Fitness Tips

Best Protein Powders and Meal Replacements for Sensitive Stomachs in 2023

Protein powders and sensitive stomachs are two things that just simply do not mix.

But the thing is, if you plan on living healthy, working out, or doing anything that involves good living on-the-go you can not go with out a protein powder or a meal replacement.

Okay, so we know you have to have one, but which protein powder is best for people who have easily upset stomachs and need one that is easy to digest?

It’s not a huge secret and gym-goers are more than happy to share their go-to protein and meal replacement shakes to anyone who asks!

Protein is known to help you build muscle and shed unwanted fat.

I know errbody be wantin’ sum o’ daaat! 

What’s more, protein powders can help fasten muscle recovery after workouts, too.

Trust me, it does actually make a noticeable difference. 

Aside from the benefits that protein provides us to improve our bodies and overall health, protein powders are convenient and are continuously being innovated to be as tasty as ever.


The One I Use That is Both Easy on my Stomach and Taste Excellent

I personally carry around my protein powder, the Lyfe Fuel Essentials shake, and shaker almost daily.

I use it because it's literally the only one that my stomach can handle and it taste far better than anything else I have ever tried. by far...

If you want to check it out and see the flavor I get you can check it out by clicking here.

On the other hand, we’ve got meal replacements that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing time and effort. They’re healthy, clean, inexpensive, and most of all, barely take more than 5 minutes to make. 

Often, all you need to carry with you is a water bottle and the sachet, you can always whip up a healthy, tasty shake conveniently at almost any time. 

Over the years I have been able to try out just about every single option available that is worth a hoot, nutrient-profile wise.

Which has allowed me to narrow down my options, and again I have been able to pick out just one that I have been using and am still currently using, Kachava.

They are a company devoted towards plant based superfoods and do indeed have the best nutrient profile of any meal replacement out there right now.

As you can see in my honest Kachava review, this options stands out, hands down. Only a few Kachava alternatives come close to matching the it's quality.

This Kachava flavor here is the one I use. Feel free to check them out on their website here.


Instead of gorging on unhealthy fast food or chipping away at savings ordering prepped healthy meals in order to save time, meal replacements can be the next best thing to a sit-down meal.

But not every protein, meal replacement powder and ready made drink is made equal.

A few out there may have been the bane of somebody’s existence because they’re simply not made for sensitive stomachs.

If you are one of them, no need to stress! We’ve (mainly me) made a list of protein powders and meal replacements that are especially formulated for you and your sensitive belly to see which one suits you BEST.


Why Does Protein Powder Upset Your Stomach Anyway?

why does protein powder upset your stomach

It’s a given fact that some people out there can’t take protein shakes or meal replacements on a daily basis due to digestion problems. 

This is mainly because some powders have high amounts of certain nutrients that your body in particular just isn’t made to take in.

You may be allergic to a certain component in your protein or meal replacement, for one!

Many people feel gassy and bloated (worse: running for the nearest toilet within minutes of drinking!) or start getting runny noses and headaches after drinking certain powders without even knowing their lactose or milk protein intolerant.

Other times, your powder right now may be making you sick because of the artificial sweeteners added to it. Our bodies have a hard time absorbing these sweeteners and they tend to stick around our intestines till they ferment (uhm ew?).

You might also be adding too much powder to your shake than what’s recommended and you’re taking in one too many protein, carbs and even fiber.

  1. Protein takes time to digest, and
  2. more carbs means more sugar! Remember, moderation is key.

If none of the above has hit the mark yet, then maybe, just maybe… it’s not the powder. It’s YOU. What I mean is, maybe you’re too eager to down your protein shake or meal replacement after every gym session!

Your body has a system that automatically hits the pause button for pushing food through your digestive tract and focuses on your muscles during and immediately after workouts.

If you chug on a shake that is not designed for sensitive stomachs right after you finish that last set, it’s bound to settle in your stomach for a while longer than you’d like which can make you feel nauseous.

Knowing what’s making your stomach turn from taking powdered supplements can definitely help narrow down your search for the perfect protein powder or meal replacement that will supplement your fitness lifestyle.


Best Protein Powder For Sensitive Stomachs

Below is our list of the best suited protein powders for people who have easily upset stomachs. These are all easy to digest.


