Best Low Carb Meal Replacement Shakes
Mealtimes can be especially challenging if your loved one has unique dietary needs. With so much going on, it's difficult to set aside time for cooking, but you don’t want to scrimp on nutrition either. Enter the low carb meal replacement shake.
High-quality low carb meal replacement shakes provide a healthy complete meal substitute if you’re in a rush. And, if your loved one has diabetes, heart disease, or a metabolic condition, they can drink them without having to worry about a blood sugar spike.
At Carewell, we stock several types of low carb meal replacement shakes. Keep reading to learn more about our selection and what makes each unique.
What Are Low Carb Meal Replacement Shakes?
Low carb meal replacement shakes are nutritional drinks formulated for people on low carbohydrate or keto diets. The definition of low carb diet varies, but it typically limits carbohydrate intake to between 20-57 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Low carb meal replacement shakes substitute carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats. They’re delicious and filling, and ideal for people with underlying medical conditions who need to maintain a healthy weight.
What Types of Health Problems Benefit From Low Carb Diets?
Low carb diets are often associated with weight loss, but they provide other health benefits, too. Consider adding them to your pantry, if you care for someone with:
Prediabetes
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Metabolic syndrome
When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, like exercise and stress management, a low carb diet offers various benefits, including lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.
Carewell’s Best Low Carb Meal Replacement Shakes
1) ProSource No Carb Liquid Collagen
This liquid protein supplement is sugar-free and contains a blend of collagen and whey protein isolate. It provides 15 grams of protein per serving, contains 0 carbs, and can be administered orally or with a feeding tube.
Key Benefits & Features:
Sugar-free, lactose, and gluten-free
0 Carbs per serving
The liquid protein is made of 100% indispensable amino acids
Hear it from a caregiver
“[This] is an excellent source of protein in a concentrated form, requiring a small consumption amount. [I’ve] recommended it to a peer nurse (my profession) for use with a senior patient.”
- Barbara C.
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2) Boost Glucose Control Balanced Nutritional Drink
Boost Glucose Control contains just 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving, so it fits well within the range of low carb diets. Even better? It’s specially formulated to produce a lower blood sugar response than standard nutritional drinks, making it ideal for people with diabetes and metabolic disease. The formulation is lactose and gluten-free, so it’s safe for people with certain allergies.
Key Benefits & Features:
Contains 16 grams of protein to help maintain lean muscle mass
Includes 25 vitamins and minerals essential for health
190 calories per 8-ounce bottle
Hear it from a caregiver
“I love boost because I need to stay hydrated and need the nutrients it provides. I don’t like drinking water and Boost provides what I need. I also like the way Boost controls my type 2 diabetes. Thanks to Boost, I live a better life.”
- Jack T.
3) Glucerna, Nutritional Shake
Glucerna is another low carb meal replacement shake, containing just 16 grams of carbohydrates. Those carbohydrates are “slow release” helping reduce blood sugar spikes.
Glucerna tastes like a delicious chocolate milkshake but provides various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. The drink is suitable for anyone but comes highly recommended for those with prediabetes, diabetes, and metabolic disease.
Key Benefits & Features:
Each serving contains 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber
Only 180 calories per 8-ounce bottle
Contains vitamins C, D, A, and E, as well as zinc
Hear it from a caregiver
“[A] wholesome meal to provide for our loved ones who are diabetic. This can be treated as a healthy snack, too!”
- Ofelia L.
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4) Glucerna Hunger Smart, Oral Supplement, Vanilla Flavor
Glucerna Hunger Smart is another low carb meal replacement shake specially formulated for diabetics. Each 10-ounce bottle contains four grams of fiber, 15 grams of protein, and 14 grams of carbohydrates. The Carbsteady mixture helps prevent blood sugar spikes and supports skin and immune health.
Key Benefits & Features:
Designed as a shake for diabetics
Helps manage blood sugar as a meal or snack replacement
Convenient, tasty, and hassle-free
Hear it from a caregiver
“[I] had to make the switch [to Glucerna] from Ensure and was pleasantly surprised in the taste difference. It’s more pricey but medically necessary. Thanks for guiding me through the process!”
- Valerie T.
Price: $17.14 - $94.73
5) Ensure High Protein Shake
This protein-packed meal replacement shake from Ensure has 19 grams of carbohydrates. It’s vanilla flavored, contains two grams of fat, and provides 27 essential vitamins and nutrients.
Whether you’re on the go and need to serve your loved one a quick snack, or you’re simply too tired to cook, this low carb shake offers balanced nutrition.
Key Benefits & Features:
Great for people on high-protein diets
Has 16 grams of protein –– 75% more than Ensure Original
Makes an excellent post-workout snack
Hear it from a caregiver
“Great shake! Being a cancer survivor and getting COVID-19 twice last year, I do what I can to keep myself healthy. Ensure shakes taste great any time!”
- Richard C.
Price: $12.46 - $69.98
Need Help Choosing a Low Carb Meal Replacement Shake?
At Carewell, we regularly answer questions about meal replacement shakes. Get in touch if you need help finding a product that’s right for your loved one. Our Care Specialists are available 24/7 to assist! Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com.
Best Low Carb Meal Replacement Shakes - Commonly Asked Questions
1) How often can I drink low carb meal replacement shakes?
Before you buy any low carb meal replacement shakes for your loved one, schedule an appointment with their doctor. Everyone has unique nutritional needs, so what might be good for one person might not be good for another. Your loved one’s doctor can make personalized recommendations that align with their health and needs.
2) Can low carb meal replacement shakes benefit people with diabetes?
Eating a low carb diet offers various benefits for people with diabetes. Research shows that reducing carbs prevents blood sugar from spiking and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides (fat in the blood). Even so, cutting carbs doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Healthy lifestyle changes and routine checkups with your health care team are essential.
3) What happens if someone doesn’t follow a low carb diet?
If you don’t follow the nutritional guidelines of a low carb diet, you might experience severe blood sugar spikes. Everyone’s blood sugar levels fluctuate daily, but if you have diabetes or metabolic disease, these spikes can increase the risk of complications.
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Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.