Yes, Shakeology does offer gluten-free options for people who need to avoid gluten. Shakeology is a popular meal replacement shake made by Beachbody that contains a blend of proteins, fiber, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, and various superfoods. While the regular Shakeology shakes contain gluten, Beachbody has created gluten-free alternatives to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Shakeology Options
There are currently two gluten-free Shakeology flavors available:
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Shakeology
- Gluten-Free Vanilla Shakeology
Both of these shakes are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), which means they contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. They are made without any wheat, barley, rye or oat ingredients that typically contain gluten.
The gluten-free shakes have very similar ingredients and nutrition profiles compared to the regular Shakeology. They contain proteins like pea, chia seed, Sacha Inchi and rice, along with fiber, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, adaptogens and superfoods like camu camu, maca root and astragalus root.
Benefits of Gluten-Free Shakeology
Here are some of the key benefits of choosing gluten-free Shakeology:
- Gluten-free: Safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Nutritious ingredients: Packed with proteins, fiber, probiotics, enzymes and superfoods.
- Supports digestion: Probiotics and enzymes help improve gut health.
- Provides energy: Key nutrients, fiber and antioxidants help sustain energy.
- Easy and convenient: Can be used as a healthy meal replacement on-the-go.
The gluten-free shakes provide a very nutritious and convenient meal or snack, without any concerns about gluten intake. This makes them ideal for those on a gluten-free diet who want a healthy, balanced shake.
Nutrition Facts of Gluten-Free Shakeology
Here is a nutrition label comparing the Vanilla Shakeology Gluten-Free vs Original formulas:
| Nutrition Facts | Vanilla Shakeology Gluten-Free | Vanilla Shakeology Original |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 140 |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 160 mg | 160 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18 g | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g | 6 g |
| Total Sugars | 6 g | 6 g |
| Protein | 17 g | 17 g |
As you can see, the gluten-free vanilla Shakeology has nearly identical macros, calories, and nutrition compared to the original Shakeology. The main difference is the ingredients list, as the gluten-free version swaps out sources of gluten for gluten-free alternatives.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free Shakeology
Here are the main ingredients found in the Gluten-Free Chocolate Shakeology formula:
- Pea protein
- Chia seed protein
- Sacha inchi protein
- Flax seed
- Cocoa powder
- Chicory root fiber
- Pea fiber
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Digestive enzymes
- Probiotics
- Stevia leaf extract
- Natural flavors
- Monk fruit extract
- Cocoa powder
- Ashwagandha root extract
- Moringa leaf
- Chlorella
- Camu camu
- Acai berry
- Bilberry extract
- Goji berry
- Pomegranate
- Cordyceps
- Reishi mushroom
- Maca root
- Astragalus root
- Luo han guo fruit
These ingredients provide a nutritionally dense and antioxidant-rich shake packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and superfoods. The gluten-free shake contains a blend of pea, chia seed, Sacha Inchi and rice proteins to provide all essential amino acids while avoiding gluten.
Cost of Gluten-Free Shakeology
The gluten-free Shakeology costs the same as the regular Shakeology shakes. A 30-serving bag costs $129.95 retail direct through Beachbody. This shakes out to $4.33 per serving.
There are a few ways to save on Shakeology costs:
- Order a Beachbody membership to save 25% off retail prices
- Sign up for monthly Shakeology subscriptions to save on home deliveries
- Buy in bulk packages of 24 or 30 servings to get a discount per bag
While Shakeology is not the cheapest meal replacement shake available, it does contain high quality ingredients and you get what you pay for. Many customers feel the health benefits and results are worth the price.
Taste and Texture
How does gluten-free Shakeology taste and texture compare to the original Shakeology? Here is a quick taste and texture comparison:
| Gluten-Free | Original | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Very similar taste. Most can’t tell the difference between gluten-free and original. | Rich, smooth chocolate or vanilla taste depending on flavor. |
| Texture | Same thick, smooth, creamy texture. No grittiness. | Thick, smoothie-like consistency. |
| Flavor | Just as rich and flavorful. Very close to original. | Intense chocolate or vanilla flavor. |
| Aftertaste | Minimal or no aftertaste. | Minimal aftertaste. |
Overall, most Shakeology drinkers find the taste, texture and flavor of the gluten-free shakes to be nearly identical to the original. The gluten-free shakes have a smooth, creamy texture without any grittiness or chalky aftertaste.
Mixing and Preparing Gluten-Free Shakeology
The gluten-free Shakeology powders are prepared and mixed the same way as regular Shakeology. Here are some tips for mixing:
- Add 1 scoop (30 grams) Shakeology powder to 8-12 oz cold water or milk. Use non-dairy milk for a vegan shake.
- Mix or blend until smooth and creamy. Use a blender for a smoother texture.
- Customize your shake with fruits, veggies, nut butters, extracts, ice, etc.
- Drink immediately after mixing, as it will thicken up if left to sit.
- Shakeology is designed to be a filling meal replacement. Adjust serving size to meet your hunger needs.
- Keep pre-portioned packets on hand for easy on-the-go use.
Shakeology has a hunger blocking effect due to its fiber content. Most people find a single scoop shake keeps them full and satisfied for 3-4 hours. It makes for a nutritious breakfast or post-workout recovery shake.
Benefits of Shakeology for Gluten-Free Diets
Here are some of the top benefits of using Shakeology shakes for gluten-free diets:
- Gluten-free: Contains less than 10 ppm gluten per serving
- High in protein: 17g plant-based proteins help replace grains
- Rich in nutrients: Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- High in fiber: 6g fiber per serving aids digestion
- Probiotics and enzymes: Support healthy gut and digestion
- Convenient: Easy meal replacement when avoiding gluten
- Curb hunger: Keeps you full and reduces cravings
- Aids weight loss: Can promote weight loss as part of healthy diet
Overall, Shakeology provides a very nutritious and convenient gluten-free meal option. The high protein and fiber keep you feeling full, while the dense superfoods provide antioxidants lacking in many gluten-free diets.
Should You Choose Gluten-Free Shakeology?
There are a few key factors to consider when deciding if gluten-free Shakeology is right for your needs:
- Do you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? If so, the gluten-free formula is necessary to avoid adverse reactions.
- Do you follow a gluten-free diet? The shakes can help boost nutrition and provides convenient, on-the-go meals.
- Do you enjoy the taste of Shakeology? The gluten-free tastes very close to the original so satisfaction is likely.
- Is the cost affordable for you? At $4 per serving, Shakeology is reasonably priced but still a premium shake.
In general, if you require a gluten-free diet or simply want the health benefits of Shakeology, the gluten-free formulas are a smart choice. If you can tolerate gluten, the original formulas provide the same nutritional benefits at a similar price point.
Finding Gluten-Free Shakeology Shakes
Gluten-free Shakeology can be purchased directly through Beachbody at Beachbody.com or through any Beachbody Coach. You can find a Coach to help you order Shakeology at the following sites:
Beachbody offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with Shakeology for any reason. This makes it easy to give it a try risk-free.
Bottom Line
In summary, Shakeology does offer gluten-free shake options that are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. The gluten-free formulas provide the same nutritional benefits as the original Shakeology, coming in chocolate and vanilla flavors. They make for a nutritious, protein-packed meal replacement shake perfect for those adhering to a gluten-free diet.
