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Cambridge Diet

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 2025
What 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.

How Does Cambridge Diet Compare?
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(Page 43 of 59, 1175 total comments)

chubby_dimps

terrible weekend!! felt sooooooooooooooooo ill i cannot even begin to explain how unwell i felt!! so ended up falling off the wagon and had to eat some bread of all things! Was not wise i know!! Getting wieghed tonight and im terrified cos I know ive probably not lost any weight!! Am back on form this week though and feeling better, as at least now i know what to expect this week!1 DEBBIE I am suffering from the mood swings too!! which is partly why I ate last week! ! It is awful!! That is partly why I ate last week I was soo grumpy!! xx

posted Jun 9th, 2008 9:48 am

Jackie

(9/6/2008 - 10:50am) Hi DEBBIE - Its possible that your "snappy" mood comes from the food packs. I personally dont think I have been snappy, but I have read listings from others that confirm this as a possibility. Your body is going through a big change at the moment, it would be na�ve to think that there would be no side effects. Im sure given time this will go away. Once you start losing serious amounts of weight, you wont be able to do anything but smile! Im guessing your "Add a meal" week will be coming soon. This might be an opportunity to test your theory. Hope things brighten up for you! :)

posted Jun 9th, 2008 9:48 am

Debbie

Dear all, I have been doing the cambridge diet for few weeks now and my husband says that I am really snappy - he thinks its the cambridge diet. Does anyone else have this problem.

posted Jun 8th, 2008 4:41 pm

Jackie

(8/6/2008 6:30pm) - Hi All. I got weighed again today, 18lbs in 18 days! Something tells me it wont keep up at this speed, though I know it wont drop by much! DONNA - Yes it is hard when you start, but dont worry, it will get better! It will probably always be a struggle! But well worth it! I pay �31.50 per week for my sachets. �1.50 per pack. I dont think you will find it cheaper anywhere! TROOPERSUE - You've got me thinking about Chips now! Im so hungry! Got the bars today. Ive had half of the Peanut one, its okay, but I dont think I would get it again! Will have the other half later. Anyway, keep smiling everyone, we will all be fabulous in our Christmas Party outfits! (If not sooner in Bikini's!

posted Jun 8th, 2008 4:41 pm

DONNA

7/6/08 : Started on the soul source today. Felt fine this morning, but now I am absolutely starving!! Is this normal? It doesnt help cos I have 2 young kiddies to cook for, i found that pretty hard today. Its just the hunger pangs that are getting to me now, and the fear that it may not work. Also, how much do you pay for your sachets? Donna xxx

posted Jun 7th, 2008 10:27 pm

Troopersue

7/6/08 ... Has anyone come across the lakeland homepage ? www.lakeland.co.uk. Theyve got this low fat FRYER !!. can cook a mountain a chips for just 3% fat. Its priced at �149.99. I went into Comet to see if they had them cuz wanted to see what they were like in "real life". They had them too - same price. I liked the look of it but thought �149.99 was a bit steep for a fryer. So I came home and looked on the ever faithful eBay and lo and behold found a seller on there who has them for just �75. Couldnt resist, so have got one winging its merry way to me. I know I cant eat chips right now, but once ive lost a bit more it would be far more beneficial to use that for chips rather than a conventional fryer . Its either that or limit myself to that wonderful food to just once a month or so :(. I'll let you know how it goes, cuz family will sure get to try it out long before I will. Thats about all for now, just thought id tell you all that you CAN have slimline homemade chips :)

posted Jun 6th, 2008 9:37 pm

cheeky

hi guys ive been on the diet for 3 weeks lost 181bs and 16 inches so far! im just on the shakes now cuz have gone off the soups was making me feel sick. ive got a few stone to lose and iam determined to do this,it is very hard work not to give in to temptation to food. there has been moments when i have wanted a biscuit but just had to blank it out and think no you can do this! good luck to everyone!!!

