Premade shakes are easy and delicious, but many dieters find themselves wondering if Herbalife shakes carbs fit into a ketogenic diet, if Herbalife is as healthy as they claim, or is Herbalife keto friendly.1
While Herbalife shakes have their place in the fitness realm, the myth that Herbalife is a end-all cure-all to weight loss, health, or staying in ketosis is a false assumption.
This is because the most important thing is to look at the nutrient contents such as macronutrients and micronutrients to determine if they should consume any given food or supplement — and in the case of keto dieters, a look at the carb contents will be most important to be sure the 20 – 50 grams per day limit is not exceeded.2
Is Herbalife Shakes Carbs Keto Friendly? Are Herbalife Healthy Meal Nutritional Shakes Keto?
Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shakes are advertised as being an end-all cure for weight loss and improved general health; however this meal replacement may not be for everyone!
The carbohydrate content of Herbalife shakes, which is 13 grams per serving, can fit into a keto diet. Dieters who follow the keto method can technically include this meal replacement shake in their regimen, as it has a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
However, this only allows for 7 – 37 grams of carbs to be enjoyed for the rest of the day. This limits the number of nutritional fruits and vegetables dieters are recommended to eat, and can be very difficult for meal planning.
Furthermore, the amount of sugar for this nutritional shake is 9 grams per serving size. That means 69% of the carbohydrates in this meal are a result of sugar, which is a very high ratio. Research proves that sugar raises blood sugar and insulin levels faster and higher than complex carbohydrates.3
So ketogenic dieters may have better luck using their carbohydrate allotment to consume better quality foods such as whole grains or vegetables. Remember, Herbalife meal replacers are more of an aid to weight loss than a cure.
Some dieters may struggle with meal replacement strategies, causing them to wonder when to drink protein shakes for weight loss or when is it too late to drink a protein shake. But in reality, the timing of protein shakes as well as exercise doesn’t make a huge difference in results, but consistency does.
Is Herbalife Protein Shake Suitable for a Keto Diet? Is Herbalife’s Protein Drink Mix Keto?
Herbalife meal replacement or healthy meal nutritional shakes discussed above is all about weight loss, but the Herbalife protein shakes are geared towards building muscle and have an entirely different macronutrient profile.
Source: Wavebreakmedia via Canva.com4
Protein is essential for overall health and fat loss, leading many to value drinks like Herbalife’s protein shake for weight management. However, those on a ketogenic diet might wonder if it is a suitable option.
Let’s take a look at nutrition to better understand how this premade drink option can be beneficial and non beneficial to one’s health. The Herbalife shakes’ carbs content for their protein drink mix comes in at a mere 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving size, and 15 grams of protein.
Additionally, this protein packed shake contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving, making the Herbalife protein shakes a lower carb option than the meal replacement. It’s important to know what protein powder is classified as a highly processed food and should be used in moderation compared to whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
With all this nutritional information in mind, many dieters will be able to easily fit this product into their meal planning regardless of their dietary restrictions. In fact, using a protein shakes diet plans such as Herbalife’s protein drink mix is a great way to remain in ketosis and maximize one’s health.
But always make sure to balance protein powder with healthy, unprocessed, whole foods since protein shakes are a supplementary product.
How Many Carbohydrates Are in Herbalife Shakes?
Herbalife Shakes has a variety of different products and many flavors to match a number of dietary needs and individual cravings; as a result, the Herbalife shakes’ carbs content can vary depending on the type of shake being enjoyed.
Check out the charts below to learn more about the nutritional content of every flavor of Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shakes, as well as every flavor of Herbalife protein drink mix.
Herbalife Shakes Carbs Amounts for Healthy Meal Nutritional Shakes
Out of all the many different flavors of Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shakes, cookies and cream, french vanilla, mango pineapple, orange cream, pralines and cream, and strawberry cheesecake tie for the lowest amount of carbs.
But 11 grams of carbs is still a lot, especially when keto dieters are only allowed a low number of carbohydrates per day. Furthermore, for those not losing weight with Herbalife, the calories should be inspected closely for both the shake, and the rest of their daily consumption.
