Shakeology Recipe Reviews

You might be struggling with energy levels, weight loss or digestive issues. And along comes your fitness-giant Beachbody, promoting their popular protein shake mix, Shakeology. Or a “s

” But do the claims stand up – can it help with weight loss, energy, digestive issues and more?! And is it worth the money?

This blog post will review Shakeology, including the ingredients in Shakeology, the pros and cons, my own taste test, and some cheaper alternatives to Shakeology.

Pumpkin Spice Shakeology Balls Recipe & Review

Since some ingredients read Greek to most of us, I’ll break down a few of them here. What they are, how much Shakeology contains and some ingredient claims or potential uses.

Chlorella is seaweed, which is an antioxidant and perhaps antiviral. It’s probably effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency. For other claims, there is not enough evidence (as is a common story for many of the ingredients…).

Yacon is a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed probiotics or the healthy bacteria in our gut. Yacon is slightly sweet in flavour and often used as a natural sweetener. But it is listed as fibre on the nutrition facts table.

A Dietitian's Unbiased Beachbody's Shakeology Review

The type of prebiotic in Yacon root is called fructooligosaccharides. Supplements of Yacon contain about 400-2000mg. So again, while 400mg is on the low end, it’s not just a slight dusting to allow addition it the ingredient list. It seems like an appropriate amount.

Inulin is also a prebiotic. The chicory root also contains 75mg of inulin so a total of 325mg inulin per serving. Prebiotics can help create a healthy gut and also serve to sweeten food products naturally.

This root has been traditionally used as an “adaptogen.” Adaptogens may help the body resist physical and mental stress. Up to 60g (60, 000mg) per day for four months is safe, according to Natural Medicine Database.

Blue Moon Shakeology

Astragalus has dozens of health claims, from diabetes to menopause symptoms. All of the claims have insufficient evidence. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not true, just that more research is required to prove it.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound in some green plants, algae, fruits, vegetables, grains and milk. Normally it’s well tolerated but can cause bloating, diarrhea and nausea.

MSM is possibly effective for helping osteoarthritis. There are many claims of health conditions MSM may help with but have not been proven, from ageing and athletic performance to Alzheimer’s….and those are just the conditions that start with the letter “A.”

New Shakeology: Café Latte Review

Camu is an evergreen shrub from the Amazon rain forests. While again, there’s not enough evidence, Camu Camu is an antioxidant and is said to help asthma, atherosclerosis, cataracts, cold sores, colds, chronic fatigue syndrome, gingivitis, glaucoma, headache and more.

If you have pancreatic insufficiency, you’d be on a prescription for digestive enzymes from your doctor. While certain digestive enzymes can be more widely used (like lactase to help digest lactose if you’re intolerant), you likely don’t need this.

Shakeology contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium and L-methyltetrahydrofolate. Folate is a B vitamin. Depending on a certain gene, many people can’t properly use folic acid, the normal supplemental form.

Vanilla Shakeology Recipes

I can tell the Shakeology developers have put a lot of thought into the ingredients. It’s not always common to see B vitamins in their more absorbable forms.

An effective probiotic supplement should contain at least 10 billion CFUs. Health Canada requires probiotic-containing food to have at least 1 billion before they can claim “promoted healthy gut flora.” So while probiotics can be useful in creating a healthy gut, there’s not enough in Shakeology to make a difference.

Shakeology contains stevia, evaporated cane juice (this is just sugar), pomegranate juice concentrate, goji berry juice concentrate, bilberry fruit juice concentrate and prebiotics as sweeteners.

Amazon.com: Shakeology Superfood Shake, Healthy Dessert Powder With Plant Protein, Probiotics, Adaptogens And Vitamins (chocolate, 30 Day Supply)

While fruit concentrates may sound like part of the “superfood” ingredients, they must be classified as added sugar on food labels. And likely have little, if any, nutritional benefit beyond as a sweetener.

160 calories 17 carbs 6g fibre 7g sugar 17g protein The fibre amount is decent. Although not all of it is whole grain fibre, but prebiotic fibre (inulin or chicory root). Adding prebiotics bumps the fibre levels but doesn’t have the benefits that come with whole-grain fibre, like lowering cholesterol and improving poops.

The sugar level isn’t crazy high. Some is needed to be added to cover the more bitter herbs and flavours. On top of the Stevia. So that you have a better idea, 8 grams of sugar is 2 cubes of sugar, so 7 grams of sugar is close to that.

