What to Add to Meal Replacement Shakes (16 Best Options)

Meal replacement shakes are a convenient way to get all the nutrients you need in one meal.

But sometimes, they can be a little bland.

That’s why it’s important to know what to add to meal replacement shakes to make them more palatable and satisfying.

There are a few things you can do to doctor up your meal replacement shake and make it more interesting.

There are many things you can add to your meal replacement shake, depending on what you are looking for. If you want more protein, you can add Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or silken tofu.

If you are looking for more healthy fats, you can add avocado, nut butter, or flaxseed oil. If you want more fiber, you can add chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or psyllium husk. And if you want more vitamins and minerals, you can add fruits and vegetables, or a green powder supplement.

If you want a whole list of more ideas, then keep scrolling!

What to Add to Meal Replacement Shakes?

There are many things you can add to your meal replacement shake to make it more nutritious and filling. Some good options include adding a source of protein, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or milk; adding healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, or nut butter; and adding fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.

By adding these ingredients to your shake, you’ll create a more complete meal that will better satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full for longer.

Still looking for ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 16 different things you can add to your meal replacement shake to make it more enjoyable:

1. Fruits

Fruits are great to add to meal replacement shakes.

They add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

Fresh or frozen fruits can be used, and they can be whole or cut up.

If using frozen fruit, it may be necessary to add more liquid to the shake.

2. Vegetables

Adding in some chopped-up vegetables can help give them some flavor and bulk.

Leafy greens, carrots, celery, and even tomatoes can all be great additions to a meal replacement shake.

Just make sure to chop them up into small pieces so they blend well.

3. Protein Powder

Adding protein to your meal replacement shake can help keep you fuller longer and boost the nutrition content.

Different types of protein offer different benefits, so it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for your goals.

Some popular choices include whey, casein, soy, pea, hemp, and rice protein powders (see also these Fruity Pebbles Protein Powder recipes).

These powders are easy to find and affordable, making them a great option for those on a budget.

4. Nut Butters

Nut butters not only add delicious flavor to your shake, but they also offer a host of health benefits.

They’re high in healthy fats and proteins, and contain no sugar or carbs.

Not to mention, they’re relatively cheap and easy to find in most grocery stores.

Add a tablespoon or two to your shake for a little added crunch and flavor.

5. Seeds

If you have some seeds on hand, adding them to your shake can give it a boost of nutrients and flavor.

Chia seeds, hemp hearts, and sunflower seeds are all high in fiber which can help keep you feeling full longer, while ground flaxseeds can provide a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

Just be sure not to overdo it; adding too many seeds can make your shake heavy and difficult to drink.

6. Nuts and Dried Fruit

Known for their texture and flavor, nuts and dried fruit can give your meal replacement shake a boost.

Add a handful of almonds, walnuts, raisins, or dates to your shake for a satisfying crunch that’ll keep you fuller longer.

Keep in mind that the higher the caloric density of your nuts and fruit, the more they’ll add to your calorie count; choose low-calorie options if that’s a concern.

7. Superfoods

You’ve probably heard of superfoods before, but do you know what they are?

Superfoods are essentially nutrient-rich foods that have been studied extensively for their health benefits.

Add them to your meal replacement shake for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some of our favorites include Spirulina, Chlorella, Wheatgrass Powder, Acai Powder, and Etc.

8. Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices come with strong flavors and aromas, so be sure to mix them in cautiously.

Adding too much can overpower the flavors of your shake, so start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you achieve the flavor profile you’re looking for.

Some great additions include ginger root powder, turmeric powder, and cinnamon powder.

9. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats come in many forms, including coconut oil, MCT oil, avocado oil, and fish oil capsules.

They’re a great way to add more variety and nutrients to your meal replacement shake, as well as help your body absorb the nutrients more easily.

Not only that, but they also give your shake a creamy texture that’ll make it feel more like a meal.

10. Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives

Not everybody wants to consume dairy, which is totally understandable.

Luckily, there are a plethora of dairy-free milk alternatives that can be added to meal replacement shakes to make them more palatable for everyone.

Some of our favorites include almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, and more.

Just be sure to read the ingredients list before buying, as some of these alternatives may contain added sugars or other sweeteners that shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities on a regular basis.

11. Probiotics

Probiotics are important to us for a few reasons.

For one, they help keep our gut bacteria in check, which can play a role in everything from weight management to digestive health.

And secondly, they work synergistically with other ingredients in meal replacement shakes — like ice — to create a more enjoyable and satisfying drink.

Look for brands that list live and active cultures on the label, as these colonies of bacteria are more likely to do their job optimally.

12. Fiber

Fiber is great for keeping you full, and adding it to your shakes helps keep you satisfied longer.

Fiber comes in a variety of forms, including psyllium husk powder, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and others.

All of these ingredients bind to liquids and help slow down the absorption of calories, keeping you fuller longer.

In addition to adding fiber to your shake, make sure to also include healthy fats and proteins for sustained energy.

13. Antioxidants

I’m sure that you’ve heard that antioxidants are good for you, but did you know that they can also be found in some of your favorite foods?

Some of the most common antioxidants include acai, goji berries, green tea, and resveratrol supplements.

Adding them to your shake ensures that you’re getting the most out of these powerful nutrients.

14. Digestive Enzymes

Don’t forget about the gut-friendly ingredients that can help with digestion.

Digestive enzymes supplements like Bromelain and Papaya Extract can help break down food and improve absorption, while proteolytic enzymes supplements like Amylase and Lipase can help with the breakdown of proteins.

Adding these ingredients to your shake will make it easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients it needs, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

15. Immune-Boosting Supplements

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against infection, and as we get older, our immune system may not be as strong as it once was.

Taking supplements that support the immune system can help you stay healthy and avoid common colds and other infections.

One popular supplement to add to meal replacement shakes is vitamin C powder or capsules.

Not only does it provide antioxidant protection, but vitamin C also helps the body fight infection by boosting the production of white blood cells.

Elderberry syrup or capsules are another great choice because they contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and polyphenols that have been shown to boost the immune system.

Garlic supplements can also help boost the immune system because it contains allicin, which is an ingredient that has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

16. Collagen Peptides

These days, meal replacement shakes are becoming more and more popular for people looking to cut down on calories and lose weight.

One of the main ingredients in most of these shakes is collagen peptides, which are said to help with weight loss, improve muscle recovery, and increase satiety.

If you’re looking for an added boost of protein, adding collagen peptides to your shake will do the trick.

Can You Add Fruit to Meal Replacement Shakes?

Yes, you can add fruit to your meal replacement shakes. This will give you more nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. It will also make your shake more filling and satisfying. Choose fruits that are lower in sugar for the healthiest option and for blood sugar control. Good choices include berries, cherries, and avocado.

What Can I Add to My Protein Shake to Make It a Meal Replacement?

There are a few things you can add to your protein shake to make it a meal replacement. First, you can add some healthy fats, like avocado or coconut oil. You can also add some fibre-rich foods, like chia seeds or flaxseeds. Finally, you can add some fruits or vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.