I am sure that none of y’all need an introduction to Kachava. If you are familiar with meal replacement shakes, then you’d be aware of it.
It’s the absolute bee’s knees. Excellent plant based protein blend. Tons of veggies and fruits. A whole bunch of stress busting adaptogens, all in a tiny packet that you can mix with water and gulp down on-the-go.
I used Kachava for three years before boredom set in. I had zero problems with the quality, or the ingredients mind you. I was just craving for a different taste.
That’s when I realized that there are a lot more options available now, than there were back when I started off.
Some of these are actually better and way cheaper than Kachava. Surprise, surprise! hint hint... cough cough....Lyfe Fuel's Essentials Shake.
So, if you have been a long term Kachava user and your taste buds are craving a change, then we will explore some of the best meal replacement shakes that you can try.
I have based my selections primarily on the nutrient profile, while also keeping an eye on the taste, the mixability and value for money.
As I mentioned above, My Favorite by far for those that like to skip ahead, is the Lyfe Fuel Essential's Shake.
This Flavor here is the one that I use almost daily now. Feel free to use my personal discount code at check out to try and get yourself 10% off. No promises though, it's only a matter of time before they notice lol.
Code to enter is my first name twice and last name: BENBENMAYZ
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s dig a little deeper into Kachava, and see just why they really are the gold standard as far as superfoods goes.
What’s in Ka’chava That Makes It Such a Good Meal Replacement?
One of the reasons why I switched to Kachava is because I was finding it incredibly difficult to meet my nutritional requirements due to my stressful, busy career.
Kachava filled this void, without having to compromise on convenience or taste.
I have blended a Kachava shake in my car in a couple of minutes, gulped it down and headed to a meeting.
It has kept me feeling full for hours afterwards.
More importantly, I knew that I wasn’t stuffing my gut with trans fats and other artery clogging junk. It was a calorie-counted, precise balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Here’s what makes it one of the best meal replacement shakes in the world.
Completely Plant Based
Kachava is loosely based on diets used by ancient tribes in South American rainforests.
Naturally so, it is 100% plant based and contains over 70 organic ingredients in each shake.
While I am not a vegan fanatic, I have been making a conscious effort to reduce my meat intake and switch to a plant based diet. Kachava fits my goals perfectly.
At the same time, it does not cut out on any vital nutrients, most importantly protein and amino acids.
Protein and Amino acids
I like to stay fit and one of my primary concerns while switching over to a plant-based diet was that I might miss out on essential amino acids like Leucine. But Kachava’s protein blend contains yellow peas, Quinoa and organic brown rice, which has the exact amino acid profile of Whey protein.
You get 25 grams of botanical protein with all nine essential amino acids along with other key amino acids that help in growing lean muscle tissue.
For a different taste with a similar protein footprint, go with what I am now using, Lyfe Fuel, in specific their essentials nutrition shake here.
Antioxidants and Probiotics
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding antioxidants. But how many of us actually consume all the fruits that we ought to, to get those antioxidants?
Each Kachava shake contains a blend of 9 super fruits, that are crammed with antioxidants, vitamins, anthocyanin and polyphenols, which prevent and reverse free radical damage in the body. There will be a notable improvement in the quality of your hair, nails and skin.
Kachava also provides 50% of your RDI of B-Complex Vitamins, which a lot of people are deficient in.
One of the common gripes that people have with plant based protein powders and meal replacement shakes is that they tend to cause bloating and gastric problems.
To this end, Kachava features a probiotic blend of three gut-friendly bacterial strains, that not only help minimize gut problems, but may also help reduce visceral fat.
Quick Summary: What Else Makes Kachava so Good?
That's pretty much the basics that rank Kachava among the best of the best, but....
...For those of you who are really curious about Kachava; here's another cool thing about this shake.
Do note that besides all the great stuff in every packet, they also were kind enough to give me a discount to let my readers use. You can use this link here to get a slight discount (i asked for more..) that makes it cheaper from their website than anywhere else.
It comes in five different flavors including Vanilla and Chocolate (which I like the most).
If you've tried the chocolate flavor and didn't like it much, then grab the vanilla flavored packet and give it a go.
And for those asking what Kachava is sweetened with; the lightly sweet taste of the shake comes from lo han fruit and low-glycemic coconut nectar. This means the shake is pretty much naturally sweetened, with just a measly 6 or 7 grams of sugar in each scoop.
And that right there is a big plus, as you can enjoy a refill on your energy, without any effect on your blood sugar.
This of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot better stuff in Kachava that makes it one of the best meal replacement shakes that you can buy.