Lyfe Fuel Essential - My #1 Pick; Natural, Tasty & Affordable

Lyfe fuel essential qualifies to be one of the best natural low carb, gluten-free and dairy-free protein powders out there

Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 18g of protein, 2g of dietary fiber, 6g total carbs, 40mg sodium, 2g of sugar, 100 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based proteins including sprouted brown rice and yellow peas. Organic grains like oat grass, alfafa sprouts, spirulina, chlorella, kelp, grape seed extract,. Wheat grass, broccoli, dandelion…etc
  • Flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate
  • Other Good Stuff: To top up all the cool stuff in each packet are additional ingredients with unbeatable nutritional benefits like digestive enzymes, probiotics, minerals and vitamits VitaFibertm-IMO.
The ingredient label makes Lyfe Fuel Essentia outstanding as one of the most natural protein powders in the business

Lyfe Fuel Essential Review

Lyfe Fuel Essential might not look very fancy or outstanding, but looks can be deceiving. Take a closer look at the ingredient label, and it becomes clear that this sachet is anything but the simple, average-looking powder that the packaging portrays.

Lyfe Fuel made sure this powder runs deep as far as nutritional value, while still keeping it 100% natural with plant-based, organic, non-GMO ingredients. 

Now, the plant based proteins and organic greens aren’t all you get, Lyfe Fuel is also crammed to the brim with other awesome treats (superfoods and spices, to be precise) like flax seed for Omega 3, vanilla bean, sea salt and cinnamon. Pretty much everything you'd get from healthy foods.

It also packs antioxidant super fruits like strawberry, wild blueberry, pomegranate and raspberry to mention just a few.

Did I mention that this powder is hands down one of the easiest on my tummy? Well it is. I tried it and I was so impressed I put together a detailed Lyfe Fuel review for y'all peeps.

And lucky for you folks who’re also sensitive to gluten, you won’t have to worry about any of that either.

Then there’s the taste. You guessed it – I’m talking about the flavors and what’s cool about them.

Thing is, with most (often cheap) protein powders, you either have to compromise the taste for the treat, or the other way around. Luckily, with this powder, you can have your cake and eat it too.

While it comes in only chocolate and the vanilla flavors, Lyfe Fuel is actually naturally sweetened - with stevia leaf and organic coconut sugar for a natural sweetness that isn’t too sweet, and doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste in its wake.

So, how much did I have to part with for a sachet? Not much to be honest.

I don’t know about you, but personally, I prefer good stuff that isn’t hyped to bloat the prices to insane levels. And as it turns out, Lyfe Fuel struck just the right balance at giving us a tummy-friendly powder at a budget-friendly price tag…can’t ask for a better deal, really.


Kachava – Great Alternative to Lyfe Fuel Essential

Kachava not only doubles as a protein powder and a meal replacement shake, it has a great nutritional profile and a great taste to match

Kachava Review - In A Nutshell

Kachava comes in as a close second to Lyfe Fuel Essential (...at least for me), with its rich nutrient-profile and great taste, and yeah, both are as natural as they can get. However, as you can tell already, I have taken more liking to Lyfe Fuel essential, probably thanks to the lower price tag.

I won’t go into the meat and potatoes about Kachava right now, but I will get into details about it in a moment.

So, what makes me pick Kachava as a great alternative to the Lyfe Fuel powder?

Well, besides doubling as both a protein powder and a meal replacement shake, Kachava also boasts a wide spectrum of the good stuff. From minerals, proteins and vitamins to adaptogens, enzymes, probiotics and antioxidants.

It’s without a doubt one of the best all-rounded yet 100% natural protein powders in town. And it not only comes across as one of the most nutrient-rich sachets you can get your hands on, it tastes impressively awesome too.

And just like Lyfe, Kachava too comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavor. And in case you didn't know, you can also whip up several tasty Kachava recipes for a better, richer taste, and a few more nutrients to the mix.

So yeah, if you are out to try something different from Lyfe Fuel (which I doubt you will) or you just want to pitch different protein powders against one other and see how they stack up, then I’d say grab Kachava and give it a go.


VEGA SPORT® PREMIUM PROTEIN - Best Overall for Sensitive Stomachs

vega sport premium protein powder for upset stomach

Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 30g of protein, 6g of carbs, 4g of fat, and 160 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based protein such as pea protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, and pumpkin seed protein; includes Tart Cherry, BCAAs, and probiotics
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Berry, Peanut Butter, and Mocha
  • Other good stuff: Non-GMO certified, vegan certified, NSF certified, and gluten-free

vega sports premium protein nutrition label

Vega Sport® Premium Protein Review

Vega, co-founded and advertised by vegan pro-Ironman triathlete Brendan Brazier, has been around since 2004. It is a health supplement company that uses alternative plant-based protein instead of traditional animal protein in all of their products.

