Garden of Life Vegan Protein Powder – Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes – Lightly Sweet – Pea Protein, Greens and Probiotics for Women and Men, Plant Based Dairy Free All in One Shake, 28 Servings

10 reviews for Garden of Life Vegan Protein Powder – Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes – Lightly Sweet – Pea Protein, Greens and Probiotics for Women and Men, Plant Based Dairy Free All in One Shake, 28 Servings

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Katie – July 1, 2016

   
   I’m writing this review as someone who has tried the unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla spiced chai.First things first, this is ridiculously healthy. It will absolutely make you have more energy and keep you full for a surprising amount of time, blah blah blah. There are enough reviews saying this, so let me get into the nitty gritty.Something that can be revulsive to people trying this to the first time are the texture; say farewell to the dairy based meal replacement shakes that reminded you of your childhood Yoohoo days! This stuff is thick. Unless you are prepared to chug it right away, I recommend extra liquid for one scoop of powder. Upon my first use, I made my shake (two scoops of powder to their recommended liquid) and got in my car. When I arrived at my destination, I popped the lid of my shaker bottle to find it had all but solidified. My preferred consumption is now 50% more liquid to one scoop.That also brings me to another issue I have become accustomed to: the way it absorbs water will likely lead to a lumpy shake if only using a shaker bottle unless you can VIGOROUSLY shake constantly like a blender until your arm falls off or the entire shake is consumed. Like I said, this is just what I adjusted to in the morning when I am running out the door. Chewing your morning shake is like flexing your jaw muscles! It’s not a great textural experience, but that is what I get for hitting snooze too much.Onto the flavor reviews!!UNFLAVORED: Be prepared for a bitter taste followed by an almost sour aftertaste. No matter how much fruit, almond butter, and even chocolate I tried blending it with, it NEVER got rid of that absolutely awful taste. Perhaps I got a bad batch, but I ended up throwing the ENTIRE tub of powder away after 10 failed attempts at making it palatable. Holding your nose while drinking a shake is no way to be.CHOCOLATE: Though my first experience was so awful, I decided to go back because I like the fact that this product is raw and vegan. Chocolate was a HUGE improvement, but there was still a twinge of an unwanted aftertaste. Unlike the Un-Flavored, I finished the whole tub! It isn’t chocolatey like most other meal replacement shakes, but it can still be satisfying while still helping you be super healthy.VANILLA SPICED CHAI: There was a about a year between finishing the chocolate tub and buying the chai mini tub. I kept eyeing the chai, but was worried that without the heavy masking flavor of the chocolate, I would be left with that abhorrent aftertaste. I purchased a small tub, and mixed it in my shaker bottle with almond milk. With my first reintroduction to the meal replacement from Garden of Life, there was a faint unpleasant aftertaste, but it didn’t linger! After three days, there was no note of any remote unpleasantness. Not only that, but this flavor is INSANELY delicious. It’s not too sweet, not as overpowering as the chocolate, and I look forward to my breakfast shake EVERYDAY.I’ve since signed up for Amazon Subscribe and Save to regularly receive the large tubs. In the mornings when I have a bit more time, I blend one scoop Vanilla Spiced Chai flavor with extra unsweetened almond milk (vanilla or flavor free) and a whole banana. I cannot begin to express how incredibly delicious this combination is. I even crave it over my lunch salads. It’s basically the healthiest dessert-y breakfast you could treat yourself to in the morning.Yes, this stuff is worth it. Find a flavor you love! I recommend buying the mini tubs to sample the different offerings before investing in something that might just get thrown away. And if you are new to this product, keep an open mind. The texture hard to adjust to, but it will give you the energy to feel like a super hero!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Drake – July 17, 2013

