BS, Dietetics and Nutrition
Isalean shake by Isagenix and Shakeology by Beachbody is my main topic in this post, and I will confront and show off side by side in front of you. I have done deep research and will present all the differences between these 2 giant meal replacement shakes (Isagenix vs. Shakeology).
What’s the story with meal replacement shakes anyway?
If you’re determined to use good meal replacement shakes, it’s important to know that the high protein options can also sustain your weight loss. Not only do they keep hunger away, but they also help you get rid of the weight faster.
The diversity of meal replacement shakes is impressive, and it’s only normal that some work better than others. This may put you in a pickle as it’s difficult to commit or to try all of the options out there. Gathering some info and going online is the best way to find out more and decide which one may work the best for you.
Is there a difference between Isagenix and Shakeology?
Apart from being meal replacement shakes and being priced similarly, the Isagenix and Shakeology shakes don’t share many similarities. Going through the details is important, and you need the whole picture of each of them to make the final decision.
Isagenix’s Isalean shake
The Isagenix company produces an Isalean protein shake that is 100% whey protein sourced from grass-fed New Zealand Cows. For a detailed review, you can check my post here. Isagenix has become very popular because it, along with its products, offers very effective detoxification programs that have produced successful results in weight loss and better health: the Isagenix 9 day cleanse and the Isagenix 30 day cleanse.
Shakeology shake
On the other hand, Shakeology is produced by one of the most popular companies globally in weight loss in the USA, the Beachbody. You can read my full review of Shakeology in this post. Similar to Isagenix’s cleanse program, Shakeology has its own also: the 3 days cleanse.
How to make a difference?
- You want to go through nutrition details as it’s the best way to decide between the two. After all, you start using protein shakes to improve your health and lose weight on the side. Or the other way around, you should know better.
- Keep in mind that nutrition facts differ between each flavor, and comparing all of them will become both boring and pointless. However, we’re going to look at the chocolate options as they’re the most popular options for both companies. Some patterns repeat themselves for the other flavors, too, so that you can get a good idea.
- The battle between two meal replacement shakes typically comes down to the additional nutrients. We can’t name which one of them wins this battle as each of the protein shakes has its own formula, and the ingredients are similar but not identical. Many say that the comparison is useless in the end as our needs are different.
This is why some like to get only the protein shakes and not Isagenix or Shakeology instead. Fat, calories, protein, carbs, and, very importantly, sugar are the things to keep in mind when deciding. Vitamins and minerals should come last when making the final call.
What’s to say about the nutritional details of Isagenix and Shakeology?
Right from the beginning, we have to mention that Shakeology may take the lead when it comes to nutrition since its sugar level is very low. However, it loses when it comes to the protein level, and Isagenix does contain a higher amount of protein.
Shakeology does offer more fat, and it’s low on sugar. Add a lower amount of protein, and you can get a fast image of what Shakeology has to offer for you.
Sugar
When you’re trying to lose weight, sugar becomes an important factor, and fat plays its part too. Isagenix includes more sugar than Shakeology, as each serving has 11 grams of sugar in it. This puts Shakeology in front as it has only 6 grams of sugar for each serving.
Winner: Shakeology
Fat
As for fat, Shakeology stands out with a lower amount of fat for each serving. If you’re trying to lower your carb intake, Shakeology is going to be of greater help. It contains only 2 grams of fat, whereas Isagenix loses this one with its 5 grams of fat.
Winner: Shakeology
Fiber
Fiber is an important part too, and it seems that Isagenix takes the lead on that with the 8 grams per serving, but Shakeology doesn’t go very low as it contains 6 grams of fiber per serving.
Winner: Isagenix
Protein
When it comes to protein, the situation takes a turn, putting Isagenix way in front of Shakeology. The numbers look like this: 24 grams of protein for Isagenix, whereas Shakeology gives you only 17 grams of protein for each serving. Keep in mind when deciding as protein is the main reason for which you’re using a protein shake in the first place. If you’re not going for weight loss, this shouldn’t worry you much.
Winner: Isagenix
Calories
As for the calories, it seems that Isagenix doesn’t look as good as Shakeology, and it’s higher in calories. Shakeology impresses with the 140 calories per serving, whereas Isagenix doesn’t look great with the 240 calories per serving. On top of that, Isagenix also includes more than 10% of cholesterol daily allowance. If you’re dealing with some cholesterol problems, you should keep that in mind. How you’re going to use the shake has a lot to say when it comes to calories, so you should remember that too.
Winner: If you’re going to use the protein shake between your meals, you do want lower calories for sure (Shakeology). Higher calories will make the better choice if you’re aiming to fully replace a meal with a protein shake (Isagenix).
Minerals and Vitamins
Another part of having in mind when deciding is to look at the minerals and vitamins in shakes. As both options are meal replacement shakes, they’re going to give you plenty of nutrients that may replace a regular meal.
Vitamins are the ones protecting your body from the damage of free radicals.
- There’s no point in naming the winner on this one as it’s pretty obvious: Shakeology gives 300% of Vitamin C daily value, whereas Isagenix is only going to give you 40% of that.
- The situation is similar to vitamin A: Shakeology gives you 100%, whereas Isagenix only offers 50%.
- Calcium makes no exception, and Shakeology offers 20% more than Isagenix.
- As for Vitamin B6, the winner doesn’t compromise, and Shakeology contains 100% of the daily value, whereas Isagenix tries its best with 70%.
