How to Find the Best Paleo Meal Replacement Shake
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Dietitian’s guide on how to find the best paleo meal replacement shake.
Discover how to supplement the paleo diet.
Paleo Meal Replacements
Are Meal Replacement Shakes Paleo?
The paleo diet is all about eating like our ancestors ate 10,000 years ago – during the Paleolithic era.
In a nutshell, it stresses eating whole foods over processed ones.
Paleo-friendly foods include meat, fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
It follows that if you insist on avoiding processed foods altogether, then meal replacement shakes are not an option.
But if you are willing to compromise somewhat on what constitutes “processed food,” then there are a few paleo meal replacements to choose from.
That said, finding a meal replacement compatible with the paleo diet is still hard for several reasons.
For starters, most meal replacements contain either whey, soy, or pea protein, none of which are paleo.
Whey protein comes from milk, and soy and pea protein come from legumes.
Milk and legumes are not allowed on the paleo diet.
Another real reason why most meal replacements are not technically paleo is that they contain ultra-processed protein concentrates and/or isolates.
The average protein concentrates/isolate undergoes some combination of the following:
centrifugation, ultrafiltration, alkaline extraction, acid precipitation, pH fluctuation, enzymatic hydrolysis, ion exchange
It goes without saying that protein concentrates/isolates were absolutely not on the menu during the Paleolithic era.
A third reason why most meal replacements are not compatible with the paleo diet is they contain added ingredients like emulsifiers, thickeners, and flavors.
Food additives like these, including natural flavors and natural sweeteners like stevia, are not paleo.
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What Is the Best Paleo Meal Replacement Shake?
Most meal replacements are NOT paleo because they contain one or more of the following: whey, soy, peas, protein concentrates and/or isolates, and food additives like emulsifiers and thickeners.
⚠️ Here is a list of the most common food additives in meal replacements:
- acacia fiber
- acacia gum
- acesulfame potassium
- artificial flavors
- ascorbic acid
- aspartame
- calcium carbonate
- carrageenan
- cellulose gum
- dextrin
- dicalcium phosphate
- dipotassium phosphate
- erythritol
- gellan gum
- guar gum
- gum arabic
- inulin
- locust bean gum
- maltitol
- maltodextrin
- mono- and diglycerides
- ‘natural’ flavors
- rice bran extract
- rice dextrin
- rice hulls
- rosemary extract
- silica
- silicon dioxide
- sodium alginate
- soluble corn fiber
- sorbitol
- soy lecithin
- sucralose
- sunflower lecithin
- tocopherols
- tricalcium phosphate
- xanthan gum
- xylitol
- zinc oxide
In fact, it turns out that 99% of meal replacements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.
Drink Wholesome makes the best paleo meal replacement powder from a short list of simple ingredients.
Our Ingredients
egg whites
coconut
vanilla
monk fruit
NOT Our Ingredients
acacia gum
acesulfame potassium
artificial flavors
carrageenan
erythritol
guar gum
inulin
maltodextrin
'natural' flavors
silica
soy lecithin
sucralose
xanthan gum
xylitol
Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like almonds, which are not only paleo, but also easier to digest and absorb.
It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our Meal Replacement Powder than with any other type of protein supplement.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Registered Dietitian and reviewed by a Physician Assistant. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes minimally-processed meal replacement powder for sensitive stomachs. Because it’s made from a short list of simple ingredients, it’s also a great option for anyone who wants to avoid artificial and ultra-processed ingredients – including kids, seniors, and moms.
Why is Drink Wholesome easy to digest?
No Dairy
Drink Wholesome is made without whey and casein, which contain lactose, a sugar most people can’t fully digest. Dairy-based proteins, especially casein, also form a gel-like substance in your stomach, which can upset sensitive stomachs.
No Additives
Drink Wholesome is made without ultra-processed food additives. Regularly eating artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can cause digestive issues and even long-term gut health problems.
Whole Food Protein
Drink Wholesome is made from whole food protein sources like almonds and egg whites. Unlike ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been stripped of fiber, enzymes, and other natural digestive aids, whole foods are easy to break down and absorb.
Protein powder vs meal replacement powder?
We make minimally-processed Protein Powders and Meal Replacement Powders for sensitive stomachs. Protein powder is high in protein and low in everything else, whereas meal replacement powder contains fats, carbs, fiber, and protein because it’s intended to replace the nutritional value of a light meal.
Ask our dietitian.
If you’re wondering which of our products is best for you, ask our Registered Dietitian. She’ll reply via email within 24 hours.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.
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