Buying diet shakes in Australia (our favs and tips from a health expert)

Many people swear by diet shakes as part of their diet regime. They can eliminate the fuss of making a meal whilst providing the vitamins and minerals you need to get you through the day.

Whether you’re looking for diet shakes for a quick weight loss fix, or you’re looking for a long-term solution to keep you trim, there is heaps of choice available. Some would say too much!

What I like most about diet shakes is that they take away the meal prep. The less I am around food, the less I want it. Even preparing a low calorie meal makes me hungry. With the shakes, you can just whizz them and get outta the kitchen!

I’ve broken it down and found the best diet shakes on the market right now. Plus, I’ve included all the facts you need to compare and pick the right diet shake for you.

Exciting new addition to article: Since first writing this article a few years ago, I've discovered new diet shakes so I've left in my favourites and swapped some out for my top newcomers to the shake market. And, because what we put in our bodies is so important, I've enlisted the help of Catherine Gervacio from the E-Health Project, a highly regarded US-based online provider of Health News and Medical Research updates, to explain the following:

• What to consider before using shakes to lose weight

• How to make diet shakes work for you

• How to choose the right diet shake for your health goals

Other than being a registered dietitian, and a certified exercise nutrition coach, Catherine is experienced in helping women (mostly) achieve their health and wellness goals. With years of practice, including meal planning, nutrition consultation, and accountability coaching, she's the perfect person to provide the facts we need about these shakes.

After all, I can tell you which diet shakes in Australia I love but professional advice is super important when it comes to our personal health goals ... especially when the aim is to create a healthier version of ourselves.

Want to diet but shakes don’t cut it for you? Have a look at: The best diet programs in Australia.

What to consider before using shakes to lose weight

Over to Catherine for this one. She says:

The nutritional content of the diet shakes should be considered most importantly! It’s best to look for options that provide a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) with essential vitamins and minerals. Also, consider what you truly need. Are you wanting to lose weight? Tone muscles? Manage a health condition? These questions will help you determine what particular diet shakes you need. There are high-protein, sugar-free, or other varieties that can go well with your health and fitness goals.

Most importantly, I have to say that relying solely on diet shakes isn’t ideal. You want to include a variety of whole foods in to ensure improvement or maintenance of health.

Top 10 diet shakes in Australia

The Healthy Mummy

We all have a friend who has given The Healthy Mummy smoothies a go. These low-calorie meal replacement shakes make it super easy to shed pounds and keep it off, as long as you supplement with exercise and a proper diet. Nutritionists formulated the smoothies to ensure a nutrient-dense drink that is low in sugar (96% sugar free), high in protein and without added caffeine, artificial sweeteners or dairy. One of the best things for me is that The Healthy Mummy has a terrific support community built around the brand where you can get help, motivation and inspiration from other mums. Also try their 28-day weight loss challenge, the number one mums only weight loss program in the world.

Cost per shake: $3 to $4.37

Dietary info: Breastfeeding friendly, 96% sugar free, no added dairy, caffeine or sweeteners

Flavours available: Vanilla, Chocolate, Choc Fudge, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, Salted Caramel, Banana, Caramel, Choc Mint, 45 Plus, Pregnancy Smoothie

This is the shake for you if: You’re a busy mum who wants to lose weight and get support from other mums.

We found this at: The Healthy Mummy

Optifast

For ladies who are looking to lose weight fast under the supervision of a healthcare professional, I highly recommend the Optifast VLCD shakes. Because it’s a very low-calorie regimen, this program is specifically designed to manage your diet if you are severely overweight or obese. You’ll need your doctor’s okay before starting this diet, and you’ll receive personalised coaching from the Optifast team while you’re on your weight loss journey. Support is one of the things that I love about Optifast. They really customise your experience based on your goals. The online tools are there to help you plan everything, from exercise to what you eat for each meal, and monitor your progress.

FatBlaster

Naturopathica FatBlaster is another popular low carb meal replacement shakes Australia with a range of products to help you lose weight fast and keep it off. It was my go-to when I was in keto mode!  I absolutely love that their Super Shake contains superfoods (chia, cacao, matcha and green coffee bean) to help burn fat rapidly whilst controlling hunger and keeping you full. If you work out regularly, the Keto Fit Protein shake contains high quality protein and MCT oil to fuel your body while you burn fat. To add, the Ultimate Indulgence shake tastes so amazing that it doesn’t feel like you’re on a diet.