The brand came about after Brazier had spent countless times trying out different types of shakes and diets to supplement his athletic endeavors but found that only plant-based ingredients consistently improved his health and performance.

Going by their motto, “Maximum outcome; minimum impact,” Vega carries itself as a sustainable brand, ensuring to reduce their carbon footprint, incorporating fairness and safety in their farming practices, and the humane treatment of animals.

As to Vega’s list of ingredients, particularly in Vega Sport® Premium Protein, it is vegan certified, non-gmo certified, gluten-free, dairy-free, and in the process of becoming USDA certified organic.

Vega Sport® offers a whopping 30g of plant-based protein, 6g of BCAAs, and contains 2 million CFU of probiotics. It also highlights tart cherry as an essential ingredient that helps in muscle recovery.

Unlike milk proteins, plant-based proteins can save you countless trips to the bathroom while still providing you the benefits you ought to get from protein.

Moreover, plant-based protein has more fiber and digestive enzymes that are known to aid in digestion and weight control, and which you can’t find in other proteins such as whey.

Vega Sport also comes in a variety of flavors making it easy even for the pickiest of eaters and top-tier supertasters to find a flavor they prefer and enjoy.

Buying high quality supplements like Vega Sport on a regular basis can get a little expensive in the long run but Vega sweetens the deal by offering a 20% discount per order if you join their Vega Plant Co/op and subscribing for recurring orders.

While the brand confirms that Vega Sport® does not have nuts in it, the shake is not manufactured in a nut-free facility. It’s worth pointing out that the protein powder also has a decent amount (390mb) of sodium for one serving.

You might think, eh, that’s a bit much isn't it? No not really, science tells us we can have 1,500mg of sodium a day. If you compare 390mg of sodium to the recommended daily intake, it’s not that big of a deal.

If you prefer a lower sodium amount you can check out our best low sodium protein powders here.

It also considers Vega Sport® to be keto-friendly but I think keto dieters wouldn’t benefit much from its low fat content of 4g per serving.

Some customers have commented on Vega Sport’s taste and mixability, saying that the protein powder does not taste as good as they hoped it to be and is clumpy with no smooth consistency.


 

Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 30g of protein, 4g of carbs, 3g of fat, and 160 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based protein from pea, artichoke powder, organic sprouted amaranth, organic sprouted quinoa, and whole algae protein; includes plant peptides and prebiotic coix seed
  • Flavors: Creamy Vanilla Bean and Rich Chocolate
  • Other good stuff: Non-GMO certified, vegan certified, NSF certified, Informed Choice certified, and gluten free.

plantfusion elite activated peptide protein nutrition label

 

Plantfusion Complete Plant Protein Review

PlantFusion was founded by two former college athletes and self-acclaimed fitness foodies who grew up in family-owned health food stores.

The brand further claims that they are the first to preserve the natural taste and texture of natural food along with their nutritional density without sub-par taste.

They continue by saying their products are so good their customers don’t even know everything is plant-based and that a single shake is packed with so much nutrition than what a regular person typically can get in a day.

PlantFusion’s Elite Activated Peptide Protein gives you more by adding 2.6g of plant-based peptides on top of the 30g protein to their shakes.

Activated peptides are more easily absorbed by the body and carry around 3 to 20 amino acids. These peptides help you by boosting immunity and modulating the body’s physiological functions.

PlantFusion’s Peptide Protein powder gets protein from various plant sources and adds in 6.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs. It also has Prebiotic Coix Seed to assist in breaking down proteins without any risk of bloating.

The brand also boasts that the Elite Activated Peptide Protein contains zero sugar and only has natural sweeteners in their powder from yacon root, lucuma fruit, and monk fruit.

While I love how PlantFusion stays true to their commitment to “Flavor Pure™,” their Peptide Protein does have a few flaws to it. For one, it has a high amount of sodium, with 490mg per serving. That’s equivalent to more or less ⅕ teaspoon of salt.

Like with Vega Sport, you might experience bloating, water retention, or discomfort related to high blood pressure and the like because of high intake of sodium.

I’ve never liked counting calories and I’m sure as heck not comfortable having to mind my sodium intake because my protein shake carries a lot of it. I would rather avoid products with high sodium than suffer from its side effects like fluid retention.

PlantFusion also uses prebiotics instead of probiotics for a healthy gut. While you get similar benefits from both, one works differently from the other. Prebiotics are non-digestible and still need to ferment in your colon before turning into probiotics.

