Almased is a weight loss meal replacement protein powder made with non-GMO soy to help provide essential amino acids and enzymes. It’s said to be an easy to digest, stimulant free, and clinically studied formula.
The claimed is that due to its potent appetite suppression, it can prevent hunger for up to 4 hours. Other benefits are regulated blood sugar levels and no cravings for food. It also has a low glycemic index at 27, which means it won’t raise blood sugar significantly. They also offer a full meal plan which includes 3 shakes a day and the eating of certain foods to help prevent weight gain. In reviewing countless meal replacements our experts have found the best overall is 18Shake. It’s a meal replacement shake made with high quality whey protein to help suppress appetite, and it includes a full range of vitamins and minerals. More information about the benefits of 18Shake can be seen in the link featured here.
Soy Protein Isolate: Defatted and dehulled soybeans which are processed in a way that make them 90% protein by weight. It contains all the essential amino acids which are needed when one is replacing meals.
Soy has natural compounds in them such as phytoestrogens, which according to the University of Maryland Medical Center:
“chemicals that act like the hormone estrogen”
This can increase the amount of estrogen hormone one has for both men and women.
The same medical group also has this to say about soy:
“Isolavones may lower the amount of iodine in the body, which can lead to underfunctioning of the thyroid, called hypothyroidism”
This can damage the thyroid and lead to weight gain. Eating Well also has the following to say about this issue:
“Soy is high in isoflavones compounds that may inhibit the body’s ability to make thyroid hormones, which play a role in controlling everything from metabolism to body temperature”
There have been other issues with soy as well due to its natural compounds. Soy contains phytates, which according to study by the Nestle Research Centre:
“Even relatively small quantities of residual phytate was strongly inhibitory”
“phytic acid is a major inhibitory factor of ironabsorption in soy-protein isolates”
This means it can reduce the amount of iron in the body, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Yet another issue with soy is due to the goitrogenic effects. A clinical study by the National Center for Toxicological Research in Arkansas concluded:
“soy products may cause harm in the human population via either or both estrogenic and goitrogenic activities”
Goitrogens are substances which can damage the thyroid. So it has a combined effect with the isoflavones to promote unwanted issues related to thyroid health.
Honey:Sweetener that is made up primarily of fructose and glucose. There are many different varietals and grads of honey available; some are less likely to contain any added ingredients. It has no essential nutrients and can lead to weight gain in high amounts.
There’s a total of 15 grams of sugar in just one serving of Almased which all comes from honey. This is a high amount, and t the recommended 3 servings a day, this can provide 45 grams of sugar. The Heart organization advised the following standards:
Men: 36 grams per day
Women: 24 grams per day
This means at the full recommend dosage, women will receive 21 extra grams, and men receive 9 extra grams. The organization adds:
“Added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many added calories that can lead to extra pounds or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health”
There are many issues that can arise when one has excess sugar. Even natural sources like honey are still broken down by the body in the same way, so it should be taken in moderation.
Skim Milk Yogurt Powder:Dehydrated form of yogurt made from fat reduced milk. It’s unknown if it still retains the healthy probiotics which yogurt provides. The processing technique typically can destroy many health compounds if it’s not done carefully.
Color Additive: This can mean either an artificial good coloring or a natural extract made to provide a color. It has no nutritional value and is only included to provide a certain tint of color.
There is a high amount of protein at 27 grams per serving, however, this comes from soy protein which has been criticized due to its numerous possible health damaging effects.
It also has a high amount of sugar at 15 grams. This can make weight loss harder, as sugar is known to increase appetite and turn into fat. It also has a high amount of calories at 180 per serving. At the 3 advised shakes, this amounts to 540 calories, this is a significant amount which can make weight loss more difficult. When looking to lose weight it’s important to limit calories as much as possible.
No direct sales are offered, but the company does recommend certain vendors. One container sells for $27.92 on Amazon.com.This amounts to 10 servings making the daily price at 3 shakes a day $8.38.
This is a pricy meal replacement as the key ingredients are cheap honey, skim milk yogurt powder, and non-GMO soy protein. These key ingredients can be sourced for a reduced price elsewhere.
Business of Almased
Almased, USA is the name of the company, and they can be reached via the following:
Since the company does not allow for direct sales, any returns have to be handled with whoever sold you it. However this all depends on whether or not the seller allows for a money back return, it’s unlikely they would.
The FDA sent them a warning letter for making false claims about the health benefits. The warning letter stated:
“Almased product is not generallyrecognized as safe and effective for the above references”
This included claims thatit can help with blood sugar, cholesterol, and many other unproven health claims. There are a total of 14 health benefits which the FDA has said are not true.
