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HLTH Code Review: A Keto-Friendly Meal Replacement Shake

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Last Updated: Aug 04, 2024

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HLTH Code is a keto-friendly meal replacement powder that I first stumbled across in 2020.

I’ve used HLTH Code over the past few years, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the product in this in-depth review. I also gave some of the samples I received to my kids and my CrossFit buddies, and have incorporated their feedback into this article.

HLTH Code Review: The Ultimate Meal Replacement Shake for Busy Lives!

What to Look For In a Meal Replacement Shake

Meal replacement drinks have gained popularity ever since the launch of SlimFast, one of the unhealthiest products on the market.

That’s because the idea of drinking a delicious beverage rather than shopping for healthy whole-food ingredients and preparing a meal from scratch sounds appealing to many people — especially those who have busy jobs or who struggle with losing weight.

Unfortunately, many brands have exploited that desire to find a quick fix or a shortcut to healthy eating by launching products that contain highly-processed and inflammatory ingredients. As a result, most of the meal replacement shakes on the market get in the way of a healthy dietary lifestyle and sustainable weight loss. 

That’s why it’s essential to understand the basics of human metabolism and to be able to distinguish healthy ingredients from unhealthy alternatives. 

I covered the basics in my comparison of the best low-carb meal replacement shakes, but below is a summary of what I look for when shopping for a meal replacement powder or shake:

  • Artificial ingredients: Stay away from products that contain artificial colors, flow agents, sweeteners such as sucralose, or corn fibers.
  • Calories: A meal replacement shake (as the name implies) should be able to replace a full meal. As a result, look for products that provide at least 400 calories per serving.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbs are one of the three macronutrients your body doesn’t need. Moreover, most carbs cause an increase in blood sugar and the release of insulin. If that happens a lot (due to a constant intake of carbs), your cells can become less sensitive to insulin, you’ll gain weight, and you’ll set the stage for Type 2 diabetes.
  • Fat: One of the most important aspects of a meal replacement drink is its fat content because that’s where most of its calories come from. So make sure the product you choose has enough fat from healthy sources. Avoid any products that contain vegetable oils.
  • Ingredients: Make sure you understand what each ingredient is. If it sounds unfamiliar, look it up or avoid the product. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, it’s probably not good for you.
  • Protein: Make sure the product you choose has enough protein (ideally from animal sources) to meet your individual needs.

In a nutshell, I always make sure the product I choose is compatible with my Paleolithic ketogenic way of eating.

HLTH Code Complete Meal Review

I leverage HLTH Code to refuel after intense workouts, such as the Murph Challenge.
I leverage HLTH Code to refuel after intense workouts, such as the Murph Challenge.

Pros

  • 1:1 ratio of healthy fats and protein.
  • No added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
  • High in fiber.
  • Includes healthy gut enzymes and probiotics.
  • Balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Available in a plant-based (vegan) formula.

Cons

  • Some of the vitamins and minerals are from synthetic sources.
  • The whey protein concentrate isn’t from grass-fed cows.
  • Conventionally-grown ingredients.

HLTH Code is a complete meal replacement that’s free of artificial ingredients, artificial sweeteners, added sugars, soy and gluten. Additionally, all its ingredients are non-GMO (but they aren’t organic). The product was formulated by Dr. Ben Bikman, a metabolic scientist and associate professor at Brigham Young University’s College of Life Sciences.

What makes this meal powder different from other products on the market is the unique 1:1 ratio of healthy fats and protein. The latter supports improved muscle protein synthesis, which you might find appealing if your goal is to build lean muscle mass. 

Update: HLTH Code recently launched a vegan version of its popular meal replacement shake. I’ve updated this review to point out the differences between the original and the new vegan formula.

Flavors and Taste

Lucas enjoying HLTH meal replacement
Our son (who was four years old at the time) had a blast sampling HLTH Code with me.

The animal-based version of HLTH Code is available in two delicious flavors: 

  • Chocolate macadamia
  • Creamy vanilla

I enjoyed both flavors but I usually gravitate towards chocolate. 