   
   Now, firstly, I want to say that when it comes to food, everyone has their own preferences… but I must say, those that did not like the taste or the consistency are just full of it (and are probably pretty picky eaters)… now, I don’t have the highest level of refined palate, but this stuff is really great tasting!I was almost scared away this excellent find by reading some of the reviews here on amazon; But a friend of mine really swore by the stuff and I gave it a shot.What I originally did was take a lot of the suggestions that were posted here and did them all at once… My first mug of the stuff consisted of 20oz (4oz more than the suggested 16oz… because apparently it was too thick with the stated amount of water) of chocolate almond milk (to mask the poor flavor and to help with the consistency). It was a little too rich for my tastes, but rather good nonetheless… if anything it was a little thick for my tastes (which had me worried… after trying every trick in the book… I thought I was going to spend a fortune on buying tons of almond milk to try and ‘water it down’…).Later I discovered, that the 16oz with water is actually how I like it the most. The advice to drink it up quick is the only way to do it (letting it sit for any amount of time turns it to bread pudding pretty quickly)… I just throw the 16oz water in with the two scoops of the mix into my blender, give it a whirl, and bam, time to drink up. For those that want to take this to work with them for lunch or enjoy it later in the day, I would suggest looking for a different product- because I would be scared to think what this would turn into if left unattended. For me (and my work at home type attitude), I can peel away for the 5 minutes it takes to ‘make lunch’ (virtually just add water)… and that is a lot better than the alternative of actually cooking (which usually turns into an hour long event if I do it right).The ‘downside’ to this product might be that it is ‘chalky’ (which I think I know what other reviewers are talking about when they say that)… honestly it does not turn me off of it at all. Instead of ‘chalky’ I personally would call it gritty… like little chocolate bits of sand… It is not all that off putting to me… it is hard to explain… But if you ever enjoyed a good bowl of chocolate cereal (co-co-pebbles fan here :D), and you get to the last bowl full of the stuff, and you get all the powdery and crumbly bits, yeah it tastes like a thimble full of that stuff got tossed into your milkshake. As far as the taste goes, I very much like it, and if anything I look forward to drink it (which should say something about the taste).For a ‘health food’, it is actually one of the tastiest things I have tasted… and I usually shy away from the stuff (I do juice, which is amazing too, but it takes too long and I usually only find the time to use it a couple times a week). I am not a vegan (what is the opposite of vegan? because I think I am that one…) or all that health conscious… so being told that I could have a chocolate shake for any meal of the day and it was good for me? Sign me up! After buying it again for the second time, I finally got around to read it’s rap sheet about how much vitamins, minerals and all that nice stuff it has in it, and I am pretty impressed. I like how it says its organic and other things like that on the back, like the synthetic mineral and vitamin thing, I hear that is the better way to get em in ya.I was worried at first of the stevia that is in it (look towards the bottom of the ingredients list, there is not much of it, being so close to the bottom…), and I hate few things more than I hate the taste of stevia (and I can usually pick it out of a lineup fairly quickly)… but I don’t know how they pulled it off, but it tastes wonderful and I am not turned off by the stevia (which is honestly the first time I can say that…)!I ate through my container of the stuff, and now i’m back for more (and this time i’ll buy a couple).So my advice would be:If you are on the fence, buy a small container of this stuff (chocolate I hear is best, (the vanilla is awful or so says the guy that turned me onto the stuff) and that is what I am sticking with) and try it out.16oz WATER. Not 20, not milk… just 16oz water.Blend and drink (in a timely manner… no need to chug or nothing, but just don’t let it sit around).(I wish I read this review when I was on the fence about this stuff) I hope that helps someone out there!

