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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 22 of 59, 1175 total comments)MInidee
+I am on day 5, I get weighed tonight. As my BMI maybe be below 25, I would go up to the next stage. I checked for ketones everyday and I think I am seeing things, as there is no change (I must be the one person on this diet who was destined to starve and never reach ketosis!) I am staying strong, but I feel so disillusioned by the hunger. Any tips? I drink 3-4.5 ltrs a day and I have 2 cups of black coffee. My consultant is going to bring her sticks along tonight (so I am hoping that my sticks are faulty). Thank you all for your inspirational stories, they really keep me going!
posted Oct 17th, 2008 7:01 amemily
+hi all i am on day 2 ss cd, i love reading all the reviews it is so motivating and inspiring!! cant wait to start see results.
posted Oct 16th, 2008 3:40 pmChrissie
+Completed Day 2. This was quite a bad day for me. I felt very tired all day, got a headache and felt like I had no energy.
posted Oct 16th, 2008 3:24 pmJust completed Day 3 and feeling much better. Hopefully I have only had to endure one bad day (fingers crossed).
Still keeping to the diet and not cheated. Tried the Butterscotch and found it quite pleasant. The Banana is quite nice too. Chocolate is always nice !
Bridgeen
+At last I have tried the porridge. It is everything it is cracked up to be. If I am not carefulI will eat them 3 times a day:)
posted Oct 16th, 2008 12:36 pmKels
+Hi day 4 today feel really good full of energy
posted Oct 16th, 2008 11:15 amThe key to this diet is the more water you drink the better you feel. Way in on Monday looking forward to it as my clothes starting to feel losser already
Lola
+Day 4 and I am still on it! The first three days were a bit tough as your body craves all sorts. It is amazing how you can master not eating when everyone else is. To be honest I am praying for strength to get through each day and it is working. All the best to everyone.
posted Oct 16th, 2008 9:34 amruth
+Hi there just started cd on my second day, had a really bad headache today just can't shift it. got my first way in on tuesday so fingers crossed. I have a bout 5 stone to loose..I hope i feel better tomorrow i,m really tired today aswell..will let you no how i do on my weighin....
posted Oct 15th, 2008 3:48 pmSarah
+I started this diet in January this year. In my first 2 weeks I lost just over 1 stone. I was so impressed! I'm a big girl and need to loose a lot to get to my goal weight. I found in the past that diets like Weightwatchers, although affective, just didn't cheer me up. I lost the same amount of weight in over a year with WW.
posted Oct 15th, 2008 8:04 amAdmittedley CD is a very hard diet to follow if you love your food like me. I stopped the diet 2 months a go (and ate like a horse) but only put on 1 stone of the 2 and half I'd lost.
Now I'm back on it again and this time will stick to it until I reach my goal weight.
Good luck to all those who are starting out. Don't do what I did and give up...stick with it! It really works, and if you exercise you'll be like posh spice in no time!! lol
Minidee
+I wanted to lose this last 20 lbs of baby weight quickly. Lost 30 lbs already. As I am of Asian descent, I have a strong likelyhood of getting Type 2 diabetes (had gestational daibetes twice), I need to be very slim. I am on day 3 of the diet, and I have lost 6 lbs so far. I am entering ketosis as I actually don't feel hungry anymore, I was ravenous on the first 2 days. I am using ketostix and there was a slight change in colour. Hopefully by the end of the day, there will an obvious change.
posted Oct 15th, 2008 7:30 amJulie
+I have tried it many times and I always fail. While drinking it and not eating any foods, I felt like i am in hell. I could not concentrate on doing anything because i kept thinking about FOODS. I know that I have to win myself, but the feeling of floating and upsetting stomach are my big excuse. Does anyone know how to go over this?
posted Oct 15th, 2008 4:59 amI have read many comments over here and I am really surprised of how you guys are doing it. I am motivated now and I will start doing it again soon....Thanks...
weezielou
+Ive been on the cambridge diet now for one week, had my first weigh in last nite i lost 9lbs. it was a hard first week but really worth it. today i feel fine and full of energy my house has never been so clean!!
posted Oct 15th, 2008 4:41 amChrissie
+Well I have just finished day 1. So far so good. Tried the Porridge for breakfast. I found it tasted too salty. Tried Cappuccino for lunch. It was nice but a bit sweet. Tried the Chocolate for tea, that was nice so will be having lots of them. And for my evening meal I tried Mushroom Soup. It tastes just like a cuppa soup so I will be having more of them as well.
posted Oct 14th, 2008 4:17 pmIm feeling quite thirsty throughout the day so it makes me drink plenty of water.
Next step - Day 2
Jeannie
+I have enjoyed reading your reviews, I think you all amazing and I would like to try this diet, but are you more likely to gain weight after reaching goal because it is so radical? Jeannie
posted Oct 14th, 2008 3:53 pmkels
+day 2 felt a bit hungerey at lunch time try to hold out the lunch time shake untill 2 oclock then dinner at 7. so far so good.
posted Oct 14th, 2008 11:08 ami have noticed the more water you drink the better you feel.
good luck everyone x
karen
+I've lost 16.5 pounds in four weeks
posted Oct 14th, 2008 10:44 amIts a tough diet but once you have your head around it the losses are fantastic. Only a stone left to go until BMI 25
Charley
+I am on day 2 of SS + meal and so far so good! Reading all your reviews has been really insirational and im now even more motivated to stick with the diet. I am actually surprised how full the shakes make you. Im drinking green tea as well as water which probabaly helps. Cant wait for my first weigh in next Monday
posted Oct 14th, 2008 8:55 amKeep up the good work C x
angela
-well yes its a good diet if you want a quick fix. i know because i have been on it....i lost TWO stone...GREAT....or is it?
posted Oct 14th, 2008 8:35 amI finished the diet in february and by may i had put on THREE stone, ONE stone more than i started with and all this was by eating as healthy as i could....now i cant shift it at all!
Everyone has their own opinions and reviews on the cambridge diet good and bad...this is mine and i say i lost waight fast and put it on again(and more) even faster.
Chrissie
+I am starting Sole Source Plus tomorrow for the first time. I am looking forward to it. Cant wait to start loosing weight. I will check in again after my first week
posted Oct 13th, 2008 4:32 pmSuzanne Windsor
+Love it, have been on it for 12 weeks lost 46 pounds and went on cruise for 10 days in between. People are shocked when they see me and have not seen me recently. I feel great- can wear lovely clothes. No amount of cakes, chocolates or chips can make me feel as good as I do now. 9 pounds to go - all diets are hard - this was is hard but gives you such quick results that you are spurred on everyday.
posted Oct 13th, 2008 10:56 amEverybody at work is now on it, I am becoming a councillor soon. Just take it a day at a time. Food does not now rule my life - I think of others things.
cordy
+Hi , i have just started the diet today ...felt like i was gonna be sick this morning when i first had shake ..but then i got used to it ..it was ok !does this diet really work ? i have tried so many things ..i don t have massies to loose ..about 2 stone and want to know if it comes off as quickly if your not in the obese catorgary ! Can anyone help ??
posted Oct 13th, 2008 10:56 am