Best Kachava Alternatives
Now that I am done singing praises for Kachava, let’s take a look at some of the alternatives that I was talking about earlier.
#1 – Lyfe Fuel
Best Bang for Buck Alternative - Cheaper than Kachava and Just as Good - Tastes Better to Me
Lyfe Fuel has been the most surprising and underrated discovery in this list.
I have to also mention first that their customer service is freakin awesome. I have just recently been made a fan of their essentials shake and reached out to them letting them know that although I like kachava's nutrient profile slightly more, I really I liked their shake and was going to review and promote it because of how good it is for the price.
They offered me a discount and said that anyone can use it. It's my name (my first name twice). Use this link to go to their site (only if you want to) and then if you decide it's worth a try for you copy this code here >> BENBENMAYZ to get a discount applied.
Before trying it though, I shrugged it off initially as an economical option at best. But a detailed look at the nutrient profile had me sold.
Why Is Lyfe Fuel a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Lyfe Fuel’s All-In-One Daily Essentials Shake is a complete plant-based meal that at just 110-calories a shake, is one of the lowest cal meals that you can have in a day.
Two shakes can easily help you create a 500-calorie deficit which is generally considered as the ideal deficit to lose weight.
It contains 27 superfood ingredients, which might seem tepid in comparison to the 70-ingredients in Kachava. But like I said, you don’t really need all those 70 ingredients every day, do you?
What’s more important is what value those ingredients bring to the table. And let me tell you, there is more brought to the table from Lyfe Fuel.
Lyfe Fuel Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
Lyfe Fuel gives you 18 grams of plant-based protein with pea and brown rice, just 6 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fat. Irrespective of whether you are on an LCHF diet or doing full-fledged Keto, this fits the bill. Even otherwise, the macronutrient profile is well suited for general everyday use.
What I really like about it though, is that it does not cut corners with whole food ingredients.
There’s an organic green blend with ingredients like Alfalfa, Wheatgrass, Broccoli, Parsley, Kale, Spirullina and Oat Grass. There’s a berry blend with Tart Cherry, Raspberry, Blueberry and Strawberry, and there are probiotics as well.
Who Is Lyfe Fuel Best For?
Weight watchers, athletes, gym buffs, working people who are just busy to cook, students, basically anyone who seeks an easy whole meal, can use Lyfe Fuel. Check it out on Amazon by clicking here.
The fact that it uses more of real, whole food based ingredients makes it well suited for a wide range of nutritional goals.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
Lyfe Fuel is one of the top rated meal replacement powders in the market currently.
Most of the users love the ingredient list and the wide range of natural ingredients in it. A large chunk of the reviews are also focused on the fact that it’s free of grains, dairy and gluten, three words that have attained a bête-noir status in recent times.
Oh, don’t forget that it’s one of the most economical choices you have. If you buy it in bulk, the savings are huge.
Cost
At about $59.99 for a box of 24 meals, each Lyfe Fuel meal is priced at $2.5, for one time orders and $2.25 for subscriptions.
Not as cheap as the Premiere Protein Shake. But definitely a lot cheaper than Kachava. Making this meal shake the biggest competitor to Ka'chava.
Side Note – Made in the USA
Many customers like the fact that Lyfe Fuel is a small, US-based company, as opposed to a mega corporation that sources half of its products from China. If you are looking to buy more local produce, then you may want to consider this.
Also, the vitamin profile is very impressive. Each scoop delivers most of your RDI of vitamins including 150% of Vitamin D.
#2 - Labrada Nutrition Lean Body
Tasty, Easy on Your Tummy
Labrada Lean Body has not only been at the center stage of the market reviews, but it has also earned itself reorganization in the meal replacements space.
And rightfully so…
This brand has been a five-time Taste Award winner in the American Culinary Institute.
This doesn’t come as a surprise, especially considering that this shake comes in 3 flavors; chocolate ice cream, wild strawberry, and soft vanilla ice cream; each of which is sure to fire up your taste buds.
Why Is Lean Body a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Turns out, the taste isn’t the only thing about this shake that beats the competition, its ingredients are just as cool. It’s very much similar to Kachava; giving you whey proteins and whey peptides. This flavor here is also a pretty close match in taste goodness comparisons.
It is also considerably low on sugar and sodium, as well as fat, which is a big plus for a healthy refill on your day. Besides, you don’t have any mono fructose, corn syrup solids, or hydrogenated oil to worry about.
Lean Body Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
I know have already sung enough praises about this shake, but does it has what it takes to get the job done when you need a little “pick me up” during the day?
