Surprisingly, finding a high-quality low carb meal replacement shake can be quite a challenge.

And this is because they are created using outdated assumptions such as:

1. A meal needs to be 500 calories or more

2. You must consume a balanced ratio of macros at every meal

3. Carbohydrates are the only form of energy our bodies can use

As you can see, the reason why so many meal replacement shakes are high in carbs is simply because they don’t actually use modern nutritional science to create the formulations.

And that makes sense.

It’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to simply add a generic mix of vitamins and minerals to a protein powder and call it a day.

The problem with this approach, however, is that it fails to consider a few things:

1. On average, Americans consume more calories than they burn throughout the day. This makes high-calorie shakes a poor substitute for regular meals, especially anyone looking to improve metabolic health or lose weight.

2. All carbs, calories, and nutrients are NOT equal. Quality of ingredients matters more than you think.

3. More people have gravitated toward low-carb and keto diets as a way to control blood sugar and burn fat.

4. Nowhere in nature will you find a perfectly balanced “meal” with an even distribution of 20% RDI of vitamins & minerals.

Additionally, the demand for low carb meal replacement shakes is still relatively niche compared to the overwhelming popularity of traditional high carb options.

This limited demand makes it harder for manufacturers to invest in producing and promoting low carb alternatives.

As a result, finding a reliable and quality low carb meal replacement shake can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you already understand some of the reasons why a meal replacement shake that is packed with carbs probably isn’t the best idea.

Unless, of course, your goal is to put on weight or you’re training at a high level with a lot of intense physical daily activity.

Then you really do need the extra carbs and calories to compensate for all the extra calories you’re burning off.

Many manufacturers use corn maltodextrin as a cheap filler ingredient, which significantly increases the carbohydrate content of the shake. Oftentimes, it’s hidden within the ingredients section or sometimes not listed at all.

Maltodextrin is typically used to facilitate the process of real whole foods into a powder format. Maltodextrin serves a dual purpose in the food industry, commonly employed to both enhance the texture and bulk of processed foods while also acting as a preservative to extend the shelf life of packaged products.

But, there’s a distinct difference between corn maltodextrin and tapioca maltodextrin.

Corn maltodextrin is a problematic and hidden carbohydrate commonly found in most meal replacement shakes.

While it may not sound harmful, corn maltodextrin can actually have a negative impact on blood sugar levels and hinder weight loss progress. This is a major concern for individuals following a low carb diet, as they rely on meal replacement shakes to regulate their blood sugar and promote fat loss.

The main issue with corn maltodextrin is that it is a high-glycemic carbohydrate, meaning it is quickly broken down into sugar in the body. This rapid increase in blood sugar levels can lead to spikes and crashes, making it difficult for individuals to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. It can also contribute to cravings and hunger, undermining weight loss efforts.

In contrast, tapioca can be used as a healthier alternative to corn maltodextrin.

Tapioca is a low-glycemic carbohydrate that doesn't cause the same blood sugar fluctuations, making it a better option for those looking to control their carbohydrate intake.

To ensure you're selecting a low carb meal replacement shake without corn maltodextrin, it's important to carefully read the ingredient list on the packaging. Look for shakes that explicitly state they are free from corn maltodextrin and opt for those that use tapioca or other low glycemic ingredients instead.

By being aware of the hidden carb culprit in most meal replacement shakes and choosing low carb options, you can better support your weight loss goals and maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout your journey.

Huel and Soylent are the worst offenders of this cheap ingredient problem. But even “better-for-you” brands like Ka’Chava, Form, and 310 Nutrition haven’t yet caught up with the science.

Sure, some of these brands use better ingredients by leaving out the cheap seed oils and artificial fillers, but they run into another problem…Not enough micronutrients.