Optavia Fuelings refers to a range of pre-packaged, portion-controlled shakes and protein bars, each containing 100-110 calories. These products are offered by the health and wellness company Optavia. The Fuelings are part of the Optavia 5 and 1 weight loss plan and are designed to be nutritionally balanced, aiming to aid in weight loss and overall health improvement.
Soy-free Optavia Fuelings refer to those meals and snacks in Optavia’s product line that do not contain soy, soy protein isolate, or soy lecithin as an ingredient. They are designed for individuals who need or prefer to avoid soy due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences.
People look for soy-free Optavia products for various reasons, including health concerns. According to a 2015 study by Kumeshini Sukalingam from the National University of Malaysia, soy protein contains daidzein, a compound that acts as an anti-thyroid agent and can decrease iodine absorption.
This could potentially affect thyroid function, particularly in individuals who are iodine deficient or have underlying thyroid conditions. Therefore, some people may choose soy-free Optavia products to avoid this potential impact on thyroid health.
So, which Optavia foods have no soy? There are only 11 soy free Optavia Fuelings, which are certified with the “No Soy” logo, as per FDA’s rules and regulations. Only dessert-style and hearty Fuelings are soy-free. All of the Optavia bars and shakes contain soy or have been made in a factory that also processes soybeans.
You can easily identify which Optavia fuelings are soy free by looking at the Fueling box, as illustrated in this graph.
Soy is known for its allergenic and inflammatory properties, which can cause difficulties for many diets. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that “soybeans are one of nine major food allergens that can cause immune-mediated food hypersensitivity.”
Soy allergies can cause a range of reactions – from mild to severe. Therefore, it is essential to have information about which Optavia fuelings do not contain soy. Additionally, there have been several complaints about the presence of soy in Optavia fuelings from customers, according to online reviews.
And while you can find many Fueling ingredients in the Optavia Claim Sheet, this list is not up to date and doesn’t include all the Fuelings.
In this article, we explore the list of Optavia products that have a soy-free certificate on their packaging and provide information on where to look for soy-free Fueling alternatives.
- Optavia Velvety Hot Chocolate Drink Mix
- Optavia Frothy Cappuccino Drink
- Optavia Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Mix
- Optavia Coffee Soft Serve Mix
- Optavia Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Optavia Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes
- Optavia Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac
- Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake Mix
- Optavia Honey Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
- Optavia Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit Mix
- Optavia Cheddar Biscuit Mix
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1. Optavia Velvety Hot Chocolate Drink Mix
The Optavia Velvety Hot Chocolate Drink Mix is a soy-free fueling option that features milk concentrate and whey protein concentrate as its primary protein sources, along with soluble corn fiber and cocoa. The milk concentrate gives it a creamy, milky flavor that sets it apart from other Optavia fuelings, making it not only unique in taste but also quite filling.
2. Optavia Frothy Cappuccino Drink
The Optavia Frothy Cappuccino Drink is a soy-free Fueling option that offers a delicious blend of coffee flavor and 13g of protein, sourced from whey and milk protein concentrate. It tastes like a hot cup of coffee and is quite filling due to its protein content. Making it is super easy: just whisk it with hot water for 30 seconds, and if you want to boost the protein, add a 125ml serving of your go-to protein shake.
3. Optavia Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Mix
The Optavia Mint Chocolate Soft Serve Mix is a soy-free fueling option made from whey protein concentrate and egg whites, serving as a dessert-style treat. It offers a minty chocolate flavor that’s both delicious and nutritious, being high in protein, a good source of fiber, and low in fat. The mix is quite filling due to its high protein and fiber content. You can prepare it in two ways: as a soft serve by mixing it with water and freezing it, or as a milkshake by blending it with water and ice.
4. Optavia Coffee Soft Serve Mix
Optavia’s Coffee Soft Serve Mix is a soy-free Fueling option made from whey protein concentrate, offering a dessert-like treat for those on the Optavia diet. It has a rich coffee flavor that some say even surpasses a cappuccino, thanks to the inclusion of real coffee in the mix. As for satiety, it’s quite filling due to its protein content. To make this delectable treat, blend 1/2 cup of ice until fully crushed, tap the ice from the blender’s sides, add 1/4 cup of cold water and one sachet of the mix, and blend for another 30 seconds. Voila, your Coffee Soft Serve is ready to enjoy!
