User rating
Keep up with Diets in Review
Get Weekly Email Updates (sample)
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our RSS
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Follow us on Pinterest
Home 
Diets
Calorie Counting
How Does
Cambridge Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Cambridge Diet?
Diets
Calorie Counting
Cambridge Diet Review (UPDATED 2025): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
A liquid diet that may be too calorie restrictive for long-term success.
Top Rated Diets of 2025What is it?
The Cambridge Diet is a weight loss program offering pre-packed meals, counseling, and low calorie meal suggestions. It’s considered a VLCD, which means it’s a very low calorie diet.
One can select between 415 to 1500 calories depending on one’s weight loss goals, gender, and tolerance. Consultants are offered not just to guide, but to recommend what calorie limit one should follow. There have been numerous diets observed by our experts, and the highest rated one has been the 18Shake Diet. It offers a diet pill and meal replacement shakes that aim to reduce appetite for hours, all while providing fat burning effects with its all natural ingredients. More information about the 18Shake Diet can be seen in the link here.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2025?
Cambridge DietIngredients and Side Effects
Here are some noteworthy ingredients added to their prepackaged foods:
|
Skimmed Milk Powder |
Maltodextrin |
Guar Gum |
Refined Fractionated Palm Oil |
Acesulfame K |
|
Sucralose |
Carrageenan |
Flavourings |
Dried Glucose Syrup |
Silicon Dioxide |
|
Oligofructose |
|
|||
Guar Gum:Fiber extract taken from the guar plant. It’s used as a general thickener in processed foods, as well as a laxative. It can promote side effects that include:
• Diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.
• Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains.
Acesulfame K: Artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than standard sugar. A study by PLOS One found that:
“Long-Term Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Alters Neurometabolic Functions”
This study showed that in mice there was an effect on insulin and leptin levels. The same study added:
“chronic use… could affect cognitive functions, potentially via altering neuro-metabolic functions”
It also has shown the potential for other side effects according to a review by the Oxford Journals:
“long-dated function on the adult’s sweet preference”
This study was conducted on mice that were given their mother’s breast milk or amniotic fluid in birth, and their preference for sweets changed.
Sucralose: Artificialsweetener that can be around 1,000 times much sweeter than sugar. It has been used controversially since some studies have shown it to be potentially dangerous. One such study was performed by Duke University and it revealed:
“numerous adverse effects”
“reduction in beneficial fecal microflora, increased fecal pH, and enhancedexpression levels of P-gp”
This means the body considers it a toxin, and it reduces healthy bacteria which helps support the immune system according to this clinical study.
Carrageenan: Thickener and binder extractedfrom red seaweed.The University of Iowa ran a study which showed:
“carcinogenic properties of degraded carrageenan”
“ulcerations and neoplasms in association with exposure to carrageenan”
This has shown the possibility for causing serious issues in the body.
The link provided here has the top 10 ranked diets of the year.
The types of foods offered by the Cambridge Diet are meal replacement shakes, bars, pasta, rice, soups, desserts, and other snacks. According to the official website:
“products contain the vitamins and minerals you need for balanced nutrition and healthy weight loss”
Most of what one eats will be the prepackaged foods. This can make it easier to handle a caloric loss, as the foods are specially formulated to be lower in calories. There are also 6 steps outlined one must follow, though where one begins depends on what the counselor advises. Here are the steps:
• Sole Source: 3 to 4 prepackaged foods are eaten a day. The Sole Source Plus option allows for 3 prepacked goods alongside meal of 200 calories, or 4 of the companies meals with 200 ml of skimmed milk.
• 2nd Stage: Protein rich meals are added as well as some skimmed milk and vegetables alongside up o Cambridge meals. It’s typically limited to 810 calories a day for a week long period.
• 3rd Stage: 2 of the meals, some milk, and a 1,000 calorie a day limit. This is enforced for 2 weeks.
• 4th Stage: 2 prepackaged meals, some skimmed milk, and more regular meals.
• 5th Stage: One Cambridge meal and breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for a total of 1500 calories.
• 6th Stage: Once your heathy weight is reached, this stage helps maintain results. One prepackaged meal a day is recommended alongside continued support from a consultant.
