The primary reason I chose this particular product, the Garden of Life Raw Meal (Chocolate), is because of its raw nature. I can see from other reviews that there are complaints about consistency, sugar content, flavor, etc. I know of few other such quality vitamin- and mineral-rich drinks, and I know of only 2 other that are raw. The ingredients are mostly sprouted then dehydrated. From my readings on the arguments around raw foods, the proteins, fats, and carbs are all of a high caliber and are highly digestible, meaning the protein and other macro (and micro) nutrients are quickly absorbed into the system yet stabilized and balanced by each other (meaning the glycemic load is pretty low overall - no sugar highs).
I agree that the sugar content is rather high, but, if you are like me, counting grams of macronutrients is not the point: maximum bioavailability of said nutrients IS the point. You are to mix this powder with other ingredients, which can greatly alter the ratio of nutrients. I like to use soy, hemp, or almond milks as part of the fluids for any drink or shake I make with Raw Meal - that increases the protein and slightly increases the fat. Again, calorie-counting, close macronutrient tracking, and general mainstream ideas of healthy eating are not my style; I go by nutrient-density, and I go by what nourishes my body. I have compared this meal replacement with other high-quality brands (like Vega and BeachBody's super smoothie mix) and this is, by far, the most bioavailable, reasonably-priced, truly raw product. Of course, I have not had time to do a thorough and exhaustive comparison, nor do I have time or money to personally test many brands, so you may have better results with other brands (ones that I've probably never heard of!) than I have. Again, the main point is that the sugar content IS balanced with the healthy fats, enzymes, probiotics, fiber, and protein. Read that label!
Also, if you're like me, you drink this stuff a little before intense exercise, and a little extra naturally-occurring sugar is just fine for most people IF they are about to go for a long walk, workout, bike ride, hike, whatever. The sugars are burned off with exercise or "heavy thinking." So, this is also my mid-afternoon snack, and, again, that extra hit of naturally-occurring sweetness, balanced as it is against the other nutrients, gives my brain the energy that glucose-monster-consuming organ needs to help me think clearly. The protein and fiber both stabilize my body and mood, too.
The ratio of EFAs to protein to carbs is an excellent one - Garden of Life seems to have done their homework. The EFAs are abundant, as is the unbelievable amount of fiber per serving. By the way, the reason for the odd gelatinous consistency is the ground flax and chia seeds - both of which are impressive superfoods, especially since they are sprouted first (well, I THINK the chia is sprouted first, anyway). Please read Brendan Brazier's
Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life
, as he explains all these superfood seeds and grains in a way that better expresses why this meal replacement is so cool. It also talks about how glucose is utilized during exercise (I like this book, can you tell??). Chia seed and flax seed are both mucilage-forming (can't remember the exact word for this!) in a GOOD way - they promote fullness, soothe digestive and intestinal tracts, etc. That slimy taste CAN be somewhat avoided, though ...
The trick I have found to make this powder far more palatable is to use an electric (or manual) hand mixer. Put the powder into a deep vessel (a large, thick glass or whatever) so the hand mixer doesn't splatter the fluids and powder everywhere. Then put in a little fluid (I use rice milk to start this process). The initial liquid should be twice the amount of powder. We like to make chocolate milk with this, so we add a little pure unsweetened bitter cocoa powder (put in however much you want - it's a matter of personal taste). We then mix this small amount of fluid, meal replacement, and cocoa powder together like you would when making hot chocolate: blend the dry stuff with the wet stuff THOROUGHLY before adding any more liquid. This keeps the meal replacement from separating too much, getting rid of some of the chalky consistency. Add a little liquid at a time, mixing thoroughly with the hand mixer each time. Keep mixing it a little longer (just a few seconds) after you have all the liquid you want. Separation is just going to happen due to the seeds and such in the powder. The slimy thing starts happening pretty quickly, as the chia and flax seed start doing their thing, so drink quickly and use a straw! The slimy stuff often stays on top. KEEP STIRRING as you drink. If you've mixed it enough with the hand mixer, you end up with a somewhat creamy consistency, depending on the amount of liquid you used. It's up to you; experiment with liquid amounts.
