Vi Shake Review: Are Visalus Shakes Healthy & Worth Buying?
Reading Time: 7 minutes Visalus Vi shakes are marketed as a healthy nutritional shake mix that tastes great and improves your health.
They promise to deliver a blend of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that can help you slim down, tone up, or simply feel better.
But before you spend your money on them, you might want to know: Are Visalus shakes actually healthy?
In my opinion, no.
Visalus Vi shakes contain many artificial sweeteners and mostly low-quality soy protein.
More importantly, there are many healthier Visalus shake alternatives if you want a meal replacement shake or protein powder that provides significant amounts of vitamins and minerals.
For example, OWYN shakes are portable, ready-to-drink protein shakes that contain 200 calories per serving, along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals to improve health.
Last update on 2025-04-27 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
To better understand why I don’t think you should buy Vi Shakes, read the rest of my honest, evidence-based Visalus shake review below!
Ingredient Overview & Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, two scoops):
- Calories: Approximately 90.
- Protein: 12 grams from a blend of whey and soy protein, providing essential amino acids.
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams, including:
- Fiber: 5 grams, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
- Sugar: Less than 1 gram.
- Fat: 1 gram, with no saturated fat.
- Cholesterol: 5% of the daily recommended intake.
- Sodium: 3% of the daily recommended intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Provides about 30% of the daily recommended intake of 23 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K, chromium, selenium, and copper. Iron content is relatively low at 5%.
Other Ingredients:
- Digestive Enzymes: The shake contains Aminogen, a blend of enzymes that may improve nutrient absorption.
- Soy Lecithin: Used to enhance mixability and create a smooth texture.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Flavors: The shake includes sucralose, an artificial sweetener, and other artificial flavors.
- Non-GMO Soy Protein: The shake uses non-GMO soy protein as part of its protein blend.
- Gluten-Free: Suitable for individuals avoiding gluten.
- Kosher Dairy: Certified kosher for dairy.
Nutrient Bioavailability
Though fortified with 26 vitamins and minerals, the bioavailability of these nutrients might be lower compared to those from whole foods. For example, calcium carbonate and ferrous fumarate, forms of calcium and iron used in these shakes, are less absorbable than calcium citrate or iron bisglycinate.
Pros & Cons
Visalus shakes can be a useful tool for those following specific dietary plans or needing a quick, convenient meal replacement. However, they should not be a primary source of nutrition.
To maintain long-term health and wellness, it’s better to focus on a varied diet rich in whole, natural foods.
Pros:
- Nutrient-Rich: Each serving of Visalus VI shake contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense option. It includes almost every vitamin, along with minerals like chromium, selenium, and copper.
- High in Protein and Fiber: With 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, these shakes can be beneficial for satiety and maintaining muscle mass.
- Low in Calories and Sugar: Each serving is only about 90 calories and contains less than a gram of sugar, which is beneficial for those watching their calorie and sugar intake.
- Good Digestive Health Support: The inclusion of digestive enzymes in the formula may help improve nutrient absorption and support digestive health.
- Cost-Effective Meal Replacement: The shakes are relatively affordable, costing around $1.87 per serving, which can be economical for those using it as a meal replacement.
Cons:
- Artificial Ingredients and Sweeteners: The shakes contain artificial flavors and the artificial sweetener sucralose, which may not be preferred by those looking for completely natural products.
- Controversial Soy Protein: Soy protein, a primary ingredient in the shake, has been linked to potential health concerns, including impacts on thyroid and reproductive functions and certain types of carcinogenesis.
- Lack of Certain Nutrients: The shakes are somewhat low in iron and do not contain choline, which might be a drawback for those needing these specific nutrients (BarBend).
- Potential Health Risks from Aspartame: Some consumers have reported adverse health effects such as migraines and food sensitivities, attributed to aspartame, an ingredient in the shakes.
- Low-Caloric Content May Not Suit Everyone: While the low-calorie content is advantageous for weight loss, it may not be sufficient as a meal replacement for everyone, especially those with higher energy requirements.
