What is it?
Optifast is a meal replacement shake offering 100% of 24 vitamins and minerals. It’s claimed to be an easy to mix formula, and they also offer a ready to drink liquid shake.
Their powdered shake has a combination of dry milk and calcium caseinate that equals 14 grams of protein. They currently offer three flavors in Strawberry, Chocolate, and French Vanilla. These shakes are meant to be drunk alongside the other meal replacement foods offered by the company. On their own, they’re said to be a nutritionally healthy choice. So are these shakes truly effective for weight loss? What kinds of ingredients are added, and are they wholesome? This Optifast review will help you discover the truth about this meal replacement. To discover which meal replacements made it to the top 10 list, click here.
Do You Know the Best Diet Shakes of 2024?
Optifast Ingredients and Side Effects
Nonfat Dry Milk
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Fructose
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Calcium Caseinate
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Canola Oil (BHA/BHT)
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Salt
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Potassium Phosphate
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Magnesium Oxide
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Mono and Diglycerides
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Choline Bitartrate
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Potassium Chloride
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Ascorbic Acid
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Natural and Artificial Flavor
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Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
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Ferrous Sulfate
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Zinc Sulfate
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Vitamin A Palminate
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Niacinamide
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Copper Gluconate
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Calcium Pantothenate
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Manganese Sulfate
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Vitamin D3
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Color (Beta Carotene, Turmeric Oleoresin)
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Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
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Thiamine Hydrochloride
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Riboflavin
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Chromium Chloride
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Folic Acid
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Biotin
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Potassium Iodide
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Sodium Molybdate
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Sodium Selenite
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Vitamin K1
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Vitamin B12
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Nonfat Dry Milk: Dehydrated milk that is added to foods due to its naturally long preservation.
This ingredient is often imported in from difference countries. There’s controversy over its use, due to a 2024 scandal where 300,000 people were contaminated from this ingredient.
It was found to be contaminated with melamine, which is added to help increase the protein content. This could also lead to kidney stones and renal failure.
A recall began in China after several people had debilitating illnesses.
Fructose: Fruit sugar that is absorbed directly into the bloodstream when digested.
It’s considered one of the worst sweeteners that can cause metabolism disorders, as well as raise the risk for obesity. The University of California, Davis performed a clinical study showing:
“increased consumption of fructose may be detrimental in terms of body weight and adiposity and the metabolic indexes”
“shown to induce visceral obesity, insulin-resistant diabetes, and hyperlipidemia”
This means it can cause issues with raising blood sugar, and it can increase the risk for weight gain. These kinds of effects have also shown a rise in obesity related illnesses.
Fructose when it’s extracted from fruits has been shown in many other clinical studies to be harmful to overall health.
Calcium Caseinate: Protein taken from the casein found in milk. It’s a cheap protein source often added to increase the amount of protein in foods.
Though it can lead to a sense of fullness, this ingredient is cheap to make, and isn’t as potent in amino acids as other protein sources.
The manufactures also fail to list the total amino acid profile. So it’s impossible to determine whether it has enough amino acids to help the body’s performance. When replacing meals it’s important to determine how much amino acids are provided, instead of solely looking at the total protein content.
You can discover the best shake brands for weight loss by clicking here.
Canola Oil (BHA/BHT): Oils made from the processed seeds of rapeseed. BHA and BHT are preservatives added to help fats from going rancid. Live Science has mentioned there are possible side effects. They listed studies in which this ingredient lead to:
“cancer in rats, mice and hamsters”
In California this ingredient has also been listed as a carcinogen.
Artificial Flavor: Man made synthetic ingredient used to help make food taste a particular way. It’s often added to help substitute natural flavors that would be harder to keep fresh.
It can be extracted from many different common allergens including soy, wheat, and corn. Though it’s not required for the company to list how they sourced this ingredient from. This could potentially lead to unwanted side effects.
Optifast Quality of Ingredients
Optifast has a total of 18 grams of sugar that comes from fructose, which is considered one of the worst sweeteners available. Multiple studies have shown it to potentially raise the risk for obesity. 18 grams of sugar is a significant amount as well, this can make weight loss harder.
Also, there are preservatives that have shown to potentially be carcinogenic. Both BHA and BHT have been found in some studies to have a damaging effect that leads to cancer.
There is a high amount of protein at 14 grams, but it comes from cheap sources such as nonfat dry milk and calcium caseinate. Both of these can be purchased for much cheaper, though they’re not the best protein sources. The company also fails to list the total amino acid score, so it’s impossible to determine if the protein provided is well rounded enough.
There’s far too much calories as well at 160 per serving. The combination of high sugar, calories, and no fiber make this a very poor meal replacement shake. It can all make weight gain easier, instead of helping support a weight loss diet plan. For your convenience, the top 10 meal replacements are available here.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven meal replacement such as 18Shake for better results.