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   zxor – August 20, 2015

   
   I purchased the Raw Meal because I love all of the healthy, whole food ingredients it has in here with all of the health benefits each one brings to the glass. I was also looking for a complete meal I could whip up quickly on my way out the door in the mornings. I looked into shakeology for about half a second before realizing how outrageously expensive it is. I did some research and found that this stuff is extremely similar at about a third of shakeology’s price.I know that this is a vegan product but I am not a vegan. So I personally mix this powder with cow’s milk. Now, I haven’t even dared drink it with anything other than milk. The taste of this stuff is decent but I, too, would imagine it being quite disgusting with anything but milk. I also don’t like to drink it as is. The flavors are fine but it just seems to be missing something to me. I always add something to all of the flavors:To vanilla, it’s frozen fruit of all different kinds and sweetener. (I’ve read not to add banana to this because it thickens it up too much so I haven’t tried that. I did, however, try it with apple and that thickens it up way too much as well. I had to eat it with a spoon like it was applesauce. [I have added apple to other smoothies and it didn’t have that texture.])The chocolate flavor is rather tricky, as it is bitter and a bit.. off. Just think about it…chocolate vegetables. Trying to drink this flavor alone is kind of a chore. It can be good, though, with the right add-ins. I add sweetener and a little more cocoa powder, ice, and natural peanut butter.The Vanilla Chai is my favorite. This is the one flavor that would be logically drinkable all by itself. I like to add ice, a little sweetener, and a few extra spices–nutmeg, vanilla, sometimes a tiny bit of cinnamon–and then it tastes comparable to a Chai frappe from Starbucks. I’m sure it would also be good with allspice, pumpkin pie spice, Apple pie spice, things like that.The original “Raw” flavor is absolutely REPULSIVE. I gagged after swallowing just a trial sip of this stuff. I tried a small amount of every flavor plain with milk to get the feel of what to mix them with and they all had potential except for the Raw. This must be the flavor everyone writes their disgusting reviews about. This was like trying to drink compost. Never again will this flavor touch my lips!As far as the health benefits of this stuff. I can drink 8oz (1 scoop) in the morning and I’m full and I won’t be hungry for 2-3 hours. I’d assume 16oz (2 scoops), which is the recommended “meal” amount, would get me through 4-5 hours just fine. My stomach really does feel like I’ve eaten a decent meal even with just one scoop (and my meals are the average American meals, not strictly salads, grapefruit, and cottage cheese, mind you). I feel internally lighter when I eat this once a day. I feel a little more energetic. I’ve lost weight with this stuff. Not a ton, but I also haven’t put myself on a diet and exercise plan, either. I simply drink a scoop a day of the Raw Meal. And with the add-ins, it’s delicious and I find myself looking forward to what concoction I get to make this time.Pros:Great health benefitsTastes good with a little creativityA third of shakeology’s priceOnly cons:Can’t really drink this stuff straight, it does need tweakingStill a little bit pricey

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Heatgeara282315 – May 16, 2024

   
   Garden of Life’s Vegan Protein Powder – Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes in Vanilla is a comprehensive, plant-based, dairy-free nutritional supplement designed for both women and men. This product combines pea protein, greens, and probiotics to offer a well-rounded meal replacement option that caters to those looking for a nutritious and convenient alternative to traditional meals.Key FeaturesPlant-Based Protein: The primary source of protein in this shake is pea protein, which is known for being easily digestible and hypoallergenic.Nutrient-Rich Greens: The inclusion of organic greens such as kale, spinach, and alfalfa provides essential vitamins and minerals.Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Each serving includes probiotics and digestive enzymes, which support gut health and enhance nutrient absorption.Organic and Raw: The ingredients are certified organic and minimally processed to maintain their natural nutritional value.Flavor: The vanilla flavor is designed to be pleasant and versatile, easily blending with other ingredients if you wish to customize your shake.ProsHigh-Quality Ingredients: All ingredients are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, which is ideal for health-conscious consumers.Balanced Nutrition: It offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent meal replacement option.Digestive Health: The addition of probiotics and digestive enzymes supports digestive health and ensures better nutrient absorption.Convenience: Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy individuals needing a quick and nutritious meal on the go.ConsTexture: Some users might find the texture slightly gritty, which is common with plant-based protein powders.Sweetness: The natural sweetness from stevia and other ingredients might be too much for those who prefer less sweet flavors.Price: The product is on the higher end of the price spectrum for protein powders, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.Taste and MixabilityThe vanilla flavor is generally well-received, offering a smooth and creamy taste that blends well with water, almond milk, or in smoothies. However, as with many plant-based powders, achieving a completely smooth consistency might require a good blender or shaker bottle to avoid any clumping.UsageThis shake is versatile and can be used as a meal replacement, post-workout recovery drink, or a healthy snack. It’s particularly beneficial for those following a vegan diet or those with dietary restrictions such as dairy or gluten intolerance.ConclusionGarden of Life Vegan Protein Powder – Raw Organic Meal Replacement Shakes in Vanilla is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, plant-based protein powder. Its comprehensive nutritional profile, organic ingredients, and added probiotics make it a standout option in the crowded protein powder market. While there are minor drawbacks related to texture and sweetness, these do not overshadow the overall benefits. This product is particularly suited for health-conscious individuals seeking a convenient and nutritious meal replacement option.Overall, this protein powder provides a nutritious, convenient, and delicious option for those aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on quality or dietary preferences.

5. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   L Kathleen Runkle – November 16, 2015

   
   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).

   
6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Welcome Lindsey – July 4, 2013

   
   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!

