Best Men’s Meal Replacements For Muscle Mass (Updated for 2024)

meal replacements

These meal replacement supplements are perfect for muscle mass and weight loss and will pump athletes with whole foods for the perfect replacement shake.

Any good meal replacement shake will work to give you whole foods and things like fiber to aid in the growth of muscle mass or even weight loss to help you achieve your fitness goals and give athletes everywhere the best out of a replacement shake. Our lives can get busy and sometimes we need that extra boost to really pump our bodies with only the best ingredients from meal replacement and weight loss shakes. These meal replacement shakes are a convenient and effective option for those looking to stick to a strict diet or cut down on food consumption. Not only do they taste great, but they are also packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins to help support your weight loss goals. With their convenience, effectiveness, and delicious taste, these meal replacement shakes are a perfect option for anyone wanting to stick to a weight loss plan without sacrificing flavor.

With a well-balanced diet and proper training routine, the right meal replacements are just around the corner to aid in your overall training, performance, health, and wellness. With dairy and non-dairy protein sources, the options are endless for you to get the most out of an awesome meal replacement supplement.

We’ve put together a list of the Best Men’s Meal Replacement Supplements for 2024 to make your life a bit easier when it comes to all of your nutritional needs. With great tasting and effective products, the right balance of macronutrients and ingredients can offer amazing benefits to your muscle growth, recovery, and health in general as you seek the best meal replacements for yourself.

Best Meal Replacements For Men 2024


Best Meal Replacement Overall

Finding the best meal replacement shakes can be challenging for athletes, but something like Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is everything you want and more out of a solid meal replacing option for weight loss and muscle mass.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal

Code GENIRON For 15% OFF

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is a great meal replacement for those looking to prioritize nutrition while still getting a solid on-the-go meal. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, all of the essentials are covered.

Calories 240
Protein 28g
Carbs 18g
Fat 4.5g
Sugar 1g
Flavors Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Cake
Best Way To Take Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 ounces of cold water.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is for those active individuals and athletes who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day.

Fueled with a formula including whey protein isolate, clean carbs, BCAAs, MCT oil, and zero added sugar, this meal replacement is a good option for fueling athletic performance while providing for a protein-rich option for weight loss, digestion, recovery, muscle mass, and other nutritional needs. As a great bodybuilder meal replacement, Kaged Muscle is an awesome option. If you’re dieting, then you most likely want to eat your food, not drink it. That said, there are times when you have no choice and in those cases, reaching for Kaged Clean Meal, which contains 24 grams of carbs to help give you much-needed energy, is a good option.

Pros

  • Whole food ingredients
  • 21 organic vitamins and minerals
  • Quick and nutritious meal replacement
  • $2.25 per meal

Cons

  • Slightly low on number of servings

Price: $44.99

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Also, check out our individual review for Kaged Muscle Clean Meal!


Best Meal Replacement Shake For Muscle

The best meal replacement shakes shouldn’t just be about replacing a meal. Working on those gains you want most, like muscle mass and growth, are important to consider and a formula can reflect your intended goals. For those looking for a mass gainer, Transparent Labs has the best option on the market for athletes and a bodybuilder meal replacement.

 Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.

Calories 790
Protein 53g
Carbs 114g
Fat 14g
Sugar 17g
Flavors Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream (Not Gluten Free), Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Glaze
Best Way To Take Mix with milk or water.

This pure, protein rich formula from Transparent Labs is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle mass and growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight.

With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent option for those looking to add extra calories to their diet. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this powder for recovery and a well-balanced diet for athletes. The Vanilla flavor option of this mass gainer provides 25 grams of protein per serving with only 240 calories, making it a delicious and nutritious choice for muscle mass gain.

Pros

  • Great for lean muscle mass and growth as a mass gainer
  • Perfect for a meal replacement or paired with a grass fed whey protein supplement
  • Great ingredients and no artificial additives for a transparent label
  • From a reputable company in Transparent Labs

Cons

  • A premium priced option only available directly through their site

Price: $69.99

Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer!


Best Keto Meal Replacement

Depending on your lifestyle, there are options to reflect whatever your dietary needs are as athletes when it comes to the best meal replacement shakes. Whether you are vegan or like the keto diet, meal replacements do exist to give you the most when it comes to perfecting all of your goals.

HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the most simple way possible. With the right combination of macronutrients, as well as collagen, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, this meal replacement is perfect for any on-the-go needs.