“had moderate to severe cramping and then went into a full period”
“I threw it up every time. The after taste is awful”
The official Amazon.com page has a current 598 negative review from users. This included complaints that people noticed side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, uncontrollable bowels, increased blood sugar, difficulty with stomach problems, and other issues.
Some also had medical performed and wound up less healthy after use. There were a few people who noticed a significant increase in estrogen, and for the women who had this test they did so because they couldn’t get their periods anymore.
People also criticized the taste, many felt it was much too sweet and that it did not blend well.
Almased does provide a high amount of protein, and it does contain a well-rounded nutritional profile. However, the fact it contains only soy based protein means it has many compounds which can potentially cause increased estrogen and hormone imbalances. Many customers say that the taste is unpleasant, it’s difficult to mix, and that they noticed increased blood sugar levels and hormone issues. People who were tested said they went to the hospital after they noticed some negative changes. For these people there was an increase of things like cholesterol, blood sugar, and estrogen levels. The company also fails to offer a money back return policy.
Our experts have found the most effective meal replacement is 18Shake. It has only whey protein at 15 grams for hours of appetite suppression. There are no added fillers, binders, colors, or any artificial additives. Customers have mentioned on their official website that it has a good taste, it mixed with ease, and it helps provide weight loss benefits.
I believe Almased caused me to develop a thyroid problem, resulting in an unexplained 38ml fluid filled cyst that needed drained from my parathyroid. I can’t say 100% for sure, but it was awfully coincidental.
Gave me nausea after half of my very first cup. I am writing this the following day, still feeling like I have to throw up with immense bloating. Stay away from this with a ten foot pole!
I agree with you having similar but worse issue. Burning in my mouth and esophagus 4 days after one drink mix. Abdominal pain and nausea. Going to ENT and my GI Doctor to make sure I’m not dying. Wish I never tried this. Coworker claimed it was working for her but It had a bad after taste- they all do so that didn’t surprise me but did not expect this. Wish I had seen these reviews before trying it.
I love Almased, for someone with PCOS and morbidly obese, It regulates my periods and because I have low estrogen it helps replace it. It balances my hormones and it keeps me full for 4 hours or more. It is really attributing to my weight-loss and frankly saving my life.
I have been trying for years to lose weight and the first week I was on the shakes, I lost 15 pounds which have never come back and that was almost a year ago. I did the two shakes a day with one meal and lost another 15 pounds but went off it during the holidays. I have not gained any back but am now ready to lose more so I started the fast again this week. Feel great, not hungry and hoping to lose more. My sugar is down significantly as well.
thanks for this! i’m considering trying the Almased plan out, but kind of nervous. I never diet, but I’ve put on about 20 lbs in the last 1-2 years. Wow, 15 lb loss for you is amazing… I was just curious, what did you weigh before and what do you weigh now? I don’t expect to lose 15lbs in 1 week, that seems crazy to me! But I guess it is possible. i’m 175 right now, and i’m just under 5’6″. Thanks for your help.
I have used Almased quite a bit over the past 4 years. I did a full fast, Almased, broth, tea, water only for 10 days the first time. I used it as breakfast for nearly a year, on and off, and we are doing what I call the cleanse (the fast) again now. I LOVE IT!. I don’t have problems with it mixing, I actually enjoy the taste, although friends tried it and don’t care for it, they call it cardboard. I only put oil and water in it and drink it at once. It has always been a success for me, made me feel good. I do get hungry at the beginning, sooner than the 4 hrs, if I am not preoccupied. And then I drink more broth. I pay $25 per canister, through lucky vitamin auto ship. My mom and husband do it as well,and no complaints. The recipes to follow for the phases after the initial fasting phase, are very good, easy, and filling. I really can only recommend Almased. And, I go to my Dr on a regular basis and have had no issues medically, all only positive. I am near 50 years old.
You are right Colleen. I was so excited about this product at the beginning, thinking finally, a easy way to lose weight. But I am going over the reviews now because after having my last glass of almased 11 days ago I’ve been bleeding and spotting on my period since last Monday. My doctor recently put me on thyroid medication because I just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism since taking this and I just wish I would’ve read the reviews before I used this product.
Love Almased. I’ve lost 21 pounds (I’m 5″1″) and haven’t put any weight back on even when I overeat. I feel good. I really think it has changed my metabolism. I do two shakes a day, usually, and eat a big meal plus some snacks. I do try to avoid carbs but not totally. It works. I’ve been doing it since April and lost 8 lbs. the first two weeks on the three shakes a day. The weight just melted away. Of course, you have to have some willpower too.