We all (family of four) really love this stuff, and I'm talking about a picky 10-year-old, too. Just mix it well with a hand mixer or blender, and keep stirring if you're making the chocolate milk-like drink I described above, and it's really great. You'll come to love it. A few of the reviewers mentioned blending the powder in smoothies and/or shakes; we've had great success with those, too - especially blending in frozen raspberries and a banana or an avocado! Yummy!
Good luck and enjoy!
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Product contains at least 95% organic material.
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USDA Organic USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.
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Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS (2)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS (2)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS (2)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS (2)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATIONS (2)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to the USDA Organic standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors. Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input.
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This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon impact
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.
As certified by
Carbonfree Certified Each Carbonfree Certified product goes through a cradle-to-grave assessment to determine the product’s carbon footprint. The carbon emissions associated with the product are reduced where possible, and remaining carbon emissions are offset with third-party verified carbon reduction projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency and forestry.
Organic content
Product contains at least 95% organic material.
As certified by
USDA Organic USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.
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| Organic Creamy Protein with Oatmilk | Raw Organic Protein | Protein & Greens | Meal Replacement | SPORT Plant Protein | |
| Customer Reviews |
336
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18,336
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7,693
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11,215
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8,226
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| Price | $31.49 | $35.69 | $35.69 | $47.04 | $40.94 |
| What’s the scoop? | Plant protein, oats & coconuts—delightfully creamy texture & dreamy taste | 14 sprouted legumes, ancient grains + chlorella | Sprouted brown rice, pea, chia + greens & veggies | Fiber, protein & 44 superfoods—ancient grains, fruits & veggies | Protein + a recovery blend—certified for sport |
| Serving Size | 1 Scoop | 1 Scoop | 1 Scoop | 1 Scoop | 2 Scoops |
| Protein | 20g | 22g | 20g | 20g | 30g |
| Calories | 160 | 130 | 110 | 150 | 160 |
| Fiber | 5g | 5g | 1g | 7g | 2g |
| Total Sugars | <1g | 0g | 0g | 0g | <1g |
| Vegan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gluten Free & Kosher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Probiotics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Servings per Container | 20 | 20 | 20 | 14/28 | 19 |
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This Item  Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes - Chocolate Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder, Pea Protein, Sprouts, Greens, Probiotics, Dairy Free All in One Shake for Women and Men, 28 Servings |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -25% $44.94 List: $59.95 | $59.99 | -22% $47.04 List: $59.95 | $17.99 | $48.29 |
| Price Per Unit | $1.18 / Ounce | $1.50 / Ounce | $1.27 / Ounce | $1.78 / Ounce | $1.29 / Ounce |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Ingredient quality | |||||
| Value for money | |||||
| Flavor | |||||
| Blending power | |||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | eSupplements | Amazon.com | eSupplements | Amazon.com |
| flavor | Chocolate | Strawberry & Cream | Vanilla | Strawberry & Cream | Lightly Sweet |
| form | Powder | Powder | Powder | Powder | Powder |
| weight | 2.22 pounds | 2.53 pounds | 34.2 ounces | 10.1 ounces | 2.6 pounds |