The Price and Quality of Optifast
The company fails to mention how much these shakes cost. They only offer sales for people who visit their clinics, and then they try to recruit people into their centers.
It’s important to be able to know how fairly this is priced. Though due to the high amounts of sugar, low quality protein, no explanation as to the amino acid content, and the 0 grams of fiber, this shake isn’t a well-rounded enough meal replacement. It’s unlikely to help people with appetite suppression.
Web MD advises to find a meal replacement that offers the following:
“3-5 grams of fiber per serving”
Without this, you aren’t getting enough fiber to help promote healthy digestion and appetite suppression. Since you aren’t getting enough fiber from this shake, it does not qualify as a proper meal replacement. You’d have to supplement with additional fiber sources to make up for the lack of quality.
Before considering any shake, it’s important to know exactly how much it costs. Since this meal replacement has poor ingredients, it shouldn’t be priced too high.
Business of Optifast
The Nestlé Health Science company makes this brand. They can be found via the following customer support information:
Phone Number: (800) 662-2540
Address: 445 State Street
Fremont, Michigan 49412
They fail to mention whether or not they offer money back return. There’s also a problem with controversies.
The company has also had to recall their products in the past due to contaminations.
The New York Times added that
“The Food and Drug Administration … was investigating and working with Nestle to pinpoint the source of the latest E.coli contamination”
This outbreak ended up harming several people, who had to be hospitalized. It’s unknown how this problem was handled to ensure it wouldn’t contaminate any future batches of their foods.
EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results with meal replacement shakes diet our experts recommend to use it at least 5 months. Save your money buying a few bags of meal replacement product.
Customer Opinions of Optifast
There aren’t many reviews on the shakes themselves. Here are a few of the limited customer reviews online:
“found I was always hungry”
“first three days were awful”
“struggling a bit”
There was the common opinion that this meal replacement failed to suppress people’s appetite. For many, it was shown to cause extreme hunger and many continued to have constant thoughts about food.
The company also fails to provide any testimonials or studies to show why this shake would be a proper meal replacement. Without much information available, it’s unknown if this is priced fairly, or if customers found it useful for weight loss.
The few reviews have all been negative towards the overall quality of these shakes. The highest ranking meal replacements are available in this top 10 list.
Conclusion - Does Optifast Work?
When considering a proper meal replacement, it’s important to make sure there’s enough fiber with low amounts of sugar. Optifast has too much sugar added that’s from a sweetener shown in studies to potentially cause weight gain. Better options are available that have no preservatives, high quality protein, and all natural ingredients. Its customers have also reviewed this shake poorly.
When searching for a proper meal replacement, it’s important that customers reviewed it highly, and that it has a well-rounded nutritional profile. There’s simply not enough support for this meal replacement to rank it as one of the best.
The very best shake out of 2024 that offers all the mentioned benefits is 18Shake. There’s 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and just 90 calories added to this all-natural formula. Customers mention it’s great for reducing appetite, and that people have lost significant amounts of weight. Best of all, it’s made only with natural ingredients, and no fillers of any kind.
This meal replacement has many customer testimonials showing just how effective it truly is. People rave about its easy mix formula, its ability to suppress appetite, and how effective it is for weight loss. They also mention that it tastes great, which is important when using a meal replacement so you don’t lose track of your diet.
18Shake is supported by a great 30-day money back guarantee, which you can learn more about by clicking here. So you can use this shake with the knowledge that there’s no risk in giving it a try.
User Feedback
(Page 12 of 14, 277 total comments)Mikus
I have been on the program for just over 3 weeks and on the 3rd week weigh in I had lost a total of 36 lbs. Granted, I started at over 400#, so it's less dramatic than the number seems. My ultimate goal is to lose 250lbs+. I came out of boot camp at 225# in 1991 and got to double that before my health scared me into action. Those of you posting on here saying you don't know if you can get through it, go ahead and spend the next 18 years yoyo-ing up and down, always regaining more weight than you lost on the last "FAD" diet, then think about the OPTIFAST program having a 20 year track record of more than half keeping the weight off(much better odds). Keep making the excuses, like I did, and wonder, 1 year from your 40th, how your life might have been different if you just made the commitment "way back, when".Atkins, South Beach, those "magic pills" that claim to boost yoyur metabolism, none of them address the real issue, FOOD. I finally realized that "quitting eating" cold turkey, like I did for smoking last year, was the only solution. I'm breaking all my old habits by recognizing all the cravings and desires while I'm drinking these shakes, and realizing that whenever I think I'm hungry, it's really just my cravings WANTING to eat. When you clear that hurdle, ANY craving can be dismissed. At the other end, I'll learn how to eat right after all the bad habits are broken. GO TO THE MEETINGS. Expenseive? A bit, but when I add up what I used to spend on food, and my recent medical bills for the increasing health issues, saving my life has never been cheaper... If you need to lose a hundred or more pounds, THIS IS the life changing program(not diet) for you. 50-100 pounds? Its a good choice. Less than 50, it's a bit extreme, join Jenny or weight watchers and go to their support meetings, like you NEED to do for support in the OPTIFAST program. For those of you showing good results, keep it up, you'll be glad you did on the other end. Mikus
posted Aug 11th, 2008 11:36 amSandra
I will start the Optifast program on August 21st and I am very nervous.... I have always struggle with my weight and I got to the point where I feel I need to make a drastic change in my life. I am tire of being overweight and I hope this program will help me. Reading all the positive comments was very encouraging thanks everyone for sharing :) Wish me luck!