I have used Almased on & off for years. I love it. Compared to American shake diets it has acceptable sweetness to me. I drink it with water only and like the taste. It is fantastic for managing my weight when a gain a few pounds. I only do the 3 days fast and then move to phase 2. I recommend it!
I have lost 22 lbs. since May 2018. My energy increased and I was never hungry. I can eat anything I want and as much as I want and I haven’t gained any weight at all. I drink two shakes a day most days. Sometimes, if I eat a meal, I skip a shake. I really truly believe that this revved up my metabolism and I love it. I’m 63 years old and 5’1″ and weight 124. I haven’t weighed that since my twenties and even then, I had to severely restrict my diet. I was always a litle “chubby.” Not anymore. I am going to wean myself down to one a day and then one as a supplement. It hasn’t caused me any medical issues.
MORE CONFUSION AND NOW SOME FEAR.BUT IM GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY.WHAT I TRULY WANTED TO LEARN/FIGURE IS IF IT CAN BE MIXED WITH (ORANGE) JUICE OR HOW IS IT MIXED FOR THAT MATTER?.SINCE I FOUND OUT ‘SLIM-FAST’ IS REALLY A PUDDING MIX,YES PUDDING,AS IN SWISS MISS PUDDING;YOU DRINK IT DOWN IN LIQUID FORM THEN IT TURNS INTO ‘PUDDING’ HENCE THE “IM SO FULL MY TUMMY HURTS,IAM SO NOT HUNGRY” FEELING.FOR SOME REASON MY PSYCHIC-ISM TELLS ME ALMASED WILL TASTE LIKE CABBAGE AND CHEAP OLIVE OIL>
I have been using Almased for 10 days and really have struggled with the chalky texture and now that I am coming to an end of the batch I bought (3 container) I shall not being buying any more. I shall be using another product to continue my quest and journey of losing weight.
I found an ad about this product and did some research on it before I brought it. I think it does what it says meal replacement and controls hunger. I’ve only been on for almost a month. I drink it for breakfast a salad for lunch and a sensible dinner. I don’t have the urge to snack at work or nibble after dinner. I went on Pinterest for ideas to make shakes. I like it and will continue for awhile on it.
First off soy being bad for you is a crock of ****. I’m not sure where the source comes from and why the medical world and some internet nutritional information sites bash soy when it’s one of the most healthy choices you can make for your body. I took soy based products through both of my pregnancies for prenatal vitamins and have taken soy products all my life. There are 2 sides to this soy coin. I think it’s a shame for it to be written off as bad for you when it surely is not and actually has many health benefits.
I will give Almased 10 of 10! I feel like a new person! I lost 17 lbs with one session, but this is not only the point! Almased is okay to use for my problematic pancreas, while other products caused me problems! 10 of 10 – that’s from me!
I bought some of this product it taste awful and I just wasted $29.00. I even put a banana with it and stirred it up, still made me gag ended up poring down drain. Nothing compared to the Total Soy I was taking. I will never buy again,
I had one shake and thought it was just bad after taste lingering- the shake itself tasted gross. Tastes like powdered sawdust looks like it too and stinks. Mixed in strawberries and banana to make it taste better still gross. Next day after using it as evening meal replacement my mouth and throat feel burned like I drank DRANO! Have felt nausea and abdominal pain since then as well. 4 days have past and still having esophageal burning and abdominal pain. Gained 2lbs overnight. Making an appointment with ENT and my GI doctor because of this crap. DO NOT buy this unless you like dying. As with any diet drink they say eat a good diet along with the shake for best results -Well if you eat a good diet you will lose weight without a shake as a meal replacement. People I work with swore this worked but after taste was awful that is the only reason I tried it. I did not expect it to be any better or different from any other shake or mixes. I did NOT expect to have a burning esophagus. Stay away from this product! Eat clean foods and taste foods that are not healthy and slowly remove bad foods from your diet and increase exercise over time both of these will help you lose weight. The weight You have now was not gained in a week it will not be lost in a week. Lifestyle changes will help you lose weight and keep it off not a shake! Any product that gives you a suggested meal plan to use with the shake is a red flag that the product alone is not going to keep the weight off. Healthier eating will.
Some of the above comments are absolutely nuts !
Just follow the instructions and use a blender to mix , also try it with semi skimmed milk add half a banana or a few blueberries if your ok with them . Make sure the milk is cool .
Stick to the plan folks and don’t read too much into the neg reports .