It’s unclear whether or not the consultants have any background in diet and nutrition. It’s unlikely however that they use real certified dieticians, which can be potentially dangerous or lead to wrong advice. Our experts have analyzed many diets and have ranked the top 10 in the list here.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
Cambridge Diet Quality of Ingredients
Since the beginning of the program asks for a majority of foods to be selected from the company’s prepackaged foods, it’s important for the ingredients to be wholesome.
Unfortunately, they use artificial sweeteners and cheap thickeners often used to replace fiber. These kinds of additives can actually make weight loss harder, as studies have shown they may cause metabolism disorders as well as other side effects.
It’s also difficult to understand what kind of help is provided by the counselors, which remains to be seen whether or not they are actually certified to give health and nutrition advice. The link provided here has a list of the highest rated diets.
A review on the Cambridge Diet was performed by the British Dietetic Association, and they have listed possible side effects which include:
“bad breathe, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and constipation”
They also advise for medical support when a person is to receive less than 600 calories, which some plans offered by the company suggest only 450 calories a day. It’s unclear if the counselors offer any support for this type of reduction in calories.
The Price and Quality of Cambridge Diet
The price depends more on how often once decides to use the prepackaged meals. The official website states it will cost per week 48.30 pounds, which rounds to a weekly price of $63.46. Since this is a UK based plan, no consultations are available outside the US. In fact, on the official site there is a map where support and availability is offered, and there are no listings for the US.
The quality of meals is poor, as the additives included are often found in processed foods. It can also be expensive to have to keep using the company’s foods, as the final stage of maintenance requires one pre-packaged meal a day.
Business of Cambridge Diet
The contact information for the diet is as follows:
Phone Number: (44)(0) 1536 403344
Address:Stafford House, 10 Brakey Road
Corby, Northants, NN17 5LU
Email: [email protected]
The official website lists how to become a paid consultant for the company. Nowhere in the job skills is there any notice for people to have a background in health and nutrition. The company only asks for people with a background in sales who are organized and can plan ahead.
This means that it’s likely the people who are meant to give support have no skills in helping people with weight loss. The link cited here has the top 10 ranked diets.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of Cambridge Diet
Here are some direct quotes from user reviews:
“not the best diet health wise… nails went brittle thin, hair began to thin rapidly”
“never felt full, I always felt hungry”
“Having a bad time with motivation”
“the first few days are the hardest”
Though there were some weight loss results for people, there were also issues due to a lack of calories. Many felt weakened, less energetic, and much more fatigued than usual.
Some also had symptoms that are clear signs of nutrient deficiencies such as brittle and weak nails, thin hair, and increased stress. This was often the case for people who attempted this diet.
The top 10 ranked diet plans can be seeninthe link provided here.
Conclusion - Does Cambridge DietWork?
The Cambridge Diet is similar to other diet plans which offer pre-packaged foods. There’s also counseling offered, but it’s clear that the support is from people who are more business people rather than nutrition experts. Many of the foods offered have processed ingredients, though they are low in calories. Reviews have been mixed with some experiencing health issues and hunger. Though a low calorie plan like this can work, any reduction in calories can result in weight loss. There’s nothing special added to the prepackaged foods which isn’t found in a standard processed meal.
Our experts have performed many reviews and have discovered that the most effective diet is the 18Shake Diet. It provides a combination of a meal replacement and a diet pill. They both provide only natural ingredients, no stimulants, and no unwanted artificial or additives. Its effects include appetite suppression, increased fat burning, and more. When used together it enhances weight loss at a faster rate. Customers have also left positive testimonials on the official website.
The 18Shake Diet is also supported by a full 30 day money back guarantee. This allows for people to try this product risk free, and with no questions asked. More information about the specifics of the 18Shake Diet is available here.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Easy to follow
- Cheap Price
- Fast Results
- High Protein Diet
- 91/100
-
-
- Dukan Diet
- 89/100
-
-
- Paleo Diet
- 87/100
-
- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
-
- Cambridge Diet
- 35 /100
-
-
BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
With new diets hitting the market faster than we can lose a pound, it is not too often that you stumble upon a diet that has been around for more than 20 years. The Cambridge Diet has proudly clocked some years under its svelte belt. Developed in the 80s, it still enjoys a very loyal and passionate audience of dieters who have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off.
It is a liquid diet program that involves drinking 3 servings of the signature Cambridge Diet formula each day with or without food. The three servings provide you with protein (either 30 or 50 grams), carbohydrates, fat, fiber and your daily-required vitamin and mineral allowances.
