What Is the Best Paleo Meal Replacement Shake?


Are you looking for the best paleo meal replacement shake? Discover how to easily supplement a 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.

a man making a meal replacement shake with drink wholesome meal replacement powder

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.

a woman making a meal replacement shake with drink wholesome meal replacement powder

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

egg whites

coconut

coconut

vanilla

vanilla

monk fruit

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.

Reviews

Cheryl

3 months ago

Verified Purchase I have acid reflux and your product was recommended for people like me. I ordered it and I love it! It is so clean and I digest it so well. Keep doing what you are doing...you are on the right track! acid reflux

For Vegan Meal Replacement Powder

Anne

5 months ago

Verified Purchase I had gum surgery and need soft foods/liquid type for at least 30 days. Finding a drink that had wholesome ingredients wasn’t easy! So glad I stumbled upon yours! Love both the choc and vanilla with my almond milk or water from my Berky water filter. I’ll be a customer for life! Thanks for doing the research and creating something healthy!

For Vegan Meal Replacement Powder

Jake

7 months ago

Verified Purchase I was recently diagnosed with Graves disease and Drink Wholesome has been an important part of my wellness journey. This isn't quite the product I was looking for, but it's a lot better than the alternatives. I'd love to see a higher calorie version...

For Vegan Meal Replacement Powder

Frequently asked questions

Who is Drink Wholesome for?

Drink Wholesome is the best 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 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 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. He’ll reply via email within 24 hours.

Ask Our Dietitian
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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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