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By Natalie K (Senior Reviewer) September 16, 2023 
This means at the full recommend dosage, women will receive 21 extra grams, and men receive 9 extra grams. The organization adds:
I believe Almased caused me to develop a thyroid problem, resulting in an unexplained 38ml fluid filled cyst that needed drained from my parathyroid. I can’t say 100% for sure, but it was awfully coincidental.
After taking Almased, I have terrible bouts with cramping and diarrhea that will not go away if you keep taking it. Stay away
I am having terrible bouts of cramping and diarrhea too. I did not take it today. but did yesterday. Not going to tae any more.
I keep getting nauseous and throw up for the past two days…
Gave me nausea after half of my very first cup. I am writing this the following day, still feeling like I have to throw up with immense bloating. Stay away from this with a ten foot pole!
I agree with you having similar but worse issue. Burning in my mouth and esophagus 4 days after one drink mix. Abdominal pain and nausea. Going to ENT and my GI Doctor to make sure I’m not dying. Wish I never tried this. Coworker claimed it was working for her but It had a bad after taste- they all do so that didn’t surprise me but did not expect this. Wish I had seen these reviews before trying it.
Pime says: after I tried Almased I suffer anxiety and an increase in blood pressure. I felt so horrible and nervous. Don’t use it.
Pime, I totally agree in your assessment of Almased. I was on it for four days and then suffered extreme anxiety. Never again!
I love Almased, for someone with PCOS and morbidly obese, It regulates my periods and because I have low estrogen it helps replace it. It balances my hormones and it keeps me full for 4 hours or more. It is really attributing to my weight-loss and frankly saving my life.
I love it 2 great taste
Thank you, Because I just ordered 2 more cans, I am older and it helps with menopause hot flashes. You have had the best review.
I have been trying for years to lose weight and the first week I was on the shakes, I lost 15 pounds which have never come back and that was almost a year ago. I did the two shakes a day with one meal and lost another 15 pounds but went off it during the holidays. I have not gained any back but am now ready to lose more so I started the fast again this week. Feel great, not hungry and hoping to lose more. My sugar is down significantly as well.
thanks for this! i’m considering trying the Almased plan out, but kind of nervous. I never diet, but I’ve put on about 20 lbs in the last 1-2 years. Wow, 15 lb loss for you is amazing… I was just curious, what did you weigh before and what do you weigh now? I don’t expect to lose 15lbs in 1 week, that seems crazy to me! But I guess it is possible. i’m 175 right now, and i’m just under 5’6″. Thanks for your help.
I have used Almased quite a bit over the past 4 years. I did a full fast, Almased, broth, tea, water only for 10 days the first time. I used it as breakfast for nearly a year, on and off, and we are doing what I call the cleanse (the fast) again now. I LOVE IT!. I don’t have problems with it mixing, I actually enjoy the taste, although friends tried it and don’t care for it, they call it cardboard. I only put oil and water in it and drink it at once. It has always been a success for me, made me feel good. I do get hungry at the beginning, sooner than the 4 hrs, if I am not preoccupied. And then I drink more broth. I pay $25 per canister, through lucky vitamin auto ship. My mom and husband do it as well,and no complaints. The recipes to follow for the phases after the initial fasting phase, are very good, easy, and filling. I really can only recommend Almased. And, I go to my Dr on a regular basis and have had no issues medically, all only positive. I am near 50 years old.
I believe that using this product messed up my thyroid. I have had horrible health issues since using this product. Stay away from it.
You are right Colleen. I was so excited about this product at the beginning, thinking finally, a easy way to lose weight. But I am going over the reviews now because after having my last glass of almased 11 days ago I’ve been bleeding and spotting on my period since last Monday. My doctor recently put me on thyroid medication because I just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism since taking this and I just wish I would’ve read the reviews before I used this product.
I have experienced headaches ,I have been on this for 4 days now , do you think its due to detoxing of other foods .
Love Almased. I’ve lost 21 pounds (I’m 5″1″) and haven’t put any weight back on even when I overeat. I feel good. I really think it has changed my metabolism. I do two shakes a day, usually, and eat a big meal plus some snacks. I do try to avoid carbs but not totally. It works. I’ve been doing it since April and lost 8 lbs. the first two weeks on the three shakes a day. The weight just melted away. Of course, you have to have some willpower too.
I have used Almased on & off for years. I love it. Compared to American shake diets it has acceptable sweetness to me. I drink it with water only and like the taste. It is fantastic for managing my weight when a gain a few pounds. I only do the 3 days fast and then move to phase 2. I recommend it!