While Visalus shakes can be convenient meal replacements, there are concerns about the quality of some ingredients. The soy protein isolate used is highly processed and may be genetically modified, potentially containing harmful chemicals.
Additionally, the inclusion of maltodextrin and high fructose could cause blood sugar spikes, which may lead to insulin resistance over time.
Considering these concerns, I do not recommend purchasing Visalus Vi shakes.
While they may be a convenient option for some, healthier and more natural alternatives that do not compromise quality or safety are available.
Are Visalus Shakes Good for Weight Loss?
Visalus shakes can play a role in weight loss due to their relatively low calorie and high protein content.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, which can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake and potentially aid in weight loss.
Additionally, Visalus shakes are designed to be a meal replacement, which means they can be a convenient and easy way to control portions and reduce overall calorie intake.
However, it’s important to note that Visalus shakes may not be the best option for sustainable weight loss in the long term.
While they can be an effective tool for short-term weight loss, relying solely on meal replacement shakes can lead to feelings of deprivation and ultimately make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight in the long run.
Additionally, Visalus shakes may not offer a wide enough range of nutrients to support overall health and well-being.
On the other hand, Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens or OWYN shakes offer a more nutrient-dense and flexible alternative to Visalus shakes.
These products also contain a wider variety of whole food ingredients, which means they can provide a more complete range of nutrients to support overall health and well-being.
They can also be used in a more versatile way, as they can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or used as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Best Vi-Shake Alternatives
Visalus shakes are a popular meal replacement shake that are desgned to support their health and wellness goals.
However, some individuals may not prefer Visalus shakes due to taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or other reasons.
If you are looking for alternatives to Visalus shakes, here are some options to consider:
Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens:
Garden of Life Protein and Greens is a great alternative to the VI Shake Mix because it offers a nutrient-dense blend of protein and greens in one convenient powder.
Garden of Life Protein & Greens is my favorite vegan protein powder and a supplement I often recommend for its versatility and health benefits.
One of the main benefits of Garden of Life Protein & Greens is that it is made with organic, whole-food ingredients, so you get a higher concentration of nutrients than processed or artificial sources.
The protein in this powder is sourced from various plant-based sources, including pea protein, sprouted brown rice protein, and chia seed protein, which means it provides a complete amino acid profile and is a great option for individuals following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
In addition to protein, Garden of Life Protein & Greens contains a blend of organic greens, including kale, spinach, and alfalfa, which provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and wellness.
Compared to the VI Shake Mix, Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens offers a wider range of nutrients, including fiber, iron, and calcium, and is also free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
Lastly, Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens is a versatile option, as it can be added to smoothies, shakes, or baked goods, allowing you to incorporate it into your diet in a way that works best for you.
Overall, if you’re looking for a plant-based, organic protein powder that provides a nutrient-dense blend of greens, Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens is an excellent alternative to the VI Shake Mix.
Last update on 2025-04-26 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
OWYN Shakes
OWYN protein shakes are one of the best Vi-Shape alternatives, offering 20 grams of plant-based protein from pea, pumpkin seed, and flaxseed, and all nine essential amino acids.
They use clean, non-GMO ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, making them ideal for anyone seeking a healthier, allergy-friendly option. With added prebiotics and omega-3s for digestive and heart health, OWYN stands out as a natural, nutrient-packed choice.
Ready to upgrade your shake game?
Try OWYN shakes now for a cleaner, more balanced option.
Last update on 2025-04-27 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Vi Shakes?
After conducting thorough product reviews of various protein powders, meal replacements, and supplements, it is clear that there are many alternatives to Visalus shakes that offer better value for money and a more nutrient-dense option for weight loss or muscle building.
While Visalus shakes provide a high protein content and can be a convenient option for meal replacement, they can be expensive and may not offer a complete range of nutrients to support long-term health and wellness.
For a better alternative to Visalus shakes, try Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens or OWYN shakes.
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