About ten years ago, the Cambridge Diet added an additional product to their 330 Original Product. The 420 Food for Life product contains 100% of the required daily protein needs in 3 servings whereas the 330 Product contains 75% of the required protein. The protein source comes from whey and soy. Both of them are nutritional supplements that do not contain drugs, medicine, stimulants or herbs.
There are four ways for you to follow the Cambridge Diet: - The Fast Track: Consume 3-4 servings of Cambridge a day and no additional food. - The Alternate Program: Use 3-4 servings of Cambridge for one day with no food and then the following day, consume 3 servings of Cambridge with the addition of 400-800 calories of low fat, low calorie health food. Continue to alternate in this manner. - The Regular Program: Eat 3 servings of Cambridge 15- 20 minutes prior to each low calorie meal. Calories should not exceed 400-800 for the entire day. - The Regular Program 2: Consume 3 servings of Cambridge and eat one meal of low calorie food each day. Calories should not exceed 400- 800 calories for the entire day.
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2025?
PRO
- Cambridge Diet contains all the essential nutrients
- Has a proven success rate
- Safe for diabetics and those with high blood pressure
CON
- Its limited consumption of food may incite excessive eating
- May be too calorically-restrictive for some individuals
- Does not teach you to eat in a healthy and long-term way
- Long-term weight loss may not be sustained
- Calories might be too restrictive for exercise
DIET and NUTRITION
The foundation of the Cambridge Diet is its signature line of shakes. They come in an array of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, eggnog, strawberry, cappuccino, banana cream and many more. The shakes come in two styles: The Original and the Food for Life.
The Food for Life product contains 51 grams of protein, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat and 140 calories per shake. It also includes 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. The Original contains 31 grams of protein and contains about 110 calories per shake.
There is also a line of additional Cambridge products like soups, nutrition bars, and super oats.
When taken the prescribed three times a day, you'll only consume 420 calories. If you select to follow a plan that allows for food, you should not consume anymore than an additional 800 calories a day and these calories should come from low-calorie and low-fat foods like vegetables and lean proteins. If you are on the smaller side, it is recommended that you only consume an additional 400 calories on top of the 420 calories for the Cambridge products.
You are also strongly encouraged to drink at least 3-4 liters of water each day.
EXERCISE
Since the Cambridge Diet is so restrictive, exercise should be done cautiously. It is not recommended to start a new strenuous exercise program while on the Cambridge Diet. Moderate exercise like walking or biking is useful once you start to lose weight, providing that it is approached with caution and not done with excess.
CONCLUSION
There is no question that The Cambridge Diet has been around for a long time. And in the process, many have had luck losing weight by following its strict dietary regimen. Since the diet is so low in calories, check with your doctor before starting it, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
The Cambridge Diet devotees swear by the diet's ability to help them lose weight as long as the program is followed correctly. But like most diets that rely on shakes or supplements to shed pounds, its potential for long-term weight loss and for instilling sound and healthy eating habits in you is not that promising.
Common Misspellings
cambrdge Diet, cambradge diet, cambridge deit, camebridge diet, cambridge liquid diet, cambridgediet.com
Featured Diets and Supplements
Cambridge Diet?
User Feedback
(Page 20 of 59, 1175 total comments)MiniDee
+DAY 14:
posted Oct 26th, 2008 8:03 amHi, I have lost 13 lbs! I am missing food, but not so hungry. Added some bars this week, but I hate them. The only thing I can stomach is the strawberry and chocolate shake. As my BMI is 21.5 - I am trying to have about 1000 calories a day now. Also, I need to fuel my running (which I have managed to keep up during the diet). Good luck to the rest. I now weigh 8st 11 lbs (123lbs). xx
PS: From someone who has been on diet for the last 24 years of her life... this is the best in terms of quick results and still feeling well. It is also the most difficult but it is worth it!
Liz
+Both my husband and I are doing the diet together. On our second week. The first 2 days I felt awful but now we've got a good routine going and never feeling hungry. I've even got to cook for the children. Amazing results, 1st weigh in I lost 11lbs and hubby lost 17lbs!! Wow.
posted Oct 25th, 2008 5:29 pmmaggiemay
+DAY 2
posted Oct 25th, 2008 3:14 pmSlept well last night and did not dream of food.
Had my 3 meals with plenty of water between.