posted Jun 6th, 2008 2:40 pm

leanne

hi people's.i started this diet yesterday on sole source.like jackie says your mouth gets so dry no matter how much u drink!i also get paranoid about bad breath.however u are allowed mouth sprays wooo!!!not been hungary yet!i have 3 months till my wedding day and need to loose at least 2.i hope this is do able in 3 months!good luck to everyone!!!!

posted Jun 6th, 2008 8:31 am

chubby_dimps

p.s. I think it gets easier as the days go by! so anyone that is struggerling keep going!! x

posted Jun 6th, 2008 8:31 am

chubby_dimps

Am on day 3, has been suprising how easy it has been to not drink cola and wine etc. I feel so much slimmer already my jeans are looser and i have lost another 2llbs today. So day three and that 6llbs in total!! See it does work!! I can see a massive change in my stomach already! I only have a stone and a half to lose so I think that is pretty good going! Last night I felt ill, so I had to have a glass of milk, this really did the trick and has obviously not affected my weight loss. So if anyone feels ill and is craving a loaf of bread and a banna!! then have a small glass of milk!! it made me feel so much better!! My boyf is complaining about my moods!! but i was feeling ill last night! So from now on i will just have a glass of milk when i feel ill which helped my mood too!! Bit worried about the weekend as its normally the time I would drink alcohol and stuff my face!! My boyf is being supportive though, and he is not drinking with me which is really really helpful. Am going to ring my councellor today and ask if i can change my soups to shakes, cos seriously, the Veg soup was terrible!! it has out me off the soups completly!! ha ha!! Has anyone else not liked the veg soups? but enjoyed the others? I have leek and potato and chicken and mushroom, but am to scared to try them after my experience with the veg soup was so rancid!! ha !! Also, my drinks taste a bit powdery, even after blending them for ages!! Anyone else get the dust in the back of their throat? Is there a way to get rid of this? xx

posted Jun 6th, 2008 8:31 am

dee

Hi Everyone. Had a set back. My dr has to sign my form for me to go on the sole source, and they won't sign it for me at the mo cos they say the diet is not important and she has lots of referrals to write, so my form will go to the bottom of the pile. I was a bit miffed to be honest. I am classed as morbidly obese. I am 5ft and i weigh in at a whopping 16 1/2 stone! BMI of 46! And, never in my entire life have I wanted to lose weight. I have a goal, and i WILL get there! Bloody doctors!

posted Jun 6th, 2008 8:31 am

Troopersue

(damm early friday morning).. JACKIE - yup you can have vitamins. If my skin starts turning orange ill know why ..lol. And heres another trick if you tend to wake up in the morning with a dry mouth. Suck a vitamin C just before going to sleep. MAGIC!!. Its just one more thing to add to my bedtime rituals. In bed, read a mag, smoke 2 ciggs whilst doing so - finish off with a coffee and NOW a vitamin c after the coffee. If you find you start to dribble all the time, I think thats a positive sign that youre sucking far too many Vit C's. LMAO !! ... Right, I simply must get to bed now its 3.40am. (gathers up ciggies, mags,coffee and vit c tablets :>) )

posted Jun 6th, 2008 8:31 am

shir

I started the cd about six weeks ago and didn't feel well supported by my councellor so only managed five days before giving up. I now back on the plan and have been for the past five days under the guidance of a new councellor. I am feeling positive and have already found that my confidence is increasing, I attened a meeting today at work and schocked myself at how much I had to input, I usually try to blend into the wallpaper, I have to carry on there not much chioce really as not to do so will mean that my confidence will dip again and I cant afford for that to happen again. I have loved reading everyones experience and I know that your comments will take me through the hards times, my hope is that every one find the inner strength that is needed to complete the diet.