This shake packs in quite a punch, with 45g of protein and up to 10g of glutamine.
That’s not all; it also has other cool ingredients like whey protein concentrate, as well as up to 40g of fast and slow-release proteins for a constant flow of essential amino acids when you need them. You’ll need those for muscle growth and strength.
Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin A acetate, and Magnesium Oxide are also a few other vital ingredients included in the making of this meal replacement, along with a bucket list of other cool elements.
Who Is Lean Body Best For?
Unlike most other meal replacement shakes out there that claim to be best suitable for athletes, this shake is perfect for just about anybody.
Whether you are a fitness freak looking for a shake that will boost your efforts to your goals and beyond, this shake will suit you just fine.
And yeah, it works just as perfectly for the busy corporate folks as well, and even for moms who are just busy or need a fast sip to get them through the day.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
Most customers have loved the Lean Body for years, and it’s all thanks to its taste. Turns out, what they love the most is the great taste without any significant amount of sugar going into their bodies.
Another side to this shake that makes it a favorite for many is just how easy it is on the tummy. Robust as it is at giving you power and strength, it is super smooth on the gut.
This is hands down a big, big plus especially for users with a sensitive stomach.
Cost
The only gripe I have with this shake is the price. At $51, it’s slightly expensive than some of the other shakes I’ve listed here. But the good thing is, it has all you need for a quick top-up any time of the day.
If you wouldn’t mind digging deeper into your pocket for a shake that is worth it, then this will be a nice pick for you.
Side Note
Taste and cost aside, one particular bit sets this shake apart from most of the others on this list.
Besides its healthy stash of vitamins and minerals, Lean Body also boasts 7g of Fiber-Plex, a dietary fiber that helps with intestinal health.
You don’t find that in most meal replacement shakes out there, do you?
#3 – Ambronite
The Cleanest Label Shake out There
This Finland-based company has been garnering some rave reviews of late courtesy it’s meal replacement shake that contains 100% natural ingredients only.
This means that there are zero added ingredients. No ascorbic acid. No Xanthan Gum. Even the vitamins and minerals in the shake are derived from the ingredients in it.
Why Is Ambronite a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Just like Kachava, Ambronite’s mission is to provide everything that your body needs nutrition wise, and to source it from real foods.
There are greens, berries, Omega 3s, 29 vitamins and minerals, all of which are food based.
Ambronite Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
Ambronite contains just 18 natural ingredients. No Soy. Non-GMO, wild grown, organic ingredients like nettle leaf, sea buckthorn, bilberries, cranberry, black currants, spinach, chlorella, spirulina, oat protein, almond, oats, apple, coconut sugar, oat fiber, nutritional yeast, mineral salt, guar gum, and natural flavors.
Each meal is 400 calories and 24 grams of plant-based protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of dietary fiber and 15 grams of fat. That’s closer to an actual meal in terms of calorific value. Unless you are weight watching, this should work better than some of the other low cal options.
None of these ingredients are hyper processed, concentrated versions mind you. All whole foods.
That makes it the perfect meal replacement, doesn’t it?
Who Is Ambronite Best For?
Ambronite is best for athletes and general users with really steep pockets. I will get to that part in a bit.
But if you subscribe to the ‘no price is too high for quality food’ school of thought, then it might be the best thing out there for you.
What Are Customers Saying?
The current iteration of Ambronite, which is the fifth one, is a marked improvement in taste over the previous ones. Loyal customers of Ambronite can’t stop harping on how easy this is to mix.
The creamy texture, courtesy Nordic oat protein is the stuff legends are made of. There is no gritty, chalky residue at the bottom of the glass and you can churn up a shake in less than 25-seconds.
Cost
The biggest bummer for a budget-minded shopper like me is the price. Ambronite is ridiculously expensive.
A 28-meal pack costs $218, which pegs each meal at $7.78. Enough said.
Side Note – you Feel Light and Energetic
After having spent days guzzling hideous meal replacement shakes(and energy drinks and synthetic caffeine), I can vouch for the fact that Ambronite feels light on the stomach and you feel energetic all day on it.
Why exactly? I don’t have an answer. Maybe it’s a Nordic secret.
#4 – Soylent
Closest to Kachava, but Slightly Better in My Opinion
I remember hearing about Soylent circa 2014, when I was just about to hop on to meal replacement shakes.
But a crowd funding campaign and a marketing plan aimed at people who spend hours in front of the computer weren’t too inspiring back then.
Turns out I was wrong.
