Our ReviewSoylentComplete Meal
Soylent Complete Meal, a comprehensive meal replacement, presents an intriguing blend of nutrition and convenience. At the core of its formula, it leverages soy protein isolate as its primary protein source, a choice that aligns with its vegan-friendly approach. Each serving, sized at roughly ⅔ cup (90g), delivers a substantial 400 calories, encompassing 21g of fat, 41g of carbohydrates (including 6g of dietary fiber and 15g of sugars), and 20g of protein. This nutritional profile is designed to cater to the needs of those looking for a quick, balanced meal, especially in fast-paced lifestyles where traditional meal preparation can be a challenge at times.
Ingredients
Soylent Complete Meal displays a varied ingredient profile, each serving an important role in the product's nutritional architecture. The primary protein source, Soy Protein Isolate, is a high-quality, plant-based protein. It's an excellent choice for those seeking vegan options and is known for its high digestibility and is one of the only plant-based sources providing a complete amino acid profile. This makes it a suitable protein source for muscle repair and growth, especially for those on plant-based diets.
Vegetable oils, including Canola and/or Sunflower oil, contribute to the product's fat content. While these oils are common in meal replacements, it's worth noting that canola oil has stirred some debate. The concern centers around its omega-6 fatty acid content, which, when imbalanced with omega-3 fatty acids, could contribute to inflammation. However, these fats also play a role in sustaining energy levels and supporting overall health.
The carbohydrate sources in Soylent, like Isomaltooligosaccharide and Maltodextrin, are effective for quick energy release. Maltodextrin, however, has been linked to potential digestive issues and could impact the gut microbiome negatively. While these ingredients are common in meal replacements for their functional properties, they might not align with those seeking whole-food-based carbohydrates.
The product's vitamin and mineral premix is a commendable addition, ensuring that each serving provides a range of essential nutrients. This fortification helps cover potential dietary gaps, especially in the context of a meal replacement.
However, the presence of artificial flavors and sucralose might be a downside for those preferring natural ingredients. While these components are safe and approved for use, some individuals may choose to avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors for personal health preferences or dietary restrictions.
In terms of possible improvements, the inclusion of natural sweeteners and lower glycemic index carbs could enhance the product's appeal to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the addition of digestive enzymes or probiotics could be beneficial, supporting gut health, especially considering the presence of ingredients like maltodextrin.
Effectiveness
Soylent Complete Meal with its comprehensive nutritional profile, appears well-designed to fulfill its intended purpose as a meal replacement. A key component of its effectiveness is the protein content, sourced primarily from soy protein isolate. Soy protein is a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. This makes it particularly effective for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass, especially for vegetarians or vegans who might struggle to find complete protein sources. Additionally, soy protein isolate is known for its digestibility, ensuring that the body can efficiently utilize the protein provided.
However, for individuals with a diet already rich in soy, exploring alternatives might be advisable. Soy contains compounds known as isoflavones, which have been a subject of debate regarding their potential influence on hormone balance. Isoflavones can mimic estrogen, although their effects in humans are generally weak and are a topic of ongoing research. Their impact on hormone levels can vary depending on individual factors and the amount of soy consumed.
Each serving of Soylent provides 20g of protein, aligning well with dietary recommendations for protein intake per meal. This amount is suitable for sustaining muscle health and aiding in satiety, which is crucial for a meal replacement product. The balance between protein, carbohydrates, and fats in Soylent aims to mimic a complete meal.
Speaking of carbohydrates, Soylent offers 41g per serving, including 6g of dietary fiber. The fiber content contributes to satiety and aids in digestive health, although the presence of maltodextrin might raise concerns for those sensitive to this ingredient. Maltodextrin also metabolises quickly giving you a burst of energy rather than slow-release energy. This makes the product less than ideal if weight loss is a consideration. The total fat content of 21g, with saturated fat at 3g, falls within a reasonable range for a meal replacement, contributing to overall calorie content and satiety.
Overall, Soylent Complete Meal appears to effectively meet the basic requirements of a meal replacement in terms of macronutrient balance and caloric content. It's particularly effective for those seeking a convenient, plant-based option that provides essential nutrients. However, the use of certain ingredients and the sugar content might not align with everyone's dietary preferences or goals.
Taste
The Cacao flavor of Soylent is pleasantly chocolatey, but not overwhelmingly sweet. It strikes a fine balance between being flavorful enough to enjoy, yet not so overpowering that it feels artificial. Compared to other chocolate-flavored meal replacements, Soylent's Cacao has a more natural, less sugary taste.
The texture is another aspect where Soylent impresses. It mixes quite smoothly, without the grittiness that some protein powders suffer from. When mixed with water, the consistency is just right—not too thick or too thin. With milk, the texture becomes slightly creamier, which some might prefer, especially if they're looking for a richer experience. However, even with water, the texture is agreeable and easy to drink.
Mixability is crucial, and Soylent scores high in this area. Using just a regular shaker bottle it mixes well without leaving clumps. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who might be mixing their meal on the go without access to a blender. In comparison to other products that can be clumpy or require more effort to mix thoroughly, Soylent's ease of mixability is a big plus.
Value
Soylent positions itself as a premium meal replacement option. This categorization is reflected in its choice of ingredients and the balance of nutrients it provides. The use of soy protein isolate, a high-quality, complete protein source, adds significant value, especially for those seeking plant-based options. The comprehensive vitamin and mineral premix further enhances its profile, ensuring that it doesn't just replace calories but also provides essential nutrients that might be missing in a regular meal.
In terms of cost, Soylent is priced competitively within the premium segment. It's not the most expensive option available, but it's also not a budget product. The price seems justified considering the quality of ingredients and the convenience it offers. When compared to similar premium meal replacements, Soylent holds its ground in offering a balanced nutritional profile.
However, the use of ingredients like maltodextrin and sucralose might be points of contention for some consumers. These components, while common in meal replacements, may not align with the preferences of those seeking entirely natural or whole-food-based ingredients. This aspect could affect the perceived value for a segment of the market that prioritizes natural ingredients over convenience or cost. In addition, we were surprised that the product didn't include a digestive enzyme which would have rounded out this product nicely.
Comparatively, Soylent offers a reliable balance of macronutrients, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs, from those seeking a quick meal replacement to individuals looking to supplement their protein intake. The product's ease of use, including its mixability and taste, also adds to its value, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Conclusion
Soylent Complete Meal stands as a noteworthy contender in the premium meal replacement market. Its blend of soy protein isolate, essential nutrients, and balanced macronutrient profile caters well to those seeking a convenient, plant-based meal option. The product's high protein content, combined with a range of vitamins and minerals, makes it a suitable choice for those looking to supplement their diet with a nutrient-dense meal.
Compared to its competitors, Soylent offers a balanced approach to meal replacement. The taste, texture, and mixability are well-executed, providing a pleasant user experience. However, its use of ingredients like maltodextrin and sucralose may not align with everyone's preferences, particularly for those who prioritize all-natural ingredients.
This product would be a good choice for individuals with busy lifestyles who need quick, balanced meals, especially for vegans or vegetarians seeking complete protein sources.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.