As if all of this hasn’t been enough already, going over the diversity of the ingredients will make Shakeology look even better. It includes more than 70 premium ingredients, whereas Isagenix includes 50 similar ingredients.
Winner: Shakeology
Who’s the better appetite blocker Isagenix or Shakeology?
To get the right answer on this one, we’d have to go through a detailed comparison between the two shakes. The ingredients are essential for blocking and putting your appetite under control.
Satiety is the one directly related to appetite. Whenever you’re not feeling hunger, you eat less than anyone hungry all the time. Satiety doesn’t control its own, but it’s highly related to some types of nutrition in our bodies. The first to mention and probably the most important one is protein.
When you’re eating more proteins and fewer calories, the satiety is going to last way more than if you’d do it the other way around (more calories and less protein). If we’re putting Isagenix and Shakeology side by side, Isagenix takes the lead as it contains more protein than Shakeology.
But protein isn’t the only one that counts when it comes to satiety, and fiber is also crucial for the durability of satiety. Containing 8 grams of fiber, Isagenix comes as a better option, whereas its opponent only contains 6 grams.
Which has better flavors and taste, Isagenix or Shakeology?
When it comes to flavors, the protein shakes come side by side as they offer a similar number of flavors to choose from.
Shakeology offers you pretty traditional and common options: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, vegan chocolate.
On the other hand, Isagenix includes Creamy French Vanilla, Creamy Dutch Chocolate, Dairy-Free Natural Berry Harvest, Strawberry cream, Black Sesam, and Kosher Natural Creamy Vanilla.
You can also have your pick from the seasonal (limited time) flavors. Pumpkin Spice is great during Thanksgiving and Halloween, and your Christmas may get merrier with the Eggnog flavor. Therefore, you get more options for flavors, even though it’s only from time to time.
There is also the Kosher option (but it’s only vanilla flavored), and you can also give it a try with the dairy-free version (chocolate, berry, and vanilla).
Shakeology presents a more interesting option for the flavors, as caffé latte or green berry aren’t typical options. Tropical strawberry stands out for sure too.
Even though Shakeology doesn’t offer more flavor options than Isagenix, it does take the lead, thanks to the more appealing choices. They may not be a lot more, but they’re more interesting than the ones from Isagenix. The most popular flavor from Shakeology would have to be chocolate, and you should give it a go for use. Don’t hesitate to add some fruits, milk, or various nuts for better taste.
Dietary facts
Isagenix doesn’t lose the competition, though, and compensates with the options for the various dietary needs.
The standard Isagenix shake is dairy-free, and it’s also soy-free, gluten-free, and has a low glycemic level.
Keep in mind that Shakeology isn’t certified gluten-free, so consider that when deciding. However, none of the ingredients of Shakeology contain gluten.
Which has a better price, Isagenix or Shakeology?
For many, the price also has something to say as nobody wants to break the bank only for staying in shape. A Shakeology container includes 30 servings, which will be somewhere around $130 on the internet. This means around $4.33 per serving. This makes Shakeology as most expensive meal replacement shake in the market.
You’re not going to pay that much for Isagenix that includes 14 servings at somewhere around $50. Each serving of Isagenix is around $3.64. Even though the difference isn’t impressive, some may want to go with Isagenix for economic reasons alone in the long run.
Both Shakeology and Isagenix are direct marketing companies so that you can have better prices in stores.
Winner: Isagenix
What’s the final verdict in comparison to Isagenix and Shakeology?
Shakeology and Isagenix go side by side on many levels. Both are products of marketing companies, so they’re not going to look cheap for many. They do stand out with their rather high price tag and the impressive number of ingredients within the formulas.
Here are the main advantages for each of the protein shakes:
Isagenix:
- Each serving comes for a lower price than in the case of Shakeology
- It contains a higher amount of protein than Shakeology
- It also includes more fiber than its opponent
- It’s a better choice for the specialized diet (especially if you’re going for the gluten-free or Kosher diet)
Shakeology:
- It has a low sugar level
- It offers more flavors that are also quite interesting
- It contains far more superfoods
- It has less fat
- It contains fewer calories
- It presents a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals
So, which one should you go with? If you’re aiming for weight loss, Isagenix may be the better option as it’s higher in protein and has a bit more fiber too. Chances are it’s going to control your cravings better than Shakeology would. The price may become an essential factor, and it’s going to be cheaper for you to stay on track for a longer time.
There’s always a catch when it comes to protein shakes, and Isagenix has more sugar and more calories. It shouldn’t be a disaster, especially if you’re using the shake instead of a meal. This means you shouldn’t use the shakes as snacks as the calories will add a lot to your diet.
If the price is too high for you, as both shakes are on the expensive side, you can check out a post where I recommend the best cheaper Shakeology alternatives.
All in all, it’s obvious that both shakes come with their limitations, and you should choose wisely. Some may even recommend not to go with each of them in the first place and start looking around for the other options. The market does give you specific protein shakes, which may work better than meal replacement shakes in the first place. They may even contain less sugar, and they’re not going to empty your pockets either.
However, the straight protein shakes aren’t going to contain as many ingredients as these two have. But yet again, this may become an upside for anyone interested in controlling precisely what he/she is consuming.
Don’t forget about the protein powder as a base that you can add to various ingredients. The diversity of the recipes is quite impressive, and it may be the better option, especially if you’re not willing to commit yet.
Other comparisons
If you have time, it would be a wise move to further analyze these two shakes by comparing them with other popular options::