Calories 400
Protein 27g
Carbs 13g (4g net carbs)
Fat 27g
Sugar 2g
Flavors Chocolate Macadamia, Creamy Vanilla
Best Way To Take Keep in a cool, dry place and add water

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich nutritional shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the simplest way possible for a well-balanced diet and all nutritional needs. Formulated by a top metabolic scientist, this meal replacement has the right combination of macronutrients at the right ratios to make every ingredient count.

With 27g of protein and a 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein, this meal replacement will keep you full while providing you with the best macronutrients possible, something all athletes need. Also included are grass-fed collagen, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber to help your gut, and the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. With a great taste, no GMOs or artificial ingredients, and an awesome taste, HLTH Code is exactly what you need out of a top meal replacement for athletic performance, weight loss, muscle mass, and recovery.

Pros

  • A 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein packed with amazing macronutrients to help you succeed
  • Digestive enzymes and probiotics, as well as collagen and a great ratio of omega-3 to omega-6
  • No artificial and non-GMO from a reputable and honest company in HTLH Code

Cons

  • A premium product, it is a bit expensive.

Price: $59.95

Check out our individual review for HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Shake!


Best Meal Replacement Shake For Weight Loss

Weight loss may be on the minds of many and the best meal replacement shakes can help with that. Able to keep you full and still pump you with essential nutrients will prove to be worthwhile when you want to eliminate snacking and drop fat.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal

Code GENIRON For 15% OFF

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is a great meal replacement for those looking to prioritize nutrition while still getting a solid on-the-go meal. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, all of the essentials are covered.

Calories 240
Protein 28g
Carbs 18g
Fat 4.5g
Sugar 1g
Flavors Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Cake
Best Way To Take Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 ounces of cold water.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is for those active individuals and athletes who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day.

Fueled with a formula including whey protein isolate, clean carbs, BCAAs, MCT oil, and zero added sugar, this meal replacement is perfect for fueling athletic performance while providing for a protein rich option for weight loss, muscle mass, recovery, and other nutritional needs.

Pros

  • Whole food ingredients
  • 21 organic vitamins and minerals
  • Quick and nutritious meal replacement
  • $2.25 per meal

Cons

  • Slightly low on number of servings

Price: $44.99

Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Also, check out our individual review for Kaged Muscle Clean Meal!


Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement

With the right ingredients and formula, you can get the most out of each product depending on how rich it is in vitamins and minerals. By allowing your body to absorb all the essentials, you work to optimize your health as best you can, giving athletes the best chance at seriously enhancing their gains from the best meal replacement shakes. This shake houses 24 vitamins and minerals (hi, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc!) to support a healthy immune system.

HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the most simple way possible. With the right combination of macronutrients, as well as collagen, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, this meal replacement is perfect for any on-the-go needs.

Calories 400
Protein 27g
Carbs 13g (4g net carbs)
Fat 27g
Sugar 2g
Flavors Chocolate Macadamia, Creamy Vanilla
Best Way To Take Keep in a cool, dry place and add water

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich nutritional shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the simplest way possible for a well-balanced diet and all nutritional needs. Formulated by a top metabolic scientist, this meal replacement has the right combination of macronutrients at the right ratios to make every ingredient count.

With 27g of protein and a 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein, this meal replacement will keep you full while providing you with the best macronutrients possible. Also included are grass-fed collagen, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber to help your gut, and the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. With a great taste, no GMOs or artificial ingredients, and an awesome taste, HLTH Code is exactly what you need out of a top meal replacement for athletic performance, weight loss, muscle mass, and recovery.

Pros

  • A 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein packed with amazing macronutrients to help you succeed
  • Digestive enzymes and probiotics, as well as collagen and a great ratio of omega-3 to omega-6
  • No artificial and non-GMO from a reputable and honest company in HTLH Code

Cons

  • A premium product, it is a bit expensive.

Price: $59.95

Check out our individual review for HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Shake!


Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake

You want the best meal replacement shakes out there and one made with whole foods is a huge plus, especially for top athletes in their bodybuilder meal replacement. If the ingredients are organic, like those at Ample, then you can’t go wrong with an awesome meal replacement free of any additives or artificial nonsense.

Ample Complete Meal Shake

Ample Complete Meal Shake Bottles are protein-rich, low-carb, complete meal shakes made from whole foods to optimize your nutrition. Made with 20+ super foods, these will pump you with all the essentials for performance and overall health.