5. Optavia Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The Optavia Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a soy-free fueling option that uses alternative protein sources like milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, nonfat milk, and egg whites. With a rich, garlicky flavor, each serving contains 11g of protein and offers a satisfying, filling experience to help you get through your day. To prepare, simply mix one packet with cold water and microwave it.
6. Optavia Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes
The Optavia Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes is a soy-free fueling option that uses milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, nonfat milk, and egg whites as its protein sources instead of soy. It has a softer and more delicate texture compared to its counterpart, the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Taste-wise, it offers a creamy and savory flavor profile with a hint of chive. As for satiety, it’s quite filling due to its protein content. To make it, simply mix the provided powder with hot water, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Optavia Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac
The Optavia Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac is a soy-free fueling option that uses wheat protein isolate as its primary protein source. While wheat protein doesn’t offer the same range of essential amino acids as animal proteins, according to a 1985 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it can be nutritionally complementary when combined with other proteins.
Taste-wise, it offers a cheesy and creamy flavor that’s quite satisfying. As for how filling it is, it’s designed to be fueling, so it should keep you satiated until your next meal. To make it, simply follow the package instructions, usually involving mixing the contents with water and microwaving or stovetop cooking.
8. Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake Mix
The Optavia Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake Mix is a soy-free fueling option made from a blend of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and pea protein isolate. This combination offers a complete set of amino acids and boosts the shake’s nutritional value. The shake has a rich, chocolatey cherry flavor that many find satisfying and delicious. It’s quite filling due to its high-quality protein content, making it a solid choice for those looking to stay full longer. To make it, simply mix the shake powder with water or your choice of milk, blend until smooth, and enjoy.
9. Optavia Honey Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
The Optavia Honey Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon is a soy-free fueling option that offers a sweeter alternative to the brand’s garlic potatoes. Instead of soy, it’s made with a protein blend of whey protein isolate, milk protein concentrate, and nonfat milk. The dish is delicately flavored, striking a perfect balance between sweet and spicy notes. As for how filling it is, the protein blend ensures that you’ll feel satiated until your next meal. To make it, simply follow the package instructions, which usually involve adding water and heating.
10. Optavia Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit Mix
The Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit Mix is a soy-free fueling option from Optavia, made from a blend of organic ingredients like rice flour, pea protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey, and eggs. It offers a delicious taste when baked, although it requires a longer preparation time of up to 20 minutes. This fueling is not only tasty but also filling, making it a nutritious choice if you have some extra time to spare for meal prep. To make it, simply follow the baking instructions provided on the package.
11. Optavia Cheddar Biscuit Mix
The Essential Cheddar Biscuit Mix is one of the newest Optavia soy-free fueling options. Instead of soy, it’s high in whey protein and a good source of fiber, making it a filling choice. The biscuit mix is naturally flavored with creamy cheddar cheese and savory parsley, offering a delicious taste that keeps you coming back for more. It’s also certified gluten-free and Kosher Dairy. Consumed as part of the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 Plan, these Optavia Fuelings help keep your metabolism active and support your body in entering a fat-burning state.
What are the most popular soy-free Optavia Fuelings Alternatives?
The 5 most popular soy free Optavia Fueling alternatives are listed below.
- No Cow Soy-Free Protein Shake
- No Cow Soy-Free Protein Bars
- Orgain Soy-Free Protein Shake
- Orgain Soy-Free Protein Bars
1. No Cow Soy-Free Protein Shake
No Cow Soy-Free Protein Shake is a popular alternative to Optavia Fuelings for those avoiding soy. It primarily uses pea protein and brown rice protein, which are both plant-based and hypoallergenic.
Contrary to the myth that plant-based proteins are incomplete, pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids. Each shake contains 21 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar. No Cow is a reputable brand, and their products are often recommended in nutritional studies, such as those conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
2. No Cow Soy-Free Protein Bars
No Cow Soy-Free Protein Bars are another solid choice for Optavia Fuelings replacements. These bars also use pea and brown rice protein, which have a high bioavailability, meaning your body can easily absorb and use them.
