Nutritional drink or shake, high protein, ready-to-drink (Slim Fast)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A smooth, creamy, ready-to-drink meal replacement shake, typically with a sweet, vanilla or chocolate flavor and a slightly thick, milky texture. Its standout nutritional feature is an extremely low calorie count paired with a high protein content, making it a tool for weight management. The shake is designed for convenience, offering a quick, balanced nutritional profile in a single serving.
Calorie split: 44% protein · 6% carbs · 51% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its convenience and effectiveness as a quick, filling meal or snack that fits easily into a busy lifestyle. The familiar, sweet flavors make it an easy, non-intimidating choice for those new to structured nutrition plans.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The highly processed nature and artificial sweeteners may cause digestive discomfort or bloating for some individuals. Those with dairy or soy allergies should be cautious, as common versions contain these allergens. To counteract potential digestive issues, try sipping slowly and consider pairing the shake with a small, high-fiber snack like a few almonds or a piece of fruit to aid digestion and promote fullness.
Key benefits
- High protein content supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Very low calorie density aids in calorie deficit for weight loss.
- Ready-to-drink format offers immediate convenience and portability.
- Provides a balanced macronutrient profile in a single serving.
- Low sugar and carbohydrate content can help stabilize blood sugar.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original SlimFast formula was developed in the 1970s by a chemist who was trying to create a liquid meal replacement for his wife, who was too busy to eat regular meals.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 88.6 g |
| Energy | 61.0 kcal |
| Protein | 6.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.85 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.40 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.60 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 130 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.96 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 44.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 136 mg |
| Potassium, K | 179 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 72.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.85 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 19.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.21 mg |
| Folate, total | 39.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 41.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 69.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 171 ug |
| Retinol | 171 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.1 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 6.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.51 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.14 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.77 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.46 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.0 mg |
FAQ
Is this shake a complete meal replacement?
It is designed as a meal replacement for one or two meals a day, providing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, for a complete and varied diet, it's best to pair it with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Can I use this shake to gain muscle?
While it is high in protein, it is primarily designed for weight management. For muscle gain, you would likely need a higher-calorie, higher-protein supplement and a structured strength training program.
What are the common allergens in this shake?
Most SlimFast shakes contain milk and soy, which are common allergens. Always check the label for specific allergen information, especially if you have sensitivities.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.61 kcal/g · 43% calories from protein · 0.4 g fiber · 0.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.40 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.