If you‘re looking for a convenient meal replacement to support your health goals, you may have come across HLTH Code. This emerging brand has been generating buzz for its "Complete Meal" shakes that claim to pack the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber and probiotics.
Founded by brothers Dr. Ben Bikman, a metabolic scientist, and Joel Bikman, a nutrition industry executive, HLTH Code aims to create products that boost metabolism and provide optimal nutrition. But can powdered shakes really substitute for whole food meals? I dug into the ingredients, nutrition facts, customer reviews and more to find out.
In this comprehensive HLTH Code review, you‘ll learn:
- What HLTH Code shakes are made of and how they measure up nutritionally
- Pros and cons of the shakes according to real customers
- Whether health experts think HLTH Code shakes are good for you
- How the shakes compare to other popular meal replacement brands
- How much the shakes cost and where to buy them
- My final verdict on whether HLTH Code shakes are worth it
What Are HLTH Code Complete Meal Shakes?
HLTH Code currently offers just one product—the Complete Meal Shake. As the name implies, the shake mix is designed to provide comprehensive nutrition to replace a full meal. It comes in two flavors: Creamy Vanilla and Chocolate Macadamia.
HLTH Code Shake Ingredients
Each serving of HLTH Code Complete Meal shake contains 400 calories and the following key ingredients:
- 27 grams of protein from egg whites, whey protein isolate and grass-fed collagen
- 1:1 ratio of protein to healthy fats from olive oil, coconut oil, flax seed, cocoa butter and ghee
- 4 grams of fiber from chicory root and flax seed
- Over 50% of the Daily Value (DV) for 24 vitamins and minerals
- Digestive enzyme, probiotic and apple cider vinegar blend for gut health
- Monk fruit extract and stevia for sugar-free sweetness
The shakes are also non-GMO, gluten-free and soy-free. However, they are not vegan due to the egg, whey and collagen content.
HLTH Code Shake Nutrition Facts
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a single serving of HLTH Code Complete Meal Shake:
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 23g (35% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
- Cholesterol: 45mg (15% DV)
- Sodium: 200mg (8% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 16g (6% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Includes 0g Added Sugars (0% DV)
- Protein: 27g
- Vitamin D: 10mcg (50% DV)
- Calcium: 500mg (39% DV)
- Iron: 4.1mg (25% DV)
- Potassium: 500mg (11% DV)
The shakes also provide between 40-60% of the DV for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium and molybdenum.
Are HLTH Code Shakes Actually Healthy?
Now that we know what‘s in HLTH Code shakes, let‘s examine whether they qualify as healthy. I‘ll break it down by a few key nutritional criteria.
Calories
At 400 calories per serving, HLTH Code shakes provide a decent amount of energy for a single meal. However, your individual calorie needs may vary depending on your age, sex, weight and activity level.
"Meal replacement shakes can be a convenient way to control calories for weight loss, but shouldn‘t be relied on for every meal," says registered dietitian Sarah Marjoram, MS, RDN, LD. "It‘s still important to eat plenty of whole foods for optimal nutrition."
Protein
HLTH Code shakes contain an impressive 27 grams of protein per serving, which is more than many other popular meal replacement shakes. Getting enough protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass, and most adults need at least 0.36 grams per pound of body weight daily.
"The combination of fast-digesting whey protein and slow-digesting egg and collagen proteins is a good balance to keep you feeling full," says Marjoram. "However, some people may not do well with these animal-based proteins and should look for a plant-based alternative."
Fat
HLTH Code makes a big deal about its 1:1 ratio of protein to fat, which it claims supports a healthy metabolism. The shakes contain a blend of oils like coconut, olive and flax seed, which provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids.
However, the shakes are also high in saturated fat from the coconut oil, ghee and cocoa butter. Current dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of total calories to reduce heart disease risk.
"I don‘t love that these shakes provide half the daily limit for saturated fat in one serving," says Marjoram. "You‘re better off getting fats from whole food sources like nuts, seeds, avocado and fatty fish."
Carbohydrates
With 16 grams of total carbs and 4 grams of fiber, HLTH Code shakes are relatively low in carbs and may fit into a low-carb or ketogenic diet. They also contain no added sugars, which is a plus.
However, the low carb content also means the shakes are lacking in nutrient-rich, fiber-filled whole grains, fruits and vegetables. "Carbs are not the enemy, and you shouldn‘t fear eating whole food sources of carbs like oats, bananas or sweet potatoes," says Marjoram.
Micronutrients
On the micronutrient front, HLTH Code shakes fare pretty well, meeting over half the daily needs for key vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. However, they don‘t quite match the nutrition of a well-rounded meal with whole foods.
"A meal replacement shake can help fill nutrient gaps, but shouldn‘t be your only source of vitamins and minerals," says Marjoram. "Eat a variety of colorful produce, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes to get a broader spectrum of nutrients."
Digestion
HLTH Code adds some interesting ingredients to support digestion, including a 1 billion CFU probiotic blend, digestive enzymes and apple cider vinegar. However, the effectiveness of these ingredients in powdered form is questionable.
"I‘m skeptical that the probiotic bacteria can survive the processing and shelf life of a powdered shake mix," says Marjoram. "You‘re better off eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut for natural probiotics."
The chicory root fiber in the shakes may also cause digestive discomfort for some. "Chicory root is a FODMAP that can trigger gas and bloating for people with IBS," warns Marjoram. "Start with a small amount of the shake to see how you tolerate it."
Expert Verdict
So, are HLTH Code Complete Meal shakes the key to better health? The consensus from dietitians seems to be a qualified "maybe."
