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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 34 of 59, 1175 total comments)Carrie
Hi SUZ I have too heard that Cambridge is much tastier than lighter life! I've also in general, heard a lot more genuine success stories from Cambridge, people do actually keep the weight off it seems x
posted Jul 14th, 2008 9:49 amJackie
(14/7/2008 - 10:30am) Hi SUZ - There are a variety of options for the Cambridge diet. One of them is Sole Source - this is food packs only, there are also other options such as adding one meal, or two meals etc. I believe this is on a calorie count basis. I think it is very much a case of what suits you! Speak with a counsellor! Hope that answers your question! x
posted Jul 14th, 2008 9:49 amEmma
Hi everyone: Hope all of you are ok? I am fine, i just wanted to tell everyone (as i am sure they remember that i was very unhappy with my counsellor) i have now found another one and i am due to see her on Wednesday evening; she will be coming to my home address on a WEEKLY basis and even though i haven't seen her yet, just spoken to her on the phone, i feel so much more motivated! To have weekly support (and she is even �3 cheaper than my old one!) WOW, will be great for me, i am the sort of person that needs to be disciplined, and motivated so i am really looking forward to meeting her, not having so many blips and to get to goal. Hope all of you are doing mighty fine, and you all sound so focused and determined. xxxxx
posted Jul 14th, 2008 9:49 amJackie
13/7/2008 - 19:15pm) Hi SUZ - I feel can answer this one as I have done both! With LighterLife, you do receive the group support, and the Therapy that TROOPERSUE mentioned. HOWEVER I personally didnt find it up to much. Im still in touch with 2 of the women I did lighterlife with, and ALL of us have put ALL of our weight back on - I'm not sure that says much for the "therapy." To be honest, I find this board more helpful than anything I learned at Lighterlife. I know that it is my fault that I put the weight back on, but it wasnt just me that gained again! Which tells me that the Therapy is NOT worth the extra money. Lighterlife was �66 per week when I did it, and I believe (please anyone correct me if I am wrong) that it is now �88. Now in todays financial climate - can you afford that?! Cambridge includes one on one time with your counsellor, this FANTASTIC listing board (which is soon to be improved!) and all for more than half the price of Lighterlife! PLUS Cambridge packs are SOOOO much tastier than LL packs. So, SUZ with all of that, I would definitely recommend you try Cambridge first. Yes both diets work fantastically when you stick to them, but when you introduce food back in, the only difference is the price! Hope that helps! Jackie x
posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pmsuz
Hi troopersue, thank you so much for your advice. I too am unsure whether or not the lighterlife plan warrents �66 per week. I am a single parent and although if it works it would be well worth it, i still could find better things to spend the extra money on...especially if there is not much difference between the 2. I do have another Q... with the cambridge diet is it a complete food replacement or do you still need to eat a healthy meal or do you have a choice? What would you advise? I am worried that if i am on soups n shakes during the day and then meant to cook a meal for dinner, will i be starving and go mad and eat the whole house lol.... Have you been successful doing the cambridge diet? Thanks again suz
posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pmsuz
ha just re-read your email.... i find it hillarious that someone wants to tell me why i am fat, like you i have a full understanding why, i just dont want to be anymore. Does the THERAPY help with the cambrudge diet? Thanks
posted Jul 13th, 2008 7:22 pmTroopersue
13/07/08 - 1.05am. SUZ, From my understanding both Lighterlife and Cambridge Diet products are manufactured by the same company, But different flavours are dispatched to each one. The main difference is that with Lighterlife you recieve Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Its done within a group environment and should help you keep the weight off with a better understanding as to why you put it on in the first place. The Cambridge Diet is more often than not done on a one-to-one basis. You and the consultant. I believe a lighterlife session lasts something like 2 hours whereas cambridge seems to be between 15-30mins. Price is another factor that most people have to consider also. Lighterlife - �66 per week approx. Cambridge - �34 - �35 per week approx. Personally I chose the Cambridge diet as I couldnt warrant an extra �30+ for someone to tell me why im fat. I KNOW why im fat - I eat too much ..lol. But everyone has a personal choice. Both are very good and you will lose lots of weight faster and healthier than with any other diet ive ever come across. I think the "average" weight loss is approx 1st a month on both. I went for the Cambridge diet but its entirely your personal choice Suz. Anyways lots and lots of luck with whichever one you decide to do - and do pop back and keep us updated :) Sue x
posted Jul 13th, 2008 9:09 amsuz
Hi everyone.... i need some advice... ok i am in desperate need to loose weight... need to loose bout 5 stone - wow. Anyways, i am debating between the lighter life or the cambridge diet...... wot would you guys recommend???? i need to get started asap, as i have a 9 month old who belive it or not is not far off walking and i really really dont wanna restrict her because im too tired - so any comments or advice will be so helpful and appreciated. I am due to see a lighterlife consultant on monday and still to arrange to see a cambridge consultant - help???? thanks!