Felt very brave going into Starbucks with Hubbie, he had latte and blueberry muffin, I had a double expresso. He has just had a curry for supper and a sml trifle. I still fell very positive and have had no headaches. Roll on tomorrow.
linda
+Just to say i did the diet 4 months ago lost 2.5 stone in 9 weeks now having a normal lifestyle out much more and enjoying myself,still have not put any weight back on.This diet realy does work i would reccomend to to anyone.
posted Oct 25th, 2008 10:32 amshazza54
+just starting today. Did the diet 3 years ago and lost a stone and a half and felt fantastic. It kept off until recently but I am finding healthy eating is now working (I think due to stress) so called my old counsellor and we are meeting up in a few hours. Feeling a bit scared and had forgotten about the water glugging !
posted Oct 25th, 2008 6:46 amwishe me luck !
claire
+I started the CD on 2nd Oct.
posted Oct 24th, 2008 7:41 pmIn the first week I lost 7 Ilbs. In the second week a further 4 Ilbs. Then it was my birthday week. I ate out twice, had a very naughty birthday choc brownie and have been suffering from a nasty cough and cold.
My councilor told me that because of all of these factors I may well have gained a Ilb or 2 (your body retains water when you have a couch / cold).
To my (and my councilors amazement I had stayed exactly the same weight. What makes this even more exciting is that today I put my normal size 16 jeans on for the first time this week and they hung off of me! I got an old pair of size 14s out of the wardrobe that I have not been able to wear for 2 years and they fit perfectly!! All this in only 3 weeks.
Everybodys stories are so inspiring and are real help to read each day.
Keep up the excellent work everybody.
maria
+Hi All
posted Oct 24th, 2008 4:35 pmI�??m on the fifth day of my diet and I�??m feeling ok. I lost 7 lb and I want to carry on. The only problem is that this will be my first weekend on the diet and I�??m dreading it. Any tips on how to keep my mind of food?
Maggiemay
+I am 62 years old, gave up smoking 15months ago and put on a lot of weight. Today is the start of the new me. Horrified when weighed at 17st.9lbs, was not looking forward to starting but 2 shakes later am feeling positive and not hungry. Cooking a nice meal for hubbie tonight, steak and veggie stir fry and he has a fruit salad., for desert. I willl save my shake till he is eating. Hope I feel as good tomorrow.
posted Oct 24th, 2008 12:29 pmCalli
+Hi Guys.......i am on my 4th week and so far i have lost 1 stone and 12 inches..i had one of the most fantastic experiences this week...i went into tesco to buy myself some new jeans as my size 16's are falling off...i didn't have alot of time....lunch break from work... so i just grabbed a size 14, paid for them. Later when i finished work showered and put on my new jeans to have them fall off..had to take them back for a size 12.....god knows what people thought as i must have looked like the cheshire cat...my grin was probably bigger!!!!
posted Oct 24th, 2008 2:32 amHad a pancake last night as mum and i went shopping....have woken this morning feeling like i have drunk 15 shots.....have headache and feel so hungry....give me my shake!!!!!!
I am loving this and cannot believe that i have not found it before.......i'm not bothered by food and don't even think about it..i have a great counsillor who texts me nearly every day motivational texts and checks that i am fine...have two weekly weigh ins and am soooooooo happy.....saw a gorgeous dress in debenhams last night reduced from £120 to £36 refused to buy it cos come Dec when i need it for my ball it may will not fit....
Continue all you lovely peeps!!!
Catch up soon...xx
Nix H
+Did this diet for 11 weeks straight in May/June 2008, no cheating and lost 3 stone! I have been off it since July and have been on holidays etc, socialising, going out for meals and generally enjoying my life as a slimmer, happier and more attractive person. I am starting up again on 3rd November for a month to try and shed my last stone - since July, I have only gained 4lbs at the most which is fab for eating, drinking and going on hols! I am so excited to do this again because it works. Don't cheat and you will see results. Exercise and be careful when you start eating again and you won't go back to your big self again! :-)
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 11:24 amKels
+Thanks jeanne
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 9:26 amNo i really feel like i have acheived another day, as each day goes by. Today i weighed myself, why i dont no why i did and in the 3 days of this week i have only lost 1lb. I no i had a great loss last week but that has really made me feel rubbish. But on a good note i can feel my clothes getting losser each day.
Good luch everyone we will look great for xmas x
Tina B
+Hello to all..!!