Soylent has been around for a while and have recently redone their nutrient profile making Kachava, Soylent's closest alternative. After analyzing the product label and running some Sherlock-esque research, I have come to the conclusion that Soylent might even be a tad better than Kachava.
Why Is Soylent a Good Alternative to Kachava? How Does It Compare?
Soylent is completely plant based, just like Kachava. Each shake contains 28 essential micro nutrients like Vitamins and minerals, a reasonable amount of protein, some much needed fiber and an acceptable amount of carbs.
What I like about the powder is that the nutrient profile is pretty basic. Unlike other protein shakes like Huel, Soylent provides only the essentials minus the stuff that you may or may not need. Like adaptogens in Kachava.
I am a 33-year-old male and I like them adaptogens. But my partner gets nasty headaches after using a Kachava shake, because she’s allergic to Shiitake Mushrooms.
The point that I am trying to drive home is that you don’t necessarily need a bunch of mushrooms to function at your best. That’s where Soylent works better.
By the way, Soylent is now also available in a ready-to-drink beverage that’s aimed at folks who are so busy that they cannot even throw in some water into a shaker and blend. Just pop open a bottle and gulp your meal.
Soylent Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
Each Soylent shake is 400 calories, which is slightly better than Kachava. It’s based on a 2000 calorie meal and aims to provide you 1/5th of your daily calorific intake.
Each shake contains 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 37 grams of carbs.
In addition to this, there are 28 essential micro nutrients, which include Vitamins and Minerals, including ones like Vit D, Pottasium and Choline. And it's also a low-sodium meal replacement if you don't like having sodium in your shake.
I was initially concerned about the 20 grams of fat in each shake. But it’s mostly monounsaturated fat sourced from Canola oil.
Who Is Soylent Best For?
Soylent’s nutrient profile is so versatile that it can work equally well for people with a wide range of fitness and nutrition goals.
My partner for example, is a 28-year-old working woman who also likes to CrossFit and stay active. It works perfectly well for her and also for me.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
Soylent’s customer reviews have mostly been positive, a bulk of which talks about the delicious taste and the upgraded nutrient profile. Also, there’s a lot of chatter about how it is gentle on the gut and does not cause GI issues commonly associated with shakes and protein powders.
Check out more reviews and the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
Cost
Last but not the least, there’s a world of difference in the cost. While Kachava is priced at $4.66/meal for a one time purchase and $3.99 if you subscribe, Soylent is priced at just $1.82/meal for a one time purchase and $1.50 for subscribers.
If you are like me and gulp down two meal replacement shakes a day, that’s a sizeable amount of money in a year.
Side Note – Soy Protein Might Be Better
I read a lot of alarmist literature about how Soy can mimic estrogen in your body and make men grow mammaries. Guess what? It’s bro-science based fear mongering.
The Soy protein used in Soylent has a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score of 1, which matches that of Whey Protein. It contains all essential aminos. So don’t get swayed by that.
#5 – KOS Protein
Fewer Ingredients – Cleaner Label
KOS Protein is not sold as a meal replacement powder. But it certainly can double up as one, thanks to the well-rounded nutrient profile and the diverse, natural ingredients in it.
If you seek a meal replacement with the bare minimum, essential ingredients only, then this is one of your best options.
Why Is KOS a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Like we mentioned at the onset, the biggest draw towards KOS is the fact that it contains only a bare minimum, essential ingredients.
There’s a botanical protein blend with the primary ingredient being pea protein, there are essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals and digestive enzymes, oh and it's also a creatine-free protein powder. That’s it.
Guess what? Sometimes that’s all that you need.
At the price that it is sold for, I wouldn’t mind swapping a few of my Kachava shakes with KOS in a week.
KOS Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
KOS has a proprietary protein blend that contains Pea Protein, Pumpkin seed, Chia, Flax seed and Quinoa.
Since none of these are complete protein sources like Soy, the blend actually works really well and provides you with all the essential and non-essential amino acids you require.
The only other ingredients are organic coconut milk, Peruvian Cacao and monk fruit, which is the sweetener of choice. Personally, I love Monk fruit over Stevia, because it does not leave an aftertaste.
Who Is KOS Best For?
KOS is a vegan protein powder that’s versatile enough to be used as a meal replacement if need be.
It contains just 170 calories a shake and unless you are topping it up with more ingredients, is great for weight watchers and athletes.
The fact that it has up to 50% RDI of a lot of Vitamins, makes it perfect for general everyday use as well.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
KOS Vegan Protein has up to 95% positive customer reviews on the internet, which is terrific, given that the market is largely saturated.