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   PlantBasedStarChild – December 7, 2013

   
   It Works for me perfectly. It taste good & sort of like a vanilla/banana shake. First let me to all the people that keep saying that it mixes up to thick, well I found out why, it is because the scoop is actually really a double scoop because if you look insides of the scoop it has a fill to line inside of the scoop, so you are only suppose to fill only tip the line in the middle of the scoop & yes I agree with what your probably thinking because I thought the same thing & that is, why did they give a big scoop that is double what you should mix & the answer is I do not know, but I think they are trying to get you to make that mistake & use it up sooner then what it would last if you were mixing it up correctly or something. Who really know whats these companies do stuff for, but I thought at the time of grabbing this scoop that why didn’t they just give us the right size scoop in the big bottle/canister? Don’t really know, but all I know the first time I mixed this up I filled the scoop only tip the middle fill line that you can only see inside the scoop, so when I mixed the powder up it tuned out perfectly & I even mixed it with a banana & almond milk & spring water with no sugar because for me it does not need any because it is actually sweet enough. It is a really good probiotic & fiber supplement, not to mention all of the organic healthy plant based nutrition in it. It feels the stomach using the Psyllium Husk & Chia seeds & flax seeds in it & it just works perfectly for me. The pros part I am copy & pasting from this companies websitePros:(My Words): It taste similar to a vanilla/banana shake & it includes all of the healthy nutrition that your body needs especially vitamins, so you don’t have to take a multivitamin because it has everything in it already. Love itPros: (Now “Garden of Life’s” Words):RAW Meal goes beyond organic by providing live probiotics and enzymes, Vitamin Code RAW Food-Created vitamins and minerals, as well as nutrient Code Factors such as beta-glucans, SOD, glutathione and CoQ10, enabling natural recognition by your body.Containing 26 superfoods from RAW organic seeds, sprouts and greens, RAW Meal provides 34 grams of protein, 9-16 grams of fiber (depending on flavor) and a healthy 2.5 grams of fat making it an excellent choice for “weight conscious” individuals. RAW Meal also offers 20 Vitamin Code vitamins and minerals providing at least 100% of the Daily Value of 16 key nutrients.Just as important is what’s NOT included in RAW Meal. It is gluten-free, dairy-free and lactose-free. It has no fillers, no synthetic nutrients, no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no preservatives.What are the Key Benefits of RAW Meal?A convenient meal-on-the-go, RAW Meal is suitable for almost anyone including those on vegetarian or vegan diets, those on low carbohydrate diets or those with gastrointestinal sensitivities to milk, whey or other protein sources. RAW Meal offers the following: * Provides the nutrition of a well-balanced, healthy meal * Naturally filling, satisfies hunger, provides energy * Excellent source of RAW organic, plant-based protein (34g) – including all essential amino acids * Excellent source of 20 Vitamin Code vitamins and minerals – RAW Food-Created Nutrients and RAW Food-Chelated Minerals that enable targeted delivery and natural recognition by your body * Excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber (9-16g) depending on flavor * Provides live probiotics and enzymes for healthy digestion * Made exclusively from RAW natural, plant-based, whole foods – uncooked, untreated, unadulterated * Contains 13 RAW organic sprouts, 4 RAW organic cereal grass juices, 5 RAW organic fruits, spirulina and chlorella * No Trans FatsRAW Meal naturally satisfies hunger and increases energy, making it great for those looking to manage their diet and looking for a convenient alternative to the pre-packaged or fast-food meals that dominate our on-the-go lifestyles.CONS: The huge double the size scoop which is very confusing for the purchaser & user of this product.I’m not taking any stars off from the five stars because I think it is a very good product & plus I was one of the ones that was not tricked by the size of the scoop because I looked at other peoples reviews first because when I pulled it out I knew/noticed this scoop looked just way to big especially for the amount of water, almond milk or liquid of your choice, so I immediately started looking for a fill line & plus I knew what to look for because I order & use a lot of plant based herbs, so a lot of them have fill line scoops, but usually the right size unlike this one. But all in all it’s an excellent product & I surely recommend this product & I will most definitely be purchasing this product again & probably for a life time because it has everything in it that I was paying way more for by purchasing many of the plant based herb in this product by themselves, so this with everything was way cheaper for me because just my probiotic was 31 dollars by it self, so when I came across “Garden of Life Raw Meal” I was just totally stoked. Plus I like the fact that it is Organic Raw & Plant Based because I changed my diet to a mostly raw organic veggies & fruits by juicing them, making smoothies & eating fruits & veggies, making salads, No processed food’s of any kind. I eat steamed veggies & soups, but only vegetable soups made by my own hands for health reasons & this program works out good for me personally. But anyway if you have not purchased this wonderful product, then do so now.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Simon – May 27, 2015

