Best Meal Replacement Shakes For Diabetics

Diabetes statistics show that diabetes is the leading chronic disease in the United States, with more than 30 millions Americans affected. According to Vandana Sheth, RDN a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care specialist, the condition is caused by a lack in insulin production.

In order to keep healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics, they need to eat consistently and regularly. This is why meal replacement shakes are so popular.

Most meal replacement shakes contain low carbohydrate and high protein content, which helps manage blood sugar levels and caloric intake. This is according to Nicole Avena PhD assistant professor of neurology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and

Avena says that tracking carbohydrates is important for diabetics because they turn into sugar when digested. This can make it hard for them to know the right amount of insulin to take. Although homemade meals are best, meal replacement shakes can be a convenient way to ensure that you get your nutrients, while still being carb-friendly.

Here are some of the best meal replacement shakes for diabetics.

How We Selected

We spoke with dietitians to learn more about the best meal replacement shakes and the most effective ways to choose the right one for you. Our top picks were chosen based on the professional recommendations and criteria, including:

Glucerna 30g Protein Shake

National Institutes of Health states that wounds with difficulty healing are a common symptom of type two diabetes. Laura Cipullo RD is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist. She also wrote Everyday Diabetic Meals for 1 or 2.

This shake was specifically created for diabetics to help them manage their carbohydrate intake while increasing protein intake. This shake, which has only 150 calories is ideal for a quick snack on the go, but should not replace a meal.

310 Meal Replacer Shake

This shake is a little more expensive, but you get more value from the packaging. It comes with 14 individual servings, and you can mix it with milk, water or other milk alternatives.

This is an excellent option for those looking for a protein that’s plant-based. It’s a combination of pea, brown rice and pumpkin protein.

Garden of Life Keto Meal

This meal replacement shake, which is formulated by a doctor, can be beneficial to people who are diabetic, as it helps manage blood sugar levels.

This shake follows keto principles and is higher in fat compared to other shakes. This can be beneficial for diabetics. A 2020 study published in Diabetes Research & Care showed that a high-fat diet with low carbs leads to weight loss and AIC reduction.

Ample Complete Meal Powder

Ample designed this meal replacement shake to help control carbs. Avena says that the shake contains only 2 grams sugar and 25 grams protein. This is to help slow down sugar’s release into your bloodstream. This product has a higher calorie count than other products, so you should keep this in mind when calculating your daily intake.

Atkins Protein-Rich Shake

Atkins has been known for years as a brand that creates replacement bars and shakes with low carbohydrate content and high protein.

Avena says that this shake has a perfect macronutrient ratio, with only 2 grams of carbohydrate and 15 grams protein. She adds that the shake contains 5 grams fiber to help with digestion and provide nutritional benefits. Fiber has been shown to control blood sugar levels and cholesterol in the blood. This can help prevent diabetic complications.

Splenda Diabetic Care Shake

This is a good choice if you want a shake to replace a meal that tastes great and provides balanced nutrition. This shake has less calories and more protein, but it also contains more carbohydrates.

Sheth says that the combination between protein and fats can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce blood glucose spikes.

OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake

Sheth notes that this shake is not only vegan and gluten free, but also contains a mixture of ingredients rich in omega-3s which can have heart-healthy effects.

This product also contains BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which are particularly useful for muscle recovery.

What You Should Know Before Buying Meal Replacement Shakes

Here’s what nutritionists want you to know before you buy a meal replacement shake to manage diabetes.

The simpler the ingredients, the better

Avena says that simpler ingredients, which are more natural, will aid in digestion and absorption. She says that meal-replacement companies can use stabilizers and fillers to ensure their formulas are well mixed.

She suggests that you look for shakes with short ingredient lists in order to simplify your shopping and reduce unpleasant symptoms.

Shakes as a meal replacement should only be used as a supplement

These shakes are great for people with diabetes and other health conditions, but they shouldn’t be the only part of your diet.

Adams advises that, while it’s fine to have more than one a day to replace meals, you should have at least two solid foods per meal. This keeps your gastrointestinal system fit by forcing it to work harder to digest the solid foods that are more difficult to digest.

The Daily Value of Nutrients (DV) is Important

Some meal-replacement foods will have 16-20% DV, which will give you a better coverage of nutrients if consumed instead of a meal, says Colleen J. Johnson, RD.

Check to Make Sure it Has Less Than 45 Grams Of Carbohydrates

Cipullo explains that women with type 2 diabetics need 45 grams of carbohydrates per meal while men are able to consume 60 grams. If your meal replacement shake contains 45 grams or less of carbohydrate, blood sugar control will be easier to achieve.

She suggests testing your blood glucose before drinking a supplement, and again two hours later to see how it responds.