A lot of reviews talk about KOS Protein's awesome taste. It’s not gritty, not chalky and blends easily even in water. ‘Monk Fruit leaves no aftertaste’ is a common compliment that it gets.
Cost
A 2-pound pack of KOS costs roughly $40, which gives you 60-single scoop servings and 30-servings of 2-scoops each. That’s approximately $1.33 per serving, which is ridiculously cheap.
Side Note – A perfect option for DIYers
If you like to whip up DIY meal replacement smoothies, then KOS is the perfect addition to it. It has just 9 grams of carbs and 6 grams of fat, which is close to negligible. Even if you top it with a whole bunch of veggies and fruits, it does not bloat the smoothie at all, so it's an amazing protein powder for smoothies.
#6 – Ample
The Only Low Carb, High Fat Shake
Ample is another crowdfunded meal replacement shake that’s available in three versions. There’s Ample O, the original formula, Ample Vegan also called Ample V and Ample K, a ketogenic formula.
All three versions of the shake are higher in fats than carbs, which I think is amazing. Despite getting an unfair bad rap, fats are actually considered healthier than excessive carbs.
Ample is the only meal replacement to incorporate a Low Carb High Fat nutrient pie.
Why Is Ample a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Ample’s 20+ ingredient list is almost on par with Kachava’s. There may be fewer ingredients, but Ample boasts of an excellent macro and micro nutrient profile.
To top it off, you are not limited to a complete plant based protein source.
A lot of people prefer Whey (Some don't and prefer whey-free protein shakes) and I see no problem choosing what works best for you. Ample allows you to do that.
Ample Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
Fats are the primary macro nutrient in Ample and all of it is sourced from high quality ingredients such as coconut oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, macadamia nut oil, MCTs and sunflower lecithin.
Along with the 25 grams of Protein, which can be sourced from Grass-fed Whey or a blend of organic rice, pea and collagen protein, and the 10 grams of dietary fiber, it keeps you feeling full and active for up to four hours after a meal.
Who Is Ample Best For?
With a fairly well rounded nutrient profile that’s low on carbs, I feel that Ample is a terrific option for general use. It is 400 calories a meal and has an excellent protein to carb ratio, which is ideal for fitness as well.
If you are on a specialized diet, like the ketogenic one, then you can use Ample K, which has just 3 grams of net carbs.
That said, it is fairly low in Vitamin A and C. So I don’t think you can swap multiple meals a day with Ample.
What Are Customers Saying?
Ample is a hot favorite amongst Keto dieters and athletes on the low carb, high fat diet.
There are a lot of positive reviews about the taste and the consistency. Also the fact that it keeps you full even if you use just one scoop as opposed to the recommended two.
Cost
With an average cost of $5.27/meal, Ample is more expensive than Kachava. If you subscribe to bi-weekly deliveries, then the price drops down to $4.48/meal, which is almost on par with Kachava.
Side Note
Despite being low in carbs (similar to KOS low-carb Premiere Protein shake), Ample packs a punch with its veggie and fruit blend that includes Wheatgrass, Barley grass, Kale, Lemon, Raspberries and Carrots, which also double up as the source for their vitamins and minerals.
#7 – 310 Nutrition
Super Low Calorie Shake
310 Nutrition’s meal replacement shake is a weight watcher’s delight, with each shake clocking just 110 calories. That’s equal to 2 heaped tablespoons of peanut butter by the way.
It is also considered by many to be one of the best tasting shakes in the market currently. I can totally relate why this Las Vegas based brand has managed to sell over a million shakes already.
Why Is 310 Nutrition a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
For starters, it’s less than half the number of calories in Kachava.
Also, 310 Nutrition is more widely used than Kachava. When you purchase it, you get access to a community of 300,000 active members.
310 Nutrition Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
310 Nutrition ticks all the right boxes that one looks for while selecting a meal replacement powder. It is completely plant based, contains 15 grams of protein sourced from pea, rice and hemp, just 2 grams of net carbs, just 2 grams of fat, no sugar and no cholesterol either.
There are 5 grams of dietary fiber that keeps you full for 3-4 hours at least.
The shake is so light, that you can literally throw in a whole bunch of other ingredients and still, have a guilt free meal.
Who Is 310 Nutrition Meal Replacement Best For?
I’d say weight watchers and fitness buffs. That said, it has a very good nutrient profile and is a clean label product. There’s no unwanted, nasty stuff in there.
I see no reason why it can’t make for a great meal replacement shake for the average user as well.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
310 Nutrition’s meal replacement is one of the only ones that has more than 100,000 verified customer reviews on the internet.