Calories 400 or 600
Protein 25g or 34g
Carbs 11g or 15g
Fat 28g or 45g
Sugar 2g or 3g
Flavors Vanilla (high protein), Berry (dairy free), Chocolate (keto-friendly), and Vanilla Cinnamon (keto-friendly)
Best Way To Take Shake and enjoy.

Ample brings this protein rich, low-carb, complete meal shake to you made from whole food and natural ingredients for the optimal breakfast or lunch replacement shake to maximize your nutritional needs. Made from 20+ superfoods, this premier protein shake can pump you full of premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, electrolytes, and probiotics for gains to a well-balanced diet. With 6 grams of fiber, this shake provides an additional source of dietary fiber to support digestion and keep you satisfied throughout the day. There are two options for this product, a 400 calorie bottle and a 600 calorie bottle.

Ample Complete Meal Shakes are gluten, soy, and BPA free and contain zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, or sugar alcohols. A great plant-based product for muscle growth and athletic performance, increased focus, weight loss, muscle mass, and gut health, this is one of the best meal replacements for a vegan protein shake to drink without sweeteners for your diet. OWYN’s protein shake is another excellent option for those looking for a plant-based meal replacement. It provides 20 grams of plant protein per serving and includes all nine essential amino acids, making it a great choice for anyone looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy diet.

Pros

  • A solid balance of macronutrients and no artificial ingredients is a huge plus
  • Good probiotic bacteria for gut health and amazing choices for ingredients to give you what you need
  • Low calories with nutrient value

Cons

  • Lacks some vitamins and minerals we would like to see
  • No mention of omega-3’s is disappointing
  • It is also a fairly expensive product

Price: $76.50

Check out our individual review for Ample Complete Meal Shake Bottles!


muscle mass weight loss athletes whole foods bodybuilder meal replacement

Benefits Of Meal Replacements For Men

When it comes to knowing what meal replacements can do, it is important to know that these are perfect for those on-the-go needs and can really give you all the essentials you need most to thrive inside and out of the gym, similar to protein shakes. A quality meal replacement, such as a balanced meal, will add extra protein to your diet with lower calorie intake at times to aid in your weight loss journey. Additionally, meal replacements can be a great way to trim back on calories if you’re trying to cut, add calories if you’re trying to bulk, add carbs if you work out often and need energy, supplement protein if you’re not getting enough, or stay on track if you’re on the go.

Benefits of meal replacement shakes for men and other athletes include:

  • Contain Great Ingredients

Offering a variety of whole foods and other essential ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, meal replacements have the ability to aid in muscle mass, recovery, and your overall health with things like fiber as well.

Protein Sources

Some protein sources used as ingredients include whey, pea, and brown rice protein giving you dairy and non-dairy options great for a mass gainer or to keep you full, exactly like protein shakes.

  • Perfect For On-The-Go Needs

Our schedules can get busy and having a solid meal replacement option can ensure our busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles as athletes get the most nutrients possible to keep our performance high while aiding in weight management and muscle mass. A bodybuilder meal replacement worth your while will work for all of your needs, like for those looking to lose weight. Before making any changes to your diet and supplement regimen, like replacing a meal with powder, be sure to book an appointment with a physician or a registered dietitian to make sure it’s a good option for you.

  • Support Weight Management

Being high in protein, these supplements offer great ratios of macronutrients so all the essentials are covered so you don’t gain weight. For weight loss and management, these will keep you full so you don’t have the desire to snack and fiber can be a great aid here also for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels (1,2).

  • Affordable & Convenient Options

These are great for that quick fix when hungry or when you need a meal and are affordable in price. Finding good quality meal replacements can be challenging but companies have done their best to give you the best options possible.

muscle mass weight loss athletes whole foods bodybuilder meal replacement

How Much Are These Men’s Meal Replacements?

Finding the right meal replacements for men can be challenging but it is possible to find premium options at affordable prices. We’ve broken down our list so you can see the overall price and price per serving as you compare amongst our Best Men’s Meal Replacements list.

