15 Delicious Shakes Similar To Optavia

After losing 40 pounds doing Optavia on my own, I’ve learned to always be on the hunt for shakes similar to Optavia Fuelings. These alternative shakes are budget-friendly and offer a nutritional profile similar to Optavia shakes, including calories, carbs, proteins, and more. They’re great for people with allergies, as they often exclude common allergens like soy, and are perfect for those with sensitive stomachs who prefer shakes made with whole food ingredients.

In our testing, the best Optavia shake alternatives for those sensitive to soy allergies are Muscle Milk Zero because it’s soy-free, has 20g of protein, and contains 100 calories. For low-carb and high-protein Optavia shake alternatives, consider Jocko Mölk Protein Shakes with 95 mg of caffeine. The best shake similar to Optavia on a budget is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, priced at $1.74 per serving, which is half the cost of Optavia Fuelings.

This is my general answer, but if you want to check out the complete list of 15 affordable alternatives to Optavia shakes (listed below), along with some tips on the pros and cons of using non-Optavia shakes in your meal plan, the key ingredients you need to make a shake like Optavia, and how to kickstart your DIY Optavia journey, keep reading.

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1. Muscle Milk Zero

Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake is the best protein shake similar to Optavia for people who are looking for a soy-free alternative, without sacrificing the taste and nutritional value. This energizing protein shake can be consumed as a quick on-the-go breakfast or a convenient meal replacement to help curb hunger while also supporting post-workout recovery and muscle growth.

Instead of soy protein isolate, Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake uses a combination of milk protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. This combination of slow-releasing and fast-releasing proteins helps increase amino acid levels, which play a role in muscle growth and the maintenance of muscle mass. However, it’s worth noting that at $2.20 per bottle, Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake is relatively pricier compared to other protein shakes, although it’s still cheaper than Optavia shakes.

Based on one shake, Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes contain 20g protein, 100 calories, zero sugar, 4g fiber, and a good source of Calcium and Vitamins A, C, and D. I found the shake to be smooth and delicious, and it can be used not only as Optavia smoothie substitute but also added to coffee, oatmeal, pancakes, and other low-calorie foods when you’re looking for a protein boost.

2. Jocko Mölk Protein Shake

Jocko Mölk Protein Shake is one of the best Optavia protein shake replacements because it contains 30 grams of proteins per serving (made from grass-fed protein with no added hormones or soy), which is three times more protein than Optavia shakes. These protein drinks are designed to fuel muscle growth and recovery all day long, with a protein blend of milk protein concentrate and calcium caseinate. The protein powder is made from four different types of protein, including whey protein concentrate, isolate, casein, and egg.

Similarly to Optavia smoothies, Jocko Mölk Protein Shakes are blended with digestive enzymes and probiotics, which help to keep your gut in check and ensure everything moves smoothly. In terms of taste, I found that the vanilla flavor was delicious and not too sweet, which made it easy to incorporate into our daily routine. However, the price varies depending on the flavor you choose. Banana is the cheapest option at $2.45 per serving, while Sweet Cream Coffee is the most expensive at $3.75 per serving. So yeah, Jocko Mölk Protein Shakes are definitely on the pricier side compared to other protein shakes.

3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

I’ve been using Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Protein Shake as a part of my Optavia DIY routine for a while now, and I can confidently say that it is one of the best ready-to-drink protein shakes under $2.00 per serving. In my opinion, one of the best things about this shake is that it requires no mixing, shaking, or blending, making it an easy, on-the-go option for busy days.

Each 11oz bottle contains 24 grams of high-quality protein, along with 24 essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system and cellular energy metabolism. Plus, with only 1 total gram of sugar and zero added sugars, it’s a guilt-free way to fuel your body throughout the day. The shake is also available in several flavors, such as Strawberry, Banana, and Caramel, although I haven’t tried these flavors yet.

4. Premier Protein Shake

I often have Costco Premier Protein Shake instead of Optavia shakes becasue it has twice as many proteins and costs less than $2 per bottle. I like Premier Protein shakes because they’re made from whey protein isolate, which gives them a creamier and milkier flavor. In contrast, Optavia has 8 shakes, and 4 of them are soy-based, which can leave an earthy aftertaste similar to unflavored plant-based proteins.

I like the Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors, which remind me of the Optavia Creamy Chocolate Shake Mix. Here’s a photo of my favorite Premier Protein Shake flavor.

Here’s the table comparing Optavia shakes and premier shakes in terms of calories, proteins, carbs, and fats.