What stuck out to me when drinking this meal replacement shake was the creamy and non-gritty texture. While I don’t mind shakes with a gritty texture (usually caused by fibrous ingredients like psyllium husk powder), I assume that most people prefer a creamier texture.

Another issue with meal replacement powders that I’ve come across in the past is their level of sweetness. I don’t like products that are overly sweet or that leave an aftertaste, which usually stems from the non-caloric sweetener(s) they contain.

I would describe the sweetness of both the chocolate and vanilla flavors to be balanced. I also appreciate that the formulators of the product chose a combination of monk fruit and stevia extract. Based on everything I’ve learned (and my own experiments), that appears to produce the best-tasting results when replacing real sugar. 

The new plant-based version is also available in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla. While the taste of the new plant-based formula (when mixed with water) isn’t nearly as delicious as the animal-based formula (when mixed with raw milk), it’s arguably the best-tasting vegan meal replacement powder I’ve tried so far. Specifically, it’s much less gritty and “earthy” than most of the other vegan meal replacement shakes I tried.

Macronutrients

Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories400
Total fat27 grams
Sources of fatCoconut oil, olive oil, MCT oil, flaxseed, cocoa butter fat. Additionally, the original formula contains grass-fed ghee, while the plant-based formula contains avocado oil.
Total carbohydrates13 grams
Dietary fiber9 grams
Net carbs (total carbs – fiber)4 grams
SugarOriginal formula: 2 grams (no added sugar). Plant-based formula: zero sugar.
Protein27 grams
Sources of proteinOriginal formula: Whey protein concentrate, grass-fed collagen, egg whites. Plant-based formula: Fermented pea and rice protein (using shiitake mycelia).
HLTH Code nutrient profile.

One serving of HLTH Code delivers a 400-calorie meal with a whopping 27 grams of both fat and protein but only four grams of net carbs. That’s the highest amount of protein I’ve ever seen in a keto-friendly meal replacement shake.

Some people who follow a keto diet believe that eating too much protein can kick them out of ketosis because of the body’s ability to convert protein into glucose in a process called gluconeogenesis. But this metabolic process is demand-driven rather than supply-driven, as I’ve mentioned several times on this blog (here, here and here). In other words, eating large amounts of protein won’t kick you out of ketosis (but it will likely make you pee more often).

Protein to Fat Ratio

HLTH Code has a one-to-one ratio of animal protein and healthy fats
HLTH Code has a one-to-one ratio of animal protein and healthy fats.

The reason why Dr. Bikman decided to add equal amounts of fat and protein to his meal shake is that this 1:1 ratio mimics what you can find in some of the most nourishing foods in nature, such as eggs.

He also believes that meals that include equal amounts of fat and protein can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, hypertension and more.

Additionally, one study has shown that this 1:1 ratio can improve muscle protein synthesis in young men — an important factor if your goal is to build lean muscle tissue.

Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio

Molecular structure of Polyunsaturated fatty acid
The double-bonds (C=C) of polyunsaturated fatty acids are relatively unstable.

Another area where this complete meal powder is better than some of its competitors is the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. 

As you might know, both omega-3 and omega-6 are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). That means they’re chemically much less stable than saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. 

When they oxidize, they can form free radicals that can damage cells. Omega-6, in particular, has been shown to be pro-inflammatory as part of its oxidation process, which is why you should limit your intake of PUFAs (and of omega-6 in particular).

Interestingly enough, omega-3 fatty acids appear to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can counter some of the inflammatory processes triggered by omega-6. That’s why some scientists recommend maintaining an even dietary ratio of omega-3 to omega-6

Dr. Bikman added flaxseed powder to HLTH Code, a rich source of omega-3, to make sure this meal replacement powder has an ideal ratio of these two fatty acids.

You can learn more about this ratio and why it’s important in my article about nuts and seeds — two sources of inflammatory PFUAs.