That’s a lot of reviews and more than 85% of them are positive. Most of these talk about how it keeps them full and has helped them lose weight.
There are a few negative reviews that talk about a gritty texture. But after the latest formula upgrade, those complaints have ceased. They added coconut creamer and plant-based sweeteners to it.
Cost
The price of a 310 shake varies depending on the flavor. But the average price is around $2.42/meal for one time purchase and $1.82 for recurring purchases.
That’s reasonable. Certainly cheaper than Kachava.
Side Note
These shakes are a terrific choice for Keto and low carb diets. Also, each shake delivers about 30% of the RDI of most vitamins and minerals.
#8 - Garden Of Life Raw Organic Meal
Best Cheap Option
With 44 raw and organic ingredients in every shake, Garden Of Life’s Raw Organic Meal might be the cheapest alternative to Kachava, that’s so nutrient dense.
It has one of the most diverse protein blends that I’ve ever used. To top it off, there are no synthetic flavors, fillers, sweeteners or preservatives in it. Truly Raw and Organic.
Why Is GOL a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Garden Of Life’s USP is the fact that it uses only organic ingredients and whole foods. A lot of brands cut corners while trying to sneak in hidden ingredients that can artificially inflate the nutritional profile.
To their credit, GOL’s label is extremely clean. They do not use heat processed ingredients since it can denature the protein and then it’s not exactly, raw, is it?
GOL Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
The protein blend in GOL contains 13 sprouts that include pea, brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, chia seeds and lentils. That’s not all, but those are the primary ingredients. Quite diverse and delivers all 9-essential amino acids and BCAAs.
The fruit and veggie blend is equally extensive and includes, Baobab, berries, broccoli, kale, parsley, cucumber and asparagus to name a few. Check out more of these on Amazon here.
Further, there’s a blend of organic greens, raw probiotics and organic fiber.
Who Is GOL Best For?
It’s ideal for anyone looking for an easy way to consume nutrient dense raw foods. You can just throw in one or two scoops and make a thick, delicious shake, as opposed to consuming some of these ingredients raw, which can induce a gag reflex.
The nutrient profile makes it perfect for athletes as well.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
Garden of Life’s meal replacement shake is one of the top rated ones in this list. To give you some perspective, it has close to 15k reviews on a leading shopping portal.
90% of those are positive. Most of this talk about the clean label, easy digestibility and the great texture. It’s almost as thin as chocolate milk if you are just using one scoop.
Cost
At approximately $2 per meal, Garden of Life’s shakes are amongst the cheapest options that you have, especially when you compare the ingredient list with some of the other, more expensive options.
Side Note
There is outdated misinformation being peddled online about GOL’s shakes containing unsafe levels of heavy metals. That’s based on a 6-year old study conducted by an independent lab. The formula has been upgraded numerous times since then and no longer contains high levels of heavy metals.
#9 – Vega
Best All-Rounded Shake
Vega’s One, All-In-One nutrition shake earns the distinction of being one of the oldest meal replacement powders that you can buy.
It has been around since 2004 and despite a sudden spurt of newer, fancier brands, Vega One’s reviews continue to be largely positive.
That to me is testimony of a quality product.
Why Is Vega One a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Vega is one of the first companies that kicked off the whole plant-based nutrition craze that seems to have really taken off in the recent past.
They have also constantly upgraded their formula with changing times to keep it more in tune with the ever changing dynamics of the health and nutrition space.
Vega Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
While Vega One originally used just a single protein source, that is pea, it now uses a protein blend that includes hemp, sachainchi and flax, which delivers a complete amino acid profile.
It contains a blend of veggies and fruits like spinach, chard, kale, pomegranate and acerola cherry that also double up as the source for the vitamins and minerals in the formula.
Each shake delivers 50% of your RDI of a lot of vitamins and minerals, and more than that for a few. For example, you get 90% of your RDI of Vitamin A.
At just 10 grams of carbs, 50% of which comes from fiber, it is perfect for a variety of fitness plans as well.
Who Is Vega One Best For?
At the onset, Vega One was targeted at athletes and fitness buffs. But over the years, they have transitioned into a more general purpose meal replacement.
They are not overly hung up on the protein content and are looking to make it more vitamin-rich. They use more veggies and fruits and have added 2-billion live probiotic cultures to make it easier on the tummy.
In a nutshell, it’s great for general use.
What Are the Customers Saying?
Vega One has tons of positive reviews all over. Most customers who use it regularly, have switched to this from Shakeology because of the price.