Nutrition Facts	Premier Protein Shake	Optavia Shake
Calories	160	100 to 110
Proteins (grams)	30	10 to 14
Carbs (grams)	5	15
Fat (grams)	3	1

Sure, Premier Protein has 60 more calories than Optavia, but it only contains 5 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar. If you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake, you can drink half of the bottle and store the remainder in the refrigerator. Even with half the serving, Premier Protein still provides more protein than the Optavia shake.

5. Protein2o Water

Protein2o Water is protein-infused water and a lower-carb alternative to Optavia protein shakes, which often have empty calories, carbs, and sugar. Made with 100% Whey Protein Isolate, it includes water, whey protein, and natural flavors. Its taste is similar to Gatorade but without the sugary aftertaste, making it a lighter, keto-friendly option compared to Premier Protein shakes. Protein2o Water contains fewer than 90 calories, about 20 grams of whey protein, and is free from artificial flavors.

For me, Protein2o Water is more than just an Optavia shake replacement; it’s like a combination of Powerade with electrolytes like sodium and potassium that helps regulate fluid balance, a sports drink with amino acids, mainly BCAAs, and a whey protein shake, all in one product. The price is around $1.84 per bottle, which is slightly more than Premier Protein Clear Drink, but it’s still not as expensive as Optavia shakes ($3.32 per serving).

6. Quest Protein Shake

Quest Protein Shake is another Optavia shake alternative, although I don’t drink it every day. This one is a little bit more pricey than Premier ($9.29 for 4 bottles), but it tastes significantly better. Quest Protein Shakes are made from milk protein concentrate, so it has a slightly sweet, aromatic, and milky flavor. I like it iced cold, so after my gym workout, I often mix it up with an iced doppio that I order from my local Starbucks in Coral Gables. Here’s my favorite Quest Protein Shake – Salted Caramel.

I choose Salted Caramel as my post-workout treat because it’s packed with 30 grams of protein, which helps with recovery. However, it contains 60 more calories than Optavia Caramel Macchiato Shake Mix, but offers three times the protein, half the carbs, and only 1 gram of sugar per serving compared to Optavia shakes, making it a sweet and satisfying choice for your Optavia DIY diet. This table shows a comparison between Optavia shakes and Quest shakes in terms of macronutrients.

Nutritional Info	Quest Protein Shake	Optavia Shake
Calories	160	100 to 110
Proteins	30 grams	10 to 14 grams
Carbs	3 grams	15 grams
Fat	3 grams	1 gram

7. Atkins French Vanilla Shake

I use Atkins French Vanilla Shake not only as an alternative to Optavia shakes but also as a coffee creamer. How? Instead of mixing my morning Americano with a Coffee-Mate or Turbo creamer, I add half a serving of Atkins French Vanilla Protein Shake, and it works like a charm. However, the main reason I prefer Atkins Protein Shakes is because they are budget-friendly. It’s not uncommon to find them on sale for $13 for a 12-pack (which comes out to $1.15 per shake). I always keep 1 or 2 bottles available in my fridge in my office. Here’s a photo of my Atkins French Vanilla Shake.

This table compares Optavia shakes and Atkins protein shakes.

Nutritional Information	Atkins Protein Shake	Optavia Shake
Calories	160	100 to 110
Proteins	15 grams	10 to 14 grams
Carbs	6 grams	15 grams
Fat	10 grams	1 gram

When it comes to macros, Atkins French Vanilla Shake is the same product as Optavia shakes. Both have 15 grams of proteins, but Atkins has 60 calories more, and a little extra fat. If you are concerned about calories, you can mix half of an Atkins protein shake with black iced coffee (this may help to satisfy your sweet tooth). 

8. Muscle Milk Protein Shake

Muscle milk protein shakes are good Optavia alternatives, especially for people who have sensitive GI or experience some stomach issues and discomfort after consuming shakes. Muscle milk protein shakes are made of milk protein isolate, not milk concentrate. They have also lower lactose content. According to a 1993 study from the Ohio State University published in the Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Journal, “Whey isolates are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than concentrates becasue whey isolate undergoes more processing.“

Muscle Milk comes in many versions. It has zero sugar, 20 grams of protein, and only 100 calories per bottle. I also like the Muscle Milk Pro series (it has 32 grams of protein but 170 calories). So I would only drink it during or after your workout. I often find deals in Walmart for Muscle Milk. The regular price is $6.98 per 4 shakes, which goes down to $1.75 per shake.

The Muscle Milk Protein Shake contains 20 grams of protein with 100 calories, while the Optavia Shake provides 10 to 14 grams of protein within a similar calorie range of 100 to 110 calories. Additionally, the Muscle Milk shake has slightly higher carbohydrate and fat content compared to the Optavia Shake.