| ingredients | Organic Sprouted Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth (sprout), Organic Buckwheat (sprout), Organic Millet (pearl & sprout), Organic Quinoa (sprout), Organic Chia Seed (sprout), Organic Adzuki Bean (sprout), Organic Flax Seed (sprout), Organic Garbanzo Bean (sprout), Organic Lentil (sprout), Organic Pumpkin Seed (sprout), Organic Sesame Seed (sprout), Organic Sunflower Seed (sprout), Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Chocolate Flavor with Other Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Cocoa, Organic Erythritol, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), Organic Fiber Blend: Organic Tapioca Fiber, Organic Flax Meal, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend: Organic Spinach (leaf), Organic Baobab (fruit), Organic Apple (fruit), Organic Beet (root), Organic Broccoli (stalk & flower), Organic Carrot (root), Organic Tomato (fruit), Organic Green Bell Pepper (fruit), Organic Brussels Sprout (leaf), Organic Ginger (root), Organic Garlic (bulb), Organic Onion (bulb), Organic Strawberry (fruit), Organic Cherry (fruit), Organic Parsley (leaf), Organic Cauliflower (flower & stem), Organic Blackberry (fruit), Organic Cabbage (leaf), Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Raspberry (fruit), Organic Kale (leaf), Organic Cucumber (gourd), Organic Celery (stalk), Organic Asparagus (flower & stem), Organic Greens Blend: Organic Alfalfa Grass Juice, Organic Spirulina, Organic Barley Grass Juice, Organic Oat Grass Juice, Organic Wheat Grass Juice, Whole Food Vitamin & Mineral Blend: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Biotin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Vitamin K, Chromium, Probiotic & Enzyme Blend: Lipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, Bacillus subtilis DE111® (250 million CFU at time of expiration). Contains: Sesame. Made without dairy or soy ingredients, tree nuts, added sugars nor filler ingredients. Manufactured in a facility that also processes egg, milk, soy, wheat, fish, tree nuts and sesame. May contain traces of soy due to agricultural practices. | — | Organic Sprouted Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth (sprout), Organic Buckwheat (sprout), Organic Millet (pearl & sprout), Organic Quinoa (sprout), Organic Chia Seed (sprout), Organic Adzuki Bean (sprout), Organic Flax Seed (sprout), Organic Garbanzo Bean (sprout), Organic Lentil (sprout), Organic Pumpkin Seed (sprout), Organic Sesame Seed (sprout), Organic Sunflower Seed (sprout), Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Vanilla Flavor with Other Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Erythritol, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), Sea Salt, Organic Fiber Blend: Organic Tapioca Fiber, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Flax Meal, Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend: Organic Spinach (leaf), Organic Baobab (fruit), Organic Apple (fruit), Organic Beet (root), Organic Broccoli (stalk & flower), Organic Carrot (root), Organic Tomato (fruit), Organic Green Bell Pepper (fruit), Organic Brussels Sprout (leaf), Organic Ginger (root), Organic Garlic (bulb), Organic Onion (bulb), Organic Strawberry (fruit), Organic Cherry (fruit), Organic Parsley (leaf), Organic Cauliflower (flower & stem), Organic Blackberry (fruit), Organic Cabbage (leaf), Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Raspberry (fruit), Organic Kale (leaf), Organic Cucumber (gourd), Organic Celery (stalk), Organic Asparagus (flower & stem), Organic Greens Blend: Organic Alfalfa Grass Juice, Organic Spirulina, Organic Barley Grass Juice, Organic Oat Grass Juice, Organic Wheat Grass Juice, Whole Food Vitamin & Mineral Blend: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Biotin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Vitamin K, Chromium, Probiotic & Enzyme Blend: Lipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, Bacillus subtilis DE111® (250 million CFU at time of expiration). Contains: Sesame. Made without dairy or soy ingredients, tree nuts, added sugars nor filler ingredients. Manufactured in a facility that also processes egg, milk, soy, wheat, fish, tree nuts and sesame. May contain traces of soy due to agricultural practices. | — | Organic Sprouted Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth (sprout), Organic Buckwheat (sprout), Organic Millet (pearl & sprout), Organic Quinoa (sprout), Organic Chia Seed (sprout), Organic Adzuki Bean (sprout), Organic Flax Seed (sprout), Organic Garbanzo Bean (sprout), Organic Lentil (sprout), Organic Pumpkin Seed (sprout), Organic Sesame Seed (sprout), Organic Sunflower Seed (sprout), Organic Flavor Blend: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Vanilla Flavor with Other Organic Natural Flavors, Organic Fiber Blend: Organic Inulin, Organic Tapioca Fiber, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Flax Meal, Organic Fruit & Vegetable Blend: Organic Spinach (leaf), Organic Baobab (fruit), Organic Apple (fruit), Organic Beet (root), Organic Broccoli (stalk & flower), Organic Carrot (root), Organic Tomato (fruit), Organic Green Bell Pepper (fruit), Organic