Flavors
Banana
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
Banana Caramel
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
Berry
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
Cafe Latte
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
Cookies and Cream
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
Dutch Chocolate
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
French Vanilla
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Mango Pineapple
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Mint Chocolate Chip
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
Orange Cream
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Pralines and Cream
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Strawberry Cheesecake
- Calories: 90 calories
- Net Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Number of Carbs in Herbalife’s Protein Drink Mix
As for Herbalife’s protein drink mix options, the personalized protein powder comes in first place with 0 grams of net carbohydrates per serving size. If a keto dieter is to use any of Herbalife’s shake products, then the personalized protein is the best option for their dietary meal plan.
Flavors
Chocolate
- Calories: 120 calories
- Net Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 1 gram
Vanilla
- Calories: 110 calories
- Net Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 1 gram
Peanut Cookie
- Calories: 110 calories
- Net Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
Personalized Protein Powder (Unflavored)
- Calories: 20 calories
- Net Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Iced Coffee
- Calories: 100 calories
- Net Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
Sugar Content in Herbalife Shakes: How Much Is There?
The two main brands of Herbalife shakes are the Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shakes and the Herbalife protein drink mix.
The former acts as a replacement for an entire meal and focuses on a macronutrient ratio designed to keep individuals feeling full while getting a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
The latter is a protein centric drink, with the purpose of increasing the protein content in an individual’s diet. Both options are keto friendly, but have vastly different amounts of sugar that may impact a person’s results. Let’s take a look!
The Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shakes have much more sugar in them, as well as a higher carb to sugar ratio in comparison to the Herbalife protein drink mix. Most of the flavors of this meal replacement have 9 grams of sugar per serving size, though some flavors have less.
Comparatively, the Herbalife protein drink mix varies between 0 to 2 grams of sugar, but on average has only 1 gram. This makes the protein drink a much healthier option, seeing as research suggests a link between sugar and obesity, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory diseases that cause inflammation throughout the body and brain.5
Sugar can be very addicting, which makes it difficult to learn how to stop eating junk food and sugar. To get started on a healthier diet, dieters are recommended to keep track of a food’s sugar content and try out meal planning to limit the amount of sugar they are exposed to.
Making these healthy changes can not only help with weight loss but can also help them to achieve their best health.
Ranking Herbalife Shakes by Carbohydrate Content: From Lowest to Highest
Here is the ultimate ranking of Herbalife’s healthy meal nutritional shakes and protein drink mixes, ordered from least to most carbohydrates. This comprehensive list covers Herbalife’s most popular shake products.
Source: Jun via Canva.com6
#1 Unflavored Personalized Protein Powder at 0 grams.
#2 Protein Drink Iced Coffee at 4 grams.
#3 Herbalife Protein Drink Mix Flavors Vanilla and Peanut Cookie at 5 grams.
#4 Herbalife Protein Drink Mix Flavor Chocolate at 6 grams.
#5 Herbalife Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Flavors Cookies and Cream, French Vanilla, Mango Pineapple, Orange Cream, Pralines and Cream, and Strawberry Cheesecake at 11 grams.
#6 Herbalife Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Flavors Banana, Banana Caramel, Berry, Cafe Latte, Dutch Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate Chip at 13 grams.
Healthy Alternatives to Herbalife
As established, Herbalife products may be keto friendly, but it’s actually a myth that they are the healthiest option out on the market. Remember, many of these products are processed or ultra-processed, and research suggests ultra processed foods can increase an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, and even mortality.7
Herbalife products do not have as much to offer as fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates. So try out these healthy alternatives to remain keto while optimizing health instead of constantly wondering does Herbalife tea burn belly fat or if their protein shakes will knock you out of ketosis.
Best Shake Alternatives
Homemade: Homemade shakes are perhaps the number one option for dieters, especially for those engaging in the difficult to maintain keto diets. Homemade shakes are totally customizable to help combat all types of cravings.
Fresh fruit and vegetables can be added, allowing the body to receive a number of healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Additionally, dieters can modify any recipe to meet their dietary restrictions, whether they be ketogenic, vegan, dairy free, or gluten free. Dieters have the ability to truly make a recipe their own, often resulting in the tastiest shake alternative.