Because of this process, prebiotics can cause gassiness, bloating, and even worsen other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome like diarrhea and constipation. I find it better to have probiotics since both essentially give the same benefits.

Another thing I’ve noticed is PlantFusion uses bromelain in their Peptide Protein, which can trigger allergic reactions in certain people. It can also cause bloating, diarrhea, and intestinal discomfort in some cases.

PlantFusion may not be a good option for those on a tight budget, too since their 1lb is already priced so cheaply. However, they do offer a 10% discount if you subscribe for monthly orders.

Lastly, PlantFusion gives you very little choices when it comes to flavor. The good thing, though, is it can be a good protein powder for your smoothie or shake recipe.

Besides, it's as safe as they come.

Whether you are a fan of taking meal replacement and protein powders for breakfast or any time of the day, and more so if you prefer to drink protein shakes without working out, this one fits the bill.


Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder for upset stomach

Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 30g of protein, 7g of carbs, 3g of fat, and 170 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based protein from pea, several types of beans, and cranberry seed; has a high antioxidant blend and muscle recovery blend
  • Flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate
  • Other good stuff: Non-GMO certified, vegan certified, NSF certified, Informed Choice certified, USDA Organic Certified, dairy free, soy free, and gluten free

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein nutrition label

Garden of life Plant Protein Review

Garden of Life is a brand that openly goes against the use of synthetic ingredients in every product they make and distribute. It guarantees that they only start and end with real foods which provide the brand’s formulas the power to be the best.

The brand holds on to three guiding principles when it comes to their products, specifically:

  1. The Science of Whole Food or choosing high quality, real, and healthy foods that have the greatest potential to promote extraordinary health;
  2. Clean Health or ensuring their products don’t contain a single trace of chemicals and artificial ingredients you normally find in other protein powders; and finally,
  3.  Traceability or knowing where each ingredient found in a Garden of Life comes and how it’s sourced.

The brand guarantees you get the good stuff from foods that are grown the right way. Garden of Life makes good on delivering their promise of Empowering Extraordinary Health®.

Garden of Life boasts that their Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is the cleanest protein powder available in the market today, with numerous third-party certifications backing up their claim.

With these certifications, the brand guarantees that their Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is 100% made from just whole clean nutrients and doesn’t include any banned athletic substances.

Like the first two protein powders in this list, Garden of Life Sport Organic provides you with 30g of protein but sourced from organic pea, navy bean, lentil, garbanzo bean, and cranberry seed.

It also contains 5.5g of BCAAs and 5g of Glutamine which aid in reducing muscle recovery time. This is also amplified by its antioxidant blend made from tart cherries, apples, turmeric, and more.

Sport Organic also offers 2 billion CFU of probiotics to support immune and digestive health.

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is a solid protein powder given that the brand is adamant about its non-use of anything artificial but some have pointed out that their “organic flavors” may be far from being organic.

The brand has also had to deal with product recalls in the past due to salmonella poisoning. While it may not have been specifically Sport Organic, it’s still a cause for concern knowing that Garden of Life’s products have been contaminated before.

Like PlantFusion, Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein only comes in two flavors, vanilla and chocolate. A few consumers have commented on its sandy texture and less palatable taste.


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Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 21g of protein, 20g of carbs, 5g of fat, and 170 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based protein from pea, brown rice, and chia seed; has over 50 organic superfood ingredients
  • Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge
  • Other good stuff: Non-GMO certified, vegan certified, USDA Organic Certified, dairy free, soy free, and gluten free

Orgain Protein™ & Superfoods Plant Based Protein nutrition label

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Orgain Protein Powder Review

Orgain differs from the rest of the pack starting with its origin story where it was born after the founder’s brave battle against cancer that made him lose his appetite and a lot of significant weight.

With a commitment to superior standards when it comes to their supplements, the brand uses only high quality ingredients for the cleanest and tastiest nutrition possible.

Orgain is a well-known protein powder brand in the vegan community. Many have given positive reviews about it for aiding them in their fitness and weight loss journeys.

Orgain Protein & Superfoods Plant Based Protein Powder offers 21g of plant-based protein with 20g of carbs and 5g of fat per serving.

Its protein count is a good number for a protein shake and while it’s lower than those mentioned above, it’s not a deal breaker.

However, it has a significantly higher amount of carbohydrates than the others but offers a decent amount of fat.

Orgain's Protein & Superfoods also boasts of containing 5g of dietary fiber to promote digestive health. It’s also packed with over 50 superfoods like kale, flax, chia, quinoa, beet, turmeric, and a lot more, all of which are certified organic.