9. Pure Protein Shake

I’ve been drinking Pure Protein Shakes regularly for the past few months, and I can honestly say they are one of my favorite Optavia alternative drink choices. Each 11-ounce serving packs 30 grams of protein with only 140 calories and less than 1 gram of sugar. Similarly to Optavia shakes, the Pure Protein Shake comes in a variety of flavors, from strawberry, banana, and vanilla to chocolate. Here’s a photo of my all-time best vanilla milkshake.

This is a great alternative if you’re looking for something that has low calories, great taste, and mixes well with other beverages. It has a rich vanilla flavor and I often mix it with my coffee. Although the price is higher than the aforementioned Premier Protein shakes or Muscle Milk, at $2.41, it is still cheaper than Optavia shakes, and you can purchase them at almost any store or gas station without the need to enroll with an Optavia coach. This table shows the differences between Optavia shakes and pure protein shakes.

Shake Type	Calories	Proteins (g)	Carbs (g)	Fat (g)
Pure Protein Shake	140	30	6	1.5
Optavia Shake	100-110	10-14	15	1

10. Ripple Coffee Vegan Protein Shake

Ripple Coffee Vegan Protein Shake is the best Optavia shake replacement for plant-based eaters. Unlike Optavia smoothies, Ripple Coffee Vegan protein shakes are dairy-free. My wife is lactose intolerant so she cannot drink too many dairy products. Eliminating dairy helped her not only settle her stomach issues but also drastically improved her skin condition. Keep in mind that Ripple Vegan Protein Shakes contain 20 grams of plant-based protein from peas, and, in my opinion, it has a bitter and chalky aftertaste.

In terms of macronutrients, Ripple Coffee Vegan Protein Shake has 200 calories, along with 20 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of fat per serving. In comparison, Optavia Shake typically contains 100 to 110 calories, 10 to 14 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fat per serving.

11. Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake

Evolve is another plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free protein shake, comparable to Optavia Fuelings. It not only provides 20 grams of protein but also contains 10 grams of fiber per 11 fl oz serving. To put this in perspective, I haven’t come across any other protein shake with such a high fiber content. According to a 2021 article from the American Heart Association, “You should be consuming 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.”

I like that Evolve Protein Shake is low in calories and free from added sugar, but I personally don’t enjoy its taste. Whey protein isolate, in my experience, has a slightly sweet and mild taste, whereas pea protein tends to be more neutral. According to a 2020 study by David C. Nieman from Appalachian State University published in the Nutrients Journal, “Pea protein has more arginine, phenylalanine, and glycine, compared to whey isolate, which results in bitter taste.” Interestingly, my wife loves this protein shake, especially the double chocolate flavor. Here’s a photo she sent me of her favorite.

The Ripple Coffee Vegan Protein Shake contains 160 calories and offers a substantial 30 grams of protein, but it also has 19 grams of carbohydrates. In contrast, the Optavia Shake ranges from 100 to 110 calories, with 10 to 14 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates, maintaining a consistent 1 gram of fat in both options.

12. SlimFast Advanced Shakes

SlimFast protein shakes are a budget-friendly, tasty alternative to Optavia Fuelings shakes. But remember, not all SlimFast shakes are equal. Skip the SlimFast Original, which only costs around $1.50 per bottle but has just 10 grams of protein, 180 calories, and a whopping 24 grams of carbs per serving. Instead, opt for SlimFast Advanced shakes for a better choice.

I prefer to choose a little more pricey, but healthier version – SlimFast Advanced Energy. This one has the same number of calories, but it comes with twice more proteins and 6 to 9 grams of carbs (depending on the flavor). My favorite SlimFast shake is the Mocha Cappuccino flavor (with extra added caffeine), very similar to the Optavia Frothy Cappuccino Drink Mix. This table shows the differences between Optavia and Slimfast shakes.

	SlimFast Advanced Energy	Optavia Shake
Calories	180	100 to 110
Proteins	20 grams	10 to 14 grams
Carbs	6 grams	15 grams
Fat	1 gram	1 gram

13. Fairlife Core Power

Fairlife Core Power protein shakes have been on my radar for a while. Similar to Optavia shakes, Fairlife shakes are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. I’ve found that they taste just like the strawberry milkshake from my local Five Guys restaurant—not too sweet but still full of flavor. Be sure to choose the 14 fl oz size, as it has fewer calories, fewer carbs, and the same amount of protein as the smaller bottle.