Brussels Sprout (leaf), Organic Ginger (root), Organic Garlic (bulb), Organic Onion (bulb), Organic Strawberry (fruit), Organic Cherry (fruit), Organic Parsley (leaf), Organic Cauliflower (flower & stem), Organic Blackberry (fruit), Organic Cabbage (leaf), Organic Blueberry (fruit), Organic Raspberry (fruit), Organic Kale (leaf), Organic Cucumber (gourd), Organic Celery (stalk), Organic Asparagus (flower & stem), Organic Greens Blend: Organic Alfalfa Grass Juice, Organic Spirulina, Organic Barley Grass Juice, Organic Oat Grass Juice, Organic Wheat Grass Juice, Whole Food Vitamin & Mineral Blend: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacin, Zinc, Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Biotin, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Vitamin K, Chromium, Probiotic & Enzyme Blend: Lipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, Bacillus subtilis DE111® (250 million CFU at time of expiration). Contains: Sesame. Made without dairy or soy ingredients, tree nuts, nor filler ingredients. Manufactured in a facility that also processes egg, milk, soy, wheat, fish, tree nuts and sesame. May contain traces of soy due to agricultural practices. |
| energy info | 130.0 calories, 130.0 calories | — | 130.0 calories, 155.0 kilocalories | — | 140 calories |
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TRAINERS REVIEW | Garden of Life Shake (Almost Perfect)
Tony Beyer
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Look Inside ! - Organic Meal Replacement Shake
CajunStork
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Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes
Mark Freedom
Reviews with images
so for those of us looking for a healthy meal replacement and like Garden of Life’s products
This is a review for those of you who have been drinking the Garden of Life Raw Meal Beyond Organic SNACK AND MEAL REPLACEMENT and are now thinking about switching to the Organic SHAKE & MEAL REPLACEMENT. As far as I’ve heard, Garden of Life has discontinued the original Snack and Meal Replacement and are now only producing the Shake & Meal Replacement (or so I’ve been told by local stores), so for those of us looking for a healthy meal replacement and like Garden of Life’s products, this is the way we are going now.This review is specifically for the chocolate flavor, as I have not tried the others.FIRST: Let’s talk nutrient content for a single scoop. (The new version has a slightly smaller scoop.) For each nutrient, I will list the original Snack and Meal Replacement on the left, and I will list the new Shake & Meal Replacement on the right. (Great big container / Microscopic print. Time to break out the magnifying glass.)1 scoop = 43.5 g / 35 gB6: 50% / 50%B12: 100% / 100%Biotin: 5% / 15%Calcium: 18% / 8%Chromium: 50% / 70% *Folate: 50% / 50%Iron: 50% / 15%Magnesium: 15% / 20%*Manganese: 50% / 80% *Molybdenum: 50% / 80%Niacin: 50% / 50%Pantothenic Acid: 50% / 50%Potassium: 3% (100 mg) / 5% (180 mg) *Riboflavin: 50% / 50%Selenium: 8% / 5%Thiamin: 50% / 50%Vitamin A: 15% / 20%Vitamin C: 50% / 50%Vitamin D: 50% / 50%Vitamin E: 50% / 50%Vitamin K: 50% / 50%Zinc: 50% / 35% ** The percentage may not be accurate. Regarding four of the nutrients listed on the new Snack & Meal Replacement, there is a discrepancy. Chromium is listed as 70% for a single scoop, but 150% for a double scoop. Magnesium is listed as 20% for a single scoop, but 35% for a double scoop. Manganese is listed as 80% for a single scoop, but 170% for a double scoop. Potassium is listed as 180 mg / 5% for a single scoop, but as 370 mg / 11% for a double scoop. And zinc is listed as 35% for a single scoop, but as 75% for a double scoop. The math does not compute correctly for these items.Continuing on…Calories: 170 / 120Calories from fat: 30 / 10 *Total fat: 3.5 g (6%) / 1.5 g (2%) *__Saturated fat: 1 g / 0.5 g__Polyunsaturated fat: 2 g / 0.5 g *__Monounsaturated fat: 0.5 g / 0 g__Transfat: 0 g / 0 gCholesterol: 0 mg / 0 mgSodium: 45 mg (3%) / 10 mg (0%)Total carbohydrate: 17 g (6%) / 8 g (3%)__Dietary fiber: 8 g (32%) / 6 g (24%)__Soluble fiber: 6 g / 1 g__Insoluble fiber: 2 g / 5 g__Sugars: 5 g / less than 1 g__Other carbohydrates: 4 g / not listedProtein: 17 g (34%) / 20 g (40%)* Again, there are some discrepancies on the new Snack & Meal Replacement container. Calories from fat is listed as 10 for a single scoop, but 25 for a double scoop. Total fat is listed as 1.5 g for a single scoop, but 2.5 g for a double scoop. Polyunsaturated fat is listed as 0.5 g for a single scoop, but as 1.5 g for a double scoop.Probiotics and enzymes:Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus: 3 billion CFU / not listed as an ingredientProtease: 2,500 HUT / amount not listedBromelain: 