Types of Protein

whey protein types
Whey protein concentrate has slightly higher concentrations of lactose than isolate but is also less processed and retains more micronutrients.

Many meal replacement powders rely purely on plant-based protein because it’s trendy and many consumers associate “plant-based” with “healthy.” The original formula of HLTH Code relies primarily on an animal-based protein blend consisting of whey protein, grass-fed collagen and egg whites.

Generally speaking, animal protein is more compatible with human metabolism because humans evolved by eating animals as their primary source of protein. 

In other words, plant-based protein has a lower bioavailability and absorbability. Plus, many plants are rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids and antinutrients, and they’re often contaminated with heavy metals from the soil they grow in.

HLTH Code offers an excellent combination of various protein sources. For example, whey protein is one of the most bioavailable protein sources for humans, and the body can absorb it incredibly quickly. 

Collagen is also highly absorbable because it consists mainly of peptides — the building blocks of protein. That means your gastrointestinal tract doesn’t have to waste time breaking down the larger protein molecules and, instead, can focus on converting peptides into amino acids. 

You can learn more about the pros and cons of supplementing with collagen peptides in this article.

The third source of protein in the original formula of HLTH Code is egg whites — one of the most effective proteins for increasing body protein mass and stimulating post-exercise muscle protein synthesis.

These are some of the reasons why I always favor animal proteins over plant-based sources of protein. 

However, thanks to billions of ad dollars spent on promoting plant-based lifestyles, there are still a lot of people who mistakenly think that avoiding food derived from animal sources is better for their health, the environment or both.

While I strongly disagree with either of those assumptions, I appreciate that HLTH Code has launched a plant-based version of its healthy meal replacement shake. While the new plant-based formula may not be as nutritious as the animal-based formula, it’s certainly one of the healthiest vegan meal shakes on the market.

That’s due in large part to the fact that HLTH Code uses fermented plant protein, which dramatically improves the absorbability and bioavailability of the amino acids found in pea and rice protein.

Summary

Overall, I think that the macronutrient profile of HLTH Code makes it a perfect choice for those who are physically active and can benefit from the extra protein. 

I gave one bag of this meal replacement powder to one of my CrossFit buddies who has been struggling with finding a healthier alternative to his morning bagel from Starbucks. After a few weeks of using HLTH Code, he told me that he loves the product because he lost a couple of pounds and he feels so much better now that he’s staying away from those bagels. 

Micronutrients

HLTH Code has a robust micronutrient profile, thanks to the addition of digestive enzymes, minerals, probiotics and vitamins.

The added enzyme blend can help improve the digestion of fats, proteins and certain carbs, such as lactose. For example, lipase is a necessary enzyme required for digesting fats; protease helps with breaking apart proteins; and lactase is an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose). 

Many adults lack sufficient amounts of lactase, which is why some of us get bloated or feel digestive discomfort after consuming pasteurized dairy products. 

The original formula of HLTH Code includes whey protein concentrate that’s derived from milk and which contains residual amounts of lactose. The addition of lactase ensures that you won’t have any issues digesting this milk-derived protein, even if you’re lactose-intolerant. It’s worth noting that while the vegan formula doesn’t contain milk (or lactose), it does contain lactase as part of its digestive enzyme mix.

HLTH Code also includes a selection of probiotics that can help with supporting your gut health

Last but not least, this meal powder includes numerous vitamins and minerals, albeit from synthetic sources. See below for my take on that.

Ingredient Quality

HLTH Code uses coconut and olive oil as its primary sources of fat
HLTH Code uses coconut and olive oil as its primary sources of fat.

When deciding what type of ingredients go into a meal replacement shake, manufacturers have to balance quality with cost.

I think that HLTH Code has found a reasonable balance that meets the expectations of many consumers by excluding GMOs, added sugars and artificial ingredients while making sure the meal powder remains affordable (see below for pricing).

I like that some of the ingredients in the original formula of HLTH Code stem from grass-fed sources, such as bovine collagen and ghee (clarified butter). But there is room for improvement. 