What Is Shakeology & Why I Love It !

At 17 grams of protein, this seems pretty standard for a protein-type shake (around 20g). We need at least 0.8g per kg protein per day, so 54g per day for a person weighing 150 lbs/68kg. A 100g chicken breast contains about 30g, and a glass of milk 9g, as reference.

Their claims on weight loss decreased appetite, and food cravings led to one clinical trial published in Current Developments in Nutrition. It included 41 adults who drank Shakeology, or a calorie-matched (but low fibre and protein) shake 30 mins before a meal of unlimited pizza.

Those who consumed the Shakeology found the desire to eat was reduced by 58% and helped them eat 180 fewer calories at next meal.

Dietitian's Honest Shakeology Review — Dietitian Hannah

Regardless, I don’t give out diets and wouldn’t recommend someone consume Shakeology before a meal (or as a meal replacement shake) to support weight loss.

“Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if symptoms of digestive upset (e.g. diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) occur, worsen, or persist beyond 3 days.”

“Hypersensitivity/allergy, headaches, heartburn and bloating have been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use. Some people may experience gastrointestinal bloating, constipation or indigestion.

Chocolate Shakeology Recipe

Most of the side effects due to Shakeology are due to a poor diet and Shakeology having too many healthy ingredients, which results in your body going into a bit of shock.

” Riiiiight. Total BS. You’re not “Detoxing.” You’re likely farting due to an intolerance to one+ of dozens of ingredients like chicory and inulin (especially if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

How much does Shakeology cost? It cost me $23.95 CAD for four samples + $10 shipping = $35.10. This is $8.75 per serving, which could provide a lot of food! But I imagine most people don’t just buy the odd sample.

Shakeology Candy Bar And Cookie Recipes

If you want a full bag (30 servings), you can get it for $155 CAD plus Shipping & Handling. This is just over $5 per serving. At least now you buy one bag at a time. It used to come on auto-ship. Until Beachbody was sued for $3.5 million for auto-charging credit cards without the client’s written consent.

MLM for fitness and nutrition products turns consultants into automatic fitness/nutrition ‘experts.’ This could be dangerous. My Beachbody consultant friend is lovely and not pushy at all.

While Beachbody primarily sells workouts, it upsells to purchase Shakeology for additional effects. Which definitely doesn’t replace the rest of your day-to-day food choices.

Vanilla Shakeology Recipes You Haven't Tried Yet

“Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Exercise and a healthy diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss and muscle definition. The testimonials featured may have used more than one Beachbody product or extended the program to achieve their maximum result.”

So while everyone is different – you may experience increased energy or decreased digestive issues or weight loss on Shakeology. And others may experience gas and bloating!

Ultimately, Shakeology is a nutrient-dense nutritional shake. And the levels of many of the ingredients seem to be substantial with potential health benefits.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shakeology Recipe

But it’s easy and cheaper to make a shake at home and add your own protein options. So that’s what I would ultimately recommend.

Jennifer House is a Registered Dietitian, author & mom of 3. From Baby-led weaning to picky eating and meal planning, she helps you to make feeding your family easier.This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions shared are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click to view our full disclosure.

Beachbody’s vegan Pumpkin Spice Shakeology is perfect for Fall! It’s rich, creamy, and just the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s also one of the most popular flavors and sells out quickly!

Strawberry And Coconut Shakeology Recipe

Shakeology is a nutrient-dense shake full of super foods, probiotics, digestive enzymes, protein and fiber. It’s our go-to breakfast or lunch because we’re not big on meal prepping. Pumpkin Spice is just one of the many Shakeology flavors offered, but what makes it special is that it’s only offered during the Fall.

Normally, flavors come in 24 packets for $129.95, but Pumpkin Spice Shakeology is a little different. You get 14 single-serve packets for $74.95 in the United States or $89.95 in Canada.

Probably. It has sold out both years that it’s been offered, and we expect it to sell out in 2020 as well.

Quick & Delicious Shakeology Recipes

Now, I’m not about to say Shakeology is going to taste like Starbucks. It’s different, but let’s compare the two drink’s nutritional value.

The Starbucks drink contains 16g of fat — 10g of which is saturated fat. Shakeology has 3grams and only .5 is saturated.

Plus, Pumpkin Spice Shakeology still has those amazing super foods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to help you feel and look your best.

Amazon.com: Shakeology Strawberry 30 Servings (bulk) In A Bag

Starbucks isn’t helping to fill any nutritional gaps