"HLTH Code shakes offer better nutrition than many other meal replacements on the market, with a good balance of protein, fat and carbs, plus a broad range of vitamins and minerals," says Marjoram. "However, they‘re still a processed convenience food that can‘t match the nutrition of a well-rounded whole foods diet."
If you enjoy the taste and texture of HLTH Code shakes and find that they help you meet your health goals, there‘s no reason you can‘t include them in your diet. Just don‘t make them your only source of nutrition. Aim to get the majority of your calories from minimally-processed whole plant and animal foods.
What Do Customers Think of HLTH Code?
HLTH Code shakes have mostly positive reviews from customers on the brand‘s website and Amazon. Here are some common points of praise and criticism:
Pros
- Great flavor and creamy texture
- Filling and satisfying as a meal replacement
- Helps with weight loss and curbing cravings
- Provides steady energy without a crash
- Easier to digest than other protein shakes
- High-quality ingredients
- Excellent customer service
"I love HLTH Code shakes! They taste amazing and keep me full for hours. I‘ve tried many other protein shakes but they always leave me bloated. These don‘t give me any digestive issues." – Lisa G.
"I was hesitant to spend so much on a meal replacement shake, but HLTH Code is totally worth the price. The ingredients are top-notch and I can tell a difference in my energy levels and appetite control." – Mark T.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Some find the stevia aftertaste too sweet
- Can cause bloating and gas for some
- Difficult to mix without a blender
- Wish there were more flavor options
"I really wanted to like these shakes but they are just too sweet for me. I could barely get through one serving because of the overpowering stevia taste." – Jennifer R.
"The shakes are filling but they make me so bloated and gassy! I had to stop drinking them. I‘ll stick to whole food meals." – Chris P.
Overall, customers seem to fall into two camps: those who love HLTH Code shakes and feel they are worth the price for the high-quality ingredients and health benefits, and those who find the taste, texture or digestive effects off-putting. Individual results may vary, so it may take some trial and error to see if HLTH Code works for you.
How Does HLTH Code Compare to Other Meal Replacement Shakes?
HLTH Code is far from the only meal replacement shake vying for your attention (and money). Here‘s a quick comparison of how it stacks up against some other popular options:
Huel
Huel is another all-in-one nutritional shake brand that offers higher protein content than HLTH Code (37 grams vs 20 grams per serving). However, Huel relies on pea and rice protein rather than whey, egg and collagen. Huel also contains more carbs (35 grams vs 16 grams per serving) but is lower in fat (9 grams vs 23 grams per serving).
Price-wise, Huel is more affordable than HLTH Code at about $2-3 per serving. Huel also offers a wider variety of flavors and products including powders, ready-to-drink shakes and bars.
Soylent
Soylent is one of the original meal replacement brands and offers a similar nutrient profile to HLTH Code with 20 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbs and 21 grams of fat per serving. Soylent‘s protein blend includes soy protein isolate, which some may prefer to avoid.
Soylent is also more affordable than HLTH Code at around $1.50-3 per serving. In addition to shake mixes, Soylent offers ready-to-drink shakes and caffeinated options.
Shakeology
Shakeology is a popular meal replacement shake from fitness brand Beachbody. It has a similar protein content to HLTH Code with 17 grams per serving, but fewer carbs (11 grams) and fat (2 grams). Shakeology sets itself apart with a "superfood" blend that includes unusual ingredients like cordyceps, reishi, schisandra and ginkgo.
However, Shakeology is one of the priciest options at $130 for a 30-serving bag ($4.33 per serving). It also gets poor scores from dietitians for its multi-level marketing business model and lack of scientific evidence for its claims.
The bottom line: HLTH Code shakes offer a competitive nutritional profile and cleaner ingredient list than many other meal replacements. However, they are on the pricier end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the best shake for you depends on your individual nutritional needs, taste preferences and budget.
How Much Do HLTH Code Shakes Cost?
A 15-serving bag of HLTH Code Complete Meal shake mix costs $60 for a one-time purchase or $51 with a monthly subscription (15% off). You can also save 5% by purchasing two bags at once, or get free shipping on orders of two or more bags within the contiguous US.
At $4 per serving for one-time purchases or $3.40 per serving with a subscription, HLTH Code shakes are definitely a splurge compared to regular meals or snacks. However, they may be worth the price if you value the convenience and nutritional balance they offer.
HLTH Code also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first order, so you can try the shakes risk-free. If you don‘t like them, you can return any unopened bags for a full refund.
Final Verdict: Are HLTH Code Shakes Worth It?
So, after all this analysis, are HLTH Code meal replacement shakes a worthwhile addition to your diet?
If you‘re looking for a nutritionally balanced, high-protein shake to support your fitness or weight loss goals, HLTH Code is definitely worth considering. The ingredients are of high quality, the macronutrient balance is on point, and the taste and texture get top marks from most customers.
However, HLTH Code shakes are not a magic bullet for perfect health and shouldn‘t completely replace whole food meals in your diet. Eating a variety of minimally-processed plant and animal foods is still the best way to get optimal nutrition.
Additionally, HLTH Code shakes are quite pricey compared to regular food, so they may not be a realistic everyday option for those on a tight budget. And if you have certain allergies or sensitivities (like to dairy, eggs or FODMAPs), you‘ll need to look elsewhere for your meal replacement needs.
The good news is that HLTH Code offers a generous return policy, so you can try the shakes for yourself without much risk. If they work well for your body, taste preferences and lifestyle, then they may be a worthwhile investment in your health. Just remember to round out your diet with plenty of whole foods as well.
