Meal replacement shakes have become an increasingly popular option for those looking to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One brand that has gained attention in recent years is Exante, formerly known as IdealShape. This UK-based company was founded in 2003 by Matthew Moulding with a mission to make dieting easier through nutritious shakes and supplements.
Exante stands out for its commitment to ethics – they are very transparent about their fight against modern slavery and release regular reports showing that their supply chain is free of forced labor. It‘s refreshing to see a brand in the health space so dedicated to human rights.
But the real question is, are Exante products effective for weight loss? And how do they stack up against the many other meal replacement options on the market? I dug into the details to bring you this comprehensive Exante diet review.
Exante Product Overview
Exante offers a variety of meal replacement shakes, bars, oats, meals, and weight loss gummies meant to suppress appetite and help you feel full while restricting calories. Their most popular products are the shakes, which come in many flavors:
- Cookies & Cream
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Chocolate Mint
- Salted Caramel
- Banana
- Latte
The shakes range from 100-120 calories per serving and contain around 25% of your daily recommended vitamins and minerals. The protein content is on the lower side at 11-12 grams per serving, which comes from a combination of whey protein, soy protein, and milk protein.
Other key ingredients include slendesta, an appetite suppressant made from potato protein extract, and digezyme, a blend of enzymes added to improve digestion. Some shakes also contain green tea extract and caffeine for an energy boost and to support metabolism.
In addition to shakes, Exante has "Boost" powders you can mix into water for a low calorie, energy-boosting snack between meals. Flavor options include Black Cherry and Peach & Raspberry.
Overall, Exante products are designed to be convenient meal and snack replacements that take the guesswork out of dieting. But do they live up to the hype? Let‘s see what real customers have to say.
Exante Customer Reviews and Ratings
Exante has mostly positive reviews across different platforms, with an average rating of 4.4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars.
On the Exante website, there are only a handful of reviews, but they are very positive overall. Customers rave about great flavors, feeling satisfied despite the low calorie count, and steady weight loss when using the products consistently. A few reviews mention that the shakes can take some getting used to and the low calories are challenging at first, but the results are worth it.
Since Exante does most of its business on Amazon, I looked there for a larger sample of reviews. With over 2,000 ratings, the Exante shakes maintain an impressive 4.5 out of 5 star average. Positive reviews highlight that the shakes mix well, taste better than expected, and help with portion control and weight loss. The most popular flavors are Cookies & Cream and Chocolate.
Critical reviews focus on the shakes being too sweet, grainy texture, and disappointing flavors like the Vanilla. Some also complain that the 11-12 grams of protein per serving is too low compared to other brands.
On TrustPilot, Exante has over 11,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews echo many of the same points – great taste, effective for weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet, and reduced cravings and snacking. Complaints are mostly around slow shipping and difficulty reaching customer service.
The Exante subreddit has mixed reviews – some say the products are overhyped and overpriced, while others find them extremely helpful for losing weight, especially when busy and on the go. Compared to other brands discussed, most agree that Exante shakes taste good but lack the protein content of competitors.
How Does Exante Compare to Other Meal Replacement Shakes?
To really evaluate the Exante diet, it‘s important to look at how it measures up to other popular meal replacement shake options. I compared Exante to four leading competitors: Herbalife, Shakeology, 310 Nutrition, and SlimFast.
Price
Exante is on the higher end price-wise at around $2.19 per serving for a 28-serving bag ($59). This is comparable to Herbalife ($2.16/serving) and slightly cheaper than Shakeology ($4.33/serving) and 310 Nutrition ($2.43/serving). SlimFast offers the cheapest option at just $0.78 per serving.
Protein Content
As mentioned, Exante shakes contain 11-12 grams of protein per 100-120 calorie serving, which is on the lower side. Herbalife offers a similar 9g of protein per 90 calorie serving, while Shakeology (16-17g), 310 Nutrition (15g), and SlimFast (10-20g) all provide more.
Flavors
Exante has a good variety of around 8 flavors for their meal replacement shakes, which is comparable to most of the competition. Herbalife (9 flavors), Shakeology (7), and SlimFast (8) offer a similar range, while 310 Nutrition stands out with 12 flavor options.
Diet Philosophy
The Exante approach is centered around reducing calorie intake through portion-controlled meal replacements to promote weight loss. This is a similar philosophy to SlimFast and Herbalife.
