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Home 
Diets
Calorie Counting
How Does
Cambridge Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
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 51 of 59, 1175 total comments)rach
Thanx Kelly, im glad im not the only one!!! Its not that im hungry but sometimes i really fancy what other people are eating so im not even gonna try it, once u start eating its very hard to stop!!!
posted Apr 12th, 2008 11:05 amTopsie
Hi Guys, I have been reading everyones comments for 2 weeks, Well done everyone!! I started just over 2 weeks ago I have 6 stone to loose and have lost 1 stone already! I cheated for 2 days when I went on a Cruise for work (which I have to do quite often) I'm 22 and find it so hard to socialise with my friends as we go out for meals and I have nights on the town (not so much fun when drinking water!!) I really want to loose weight but my partner AND my work friends have said I'm moody and "not all there" I know I'm finding it hard but haven't really noticed this side effect!!! Has anyone else had this or am I just a moody mare!!? Tx
posted Apr 12th, 2008 11:05 amchristine
11/4/08 hi, i started cd today had cappochino for breakfast banana shake for dinner and I feel really sick , didnt like any of them. I am praying I like the soup later coz I really dont want to give up. Anyone else not like the drinks ?
posted Apr 11th, 2008 3:19 pmKelly
DAWN - i have had so many people comment to me about losing the weight so fast and telling me i will put it all back on, if there not telling me i'll put it on then they tell me how unhealthy it is or i get comments like its just like slim fast! ARGHHH RACH - dont worry about the bad days im sure there isnt one person who is perfect, just remember what your goal is and keep that in sight, i had a weak moment this week and ate a piece of chicken and felt terrible! so i wont be doing it again but hey! ive got 9 weeks till my holidays and i want to lose as much as i can, ive already started to lose my clothes!
posted Apr 11th, 2008 3:19 pmrach
had 2 very bad days but im now back on track, no more of that and im not gonna weigh myself for a few days so i wont be too disappointed!!! Going to Dubai in June and i want to lose 5 stone before i go!!!!
posted Apr 11th, 2008 8:38 amdawn
wk 6 weigh in lost another 5lb that makes it 2stone 2lb in total i'm freezin aswell but hey summers coming!!! good luck everyone,and aviod people who's reaction is "losing weight that fast you'll put it all back on again".we dont need negative people around us!!
posted Apr 10th, 2008 5:52 pmLucy
Hi again, day 2, feel good :)GEN - Honeymoon is Miami & Florida, so no pressure to look good there....MUCH!!!! I'm prefering the shakes at the moment, I had the chicken & mushroom & Leek & potato soups yesterday & wasn't keen on either :( Am having the spicy tomato later today...How's ur constipation?? ( lol )
posted Apr 10th, 2008 7:29 amGen
9/4/08 Day 5 for me...don't like the shakes but the spicy tomato soups ok! Ive just been watching tv about the 64 stone woman having a gastric bypass..scarey! Had to get some fibogel today...very constipated. Does this happen to everyone? Hey Lucy..keep going, you'll get there! Where's the honeymoon..get your bikini ready!
posted Apr 9th, 2008 9:34 pmLucy
09/04/08 Hi everyone :) Well done to you all, this site is so inspiring!! I'm on day 1 & after reading all your comments I feel really up for it!! I lost 1 & half stone on my own (healthy eating & excersise) recently then come to a stand still, I got so deflated & no more weight would come off so I started picking & going back to my old habits...I was so angry with myself for doing that so now I've joined CD after hearing/seeing great results from other people who'd used it - I get married July & thats my main insentive, I have a further 2 stone to lose to fit into the wedding dress I've bought & paid for thats 3 sizes too small!!!!!! I've lost one of those sizes but still have 2 to go with only just over 3 months to my wedding. Would love to hear back from anyone....
posted Apr 9th, 2008 7:08 amGZZZ
Hi everyone just an update if anyone is interested on the SS Day 1 - feeling great Day2 - still ok taking on plenty of fluids Day 3 - feel ok went to gym Day 4 - starting to get hunger pains went to gym(mistake as was knackered afterwards) Day 5 - felt ok during day felt crap at night close to giving up........ Day 6 - felt lot better today and sooooo glad i didn't give up.... lost 8lbs to date well pleased. Day 7 - TBC (09/04/08)
posted Apr 8th, 2008 9:34 amMags;o)
I am now on day 5 and down to 810 cals, having problem with flatulance (windy tummy) has anyone else, finding it embarassing, worse at the end of day?