Category Product Price Why We Love It
Best Meal Replacement Overall Kaged Muscle Clean Muscle Price: $49.99

Per Serving: $2.50

 

Whole food supplement with 21 organic vitamins and minerals.
Best Meal Replacement Shake For Muscle Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer Price: $69.99

Per Serving: $4.66

 

Great ingredients and a transparent for serious muscle growth.
Best Keto Meal Replacement HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Price: $59.95

Per Serving: $4.00

 

A 1:1 ratio of fats to protein with added digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Best Meal Replacement Shake For Weight Loss Kaged Muscle Clean Meal Price: $49.99

Per Serving: $2.50

 

Whole food supplement with 21 organic vitamins and minerals.
Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement HTLH Code Complete Meal Replacement Price: $59.95

Per Serving: $4.00

 

A 1:1 ratio of fats to protein with added digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake Ample Complete Meal Shakes Price: $76.50

Per Serving: $7.50

 

A good balance of macronutrients with great nutritional value.

What To Look For In A Meal Replacement For Men

Good Ratio Of Macronutrients

You want to make sure you get enough nutrients while also having enough protein to keep you full and aid in muscle mass and growth and recovery (3). These also serve as a healthy meal replacement with great health benefits for a low-calorie diet with nutritional value, dietary fiber, and essential fatty acids perfect for aiding in a healthy diet with healthy foods.

Extra Ingredients

Formulas will include things like dietary fiber, omega-3s, collagen, and vitamins and minerals to add to the great benefits of meal replacements and can make them a good mass gainer as well if that is your intended route.

Calories

While the calories may be high, keep in mind that you are replacing a meal and that these will still assist with weight management, recovery, and body composition changes for those looking to lose weight and not struggle with weight gain.

Taste & Amount Of Sugar

These supplements, like protein shakes, do taste great and offer sugar substitutes to have healthier options. Things like stevia and monk fruit are very common (4).

muscle mass weight loss athletes whole foods bodybuilder meal replacement

How We Choose

Finding the right products can be difficult and we know that, especially for health conscious athletes looking for the best bodybuilder meal replacement. This list reflects our diligence in finding the right products so you can thrive inside and out of the gym with high quality companies backing you.

  • Brand & Reputation

We first look at the brand and the honesty and reputability behind it. A formula and the included ingredients should be clean and effective and the company should work for you to give you the best when it comes to the right meal replacement.

  • Macronutrients

We also look at the ratio of macronutrients because that is important to your health and wellness. The amount of calories, amount of sugar, and balance of macros and essential vitamins should all reflect the lifestyle you want to live so you feel great and not suffer from weight gain.

  • Price

Lastly, we look at price because we know this stuff can get expensive. This reflects those supplements that are great options yet affordable at the same time so you can drink meal replacement shakes freely without worrying about price.

muscle mass weight loss athletes whole foods bodybuilder meal replacement

FAQ Section

What is the best meal replacement supplement for men?

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal. This meal replacement is the best meal replacement shake for those active individuals who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs and benefits like losing weight and overall weight management.

Are meal replacement shakes really healthy?

Meal replacements, on the whole, are generally healthy options to stay full and lose weight. While it is best to try and get a home cooked meal, companies have really begun to take meal replacements seriously as healthy and affordable options. With the right diet and proper training, meal replacement supplements can work wonders for your gains by promoting weight management and muscle mass by providing great benefits as a mass gainer.

What are the differences in meal replacements?

Meal replacement supplements come in either powder or pre-bottled form. With the powder, you can mix with your desired liquid of choice and drink like a shake. If it is pre-bottled, then you can shake as is and enjoy.

Best Men’s Meal Replacement Wrap Up

Meal replacement products are a popular option for active men and male athletes looking to get the most out of their products and performance. As great on-the-go options with tons of benefits, the best meal replacement shake can support any lifestyle and make sure you get all the necessary nutrients to thrive. With a well-balanced formula of macronutrients, all of your gains will be right around the corner. Give these meal replacements a try and see what they can do for all of your gains. These shakes come in different flavors and can be a convenient way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.


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References

  1. Treyzon, Leo; Chen, Steve; Hong, Kurt; Yan, Eric; et al. (2008). “A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass”. (source)
  2. Kulovitz, Michelle; Kravitz, Len. “Do Meal Replacements Deliver Results?”. (source)
  3. Lambert, Charles P; Frank, Laura L.; Evans, William J. (2004). “Macronutrient considerations for the sport of bodybuilding”. (source)
  4. Goyal, S. K.; Goyal, R. K. (2010). “Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review”. (source)
Austin Letorney
Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.