posted Jun 5th, 2008 7:00 pm

Fi

Hi, I've just started CD and now on day 4 doing the ss. Feeling ok had a mild headache day 2 but felt energized day 3. I've lost 5lbs so far hoping to lose 5-6 stone in all. I'm going away for a long holiday in the summer so I want to lose at least 2 stone by then. I've tried so many diets before and failed so I'm hoping this will work for me, so far so good. This is a great site and the comments are really helpful. x

posted Jun 5th, 2008 1:19 pm

chubby_dimps

Keep going Jackie!! Look beyond your day and remember tomo you will be so thank full you stuck at it!! Good luck Caz, first day is hardest if my 2nd day is anything to go by!! x

posted Jun 5th, 2008 1:19 pm

Caz

Hi everybody. Just wanted to say hello and say how fantastic everyone has done, Amazing results!! I just started today very excited . I am doing ss plus so mixed two shakes together and serves with ice in a large wine glass. Will keep you updated. Here to a slim and happy me

posted Jun 5th, 2008 10:25 am

Jackie

(5/6/08 11:30) Hi All! Im not having an amazing day today. Diet wise im fine, but all other work stuff is getting me down! TROOPERSUE reading your last listing made me smile, so thank you! Are chewable vitamins allowed? And what are slimshots? Im on sole source at the moment, so don't know what other councellors tell their people! The problem with feeling down, is that I want to eat! But I know if I eat I will just feel worse. I feel a little lost =( but will hopefully cheer up soon. Keep writing guys, you help in more ways than you know! Jackie

posted Jun 5th, 2008 10:25 am

chubby_dimps

Hi am on second day, first day was def tougher than today! the shakes were really nice and almost filling!! I had veg soup for tea last night which made me feel really sick!!! it was disgusting!! could not stop thinking about it after wards it was so disgusting!! Will try to stay away from the veg soup from now on! Had a slight headache all day and felt a bit light headed!! But today feel tons better! Lost 4llbs in first day!! great!! hope it carries on!! I just had a look at those slimshot.co.uk, do you think they really work?x

posted Jun 5th, 2008 10:25 am

Troopersue

(Thurs 5th June 2008) - Have just been reading through your most recent reviews. JACKIE - the dry mouth thing ~ Do you have an asda close to you ? They do a "chewable Vitamin C". Its an orange tub and you get 2 tubs for �4 at the moment. Make sure its the high strength ones (500mg) and suck on one of those when your mouth feels dry. Works wonders. I think I must have about 10 a day ..lol. I know it gives me a mega dose of vit c but hey, when all around me are suffering with colds, ive remained totally cold free - bonus!!. Is your coated too ? mine is. And no matter how often I use a tongue scraper within a few hours its all back again. I thought perhaps it was the medication im on mixed with diet thats having the effect, but dont know for sure. But with the vit c its bearable. Had my weight in on Monday and have lost another 2lb. Was 13st 11lb, now 11st 5lb. Cant wait for that 3st mark. Will celebrate big time. I may even have TWO vitamins at once - woohoo!! As for what our individual counsellors do - mine weights me every monday. She takes photo's and measurements every 7lb loss. Its amazing to see the difference in the way I look now back to when I first started. I tried 200grms of carbs (boiled potatoes) last week, didnt like the feel of them on my teeth. Yuk. So now ive been having 2 very small rounds of toasted bread with my salad and feel a lot better. I think its cuz it helps with the constipation and therefore helps the weightloss. Has anyone tried the Slimshot drinks yet ? a fizzy drink you have 3 times a day that speeds up metabolism. I personally cannot take them due to taking thyroxine. But for someone who doesnt they look a great idea. www.slimshot.co.uk. Can buy it in larger supermarkets (tesco, superdrug etc) or online from their website. Perhaps youll let me know if youve tried it, id be interested to know :>) Keep up the good work everyone, catch ya soon xx

posted Jun 4th, 2008 9:01 pm

gaya1610

It was wishful thinking to say I had lost 2 stone 2 lbs on day eight!!!!! i meant 1 stone!!! I feel great, so motavated and feel so well the best i have felt in years, cant wait to lose the weight to see how good I feel then!!!!!

posted Jun 4th, 2008 9:01 pm


 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND 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?

PROPRO
  • Cambridge Diet contains all the essential nutrients
  • Has a proven success rate
  • Safe for diabetics and those with high blood pressure
CONCON
  • 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 NUTRITIONDIET 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.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

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.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

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 MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

cambrdge Diet, cambradge diet, cambridge deit, camebridge diet, cambridge liquid diet, cambridgediet.com

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