What I Would Improve

Pastured eggs
I’d use pastured eggs instead of regular eggs (original formula).

If I had a magic wand, and if the cost of the final product wasn’t a concern, I’d make the following four improvements to HLTH Code’s original formula:

  1. Use grass-fed whey protein isolate and pastured eggs.
  2. Remove inulin as a source of fiber.
  3. Make sure all ingredients are organic (where applicable).
  4. Replace synthetic vitamins (and reduce their quantity).

Grass-Fed Whey and Pastured Eggs

I prefer products from grass-fed animals because it’s better for the animal, better for the planet, and better for humans.

For example, meat from grass-fed animals has a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. 

I don’t know if there are differences in the chemical structure of the amino acids in grass-fed vs. corn-fed whey protein that could impact their relative health benefits. But even if there aren’t, I think we should push manufacturers to use grass-fed protein for animal welfare and environmental health reasons.

The same principles apply to eggs from pasture-raised hens. Check out my article on the differences between pasture raised eggs and traditional eggs to learn more.

Inulin

Jerusalem artichoke
The Jerusalem artichoke contains a prebiotic called inulin.

Inulin is a popular source of fiber and a prebiotic that naturally occurs in leeks, asparagus, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes and 36,000 other species of plants.

One of the reasons why I usually avoid consuming fiber (such as inulin), besides its lack of health benefits, is because it makes me bloated.

I can get away with eating some of the inulin-containing foods, such as garlic and onions (especially the red kind), but I get uncomfortably bloated after eating artichokes or drinking too much of any meal replacement powder that contains this type of fiber.

As a result, I’d remove inulin (or replace it with psyllium husk, another prebiotic fiber, that doesn’t affect my gastrointestinal system). The problem with psyllium husk is that it adds a gritty texture to liquids that not everyone appreciates.

Organic Ingredients

While organic products aren’t guaranteed to be 100% free of harmful chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, organic growing methods should help reduce the amount of those toxins that are present in the final product.

As a result, I would try to use organically-grown ingredients wherever possible. The good news is that, unlike most greens powders, the original formula of HLTH Code doesn’t have a lot of plant-based ingredients. So the lack of organic ingredients isn’t a huge issue.

Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals

HLTH Code features a robust micronutrient profile, but most of its vitamins and minerals stem from synthetic sources. 

One could argue that a meal replacement powder should have sufficient micronutrients because consumers use these products to replace fresh food — and thus, their primary source of micronutrients.

Based on the scientific research I’ve seen, there might not be a huge difference in bioavailability between synthetic and natural vitamins. However, history has taught us that just because we don’t see the health implications right now, that doesn’t mean there are none. Think about non-stick cooking pans and BPA-lined plastic bottles.

However, I’d argue that meal replacement powders (or any processed food for that matter) shouldn’t replace all of your meals. In other words, you should aim to get as many vitamins and minerals as possible from real food. If you do, a meal replacement shake doesn’t have to provide every single vitamin there is, including the ones you’re unlikely to be deficient in.

Instead, I’d recommend focusing on a few, nature-identical micronutrients that many people are likely to be deficient in, such as vitamin D3, vitamin B12 and Iron.

Arguably, beef organs are the best source of bioavailable and readily absorbable micronutrients. My wife and I founded MK Supplements in 2021 to sell 100% grass-fed and freeze-dried beef organ supplements.

Price

HLTH Code makes the best-tasting plant-based meal replacement shake on the market.

The original formula of HLTH Code is available as a one-time purchase for $59.95 per bag ($4 per meal), or as a subscription. The latter knocks $10 off the price of each bag and lowers the price per meal to $3.33.

The plant-based version is slightly more expensive, retailing for $64.95 ($4.33 per meal). It’s also available at a discounted subscription rate.

What’s great about HLTH Code is that you can return the product within 60 days for a full refund if you don’t like it. If you decide to sign up for a subscription, you can cancel at any time. 

