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Home 
Diets
Calorie Counting
How Does
Cambridge Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
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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
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- Dukan Diet
- 89/100
-
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- Paleo Diet
- 87/100
-
- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
-
- Cambridge Diet
- 35 /100
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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 21 of 59, 1175 total comments)Kels
+Hi all am so pleased just had first weigh in and i have lost 12lb in just one week. I feel so focused as i want to get of the weight before christmas.
posted Oct 20th, 2008 11:13 amGood luck to everyone xx
Louisa
-pmpl..At putting weight back on...of course you will after any diet but cambridge more so I lost 3 stone on it 2 years ago eat healthily after,nothing bad at all and put it back on quicker than i lost it. yr starving yourself on cambridge of course you'll put the weight back on as yr messing ya metabolism up. If it worked long term it be on the Nhs. doctors say healthy eating and exercise not processed garbage in a sachet
posted Oct 20th, 2008 9:35 amLola
+Day 8 - I was quite please as I lost 8lbs. 7lbs to go and I am home to roost! I've already got back into exercising and I am enjoying it. It has to be a way of life. What is the point of going through all this only to start again! One must be focused to the very end. Start thinking of what you will like to do differently once you get to your goal weight because that is when the real challenge begins :)
posted Oct 20th, 2008 8:27 amJeannie
+Hi all, I am starting cd today although I know what is in store as I lost 4 1/2 stone using a similar product called lighter life 2 1/2 years ago. Since then I have gained 2 1/2 stone which I think is good as on weight watchers etc I've always gained all the loss back and more which is why I ended up on a VLC diet, so don't listen to all the fear mongers who tell you it goes back on as soon as you stop as isn't that true of all diets, thats why its such a big industry.
posted Oct 20th, 2008 8:21 amI am hoping to lose a significant amount over the next 6 weeks as I am going to my husbands Christmas ball and want to look good, plus when I was slim I felt so fantastic and full of confidence which has been slipping away with each pound gained! I want that feeling back. There is not a food out there which makes me feel as good as I felt then.
Your comments are so inspiring and have given me the determination to get back on it. I hope mine helps others too.
Will update with my progress
Good luck all
x
Aga
+easy, very fast result
posted Oct 20th, 2008 7:43 amMiniDee
+This morning is the start of week 2 or day 8. A week ago I weighed 136.25 lbs (9 st 10.25 lbs). This morning I weighed 125.5 lbs (8 st 13.5 lbs). I don't have much more to lose (about 10lbs) and my BMI will be 21. I have not found the ketosis sticks a helpful indication. I guess the more water you drink, the less likely are ketones to show. Good luck and keep going. This diet is worth it.
posted Oct 20th, 2008 4:15 amxx
jan taylor
+I started this diet mid May 2008 at just over 14 stone and size 16. Today I'm 10 1/2 stone ( a bit more to go) and a size 12. I've had planned breaks for holidays and managed to get straight back into it. It's not easy but if you are determined to lose weight this is soooo fantastic. Can't recommend highly enough. Good luck!
posted Oct 19th, 2008 2:36 pmdappymare
-I did this diet for 5 days and longer i did it, the worst i felt... All the products were way too sweet for me, and all chocolate orientated...maybe cambridge think all people who are over weight are chocolate addicts.Also had a useless counsellor who just wanted the money and fortnightly weigh ins are useless when not motivated. Have decided Weight Watchers is the best option, as might have slower weight loss but its only a lb a week less than what some people lose on cambridge, and won't have the worry of putting the weight on once I reach me target weight as can still go to meetings for free.
posted Oct 19th, 2008 1:18 pmGood luck to people that are doing this diet! But just think is fast weight loss worth the misery
Kels
+Hi crissie
posted Oct 19th, 2008 10:34 amI am on day seven today am now finding it easy. No what you meen about hungery in afternoon. Why not try holding of lunch untill about 2 oclock. Thats what i have been doing and finding it much better. Then i have dinner at 7 that keeps ok untill bed time. I have weigh in tommorrow really excited. Keep it up
Asif
+Hi, I am starting the diet tomorrow and I am really excited I feel ready to loose the weight!!! Its sounds as though lots of people are having success I hope i do as-well.
posted Oct 19th, 2008 9:52 amjane
+hi sarah - like you, i am a big girl with lots of weight to loose. I have been on this diet since the beginning of april this year, and have lost 4stone 8lbs (this includes 2 holidays all inclusive)!! so i am feeling pretty pleased with myself although i still have a long way to go. Is there anybody else reading this site who has also been on the cd for more than a few months, and is sticking to it long term as I am sure we would all love to hear from you. Bye for now.
posted Oct 19th, 2008 9:05 amruth
+Hi there all just to say well done all and keep it up, i am on day 6 and feeling really good as i weighed on friday and lost 12lld since tuesday i am really pleased. wont no exactly until weighin on tuesday so will you you no.Reading all your review helps me great through the day so thanks you all..
posted Oct 19th, 2008 7:02 ambridgeen
+have now lost 18 lbs and so pleased.
posted Oct 18th, 2008 5:27 pmAmy be very careful about the meal out don't driink any alcohol. I always have sparkling water also your counsellor may have suggested thay you stick to protein and green veg to avoid any disasters. I find even if i break it and avoid the (sweet) puddings the damage isn't too bad! Good luck.
Chrissie
+Nearly completed Day 5. Going well although I get very hungry in the afternoon
posted Oct 18th, 2008 2:33 pmamy
+i am on day 4 and finding it really easy sooo surprised as my food intake before was alot. hoping that i have lost a few pounds as would like to loose some for christmas have a social meal next week has any one had a day off?did it make a great difference to get back on track xx
posted Oct 18th, 2008 2:58 amMiniDee
+GREAT NEWS, Still on Day 5, I have FINALLY entered ketosis, feel a little dizzy and most importantly, no longer hungry. My consultant had just been and I have lost 8 lbs in 5 days!!! I only have a stone to go... I know I moaned, but this result so far is SOOO WORTH IT!!!
posted Oct 17th, 2008 3:03 pmChrissie
+Nearly completed Day 4. Feeling hungry today. Still keeping to the diet and not cheating. Tried the Cranberry Crunch Bar today and it was very nice.
posted Oct 17th, 2008 12:43 pmsue
+hi all started diet on 7.10.08 had 1st weigh in on 16.10.08 lost 3lbs only
posted Oct 17th, 2008 9:52 amLola
+Day 5 - I feel more energetic today. Although I normally walk to work, I decided to go for an aerobic class and it was fun! I weighed myself today and was pleased with the results but I will give you a low down on Monday as that is the actual weighing day. Have a good weekend all. :)
posted Oct 17th, 2008 8:44 amsarah
+Well I'm on day 3 of ss and actually feel like a want to die! But coming on to this site and reading everyone elses experiences and how motivated you all are is really getting me through!! All I can keep thinking is all this torture better be worth it! lol
posted Oct 17th, 2008 7:45 am