posted Jul 12th, 2008 6:15 pmTroopersue
12/07/08 - 10.15pm. CARRIE, yes im still about. Thanks for asking, I have been reading everyones posts but by the time I scroll to the bottom, its bedtime LOL. (theres a teeny weeny hint there Brandi). Someone asked if anyone had lost 3 stone - I have. I would have lost it a lot quicker if I didnt have such a hatred for water im sure. It's taken me 17 weeks in total, if that's any help. LISA - I do still have the pain in my right thigh but I think it must be improving very very slowly. Before the diet I was having to use a TENS machine (with 8 pads) on my leg and back every afternoon and evening. Walking up the stairs to the loo with it on wasnt a big problem ~ but its no easy feat trying to get ya knickers down with 8 wires running in and out of ya knicker leg, I can tell you ..LOL. I havent now had to use it since about 4 weeks into the diet. But I still cannot walk far without a lot of pain or stand for any length of time cuz it still hurts a lot. Ive been told that for every 1lb of body weight you lose it takes 2lb of pressure off your spine. So ive taken 42lb of body weight off = 84lb pressure off my spine and the pain is still there !!. Perhaps it will be better when I weigh 3st eh? lol. If anyone has any tips on how I can get this 2 litres of water down my neck religiously each day id very much appreciate your ideas.- Sue x
posted Jul 12th, 2008 6:15 pmCoza
12/7/08 Stuck to sole source for just over 2 weeks everything was going so well some how i have lost the plot started eating, still trying to be careful but feel a little dissapointed with myslf. I must get back on track and have promised myself i will be focused and back on course tomorow, i so want to be slimmer for christmas need lots of inspiriation:- (
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmjane
hi eve 64 - Thanks for replying. I am going self catering to mallorca for 2 weeks with family and friends. I was on hol about 5 weeks ago - all includive - and although i stuck to eating salads and fish, and a small amount of bread and potatoes, i still put on 12lbs (mind you, i lost exactly 12lb the week i came back). I just think with the added alcohol, and the odd ice-cream thrown in - it all added up. This is why i am thinking of taking cd on hol with me for b/fast and lunch, and then eating out on the night - i think i will still probably put on weight - but hopefully not as much. I feel wonderful with what i have achieved so far - i could even do the seat belt up on the plane when i went in may! and i dont want to undo my good work so far. I will have to follow your lead though and do lots of walking and swimming. Bye for now x.
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmSibelle
Hi All, I'm going to start the diet on Monday and was just wandering whether anyone thinks it is a bad idea to start it while I have a cold and sore throat? Has anyone noticed whether the diet lowers your immune system? (I get a horrible recurring cold/sore throat and am hoping the diet wont make it worse.) I did the diet before a few years ago and found that it was surprisingly easy because I never had to think about what to eat! I lost about 20lb last time but regained it because I went back to my bad eating habits. This time I feel much more motivated and am determined to go all the way and lose nearly 4st and to keep it off. I have been overweight since I was a child and have never know what it is like to be slim so really want to get there. This forum is great, it's so good to see how everyone else is doing - I feel like we're all in it together!
posted Jul 12th, 2008 2:36 pmlyn
yipee i lost anouther 3lb thats 15lb in just 3 weeks!
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmeve64
Hi jane- i didnt drink much alcohol on hol had the odd sangria,ate a lot of omeletes with salad but also had pizza,s and went to a chinese buffet a couple of times, i was self catering so i had cereal and yoghurt 4 breakfast,crackers,salad,crisps,etc for lunch( tried to avoid them but i love crisps)must say though i did a lot of swimming and walking,and my appetite has reduced since being on CD,i love not having the bloated feeling,and when i felt full whilst eating on holiday i stopped as did not want the bloatedness to come back.Even my counseller was shocked at me losing weight,i did not want to take the CD on hol with me and was glad i didnt.RU going self catering or All Inc as u can still control what u eat and have a good hol without thinking about the scales.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmJackie
Hi All - Just wanted to say Im still here - just mega busy! But still finding time to read this page! Hope everyone is doing well! x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmTracey
Hi All, on day 19 and lost 20lbs and 11 inches so I'm really pleased!! Clothes so much more comfortable. Got about another 2 stone but will stop when I'm comfortable. Well done to everyone you all seem to be doing fantastic!! EVE 64 WOW losing 1lbs on holiday I'm the same as Jane how did you do it? Good luck to all the new people starting and to everyone else keep up the good weight loses!! Bye for now x.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmlyn
Hi its my third weigh in tonight so wish me luck, ive had some ham to eat a couple of times so i hope i still have a good loss let you know later.x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmannon
i am currently on this diet and i have lost 9 pounds in a week, however i feel light headed and hungry alot of the time. you have to have power to do this i feel x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmcarrie
hi everyone, LOONIESAMMIE it really does get easier, everyday, so keep going!! The diet is tough, I think its hard just cos its a real change of lifestyle. TROOPERSUE and EMMA are you still around? how are you getting on? I have 9llbs to go to target wieght and staying strong! I got a goal insight though so i think that really helps x
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmkaren
Hi I have now been on CD for just over two weeks. Lost 8lb first week and 4.5lb the second. Haven't felt tired, had mood swings (other than the usual ones!) and no headaches either, I must be lucky? Biggest problem is fighting the urge to eat - it's much more of a habit than anything else. Still, not given in yet and if I can do it anyone can - I am the biggest chocaholic there is! Taking away any decisions about food and what you can and can't eat make it easy for me.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pm