posted Apr 7th, 2008 8:09 pmGen
Hi, only found this site tonight. Its very encouraging reading all your messages. I've got loads to lose, over 10st and only started Fri. My first weigh in is next fri and i'm really worried in case i havent lost.
posted Apr 7th, 2008 8:09 pmscw
Hi Kelly; well done, I find my periods effect my weigh inn the week b4 I actualy start, I either stay the same or only a 1lb loss, it corrects itself the follwoing week though. Lizzy, thats great, I am affraid to add a meal until I have lost another 2 stone, because I think once I start I wont stop, my counsellor keeps asking me to complete a full week of add a meal to kick start my system (trick it), I have been on the plan for apx 9 weeks and have lost 1st 11lb and 18 inches, I ave been told that if I keep loosing 2 to 3lb a week I will have more chance of keeping the weight off. Maria is it better to stay in ketosis? I go to the gym once a week but only do a steady workout, Good luck to you all
posted Apr 7th, 2008 12:38 pmKelly
i weighed in saturday and lost 8lbs and 9 inches in total, i am really pleased, i am late for my period so i am wondering wether the weight loss may have been better because i am due. keep up the good work everyone! good luck
posted Apr 7th, 2008 9:39 amAndy
I think to hello kick start a diet this is good, however loosing weight quickly is nt good for you especially if you are obese. You will find if you lost 8 stone on this diet quickly you would most likely need surgery to remove the excess skin. Loose 2lbs a week and you will find you have more chance of keeping the weight off, its about a life style change not a diet. If you do this diet and go back to Big Macs and take aways you will put the weight back on twice as quick and more. Look at the reasons you are over eating and face up to them, exercise is crutial to weight loss. You feel crap on this diet because your body is not getting enough to sustain energy, you are starving your body of carbs which it needs to function, when you do start eating carbs they are stored as the body is in famine mode. DOnt see this diet as a quick fix, use it as a quick start or it you only have a few punds to loose. Eating healthily is simple and more cost effective.
posted Apr 7th, 2008 9:39 amLizzy
Thanks for your encouraging messages! Well my weekend was tough - decided to add a meal saturday night as I felt really drained and sick- had salad and cottage cheese, did the same last night and feel great today - lots more energy. i weighed myself and have lost 8lbs in 4 days so really chuffed! I'm going to continue to add a meal...I have also added a drop of skimmed milk to my coffee of the weekend...I feel human again today and its fab!! x
posted Apr 7th, 2008 9:39 amKate
Thanks Evelyn that is really helpful - as I am having 'shows' for about a week and then my period starts - usually lasts for 5 days - but I do not need to take any painkillers anymore unheard of before CD - councellor puts it down to only a stone to lose and have lost 2 stone in 8 weeks so body in a bit of shock (so am I !!!!). When I have been unable to move bowels I have just taken 1 senokot tablet - they are natural - at night and normal pattern resumed in morning and you don't keep going as with laxatives (not that I have taken any - don't go down that route) - TROOPERSUE - Occasionally I have been cold all day and done same as you hot water bottles, drink hot water to warm you up, I also went to bed early as was tired which makes you cold as well. Also I sprinkle ground cinnamon spice into my shakes - two reasons - it is a warming spice and is also an appetite suppressant. Good luck all other guys out there we are all doing well and I keep reading this site for inspiration, tips and to KEEP GOING !!!!!
posted Apr 6th, 2008 9:13 pmrachel said
have lost a stone in 2 weeks, so feeling really pleased with myself!!!
posted Apr 6th, 2008 9:13 pmrachel said
Hi Sue, no its not just you. i have to put socks on to go to bed!!! Passion killing or what!!! I think its a side effect!!!
posted Apr 6th, 2008 9:13 pmjohnners
hi dawn.thanks for your advice. no weight loss today, but i reckon you shouldnt weigh every day as it makes you disheartened.tomorrow is 1 week and so far lost 9lb so am well pleased with that. just hope it continues. i dont feel hungry but dont feel as i have any energy which is a pain. size 16 is great!! i was that when i lost a couple of stone a few years ago.i felt really good at that weight. i want to get down to at least 13.7 better still 13.0- i am 14.12 presently so about 20lbs more would be nice. it is nice to hear you have been so successful. well done.
posted Apr 6th, 2008 9:13 pm