Orgain Protein & Superfoods is the most affordable out of the bunch. However, this may come at a cost to your dietary goals and needs due to a few things.

Orgain Protein & Superfoods contains 5g of erythritol per serving. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a substitute for artificial sweeteners.

While generally considered safe, our body can’t digest sugar alcohols and can sometimes cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

As for its taste, a few customers have voiced out that it either tasted bad or had no taste at all. But despite this, the majority have praised Orgain Protein & Superfoods for its effectiveness and value.

For those that want to learn more about Orgain you can check out our in-depth comparison of Orgain and Vega here.


Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 20g of protein, 8g of carbs, 6g of fat, and 160 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Plant-based protein from pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed; has organic coconut, inulin, and DigeSEB™ Enzyme Blend
  • Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Mint
  • Other good stuff: Non-GMO certified, vegan certified, USDA Organic Certified, dairy free, soy free, and gluten free

KOS Organic Plant Protein nutrition label

KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder Review

KOS, pronounced as k-aw-ss, is named after an island in Greece that had a large ancient marketplace that was widely popular with those who seek great food experiences. It also was the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates.

KOS is a health supplement brand that is out to pursue the right dietary regimen while doing no harm.

Their mission is to feed the world to combat the feast, or obesity as we commonly know it, and the famine, or malnutrition and undernourishment.

The people at KOS have labelled the twin pillars of human nutrition and those are energy and balance. They claim that a plant-based diet can get you closer to whole nutrition without wasting caloric energy.

KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder packs 20g of protein per serving which, as we’ve mentioned before, is a decent amount for a protein shake and wouldn’t be a turn off.

It’s much more important to check the quality of the protein source rather than the amount. Thankfully, KOS gets its protein from a combination of high quality organic pea, quinoa, pumpkin seed, flax seed, and chia seed.

These protein sources, when combined, result in a rich amino acid profile and provide you with omega-3 fatty acids without the need to eat meat.

It has 8g of carbs, 2g of which is dietary fiber, and 6g of fat per serving. With that amount of fat, Keto dieters would benefit from this product. Aside from that, KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder also has a Digestive Enzyme Blend mixed in.

This enzyme blend helps your body break down and digest macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and dairy to ensure your small intestine absorbs these nutrients and distributes it through your blood.

KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder stands out from the rest thanks to its highly nutritional value and gives consumers a decent amount of 14 vitamins and minerals per serving.

The brand uses stevia, coconut sugar, and monk fruit to naturally sweeten its Organic Plant Protein Powder which doesn’t affect blood sugar at all.

KOS makes it more interesting for you by offering Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Mint on top of the usual Vanilla and Chocolate. Many have praised Kos Organic Protein Powder’s satisfying flavors and enjoyable taste.

KOS may not be the cheapest, but, you have to admit that it’s reasonably priced and you won’t need to break your piggy bank for it.

KOS is uncompromising about their commitment to sharing an energetic and wholly healthy journey with you and makes sure their protein powder walks the talk. This shows with their hand-picked top notch ingredients and affordability.


Best Meal Replacements for Sensitive Stomachs

If you have a significantly sensitive stomach, you might want to get a meal replacement or protein powder that's as easy on your tummy as it gets. I prefer protein powders without whey, and I've had close gym bros who are a fan of protein powders without creatine.

Creatine in particular has been the subject of debate in the fitness space, some say creatine causes weight gain, some, question whether creatine is safe good for women, and it's been debated whether creatine can be used on off days

Listed below are the best meal replacement powders for people who have sensitive stomachs.

All of these powders are easy to digest

Ka’chava's Plant-Based Superfood Meal Shake

And hey, before you even read any farther. I must say I am a little biased towards Kachava.

I think it is the absolute shiz niz when compared to any other meal replacement currently out there. It is my absolute favorite meal replacement.

It is easy on my stomach, easy to digest, the best tasting, high in protein, fills me up, and contains the best ingredients I could find in a meal - cooked, or in a bag.

You can see the flavor I get here.

Ka’chava Plant-Based Superfood Meal Shake Powder for upset stomach

Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 25g of protein, 24g of carbs, 4.5g of fat, and 240 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Protein sourced from yellow pea, whole organic brown rice, organic sacha inchi, organic amaranth, and organic quinoa ; has omega EFA, antioxidant, and super-green blends, probiotics and digestive blends
  • Flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate
  • Other good stuff: GMO-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free

Ka’chava Plant-Based Superfood Meal Shake nutrition label

Ka’Chava Plant-Based Superfood Meal Replacement Review

Ka’Chava is another plant-based meal replacement that was created by a group of friends which they claim to be “THE CLEANEST, MOST NUTRIENT-DENSE MEAL IMAGINABLE.”