Nature's Way Slim Right

Nature’s Way Slim Right shakes have been around forever and are designed to be a complete nutritional meal for people who are actively losing weight. From memory, they are the first diet shakes I tried. Their Skinny Gut Probiotic shake is the first to contain weight loss probiotics that reduce bloating whilst boosting metabolism and making you feel slimmer and lighter. Slim Right is highly-rated for overall satisfaction as well as hunger satisfaction and taste. The shakes blend well and, best of all, are plant-based. The cost per shake is also comparable to other brands.

The Lady Shake

The Lady Shake is a meal replacement shake designed specifically for us ladies looking to lose weight and keep it off. The shake is high in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals but low in sugar. It has 84% less sugar than other meal replacement shakes or 88 teaspoons less of sugar each week. The shake replaces two meals per day. I have mine mid morning and then have a nice evening meal. I love that they are breastfeeding friendly to help post-pregnancy mums stay slim. Vegan options are also available, as well as breakfast shakes for kids and shakes for the men in your life.

Best weight loss shakes in Australia (cont.)

Rapid Loss

Rapid Loss shakes come in original and low sugar options with a bunch of flavours to satisfy your taste buds. The original formula is low GI, gluten free and high in fibre, whilst the other has 30% less sugar and contains Garcinia Cambogia (Malabar tamarind) that makes it easier for the body to use glucose, Guarana extract, MCT oil and key nutrients. There are mixed reviews about the 30% less sugar one but I like it if well blended (not hand whisked). I also like that the brand promotes healthy eating (natural, unprocessed foods) and provides a supportive community on Facebook.

Atkins Advantage Diet Shakes

When it comes to top-rated diet shakes in Australia, the Atkins Advantage shakes satisfy your hunger and provide essential nutrients and energy to support weight loss and maintenance. These were another go-to shake option for me when I was in my keto phase, after all isn’t Atkins the original keto? They fit in perfectly if you are already on the Atkins four-phase weight loss program that is focused on low-carb diets and healthy eating. Take your shake for breakfast or anytime once or twice a day to help you stay fit and lean. Like with anything Atkins or keto, make sure you’re getting all your electrolytes alongside your shakes.

How to make diet shakes work for you

Our in-article dietician and nutrition coach, Catherine Gervacio says:

Ideally, you want to make your diet shake. This is to ensure that you’re adding ingredients that you need and align to your own calorie and macronutrient needs. A whey protein or a pea protein can be used as a protein source, especially when high-protein is being aimed for. Then, add a liquid base using unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or non-fat dairy milk. Fruits and vegetables should be added for nutrients and fiber, then add seeds or nuts for healthy fats. To make it flavorful, add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon!

On the other hand, if preparing your shake is impossible, make it work for you by choosing a quality shake that aligns with your goals, as I mentioned above. Strategise your intake by knowing your caloric requirement and tracking it. This will help you figure out what other foods you can combine with your shake to meet your daily nutrition goals.

You also want to stay active by doing regular exercises. This helps you burn calories and improve your metabolism to support health and well-being.

How to choose the right diet shakes in Australia for your health goals

Catherine clarifies this for us here:

Other than the ones I mentioned above, check for allergens. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, check out the ingredients list and see if the shake is safe for you to consume. Also, check if the taste and texture align with your preferences. Maintaining a healthy diet necessitates sustainability. Therefore, it’s best to choose a product that you can enjoy and be able to stick with it in the long run.

Most importantly, seek the advice of a healthcare professional especially if you are managing a health condition. They can give you advice as to which particular product or brand you should focus on according to what your body needs.

Summary: Buying diet shakes in Australia

Diet shakes can offer a convenient solution if you want to manage your weight and improve your health.

Personally, I find their simplicity appealing, as they eliminate the need for time-consuming meal preparation and reduce temptation around food. With a wide variety of options available, from low-calorie choices like The Healthy Mummy to specialised programs such as Optifast, there's something to suit every preference and goal on the Australian shake market.

Expert insights from Catherine Gervacio emphasise the importance of considering nutritional content, aligning with personal health goals, and seeking professional advice before incorporating diet shakes into your routine.

I have learned that while diet shakes can be a helpful tool, they are most effective when used alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Happy shaking ladies!