I like this shake.i tried a whole day of shakes only.goy very dizzy. Filling of my vertigo. I can replace a meal a day with 1 shake,no side effects
I have lost 22 lbs. since May 2018. My energy increased and I was never hungry. I can eat anything I want and as much as I want and I haven’t gained any weight at all. I drink two shakes a day most days. Sometimes, if I eat a meal, I skip a shake. I really truly believe that this revved up my metabolism and I love it. I’m 63 years old and 5’1″ and weight 124. I haven’t weighed that since my twenties and even then, I had to severely restrict my diet. I was always a litle “chubby.” Not anymore. I am going to wean myself down to one a day and then one as a supplement. It hasn’t caused me any medical issues.
MORE CONFUSION AND NOW SOME FEAR.BUT IM GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY.WHAT I TRULY WANTED TO LEARN/FIGURE IS IF IT CAN BE MIXED WITH (ORANGE) JUICE OR HOW IS IT MIXED FOR THAT MATTER?.SINCE I FOUND OUT ‘SLIM-FAST’ IS REALLY A PUDDING MIX,YES PUDDING,AS IN SWISS MISS PUDDING;YOU DRINK IT DOWN IN LIQUID FORM THEN IT TURNS INTO ‘PUDDING’ HENCE THE “IM SO FULL MY TUMMY HURTS,IAM SO NOT HUNGRY” FEELING.FOR SOME REASON MY PSYCHIC-ISM TELLS ME ALMASED WILL TASTE LIKE CABBAGE AND CHEAP OLIVE OIL>
I have been using Almased for 10 days and really have struggled with the chalky texture and now that I am coming to an end of the batch I bought (3 container) I shall not being buying any more. I shall be using another product to continue my quest and journey of losing weight.
I just started the shakes and have gotten bad headaches. Will this go away?
I have been on Almased for 4 weeks and I have lost 17 lbs I love it
I found an ad about this product and did some research on it before I brought it. I think it does what it says meal replacement and controls hunger. I’ve only been on for almost a month. I drink it for breakfast a salad for lunch and a sensible dinner. I don’t have the urge to snack at work or nibble after dinner. I went on Pinterest for ideas to make shakes. I like it and will continue for awhile on it.
First off soy being bad for you is a crock of ****. I’m not sure where the source comes from and why the medical world and some internet nutritional information sites bash soy when it’s one of the most healthy choices you can make for your body. I took soy based products through both of my pregnancies for prenatal vitamins and have taken soy products all my life. There are 2 sides to this soy coin. I think it’s a shame for it to be written off as bad for you when it surely is not and actually has many health benefits.
I will give Almased 10 of 10! I feel like a new person! I lost 17 lbs with one session, but this is not only the point! Almased is okay to use for my problematic pancreas, while other products caused me problems! 10 of 10 – that’s from me!
Excruciating headache lasting into next day. This after 1 day of taking this product. Also joint pain and vomiting.
I bought some of this product it taste awful and I just wasted $29.00. I even put a banana with it and stirred it up, still made me gag ended up poring down drain. Nothing compared to the Total Soy I was taking. I will never buy again,
I had one shake and thought it was just bad after taste lingering- the shake itself tasted gross. Tastes like powdered sawdust looks like it too and stinks. Mixed in strawberries and banana to make it taste better still gross. Next day after using it as evening meal replacement my mouth and throat feel burned like I drank DRANO! Have felt nausea and abdominal pain since then as well. 4 days have past and still having esophageal burning and abdominal pain. Gained 2lbs overnight. Making an appointment with ENT and my GI doctor because of this crap. DO NOT buy this unless you like dying. As with any diet drink they say eat a good diet along with the shake for best results -Well if you eat a good diet you will lose weight without a shake as a meal replacement. People I work with swore this worked but after taste was awful that is the only reason I tried it. I did not expect it to be any better or different from any other shake or mixes. I did NOT expect to have a burning esophagus. Stay away from this product! Eat clean foods and taste foods that are not healthy and slowly remove bad foods from your diet and increase exercise over time both of these will help you lose weight. The weight You have now was not gained in a week it will not be lost in a week. Lifestyle changes will help you lose weight and keep it off not a shake! Any product that gives you a suggested meal plan to use with the shake is a red flag that the product alone is not going to keep the weight off. Healthier eating will.
Some of the above comments are absolutely nuts !
Just follow the instructions and use a blender to mix , also try it with semi skimmed milk add half a banana or a few blueberries if your ok with them . Make sure the milk is cool .
Stick to the plan folks and don’t read too much into the neg reports .
Make your own decision , best of luck.