Ka’chava blends together 100% top notch real food ingredients to create a satisfying on-the-go meal replacement that keeps you in shape.

Ka’chava clearly states that its meal replacement is not meant to be used for quick-fix diets but customers have commented on it being highly effective for weight loss and management.

Since Ka’chava fills you up quickly without any bloating, it helps you get your appetite and cravings under control.

A serving of Ka’chava has 24 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, 4.5 grams of fat, and 9 grams of fiber. The meal replacement also provides you with 50% DV of 26 micronutrients; that’s 30% more than the recommended DV!

Ka'chava's meal replacement is a 100% whole superfood meal replacement that’s on the top of its game, being vegan-friendly and free from gluten, soy, and dairy.

With ingredients like acai, amaranth, chlorella, coconut, maqui, maca, and chia, it’s an ideal blend of superfoods that can help sustain you throughout the day and even beyond.

It also has 50mg of probiotics and another 50mg of digestive enzyme blend that’ll surely promote a healthy gut and overall digestive system.


Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 10g of protein, 17g of carbs, 6g of fat, and 160 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Protein sourced from oat; made from superfoods such as flax seed, spirulina, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, nettle leaf
  • Flavors: Original, Berry, and Banana
  • Other good stuff: GMO-free, wheat-free, dairy-free

Ambronite Complete Meal Shake nutrition label

Ambronite Review

Ambronite is a meal replacement that claims to be complete and plant-based. It’s a drink that only comes from organic superfoods designed to give you a well-balanced meal that’s oozing with nutrients.

The brand sets its sights to help every professional live a full life by giving them a plant-based meal that’s created to fit a modern lifestyle and to save the planet by supporting globally sustainable food production.

Ambronite contains 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber for every serving. It’s packed with plenty of Omega3 and 29 food-based vitamins and minerals. It is also dairy-free, wheat-free, GMO-free, and has no artificial additives or sweeteners.

Every Ambronite Complete Meal Shake is bursting with immunity boosting phytonutrients and it comes in three flavors: original, berry, and banana.

However, while Ambronite claims their products are gluten free, their oats supplier handles gluten products which they clearly state in their website.

It’s also slightly disappointing to see that Ambronite’s Complete Meal shake lacks doesn’t have probiotic bacteria or digestive enzymes which would have been great for better digestive health.


Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 20g of protein, 13g of carbs, 1.5g of fat, and 130 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Protein sourced from pea, organic brown rice, buckwheat, organic amaranth, organic quinoa, chia seed, lentil, and etc.; has fiber, greens, and probiotic and enzyme blends
  • Flavors: Lightly Sweet, Vanilla, and Cacao
  • Other good stuff: Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Certified, Kosher certified,. They are also Star-K Kosher certified, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free

 

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement nutrition label

Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Review

Garden of Life takes on the challenge for convenient and nutritious meals and came up with Raw Organic Meal, a meal-on-the-go shake that’s organic and delicious.

A combination of seven other products from Garden of Life, the brand considers Raw Organic Meal its super product that is completely made with the good stuff you get from foods that are grown the right way.

Raw Organic Meal provides you with 20g of protein, 13g of carbohydrates, and 1.5g of fat for every serving. In addition to that, it has 7g of fiber, 1.5 billion CFU of probiotics, and 21 vitamins and minerals.

Garden of Life guarantees that its meal replacement is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Star-K Kosher certified. Moreover, it has no gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial sweeteners.

You get to choose from three different flavors for the Raw Organic Meal: Lightly Sweet, Vanilla, and Cacao.

Garden of Life is a good meal replacement especially for those who are sensitive to gluten. However, I personally wouldn’t recommend it for consumers who are on a Keto diet due to the low amount of fat the product offers.

It’s worth pointing out that a few have complained about the shake being too sandy or grainy even when blended and the taste would come off as chalky when not mixed well.

A number of consumers have also cited experiencing bloating and gassiness for the first few days of taking Raw Organic Meal due to the body still adjusting to the products high fiber content.


Quick Overview

  • Nutrition: 39g of protein, 24g of carbs, 18g of fat, and 400 calories per serving
  • Ingredients: Protein sourced from pea and brown rice; has kombucha, green tea extract, and probiotics
  • Flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla
  • Other good stuff: Vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free

Huel Black Edition nutrition label

Huel Review

Huel - a play on the words human and fuel - is a brand that markets their powdered meal replacement as a shake that’s nutritionally complete and balanced that you can prepare in 2 minutes or less.