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 8:27 amFirstly, many congrats to those who have succeeded in this diet - it's a hard thing to do you have to dig deep enough inside yourself to find the willpower. I guess it's a choice of what you want more - that burgar that's calling your name, or a slim, HAPPY reflection looking back at you from the mirror!
I have been overweight for most of my life and I've had enough. I'm tired of being fat, tired of being breathless at the slightest exertion and tired of only being able to shop in certain stores. I want to change..... so here I am on the SS programme of CD.
I started the plan on 23 Sept - I even put a note in my diary to say "Day 1 of the New Me!". Then I noticed that it was the same date as the day I got married (I'm now divorced unfortunately - but bit of a coincidence eh?!) I'm now on week 5 and I have lost a total of 1 stone 11lbs. I am ecstatic!!! Haven't been as happy as this in ages.
My only worry now is that after all this torture and denial of food.... when the time comes for me to go back to eating proper foods, the weight doesn't pile straight back on. I intend to follow something like a GI plan where I eat sensibly, don't mix carbs with proteins etc. just so I know I'm doing what I can not to encourage the weight back on. I don't know what I'd do if that happened.... but hey, positive thinking!!! It's onwards and upwards - or should I say downwards!! LOL
Any because I know what each of you are going through... I send you lots of love, hugs and encouragement. Keep going - we're on our way to SLIMDOM!!! xxx
Loopylau
+Hi Guys,
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 8:17 amFirst of all i want to say a big THANKYOU to u all for the inspiring stories, tips and comments! Reading this board once or twice a wk keeps me motivated!
I must admit, ive havnt been sticking to the diet as much as i should with takeaways and cheese being my down falls, but have still managed to lose weight each wk! I am now on wk 7 and have lost in total 1 stone 12 lbs!!!!! Im sooo pleased that somthing is working and my clothes feels much looser! Just have to try and stay clear of chicken Kurma's and fish and chips! lol!
Anyways... Keep up the good work all and i'll update u on next wks weigh in! xx
Jeannie
+Way to go Kels, 12Ib in a week is strong motivation to stick to this.
posted Oct 22nd, 2008 7:02 pmChrissie, 5.5 inches is fantastic, means your losing fat not just fluid!
Am on my 3rd day now and am determined to stick to it. Does anyone else get a buzz out of depriving themselves of food and successfully completing each day? Or is it just me???
Christmas is just around the corner and I really want to look good by then, fingers crossed!
Keep focused everyone and here's to slimmer days!!
Chrissie
+Hi Kels, I do drink quite a lot of water and chinese herbal tea. Maybe I could drink a bit more water I suppose.
posted Oct 22nd, 2008 2:36 pmOn Day 8 now and today has not been too bad. Going to the loo quite a lot so I am hoping the weight is starting to shift (fingers crossed)
Kels
+hi all hows it going i was really struggling last night . Dont no why after a big loss i thought that i would be really focussed. but i just felt so hungery, feel much better today its day 9. Hope tommorrow goes ok.
posted Oct 21st, 2008 3:32 pmChrissie do you drink much water?
Good luck everyone x
Annette
+Have been on this diet for 6 weeks now and have lost 1 stone 7 lbs. Did lighter life last year and lost 6 stone but went down too low for me - not bmi - and looked awful. I went up to 11 stone 6, now I am 9 stone 13 lbs My target is 9 stone so maybe 4 weeks to go but my BMI will still be too high for my height
posted Oct 21st, 2008 2:37 pmChrissie
+My first weigh-in today. Only lost 3lb and must admit I am quite gutted thats all I lost. However, I lost 2.5" off my chest, 1.5" off my waist and 1.5" off my Hips. I am very pleased with 5.5 inch-loss and was very suprised at how much I had lost .
posted Oct 21st, 2008 11:43 amI hope I have a bigger weight-loss next week
Elle
+Ive just started this diet yesterday, Im still in the hungry phase! hoping to feel better in a few days. I done this diet 3 months ago and lost 10lb in 3 weeks, I want to lose a stone fro Xmas and get into a size 12. It works brilliantly when you stick to it!
posted Oct 21st, 2008 7:47 amChrissie
+Hi Kels, thanks for the tips. I am now on Day 6 and funilly enough have not felt that hungry today.
posted Oct 20th, 2008 11:58 amDappymare, I too find the drinks very sweet, but I can manage the chocolate drink (im a chocoholic)
Its my first weigh in tomorrow so I will keep you all posted of my results.