Weight-loss Shakes That Don't Use Whey

Many commercial weight-loss shakes and drinks are high in protein, since protein tends to promote satiety and may curb total calorie consumption. One high-quality source of concentrated protein is whey protein powder, which often acts as a principal ingredient in packaged shakes. Since whey is derived from dairy, however, you may want to seek an alternative if you follow a vegan diet or have an intolerance to dairy-based products.

What Is Whey?

According to the Whey Protein Institute, whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. After manufacturers separate curds from whey, the liquid whey can either be used as an ingredient in protein shakes as it is or dehydrated to produce whey protein powder. Although whey is almost entirely free of milk proteins and milk solids, it may still aggravate you if you have an extreme sensitivity to lactose.

Shakes with Dairy

If you want to avoid whey protein but don't have a problem with dairy products in general, you have plenty of choices among weight loss shakes. Slim-Fast's shakes, for example, feature nonfat milk, milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate but are free of whey protein powder. Ensure shakes also have a base of milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. To make sure the shake you buy is free of whey protein powder or whey protein isolate, check ingredient labels before you buy.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

There are also a number of commercially produced shakes that are entirely dairy-free. Genisoy's protein shakes are vegan and have a base of soy protein isolate. Soy shakes can be very effective for weight loss, as evidenced by a 2003 study published in "Nutrition Journal." According to the study, participants who had a daily soy shake as a meal replacement lost more weight over 40 weeks than subjects who ate a low-calorie diet. At specialty markets and health food stores, you may also be able to find packaged shakes that are made with hemp, rice or pea protein powder.

Homemade Shakes

One alternative to commercially produced whey shakes is making your own shakes at home with non-dairy protein powder or alternate ingredients. Blending your own shakes allows you to control the number of calories you consume as well as the ingredients you use. Along with using fresh or frozen fruit for vitamins and minerals, consider making shakes with dairy-free protein powder, soymilk, almond milk, soy yogurt, nut butter or silken tofu.

Considerations

Consult your doctor before using any type of weight loss shake, especially a commercially produced variety. According to public health specialist Dr. Monica Zangwill, M.D., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies protein shakes and packaged meal replacement drinks as "dietary supplements," which means they are not subject to the same health regulations as real foods. As a result, shakes may promote marketing claims that are scientifically inaccurate, so it pays to learn more about their ingredients and nutrition facts before adding them to your diet.