the other protein powder with the Shakeology at first to try to get the best of both worlds :).
It’s so expensive, right?! I love the idea of mixing them!
Try Sunwarrior sometime! They have great plant-based protein and meal replacements!
Costco puts Orgain on sale for $6 off twice a year…both in store and online …
so i buy a 6 month supply each time
That is a great deal (and I love Costco). Thanks for sharing – I’ll be on the lookout for this sale!
Thanks for the detailed comparison. I’ve never tried Shakeology but I have been a fan of chocolate Orgain protein powder for a few months now. More recently I’ve been adding a scoop of the Orgain Organic Superfoods powder. My go-to recipe is similar to yours; I use the Califia Farms Almond and coconut milk and blend it with half a frozen banana, a heaped teaspoon of almond butter and a few ice cubes. It’s delicious!!
I use Orgain, 60 calorie almond milk, put in a tablespoon of cacao powder, some strawberries, sometimes coconut oil, sometime PB2. I really like it!
Oooh that one sounds delicious! I’ll have to try it.
Hi Carrie,
Great content, thanks. Just wanted to let you know the Chocolate Shakeology has 6 grams of fiber (not 3), and only 6 grams of sugar (not 9) if you had the Whey. Vegan is 6 grams fiber and 7 grams sugar. If there’s a way to correct your chart, please do!
Canadian here
Have done the Shakeology – way too expensive here $150.00 per bag and now the member 10% discount is going away. Going to try to find Orgain to try. I wonder how the Epicure Sweet Coconut Vegan Protein Blend (available only in Canada) stacks up. I like that it actually has no flavour, so you can add greens, veggies and a bit of fruit for your flavours.
I’ve neer heard of the Epicure Sweet Coconut Vegan…not sure if we have it here, but I’ll have to look…I love gthe idea of a flavorless shake option!
I’ve neer heard of the Epicure Sweet Coconut Vegan…not sure if we have it here, but I’ll have to look…I love the idea of a flavorless shake option!
The only reason I’m not putting my name/ email here is because I do not want this to come off like I’m trying to make a buck, as I am a coach. Two things:
– These other powders are not approved for the 21DF program, for good reason.
– There is so much more to Shakeology than protein and fiber- the nutrient profile is unbeatable, especially when you look at how the natural foods that make up Shakeology are sourced.
Bottom line: you get what you pay for.
Thank you for your feedback! I believe the reason other shakes are not approved is because Beachbody sells Shakeology. It wouldn’t make sense for them approve other brands when they have their own product that they are selling. For me, Shakeology is too expensive and I don’t believe you need Shakeology to be successful. Autumn even says that. I like the flexibility of being able to have a shake, though, so these are two options that are low in sugar and made with organic ingredients that I have used and liked. I want people to know that you don’t have to buy Shakeology to be successful on the program. I believe in the program and for many of us, we have to make adjustments here and there to make it work for us. This is an adjustment I’ve made and wanted to share. 🙂