Each bar offers 7 grams of protein and is under 90 calories. Some people think bars are just sugar bombs, but these contain only 1 gram of sugar.
3. Orgain Soy-Free Protein Shake
Orgain’s Soy-Free Protein Shake is a great alternative that’s both delicious and nutritious. Orgain uses a blend of organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic chia seed. Despite being organic, these shakes are not necessarily low in protein or expensive. It’s quite the opposite. Each shake provides 20.4 grams of protein and 3 grams of sugar while delivering 130 calories per serving.
4. Orgain Soy-Free Protein Bars
Orgain Soy-Free Protein Bars are another excellent Optavia alternative, especially for on-the-go nutrition. These bars use the same protein blend as the shakes, which have been shown to be effective in muscle repair and growth.
Not all protein bars are created equal; these are free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Orgain is often recommended by nutritionists and has been studied by universities like UCLA for its health benefits.
5. Momentous Soy-Free Protein Powder
Momentous Soy-Free Protein Powder is a top-tier choice for those looking to replace Optavia Fuelings. This powder uses a unique blend of whey, casein protein, and ProHydrolase, which has been shown by the International Society of Sports Nutrition to be effective for muscle recovery.
Whey and casein are dairy-based, but they’re often well-tolerated even by those with lactose sensitivity. One serving delivers 23.4 grams of protein and only $2.20 per serving.
Where To Find More Alternatives To Optavia Foods That Are Soy-Free?
You may have observed that a significant number of Optavia fuelings contain soy, posing a challenge if you intend to adhere to this diet for a duration of six to twelve months.
A viable solution is to explore eBay, Amazon, or Walmart, where you’ll find a vast selection of Optavia Fueling substitutes for those who prefer a more personalized approach to the Optavia diet. Among these alternatives, numerous soy-free options are readily available.
How often does Optavia update its list of soy-free products?
Optavia typically adds 2-3 new fuelings per year, but this year, only one is soy-free. The frequency of updates is not solely focused on soy-free options. The new soy-free product from Optavia for 2023 is the Optavia Cheddar Biscuit Mix. If you’re waiting for more soy-free options, keep an eye on Optavia’s Instagram announcements and newsletters for the latest updates.
How do soy-free Optavia fuelings differ from regular ones?
Soy-free Optavia Fuelings are specifically designed to cater to those who have soy allergies or prefer to avoid soy in their diet. They don’t contain soy, soy protein isolate, or soy lecithin, which are common in regular Optavia fuelings. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources like whey or pea protein.
Optavia’s non-soy fuelings aim to offer a similar nutritional profile to their soy-based counterparts. To identify soy-free Optavia fuelings, check the product labels and ingredient lists carefully. Look for terms like “soy-free” or check the allergen information section.
Is the soy in Optavia bad for you?
No, soy is generally not bad for you unless you have a soy allergy or a specific medical condition that requires you to avoid it. According to a 2014 study in Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology by Yitzhak Katz, the prevalence of soy allergies is relatively low. The study found that the weighted prevalence of soy allergies is 0 to 0.5% for the general population.
When determining whether the soy in Optavia is bad for you or not, it is crucial to consider whether you have soy allergies or sensitivities. Individuals with soy allergies or sensitivities may experience adverse reactions when consuming products containing soy, such as those found in Optavia.
What are the most popular soy-free Optavia fuelings?
The most popular soy-free Optavia fuelings are the Coffee Soft Serve Mix for desserts and the Cheesy Buttermilk Cheddar Mac for savory options.
Excellent article. Thank you for all of your research and sharing it with us.
Hi there – thank you for all this great info/research on Optavia substitute fuelings and snacks! I want to mention the No Cow protein bar is 200 calories, not 90 as you state in your article. The No Cow treats are indeed 90 calories.
Would you say a 200 fueling is acceptable on the 5 and 1 plan? That would add 500 more calories to a day’s intake.
Hi Helen,
You’re absolutely right that the No Cow protein bar contains 200 calories. To be more accurate, we can suggest No Cow Mighty Treats (90 calories) as an alternative for people looking for a soy-free option.