Vega One offers a nearly identical nutrient profile at a much lower price.
There are a lot of positive reviews about the taste and the ease with which it mixes in water.
Cost
If you are looking to try out Vega One, a 9-servings container is priced at $28.50. This puts the price of each meal at $3.17. The price might vary depending on the flavor you choose.
The more you buy, the cheaper it gets. If you buy a 20 serving container of the Vanilla Chai flavor, you get each meal at $2.61.
Side Note
Despite having a great nutrient profile, Vega One’s meal replacement shake has no mention of some critical minerals like copper, choline, selenium and iodine.
That’s where Kachava trumps it.
#10 – Orgain
Best Option With Natural Ingredients
Formed in 2008, the term Orgain is a portmanteau of the words ‘Organic’ and ‘Gain’. As implied by the name, the brand has an extensive range of products that offer plant-based nutrition, as a healthy alternative to dairy or meat based ones.
Orgain Organic Meal is their meal replacement powder that has an impressive ingredient list and a very versatile nutrient profile, It's actually pretty similar to the last entry we listed; Vega, so we made an entire article to compare the two here.
Why Is Orgain a Good Alternative to Kachava? How Does It Compare?
Just like Kachava, Orgain is closer to a full-sized meal as compared to super low calorie options like 310 Nutrition.
Each shake is a reasonable 230 calories. Add a banana and a scoop of peanut butter and you can easily make it a 400-calorie meal with a great macronutrient profile that makes this protein powder great for sensitive stomachs.
What we also like is that it contains a whole lot of natural ingredients, like sprouts, fruits and veggies. In fact, if it were not for the adaptogens and herbs, Orgain’s ingredient list would look a lot similar to Kachava.
Orgain Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in it?
Orgain One’s ingredient list contains four different blends.
- Protein Blend: The organic protein blend delivers 20 grams of plant-based protein. The ingredients are pea, brown rice and chia, which provide all essential amino acids.
- Sprout Blend: Some of the protein, as well as other nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, folate and Vitamins are derived from the sprout blend. There’s amaranth, quinoa, millets, buckwheat, flax, sunflower, lentils and sesame to name a few.
- Greens blend: Barley, Wheatgrass, Oat Grass and Alfalfa provide the green quotient. All four of these are nutritional powerhouses.
- Veggies and fruits: Orgain one has an impressive list of veggies and fruits that include spinach, beet, carrots, kale, acai, apple, blueberry and raspberry.
- Fruit Based B-Vitamins: The B-Vitamins in the formula are sourced exclusively from Guava, Holy Basil and Lemon.
Who Is Orgain Best For?
Orgain has always been marketed as a meal replacement for people seeking convenience without compromising on nutrition.
That said, the reasonably high protein content, excellent amino acid profile and reasonable calorie count make it ideal for athletes as well. You can easily add a scoop of this powder to your post workout shake to amp up the nutrient content.
What Do the Customer Reviews Say?
Orgain’s positive reviews are centered around the nutrient profile and how amazing it tastes.
That partly has to do with the creamy texture that the shake has, which is quite different when compared to the gritty, sand-like texture in many plant-based meal replacement powders.
Also, this is a reasonably clean label product. Barring ‘natural flavors’ which is considered a gray area, the ingredient list is transparent.
Cost
A two-pound tub of Orgain that contains 16-servings costs around $33.04, which puts each meal at $2.06.
That’s a reasonable middle ground. The price will drop substantially if you buy in bulk.
Side Note
Orgain Organic Meal is completely USDA organic, vegan, gluten free, non-dairy, lactose free, carrageenan free, soy free, non-GMO and contains no artificial ingredients and preservatives.
#11 - Shakeology
Best Alternative to Kachava but More Expensive
I first tried Shakeology while attending a demo for Tony Horton’s Power 90, much before P90X became a household name.
The original Shakeology was meh.
Cut to today, the shakes taste delicious and have an unbelievably good nutrient profile, that’s as good as Kachava if not better.
Why Is Shakeology a Good Alternative to Kachava? how Does It Compare?
Just like Kachava, Shakeology aims to provide you with all the vital nutrients that you can and cannot source from your dinner plate.
It is available in both, vegan and non-vegan options, which in my opinion works better. The non-vegan options use Whey, while the vegan shakes use a botanical protein blend.
It contains veggies, fruits, super foods, herbs and adaptogens. No Shiitake Mushroom though. Yay!
Shakeology Ingredients and Nutrition Facts – What’s in It?
Each Shakeology shake contains just 140 calories, which works great for weight loss and general nutrition. You can always add a scoop of peanut butter to increase this.