   
   Last year, my wife got interested in losing a few pounds, and she considered Nutrisystem, but I vetoed and searched for some shakes solutions. I heard very good things about Herbalife from a few colleagues, but I personally didn’t like their distribution system which is kind of like a pyramid scheme. Long story short, after reading a lot of reviews from different protein shakes and diet pills, we finally chose RAW Meal, and we were very skeptical about it. I should also add that we tried the Garcinia Cambogia pills a few years ago, and it didn’t work for us.We first ordered the Chocolate and Vanilla as our first batch. We used a hand blender, and the recipe that we followed was this one:1- One Cup of Frozen Fruits preferably from an organic or co-op store (~70 Cal)2- One Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk (30 Cal)3- Two Scoop of RAW Meal Powder (240 Vanilla, 250 Chocolate)Total Calories per Cup: 340-350The first time we had the Chocolate, we easily could taste the Raw Meal Powder aftertaste. It is a very distinct taste that you want to almost gag. However, we were determined and had already bought two large containers, so we continued having four shakes per day for two weeks. It worked amazingly great and in just two weeks, we started to lose a lot of weight. Also, our body kind of went into a cleansing state after a few days, which I am not going to repeat what happened, since it may be different for you, but you will definitely notice when it starts to happen.Another problem is that you need to drink this shake quickly. If you wait, and it gets warm, the taste is going to be a lot worse. It also changes its texture and becomes something very gooey. We find it impossible to bring a cup to work as our lunch. Even so, we were so happy with the results that ordered the second batch: Vanilla and Vanilla Chai. At first, I preferred the “chocolate” taste more, but “vanilla” kind of grew on me, and we changed the recipe a little bit: first, we used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and then we only used one scoop of the powder (under 250 cal. total). Later, we also tried the unflavored version, but aftertaste was stronger with that one.We lost a lot of weight we decided to only make the vanilla shake for breakfast. So after more than a year, we maintained our desired weight, and only make this once a day. We hardly notice the distinctive taste of the powder anymore, but it’s there. If you are very sensitive to the taste, maybe it helps if you get a better blender. We recently upgraded our blender to Blendtec 675, and you can tell the difference between shakes made by our hand blender and shakes made by this beast. You certainly don’t feel the fiber texture in your mouth anymore, and the blend is so smooth you less notice the aftertaste.Lastly, my wife prefers frozen fruits with lots of berries, and I prefer berries mixed with mango. Sometimes we add a fresh banana or an apple to make it taste different than the last one. You should experiment with different frozen and fresh fruits mix and find your ideal blend. You may also like to have different kinds for breakfast and lunch.Conclusion: this diet works and you feel amazingly light and healthy after a few weeks. If you have a hard time adjusting to the taste, try vanilla version and mix it with vanilla almond milk and frozen fruits. Also, you can start with one scoop of powder which results in each cup to be about 220-230 calories. Lastly, don’t forget that your choice of blender can have a huge difference on the aftertaste. Happy shaking and best of luck.*** UPDATE *** July 2015:RAW Meal has recently changed the container, and at first glance, you will notice that you are paying the same price for less amount of powder; to be exact, the price has increased by 17%: 949 gr vs. 1,150 gr. However, if you look closely at the nutrition facts, you will notice that they have changed the formula quite a bit. The new stuff has about 30 gr less sugar in each scoop, but it’s somewhat sweeter. They also say on the label that it has 15% more protein. It is true in a sense that they raised their prices by 17%, but they’ve at least improved their product.*** UPDATE *** December 2018:More than four years has passed, and this product is still being used daily. Many of my friends tried this powder and changed their life style soon after. Most of them even got good blenders after a while, like Vitamix or Blendtec, and tried other blend combinations with or without this powder. Needless to say that all of them are happy shaking. YMMV.