Huel’s meal replacements came about due to its founders wanting to create a convenient, affordable, and vegan solution for those who barely have time to spare.

Huel Black Edition is the latest version of their meal replacement that came about after Hueligans started clamoring for a Huel meal replacement that had lesser carbs, more protein, no sucralose, and is gluten free.

Unlike the regular version, the Black Edition has 39g of protein, 24g of carbs, and 18g of fat per serving. It also has 7g of fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals. It is vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free.

While Huel Black Edition doesn’t use sucralose as a sweetener anymore, it still retains maltodextrin as a thickener, tapioca starch, and other artificial ingredients which health professionals do not recommend.

Because the meal replacement has Kombucha and Green Tea Powder, the Black Edition has a minimal 3mg amount of caffeine in it.

Huel reminds its customers that its meal replacement, including this one, has tree nuts from coconuts and that a few of their ingredients have possibly had contact with crustaceans and other fish products during the process.

While many have praised Huel Black Edition because of the amount of high protein, others were disappointed due to its underwhelming taste and tendency to cause flatulence.

Other complaints about the meal replacement has been about the significantly high amount of calories (400cal) per serving, and (2000cal) a day.

Unless you’re mostly active the whole day, a 2000-calorie diet wouldn’t help much for those who are looking to lose weight.

While it gives people an impression that it is a good meal replacement for Keto dieters due to its high fat content, the high carb count can negate that despite it already being reduced for the Black Edition.

We recently did a show in depth comparison of Huel and Ka'chava if you want to check that out.


My Top Protein Powder Recommendation for Easily Upset Stomachs

the best protein powder for upset stomachs

A surefire way to get enough good protein in your diet is to use a high quality protein powder that won’t upset sensitive stomachs and put a halt on your journey towards a fit and healthy life.

But with the sheer number of vegan protein powder brands competing against each other, it can be a challenge to choose which is the best for you and your predicament.

From the 5 plant-based protein powders we’ve listed above, I would recommend you try out KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder. I’m sure you’re wondering why and the answer is simple: it’s a well-rounded product with great benefits that won’t make you go broke.

The amount of protein found in a protein powder is not an issue unless you’re getting too little or too much. What’s more important is where this protein comes from and if it’s clean and organic.

KOS guarantees consumers its superior quality through third party certifications and transparency when it comes to their ingredients and formulas.

It’s important to consider the taste and mixability in a protein powder and KOS delivers. If your protein powder tastes bad and doesn’t mix well with your preferred liquid (be it water or non-dairy milk), it’s all over.

Just because it comes from the earth, doesn’t mean it should taste like dirt.

Consumers who have tried KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder have raved about how easy it is to mix whether you use a blender or just a shaker bottle. They also love its taste and appreciate that the brand doesn’t mislead their customers with flavor labels.

KOS also gives you a decent amount of product without you having to cut corners just to buy a high quality protein powder. A 2.6lb provides you with 30 servings and is priced just right for just about everybody on a tight budget.

You also get many benefits from KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder which you can’t find in other plant-based protein powders because its organic formula already includes 14 vitamins and minerals along with a powerhouse digestive enzyme blend.


Which Meal Replacement is Easiest to Digest?

Which Meal Replacement is Easiest to Digest

To me, a great meal replacement is one that’s convenient for someone who is always on the go or has little time to spare to be prepping their own healthy meals without compromising health.

An almost perfect meal replacement should be formulated to provide you with the right amount of nutrition your body needs while helping you achieve other health goals such as managing your weight or increasing muscle growth in the healthiest way.

But a perfect meal replacement should go down smoothly without a hitch; no horrible taste, no allergic reaction, and most especially, no digestive issues right as you down a serving.


Kachava - Best For Easily Upset Stomachs

best meal replacement protein for upset stomachs

Out of all 4 meal replacements above, Ka’Chava definitely takes the top spot as the easiest meal replacement to digest.

You can check it out on amazon by clicking here.

Or if you are a first time customer you can use this link here and you will get 15% off your entire order. It's also slightly cheaper on Ka'chava's website too.

First time customers only

It has the right balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, and digestive blends required by the body without irritating your bowels.

Often, consumers tend to lean on meal replacements that have high amounts of this and that, ultimately forgetting that moderation is always the best way to go, especially with stuff you ingest and digest.