Check Price

If you decide to give HLTH Code a try, make sure to use code MK to get 15% off your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

HLTH Code - Chocolate Macadamia flavor benefits
Can HLTH Code replace a full meal?

Each serving of HLTH Code’s meal replacement powder has 400 calories. Depending on what type of meal you want to replace, you might need two servings to fill you up. Many people that I know use meal powders to replace breakfast or a smaller meal while on-the-go. In such cases, a regular serving should be enough to keep you satiated.

HLTH Code has a lot of protein. Is that a disadvantage if you’re on a keto diet?

No, it’s not. Many keto enthusiasts believe that consuming too much protein will kick them out of ketosis. But that’s a misconception, because gluconeogenesis — the process of converting protein and other non-carb sources to glucose — is a demand-driven process, not a supply-driven process.

Can you use HLTH Code if you’re diabetic?

If you have Type 2 diabetes, I see no reason why you couldn’t use HLTH Code. Each serving contains only 4 grams of net carbs that won’t have a measurable impact on your blood sugar.

I’d even argue that switching from a standard American diet to a low-carb diet like keto increases your chances of getting off your blood sugar medication. I’m convinced that keto-friendly meal replacement shakes, such as HLTH Code, can support such efforts.

Can you use HLTH Code as a post-workout shake?

You certainly can, depending on your fitness goals. Personally, I try to avoid food before, during and after workouts to allow my body to burn its own body fat for energy and to empty and replenish my glycogen stores. However, if your main goal is to build lean muscle tissue, then having a shake that’s low in carbs but high in fat and protein can be advantageous.

Can you use HLTH Code instead of a regular breakfast?

Yes, you can! Some of my friends and workout buddies do exactly that! I usually don’t eat breakfast because of my fasting protocol, which is why I no longer have many opportunities to make use of meal replacement shakes.

Do you have a HLTH Code discount code?

Use promo code MK to get 15% off your HLTH Code purchase!

Does HLTH Code contain sugar alcohol?

No, the product is free of sugar alcohols and only uses stevia and monk fruit as sweeteners.

HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Shake Review: Final Thoughts

HLTH Code flavors
HLTH Code is available in two delicious flavors: Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla.

Eating healthy is difficult — especially if you’ve followed a traditional Western diet for years or even decades. 

I’m pretty radical when it comes to making lifestyle choices that I know will benefit me in the long run, but I’ve realized that most people (including my wife) aren’t like that. They prefer to take smaller steps that build upon each other, as opposed to going all-in right from the start.

One of the easiest things you can do is to cut out unhealthy meals or snacks and replace them with a delicious yet healthy meal replacement shake. 

That’s what Luke, my workout buddy did. Instead of stopping at Starbucks every morning for a bagel that was full of highly-processed crap ingredients, he started using HLTH Code. Not only does he feel better in the morning, but he also lost a few pounds in just a couple of days.

Nutrition equation solved for the busy professional! I have always struggled to consistently eat a balanced breakfast throughout the week. Racing out the door most days, stopping somewhere on the way to work/school to pick up a poor choice for breakfast. I’ve tried other shakes in the past but was always hungry by 11 a.m. and/or didn’t like the taste. HLTH Code tastes great, and I’m full until lunchtime. It’s been a great solution for my schedule and most importantly has helped me cut some of the hard to shed pounds I’ve been attempting to lose all year. Highly recommend!

avatar

Luke Lindahl

CrossFit Buddy

I like HLTH Code because the product was formulated by a medical professional who specializes in human metabolism and who knows how each of the ingredients affects the body. 

I also appreciate that the original formula contains plenty of protein from animal sources, including egg whites and a great combination of healthy fats to maintain a proper omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

While there is certainly room for improvement (see above), I think HLTH Code is a well-rounded and complete meal replacement and I’ve recommended it to friends and family.