In contrast, Shakeology and 310 Nutrition market their shakes more as nutritional supplements to support overall health and fitness. They tend to have more protein and fiber that make them popular with athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts.
Is the Exante Diet Worth It?
After evaluating the Exante product line, customer reviews, and comparisons to other top brands, here is my overall take on whether the Exante diet is worth it:
Exante is a solid choice if you are looking for a convenient, structured way to reduce calories and lose weight. The shakes and other products are easy to use, come in a good variety of flavors, and seem to taste better than the average diet shake based on reviews. For busy people who don‘t want to stress about meal planning and counting calories, Exante could be a great fit.
However, Exante products are lacking in the protein department compared to competitors. If you are very active, trying to build muscle, or find higher protein diets more satisfying, you may want to consider other options like Shakeology or 310 Nutrition. The high price of Exante could also be a deal breaker for some.
Ultimately, no one meal replacement shake brand will be perfect for everyone. It comes down to your individual taste preferences, budget, and health goals. I recommend trying a few single-serve options from Exante and other brands before committing to a large order.
It‘s also important to remember that meal replacement shakes are not a complete solution for sustainable weight loss. They should be combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other positive lifestyle habits for the best results. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Exante Promotions and Discounts
If you want to give Exante a try, there are a few ways to save:
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The Exante website frequently offers 20-25% off deals. Enter the promo code SB20 at checkout to save 20% off meal replacement shakes.
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First-time customers can get 30% off their initial order with the code WELCOME on the official Exante site.
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Refer a friend and get $10 off any purchase over $30. Your friend will also get 25% off their first order.
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Check Exante‘s social media pages and emails for exclusive deals for followers. You may be able to score flash sales, free shipping, or loyalty program discounts.
Exante Shipping and Returns
Exante offers free standard shipping on all US orders over $79. For orders under $79, expect to pay a flat rate of $7. You also have the options to upgrade to express 2-3 business day shipping for $15 or premium 1-2 business day shipping for $20.
Exante has a 28-day return policy on unopened products in original condition, but you have to contact customer service first to get a Return Authorization number. Be aware that they deduct a $10 restocking fee per item for buyers remorse returns.
If you receive a damaged or defective product, Exante will replace it free of charge. They also offer a 7 day return window for opened items if you are dissatisfied with the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exante
Still have questions about the Exante diet? Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
How do Exante shakes taste?
Based on customer reviews, most people are pleasantly surprised by the taste of Exante shakes. The texture is smooth and most flavors are not too artificial tasting. The Cookies & Cream and Chocolate seem to be the most universally enjoyed.
Do Exante shakes help you lose weight?
Yes, many customers report successful weight loss when using Exante products as part of a reduced calorie diet. The shakes are filling and nutritious despite the low calorie count, which helps with portion control. Keep in mind that individual results vary and it‘s important to have realistic expectations.
Is the Exante diet hard to stick to?
Most reviewers find the Exante products convenient and easy to use consistently. The variety of flavors helps prevent boredom. However, some find it difficult to adjust to the small portion sizes and low calories at first. Planning ahead and having Exante products on hand is key to staying on track.
How many Exante shakes should I have per day?
Exante recommends replacing 2 meals per day with their shakes or bars, and having 1 balanced meal of around 600 calories. This puts most people in the 1000-1200 calorie per day range for weight loss. Be sure to discuss any low calorie diet with your doctor first.
The Final Word on Exante
Exante, previously known as IdealShape, offers a robust line of meal replacement shakes and diet products designed to make weight loss more convenient. In this Exante diet review, I‘ve covered the company background, product overview, customer ratings, comparisons to other brands, and more.
While not perfect, Exante stands out for its highly rated taste, ethical stance against forced labor, and money-back guarantee. It is a solid choice for busy people who want to lose weight without having to spend a lot of time planning meals and counting calories.
However, Exante is not necessarily the best choice for people who prefer higher protein diets or are trying to build muscle. The shakes are also quite expensive compared to some other brands.
Overall, I recommend Exante for those who want a simple, structured diet and don‘t mind paying a bit more for convenience and taste. If maximum protein or budget are top concerns for you, consider other options like Shakeology, 310 Nutrition, or SlimFast.
No matter which meal replacement shake you choose, remember that the most sustainable path to weight loss is a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Use Exante shakes as a tool, but also focus on whole foods, hydration, exercise, stress management, and sleep. Talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, and be patient with yourself as you work towards your goals.