100,000 PU / amount not listedAcid protease: 10 SAPU / not listed as an ingredientPapain: 100,000 PU / amount not listedLactobacillus bulgaricus: amount not listed / 3 billion CFUSaccharomyces cerevisiae: amount not listed / not listed as an ingredientLactobacillus plantarum: ingredient not listed / 1.5 billion CFUSECOND: Flavor. The original Snack and Meal Replacement had a strong chocolate flavor. There was also an odd raw bean flavor that simply could not be masked, which a lot of people complained about. I distinctly recall one reviewer claiming it tasted like the south end of a northbound facing rhino. (LOL) That was a slight exaggeration, in my opinion. But the raw bean flavor did take a bit of getting used to. For me, it took about three days and then I didn’t even notice it anymore. I just tasted that wonderful chocolate flavor, and I always felt like I was getting a special treat. I may not eat sugar anymore, but I still had chocolate for breakfast and it was a wonderful treat. I looked forward to it every day.The new Shake & Meal Replacement has a mild chocolate vanilla flavor. I can’t tell you if it still has the raw bean flavor because I’ve grown used to the taste. But I can say that the chocolate vanilla flavor is not very yummy. I want a strong chocolate flavor, not a mild chocolate flavor with vanilla. I don’t feel like I’m getting a special treat each day. In fact, I don’t enjoy the flavor at all. I wouldn’t go right to hate. In fact, I don’t hate it at all. I just don’t like it.Because I don’t enjoy the new flavor, I buy a lot less. Before, with the old Snack and Meal Replacement, I bought 2 to 4 containers a month, and I drank it 2 or more times a day. It was just so yummy I couldn’t help myself. With the new Shake & Meal Replacement, I only buy 1 or 2 containers and I have to make myself drink it once a day. I only drink it now because it’s healthy and I do actually feel good after I drink it. But I certainly don’t crave it.Before, when I got hungry, the Snack and Meal Replacement was the first thing I thought of. I put a scoop in a mason jar, filled it up with water, and chugged it down. I felt full and satisfied afterward. Now, when I get hungry, I pass up on the idea of having the new Shake & Meal Replacement. I wonder what else there is to eat, and usually end up making myself a smoothie or a salad. If I do have the Shake & Meal Replacement, I am not left feeling full. I’m still quite hungry, and I end up scouring the kitchen for more food. I think I’m actually gaining weight. I’m not very happy about that.THIRD: Drink consistency. Well… both versions have their problems. The original Snack and Meal Replacement had to be consumed quickly or else it turned into pudding and wasn’t drinkable. I’m used to sipping my beverages, so I had to learn how to chug down a mason jar sized beverage in just a few minutes. But it was doable.The new Shake & Meal Replacement, requires less water, but doesn’t mix well. I keep getting clumps that just don’t mix into the water. I’ve actually sort of given up on the clumps and just chew them and swallow them down. (What else can I do?) I will give the new drink a thumbs up for not turning into pudding. I can even let it sit for a while – half an hour or more – without anything unpleasant happening. That’s definitely nice.TO SUM UP: I miss the old Snack and Meal Replacement. It tasted immensely better. It filled me up. It seems to have had a slightly better nutritional content. I feel sad every time I look at the new bottle. I suppose I’ll get used to it though. It’s not like it’s horrible. And Garden of Life is still a great company that puts out fantastic products, one of which – the Shake & Meal Replacement – is still on my list of things that I consume every day and that makes me feel good, and one of the few products out there that is entirely raw (the main reason why I buy it).
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2013
Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2013
Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Sabrina
Saludable y deliciosa
Reviewed in Mexico on October 28, 2023Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Michelle
Five star will buy over and over again
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2017Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Cliente Amazon
Buona lista ingredienti, consigliato
Reviewed in Italy on September 3, 2017Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Cliente Amazon
me ha gustado
Reviewed in Spain on August 31, 2017Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
Ken
Not filling and quite bland.
Reviewed in Australia on November 5, 2022Style: CanisterFlavor Name: ChocolateSize: 2.38 Pound (Pack of 1)Verified Purchase