Medical Disclaimer

The information shared on this blog is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dieticians (which we are not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan or overall health. MichaelKummer.com and its owner MK Media Group, LLC are not liable for how you use and implement the information shared here, which is based on the opinions of the authors formed after engaging in personal use and research. We recommend products, services, or programs and are sometimes compensated for doing so as affiliates. Please read our Terms and Conditions for further information, including our privacy policy.

17 thoughts on “HLTH Code Review: A Keto-Friendly Meal Replacement Shake”

    • Hey Trevor!

      Yes, you can use HLTH Code to get some more protein into your diet and help build lean muscle tissue. But I also recommend increasing your overall protein intake from fresh food. Of course, you need to add resistance (weight) training to your routine. Without it, your muscles won’t have any incentives to grow.

      Reply
  1. Hi, I’m wondering if this will work for weight loss? I have at least 100lbs to lose and proper ketogenic eating with light exercise was what helped me lose most effectively when previously attempted.

    Reply
  2. Is it possible to try samples for a week to find out if product is compatible with my body? I have food allergies to milk and some other issues, but looking for way to shed pounds, eliminate bloating and aid with digestion, etc.

    Reply
  3. I AM AN 80 YR. YOUNG GRANDMA WHO HAS BECOME SOMEWHAT DISABLED AFTER SEVERAL FALLS AND INJURIES. MY POOR BALANCE IS PREVENTING ME FROM DOING EXERCISES AND CONSEQUENTIALLY I HAVE GAINED ABOUT 25-30 LBS. WILL I BE ABLE TO LOSE THE EXTRA WEIGHT USING HLTH CODE FOR ONE MEAL A DAY, AND APPROX. HOW LONG WOULD THAT TAKE? THANK YOU,

    Reply
    • Hi Judith,

      I honestly think that lowering your weight without any type of physical activity is going to be a challenge. Nutrition is certainly important and HLTH is an excellent option for times when you can’t prepare a fresh meal but I would still try to incorporate walking, swimming, cycling (on a stationary bike where balance is less of an issue) or something similar into your routine.

      Besides that, I recommend a diet that’s high in animal proteins and fats, organ meats and some seasonal (sweet) fruits as well as raw honey. HLTH code fits well into this category and you can certainly use it to replace one of your meals.

      I know that’s not a perfect answer but the best I can give you with the information I have about you and your circumstances.

      Cheers,
      Michael

      Reply
  4. Thank you for your information! I just got some samples and I like how it satisfies me for more than an hour at a time. Now going to go ahead and buy a bag and use a meal of this for one of my two meals a day. I still need to eat carbs via fruit to keep my elimination healthy but I can fit that in. I’m a fairly active 69 yo woman, caring for my sedentary, cognitive declining husband. Just want to feel my best and keep off extra weight!

    Reply
  5. Thank you, Michael Kummer, for your excellent plain language blog.
    I am a 79 year old Professor Emeritus from a state university in California (Cal State, Bakersfield). I started my undergrad degree study of nutrition at University of California, Santa Barbara, so long ago that the old food Pyramid, with most calories recommended to come from Carbs, was then the unquestioned truth.

    Essentially, the nutritional world has turned upside down over the arch of my career. I will be one of your followers for life. As an objective citizen scientist, you are providing an invaluable service. You have an excellent reputation for your independence and even handed objectivity. Your plain language skills make you a very effective teacher. Nutrition and health is interesting and valuable on a daily basis to everyone who wants a healthy life, even though many of your readers do not have specific scientific training. Your specific, easy to tap, in red font, references to a more in-depth article, ARE a fantastic teaching tools. You are really a Master Class for me to dip in for more understanding in a topic or allowing me to speed by at first to get the broad picture. I like knowing I can go back later if I need more clarity or specifics.
    Hi-5 to your teaching and thank you for the objective analysis you are providing.

    The distinction between the two different types of fiber and how they change a meal replacement shake was really helpful to me. I will look at how sensitive I might be to bloating.

    Please contact me about a research idea that might get your blog even a more devoted following of parents. I am a grandmother of 4 boys – 4 to 11.

    Reply

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