There are just 19-grams of carbs (great for keto), just 0.5 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein. That is slightly lesser than what I like (and of course, a far cry from the amount in other options like this Gold Standard Shake, or the Premiere Protein Shake.)
But... I can live with it.
There’s a whole blend of added Vitamins and minerals, in addition to the vitamins that are naturally-present in the whole foods.
Also, there’s 1.735 grams of a super food blend, a non-dairy probiotic blend, 1.430 grams of antioxidants, 2.848 grams of adaptogens and metabolic herbs, 1.2 grams of fiber and 1.4 grams of harmonizing/support herbs.
Who Is Shakeology Best For?
There’s a common misconception that Shakeology is only suited for athletes or can be bought only if you subscribe to beach body. Neither are true. This is a very versatile meal replacement shake that’s perfect for everyday use. Right from athletes to busy moms, everyone can use Shakeology.
What Are Customer Reviews Saying?
Shakeology is one of the oldest meal replacement shakes in the business. The reviews have been consistently positive and that’s no mean feat.
A vast majority of the users like the milk-like consistency of the shakes. The upgraded formula has also been a hit with the wide user base that it enjoys.
Many users have noticed an improvement in their appearance and overall health while using Shakeology.
Cost
The only gripe that I have with Shakeology is that it’s more expensive than any other meal replacement.
The price per meal for regular customers is $5.41 and $4.08 if you are a registered Beachbody coach.
That’s steep for me. But if you can stretch your budget, there’s no better choice.
Side Note
Shakelogy’s shakes are the easiest to blend in water, with a shaker. The shakes have a rich, watery consistency which is way better than the thick, pancake-batter like consistency that some shakes have.
What Makes Kachava So Good? Should I just Get it?
Apart from the fact that it tastes mouthwatering, and it has great recipes, you mean?
Here are a few reasons why I stuck to it for three years.
- It has more fruits and veggies than any other shake. Ambronite made this claim initially that it contained more fruits and veggies. Run a comparison and you’ll find that Kachava just blows it out of the water. And it's not just Ambronite, even when compared Kachava to Athletic Greens or Huel, Kachava easily comes out on top in terms of nutrition.
- It has helped improve all aspects of my health and fitness. I have lost body fat, gained muscle, I get fewer infections each year, I feel more energetic, my digestion has improved, I feel focused and alert and my skin looks better. Or so I have been told.
If none of the alternatives work for you, then yeah. Just go ahead and get Kachava. Why fix something that works, right?
What Are Customers Saying?
Ka’Chava is used widely by people who are too busy to cook a meal, or travel a lot during the day. There are a lot of positive reviews about the consistency, texture and digestibility. There is no bloat, headaches or synthetic aftertaste, which gets a thumbs up from a lot of users.
Many users also seem to use it for breakfast, which is a great way to fill in your nutritional requirements for the day.
A few negative reviews were about how expensive it is. But if you are realistic, it’s not that expensive at all.
At less than $5, it gives you a nutritionally perfect meal, with balanced macros, fruits, veggies, herbs and micronutrients. Can’t complain.
What’s in Kachava? Ingredients
Kachava contains over 70 natural ingredients, 90% of which are organic.
Kachava Nutriton Facts
The ingredient list can be divided into five groups.
- Protein: The plant-based protein blend contains Sacha Inchi, Yellow Pea, Brown Rice, Amaranth and Quinoa.
- Adaptogens: A blend of Maca Root, Shiitake Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Ginger & Cordyceps Mushroom reduce your sensitivity to stressors in the environment.
- Super Fruits: 9 Super fruits provide you with all the antioxidants you need to prevent free radical damage.
- Fiber: Chia, Flax, Whole grain oat and Acacia Gum provide you with fiber and heart healthy Omega 3s.
- Veggies and greens: There are a total of 18 veggies and greens in each Kachava Shake.
Cost
Kachava is priced at $4.66/meal for one time purchases and just $3.99/meal if you subscribe for recurrent deliveries.
That’s cheaper than a lot of other hyped and aggressively marketed meal replacement powders.
Closing Thoughts
That’s it folks.
Here’s a brief refresher in case you need one.
Ka’Chava is hands down, the best meal replacement shake that you can buy.
Soylent comes a close second, followed by Shakeology. Lyfe Fuel gives you the best bang for your buck.
If you are looking at a super low calorie option, check out 310 Nutrition, whereas Ample is a terrific option for users on the Ketogenic diet.
Related Readings:
Ben Mayz
Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page
