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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
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- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
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- 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 24 of 59, 1175 total comments)Tina Burgess
+I have been on this diet for just under two weeks and have lost 1 stone and 4lbs already! Although it's tough not eating proper food, by seeing the results I am achieving, I know I will stick to it. I am also determined not to ever put the weight all back on again and know that this will only happen if I go back to abusing the wrong foods like I used to.
posted Oct 6th, 2008 10:09 amSasha
+It worked for me I have lost 60 lbs in less than a year. Downside I may have to at least keep including the diet in my life for a life time. Once I go back to regular healthy eating I have the potential of gaining weight.
posted Oct 5th, 2008 2:16 pmIlovegreens32
-I wasn't learning along the way and if I didn't have the information in front of me I was lost and easily fell off.
posted Oct 4th, 2008 5:51 pmamypie4
+This diet is very strict but to get results that is the best type of diet to follow. I lost 7 pounds in my first week. Is anyone seeing this success as well? I'll post again once I finish week 2
posted Oct 4th, 2008 5:44 pmmags
I started 2 weeks ago and have lost 10lbs so far. Really feel the difference in my clothes, and today was able to fit into a pair of jeans I havent worn for some time. I can really see the inches coming off. It is fab, and really motivating. Keep up the good work everyone!
posted Oct 1st, 2008 10:38 amjackie68
hi guys, i am back off my hol and had a fab time it was for my 40th and booked it last year so didnt no then that i wud be on cd so decided not to take shakes away with me and just enjoy my hol (u dont turn 40 everyday lol) anyway i put 7lb on but 2 be honest quite pleased thort i wud of put so much more than that on, seein my councillor on monday 6th oct to start again i am goin straight bak on ss and i cant wait i luv the results on this diet and i really enjoy the shakes i lost 27lb in 6 weeks so i am ready 2 get started again, so good luck every1 and keep up the good work as the results r well worth it bye 4 now xxxxx p.s HADEY22: it quite poss for u 2 lose 3 stone by xmas depends wot plan u r on i lost nearly 2 stone in 6 weeks and was on ss but even if u dont lose that much just think how better u will feel if u lost 2 stone i no i cud feel a big difference with little things like bendin over 2 reach sumthin off the floor or puttin socks on my feet i was 17stone 10lbs wen i started and i still need 2 lose at least 5 stone just go for it and goodluck xxxx
posted Oct 1st, 2008 10:38 amChan
Hi everyone i have started the cambridge diet on 29.9.08 First day was fine, so was second, i have experienced some slight dizzy spells but nothing major to quit over. Day 2 I woke up nice and early and felt light and energised I am completely focussed on completing this diet but reading ALL the comments above which I havent donw (lol theres too much) really helps THANKS!
posted Oct 1st, 2008 12:18 amKAP
Hi All' Started the this diet a wk ago and had my first weighting yesterday. I have lost 10lb. I am doing the SS+a meal. I intend to lose 6st. This diet trully really works. I am glad i am doing it. didnt not have the headache etc as others.
posted Sep 30th, 2008 9:20 amemzymce
had my first weigh in yesterday and lost 8lbs plus 2 inches of y waist which im really chuffed about. now on week 2 and feeling ok, still have some cravings but i can handle it. 2nd weigh in next monday. wish me luck and also well done to all the weight losses everyone has achieved xxxx
posted Sep 30th, 2008 9:20 amLoopylau
Hi All, had 3rd way in last night and lost 1 lb! I am v. pleased with that as i have been so so so naughty over the wk! So will now have to stick to it big time this week! So in 3 wks i have now lost 1 stone and 5 lbs! Pleased about that for sure! Well done to everyone, and love reading all ya comments! Keep up the good work all! Will update u again next Monday on 4th weigh in! ;) xxx
posted Sep 30th, 2008 9:20 ambridgeen
have completed the first week Great feeling of success with 11lbs lost. Now to keep on the straight and narrow for another week:) Good luck to all
posted Sep 29th, 2008 8:40 ambridgeen
Have had a good week and lost 11lbs
posted Sep 29th, 2008 8:40 amLorigilleece
Hi all I've been on SS for nearly 4 weeks and have lost 25 pound so far. I have to do SS+add a meal now because of the amount of exercise i do. I haven't cheated and have never been tempted but I do miss going out for a drink...Can a Vodka and diet coke hurt that much??? has anyone had a drink and still lost/stayed in ketosis???? Well done all it's hard work but worth it!!!
posted Sep 29th, 2008 8:40 amSurfhunny
Hi everyone, I haven't been on here for a while so this is just a quick update. I'm 6 and a half weeks into this and I'm finding it easy now. At first it seemed like a life sentence, but I'm loving seeing the results. So far I've lost 23lbs and that's including the 3lbs I lost after a 2 week holiday in Florida. I must admit that for the last 4 days of the holiday Sole Source went out the window, but I'm so proud of my achievement so far. I know that this diet is going to take me to my tagret weight in time for Christmas and that is the most amazing feeling in the world. Keep up the good work everyone!! xxx
posted Sep 28th, 2008 9:51 amscw
I am back; went on my hols and put on 5lb. have struggled getting back into it and have been eating every day but I am start again and feel 100% ready for it. I need to loose 2.5st by Xmas. I hear the Strawberry Tetra packs are really nice. Weigh in on Thursday so I will let you now how I get on.
posted Sep 28th, 2008 9:51 ambridgeen
I have been reading the comments and they are soooooo inspiring. I keep starting and stopping but have now settled down to SS. I am on day 4 and have been very good(for me) I know I can do it just need support from others in the same boat.I have my weigh in over the week end.
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amemzymce
hi all, on day 3 now.. was on the soups but they made me actually sick by the end of the 2nd day so went to my councilors house today and swapped them for the shakes which i find more easier to keep down and also had a tiny peek on the scales today to see if it actually works and ive lost 4lbs !! could not believe it, its only been 3 days!!! so i know now that its definatly worth it :) il keep you all posted on my progress xx
posted Sep 25th, 2008 9:06 amGemma
Thanks for recipe LisaW, will be trying that tomorrow. I lost another 3 lbs this week, and thats with the evening meal so well pleased. Keep up the good work to you all x
posted Sep 24th, 2008 8:45 amLoopylau
Hi Guys, Just a quick update for u all, i had my 2nd weigh in last night and have lost 18lbs in all! Think thats amazing for 2 weeks on the C/D! I have also been very naughty this week with chinese and indian takeaways, chips and curry sauce, vodka and coke and still managed to lose 4 lbs! So So happy, aiming to lose the remining lbs to make up 2 stone loss in 3 weeks! I know its possible, so i will stay away from takeaways and other tempations & really stick to it this wk! Wish me luck all! Will update again next wk! Just want to say keep going all, its well worth it and once the first wk or so is over, it does get easier! Promise! I wouldnt recomment chips and curry sauce... but a treat a wk is defo somthing to look forward too isnt it!!!! take care all! xxxx
posted Sep 23rd, 2008 9:14 amcheeky
hi guys hows eveyone doing hope your all having a good week. i lost 1lb on sat. im now doing the 1200kals and its very interesting some nice food and a bit more for lunch and it is something different and still have 2 cambridge a day just feel like im eating too much! just feel my wt loss has gone a bit slow still determined to shift the last few stone hope you all have a good week xx
posted Sep 23rd, 2008 9:14 am