Protein Shakes: Protein is required by the body to grow muscle, and as a result, assists in burning troublesome fat. Protein shakes can indeed be effective for weight loss, and there are also numerous keto-friendly brands available on the market. Diets high in protein have been found to support weight loss, keep weight off, and provide much more energy than those eating a standard American diet.8
With this information in mind, those engaging in ketogenic or other types of diets are recommended to add protein shakes into their meal regime. Products like wheybolic protein powder offer a significant amount of protein at 20 grams per serving with an insignificant 2 grams of carbohydrates.
Best Snack Alternatives
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a high in protein, low in carbohydrate snack that is keto friendly and full of health benefits. Many even contain billions of probiotics that are responsible for healthy gut flora that improves digestion.
Along with the wide variety of delicious flavors, some brands of greek yogurt such as Chobani offer zero sugar products, significantly reducing the already low carbohydrate content.
Eggs: Another high protein snack! Eggs are full of healthy vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, and many essential amino acids.
Furthermore, eggs offer so much variety from poached, scrambled, fried, or hard boiled. They can be paired with a number of foods to make a nutritionally complete and satisfying meal.
Peanut Butter: Dieters can slap this low carb food on fruits, vegetables, or even enjoy a spoonful all on its own. Peanut butter is a delicious snack for ketogenic minded individuals to add to their diet without fear of going over their allotted amount of carbohydrates.
Herbalife products may be ketogenic friendly, but they’re not always the healthiest option out there! The most beneficial diet requires eating balanced meals full of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein and unprocessed carbs. Remember, a healthy diet involves looking at all the nutrition, not just the amount of Herbalife shakes carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carb Wise, What’s the Difference Between Herbalife’s Protein Powder & Meal Replacement?
When it comes down to it, Herblife’s protein powder has 6 grams of carbohydrates while their meal replacement has 15 grams. That’s a big difference, especially for someone who is only allowed a handful of carbs per day. Keep in mind that the protein powder has very little sugar, making it a much healthier option and overall better choice. Unfortunately both powders are highly processed and not ideal for overall health and should be used in moderation.
What Other Herbalife Products Are Keto Approved?
Herbalife has a number of other products that are Keto Approved. This includes herbal tea concentrate and herbal aloe concentrate, which both contain 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This may leave dieters wondering about weight loss myths that surround the product. Does herbalife tea burn belly fat? While the ingredients such as various tea extracts, citric acid, and caffeine can help to improve health, it cannot burn body fat all on its own. Eating less calories and including more activity is a much better way to burn troublesome body fat and see faster results.
Alongside the tea and aloe beverages, herbalife has a number of premade protein snacks and bars, all falling under 20 grams of carbohydrates. While technically keto friendly, these foods are not as healthy as snacks containing unprocessed ingredients and complex carbohydrates.
References
1Motortion. Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADerEkCKqs-sporty-woman-drinking-protein-shake-after-workout-muscle-gain-nutrition-health/>
2Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. 2022. Ketogenic Diet For Weight Loss. Harvard. Web. Retrieved on 18 October 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/ketogenic-diet>
3Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. 2022. Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar. Harvard. Web. Retrieved on 18 October 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/carbohydrates-and-blood-sugar/>
4Wavebreakmedia. Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADatrpZ1FQ-muscular-man-drinking-protein-shake/>
5Freeman, C. R., Zehra, A., Ramirez, V., Wiers, C. E., Volkow, N. D., & Wang, G. J. (2018). Impact of sugar on the body, brain, and behavior. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23(12), 2255–2266. <https://doi.org/10.2741/4704>
6Jun. “Protein powder.” Canva. Accessed 13 April 2023. <https://www.canva.com/photos/MADeq6cCU0k-protein-powder/>
7Pagliai, G., Dinu, M., Madarena, M. P., Bonaccio, M., Iacoviello, L., & Sofi, F. (2021). Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The British journal of nutrition, 125(3), 308–318. <https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520002688>
8Moon, J., & Koh, G. (2020). Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 29(3), 166–173. <https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20028>