However, this may not be the best option if you’re looking to get the exact calories as Optavia shakes. Fairlife Core Power packs 26 grams of protein into 170 calories, with just 6 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat. In contrast, Optavia Shakes provides 10 to 14 grams of protein with 15 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat within a range of 100 to 110 calories. I choose these shakes usually after a tough workout, not as a regular Optavia Fueling substitute. And, they claim on their product label to be lactose-free, but my wife tried to drink one and she bloated as she would just have a glass of regular milk. 

14. Proti Fit Shakes

Proti Foods is an underrated gem in the realm of protein shakes, often overlooked compared to Medifast. They provide shakes akin to Optavia, with matching calorie counts, mixing instructions, packaging, and serving sizes. However, what sets them apart is their lower price ($2.24 per serving), higher protein content (15 grams per shake), and reduced sodium levels (80mg per serving).

According to their website, “the company is recognized as a leader in high protein supplements for weight loss by health professionals”. Proti Foods primarily offers powder-form shakes from sachets, but also has ready-to-drink bottled smoothies available. A bottle costs $2.50, which is cheaper than Optavia, but there’s no discount for buying a case of 48. The only way to receive a discount is to sign up for their monthly subscription plan. Here’s a table comparing Proti Fit Shakes and Optavia Shake:

Nutrition	Proti Fit Smoothie Bottle	Optavia Shake
Calories	100	100 to 110
Proteins	20 grams	10 to 14 grams
Carbs	5 grams	15 grams
Fat	0 gram	1 gram

15. Skinny Girl Protein Shake

Skinny Girl Protein Shake is another option for the DIY Optavia diet. I recently discovered that this brand sells more than just syrups and low-calorie salad dressings – they also offer protein drinks! It’s similar to Optavia shakes, but it’s more affordable at just $2.58 per bottle. And the best part? They taste surprisingly delicious and are quite satisfying especially the Rich Chocolate Brownie flavor.

Not only that, but it also contains more protein and fewer calories than Optavia Fuelings. The Skinny Girl Protein Shake contains 80 calories and 12 grams of protein, while the Optavia Shake ranges from 100 to 110 calories with 10 to 14 grams of protein. Additionally, the Skinny Girl shake has 5 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fat, while the Optavia Shake contains 15 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat.

What are the Pros and Cons of using Optavia Shake Substitutes?

I’ve found that the pros of using Optavia shake substitutes include saving money and being able to customize ingredients for my DIY Optavia diet and taste preferences. The downside is that it’s tough to match Optavia’s exact nutrient and calorie balance, and getting the same taste and texture can be tricky. When I pick substitutes for my weekly meal plan, I make sure I understand their nutritional content to ensure they fit the Optavia 5 and 1 guidelines.

How to choose protein shakes similar to Optavia?

To choose protein shakes similar to Optavia, focus on ones that offer a balanced nutritional profile.

1. Look up the nutritional label on the back and read what’s on it. See how many calories, proteins, and fats each shake has.
2. Ensure each shake contains 100-110 calories.
3. Select shakes that have at least 10-15 grams of protein, ideally aiming for 20 grams.
4. Keep carbs under 5 grams per shake, with an emphasis on zero sugar content.
5. Look for shakes enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
6. Check for the presence of specific ingredients like soy, lactose, or gluten, depending on your dietary needs.
7. Verify if the shake includes whey protein, which is a high-quality protein source.
8. Consider the shake’s overall ingredient list for any potential allergens or additives you may want to avoid.

How can I integrate non-Optavia protein shakes into a 5&1 plan when doing it on my own?

To effectively integrate non-Optavia protein shakes into a DIY 5 and 1 plan on your own, focus on matching Optavia’s nutritional profile as closely as possible.

1. Research: Look up the nutritional values of Optavia shakes and find similar profiles in other shakes.
2. Shop Smart: Always shop with a list to avoid random purchases and stay on track with your diet goals.
3. Taste Test: Try various brands and flavors to find the shakes that best suit your taste preferences.
4. Diversify: Rotate between 3-5 different types of shakes to keep your diet varied and interesting.
5. Homemade Trials: Experiment with making your shakes using protein powder, blending in veggies, or low-carb fruits for added nutrition.
6. Calorie Count: Keep an eye on the calorie content to ensure it aligns with your daily intake goals.
7. Balanced Nutrition: Check that your chosen shakes have a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats.
8. Consistency Check: Pay attention to texture and consistency, aiming to mimic that of Optavia shakes.
9. Monitor Progress: Keep track of your weight and health metrics to see how the substitutes are working for you.
10. Adapt as Needed: Be ready to tweak your choices based on your body’s response and nutritional needs.