Ka’Chava can be perfect for you and your sensitive belly because it’s free from dairy, gluten, and soy. You can benefit from a slightly increased protein intake without having to sacrifice your vegan diet due to digestion problems.

What’s more, Ka’Chava meal replacement is carefully formulated with no synthetic supplements and is wholly vegan.

Customers have hesitated trying out this meal replacement due to its price but seeing its superb ingredient list and nutrition label, they’ve sucked it up and have not regretted it since.

Once you finally taste and see how beneficial Ka’Chava can be to your lifestyle and body, you get hooked and wouldn’t even think twice about its price.

Being made out of natural and organic ingredients is a huge plus aside from the convenience of getting nutrients in a bottle.

Most of all, you don’t have to worry about taking in components that can compromise your health and upset your belly.


Is Plant-Based Protein Better for Sensitive Stomachs?

Is Plant-Based Protein Better for Sensitive Stomachs

A lot of animal protein lovers would argue that you’re missing out on many benefits, such as not getting complete proteins, when you’re on a plant protein diet.

However, animal protein is harder to digest and some people out there are just born with an intolerance for it or are allergic to it and its certain components. Plant-based protein is much more gentle to your digestive system and comes with other benefits.

When sourced from various quality plant ingredients and then combined, it can result in a good amino acid profile  similar to what animal protein can provide.

It can also reduce the risk of running into health problems and digestive concerns you may get from constant consumption of animal protein.


Tips to Avoid an Upset Stomach

Stomach pains, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, the list can go on and on. But the bottomline is, once you’re experiencing it, your whole day (or days… or week/s) is ruined.

Here are a few tips you can practice to avoid an upset stomach:

  1. Check the labels and avoid foods that trigger symptoms
  • With a bit more mindfulness, you can always avoid this mishap and be able to enjoy your day without an impromptu visit to the nearest toilet.
  1. Avoid eating too fast
  • Eating too quickly can increase the risk of heartburn and indigestion.
  1. Stop smoking
  • Aside from increasing the risk of destroying your lungs, smoking is scientifically known to be one of the causes of many digestive problems.
  1. Start exercising
  • Scientifically known to be a solution to constipation and gas problems, exercise can get your intestines working faster by raising your heart rate and stimulating your muscles.

Which is Better for Sensitive Stomachs: Protein Powder or Meal Replacement?

Honestly, it all depends on what your goals and needs are!

It could also boil down to your budget. Protein powders can be expensive, (and protein pills are not very popular yet) and not everyone has enough cash to splurge on the safe ones. Then you might make do with meal replacement shakes that have a fair amount of protein along with other nutrients. 

The likes of Joylent and Huel, and some healthy Huel alternatives such as Soylent, Ensure, Shakeology or Shaklee make for great picks here. 

If you’re looking to lose weight in a healthy manner without having to cut on certain daily nutrients, or are just really too busy to cook a healthy and hearty meal, then a meal replacement is the way to go.

But if you’re mainly trying to fuel your body for hardcore workouts and quicken muscle recovery, a protein powder is the better option for you.

Meal replacements are meant to substitute one or two regular meals in a day while protein powders are formulated to supplement your regular diet.

While both products do have a decent amount of protein, you will find more carbs and fats in meal replacements along with more micronutrients in order to ensure you still get the daily recommended values.


How Much Protein in a Protein Powder is Good Enough?

An average adult that doesn’t move around much is recommended to eat 0.8g of protein for every pound of their body weight, while one that’s regularly more active should have a daily intake of 1.2g of protein for every pound of body weight.

Knowing how to calculate this can save you time from worrying whether this or that protein powder has enough protein.

But in general, it’s recommended that you only take 20-50g of the nutrient from protein powder in a day.

Again, largely depending on your lifestyle, goals, and body weight, it’s important to be mindful and do proper research before blindly chugging on protein powder. Too much of it can worsen a few existing health concerns and affect hygiene.


My Concluding Thoughts - Go With Kachava

Protein powders and meal replacements can both be great health supplements that can improve your body and athletic performance.

Both types have products that can be worth the purchase and are significantly convenient for busy people like you and me.

And those with sensitive stomachs don’t need to miss out on these great products because many brands out there have made it their mission to provide you with a plant-based alternative.

I’m sure you’ve gone through terrible experiences with these supplements in the past and you may be wary of trying them out again today.

But as long as you’re mindfully aware and determined to reach your health goals, especially with choosing the best protein powder or meal replacement that’ll suit your needs, you’ll find it to be a more pleasant experience this time around.

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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

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

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