   
9. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   JDL303 – March 28, 2014

   
   First off, the short version: This is the worst tasting stuff I’ve ever actually put in my mouth, and I just ordered another tub.It’s amazing what the human body can get used to. Seriously. The taste is bad. Like ground up elephant dung mixed with sand.A little about me: 38, used to be in shape, then got kinda fat and decided to do something about it which entailed T-25 and an improved diet. I also waited to write this review until after I had finished my first tub of Raw Meal and went to regular protein powder instead so that I could compare the results. Let it be known that I am not a raw foods, vegan, vegetarian, health or excersize nut or anything like that. Just a regular guy trying to correct years of eating and drinking whatever it occoured to me at the time to consume.Part of my diet is a breakfast smoothie, which is where this product came in. I read the reviews (just like you) and decided to give it a go because I had no intention of drinking it straight, but instead was planning to mix it as an ingredient in my smoothie. The other things I blend in my smoothie include ice, juice, almondmilk, frozen berries, ground flax, and chia seeds. The first day I added this to my smoothie, I thought someone must have mixed up at the Raw Meal factory and put ground up latex paint in a tub and sent it over. Awful. Really bad. Anyway, I got that choked down, and decided to try it again the next day…and the day after that…and so on. Every day it got slightly less bad and eventually became something I got used to like paying taxes, going to the dentist, or spending time with my in-laws.The problem started one day when I made my wife’s smoothie too thick (Did I mention that I make a smoothie for both of us in the morning? The only difference between them is that she refuses to drink the Raw Meal and instead gets regular vanilla protein powder.) and had to drink it down a little to put more liquid in. OMG. It tasted like licking angel tears off a unicorn’s horn. I couldn’t believe it. So good. Then I mixed up my Raw Meal smoothie and cried.I finished my Raw Meal about 2 weeks ago, and went back to regular protein powder. There really is no compairison when it comes to taste. The only way they could make the Raw Meal taste worse would be if they somehow added durian fruit to it. New problem is that taste isn’t the only thing to consider here. With the protein powder, I’m HUNGRY in an hour. With the Raw Meal, I wasn’t hungry for lunch until early afternoon. Now whether this is because it keeps you from feeling hungry because it’s so great, or because it makes you a little nauseous for several hours is up for debate. All I can say is that I’m eating a bunch more food now than I was when Raw Meal was part of my diet.Now lets do some Pros and Cons:Cons:Absolutely everything that has to do with sensory percetion of Raw Meal. Taste, smell, sight, texture, etc. They are all really bad. Have I made that clear? Only some vegan who’d given up on life would think this stuff tastes good.Pros:Everything else. Feel better. Full for longer. Eat less. Poop better. Etc.It’s really a good product, it just tastes like the south end of a north bound rhino.A couple of things I’ve found to make it tollerable:Mix it with more liquid than it reccommends. This stuff is THICK and gets thicker the longer it sits. If you were to let it sit for an hour, you could probably lay bricks with it.Never mix a banana with it. Bananas make it WAY thicker than it already is. You’d have to eat it with a spoon.Drink it kinda quickly. No need to sit around and sip this stuff.I never even tried it without mixing it in a smoothie, and I never will. Do yourself the same favor, and at least put some juice or something with it.In conclusion, if taste is important to you, look elsewhere. If you can deal with putting this in your mouth and are more interested in the nutritional benefits, you can’t beat this product. Understand that your body will get used to it if you force it to. You’ll probably be glad you did.

10. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Precise Disarray – May 27, 2024

    
    I have the vanilla. It’s versatile. I’m not that picky when it comes to flavor. I figure.. just take a look at ALL of which is in here, and it is really impressive that they can pull together a decent tasting product. It isn’t all that sweet, has a low key vanilla flavor, but overall pleasing enough of a flavor. Works just fine as a base for adding other foods and flavors.I like it as is, as cold as I can get it. I also like it blended with any type of berry, sometimes I like to blend a banana and some peanut butter powder. Mmmm. Or I will add cacao powder for an added flavor and nutrition boost. I have yet to try it in baking– will likely add some to pancakes sometime.Main thing for me is that this is a well rounded nutrition drink. I dont want just protein. I want nutrients that can nourish me. This is loaded with a wide assortment of foods, and so I find it valuable as part of my healthy eating pursuit. I like this brand, it is a trusted brand, and I would consider this again.Downside: only 14 servings (which I can see in the product description)IngredientsOrganic 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.DirectionsMix 1 level scoop (scoop included) with 8oz of cold water. Delicious with unsweetened almond milk.