posted Aug 7th, 2008 5:48 pmPeggy
There is no way on Gods green earth that I could stick to this diet. No one can convince me that by drinking 5 shakes a day (that?s 5 shakes PERIOD) that I won?t be hungry. I went to an Optifast meeting to learn about the diet and also found out that the 16 week plan costs $3200.00. That includes 12 wks of "food" + 4 wks of weaning + weekly counseling & health monitoring. Thanks but I?ll pass. I chose the Medifast plan instead. Much more doable.
posted Jul 31st, 2008 1:01 pmSteve
Week 5 I am down 24lbs, and am happy with that, but I know it could be more. With the summer season here, and all my camping trips etc, I have been cheating, but try to do it with healthy low cal foods. Had a few bad weekends...beer, burgers, etc, which slowed my weight loss down, but didn't stop it. Going to try and keep to the diet, but it isn't easy. I did find however, that I could eat a spinach and tomato salad with a very small amount of low cal dressing, and still lose 6 lbs in a week. I also found that a half cup of frozen mixed fruit in the vanilla shakes, makes it taste much better...it's cheating a little bit, but only about 60 calories per shake, twice a day, and it's worth it to have a second flavour added to my diet. The vanilla by itself is terrible. Berry metamucil works too, but not as tasty. Anyway, this diet does work if you keep at it, but I think you really have to change your lifestyle to maintain the loss, but that's what we needed to do in the first place. I will report back as things progress.
posted Jul 24th, 2008 10:13 amannette
Just finished my first month. How exciting, 14lbs. 18.5 inches. I had no idea how much an extra 10lbs. make you feel. I have never been more comitted. Can not wait for last 16lbs to come off.
posted Jul 15th, 2008 10:09 pmTerri
Just started yesterday and am doing fine. Dr recommended having a very light eating day with salad and lots of water the day before starting it to 'prime the pump'. I need to lose about 50, which I put on during a pregnancy in my 40's--altho I've always struggled with weight. I would encourage everyone not to cheat--I met a woman in the waiting room who had reached her goal, she looked fabulous, and she said "follow the rules, don't cheat, it will work". I'm committed.
posted Jul 12th, 2008 6:15 pmSu
I did Optifast 2 yrs ago and lost 48lbs. V V happy. Bad attitude has caused me to regain so I am back on. First few days are sometimes the hardest but I learnt that if you stick to just one flavor and do the ready-made initially it will help break the habit of "thinking" about food and that is the real goal. You just go to the fridge get out your shake, and do it. No thinking. Like most people who are overweight, I obsess about food whether it is eating or not eating. We can do this!!!!
posted Jul 7th, 2008 7:06 pmshan
i lost 5 kilo (about 10 pound) in one week using optifast
posted Jul 6th, 2008 11:01 amAndrew
In Australia the shakes are about $50 per week. 8 bars cost you $25 and the soups cost $25 and is available in most chemists. Drink ater and exercize. I also add Chromium tablets to reduce the cravings. Much better than Tony Fergusson for me.
posted Jun 29th, 2008 5:47 pmilk
I started Optifast 4 weeks ago. Starting weight 326 and I'm down to 309. Very pleased with my progress which is a huge motivating factor for me to stay on this very strict plan. The only time I find myself thinking about food is when I'm around food preparation and the smells. When I start thinking about it - I remove myself from the environment and re-focus on why and how I got to this point. It is very difficult to do - I focus on one day at a time.
posted Jun 16th, 2008 2:28 pmSteve
Just started today. It's a little hard getting used to not eating. I will update this ite as the diet progresses. Starting weight 263
posted Jun 12th, 2008 1:46 pmPierre
Well this is an update it's been 23 days and cheated a couple of times during those days and I hate myself for it. the days that I did cheat I didn't eat anough to put the pounds on or anything and less than reasonable portions but it stopped me from losing the weight for those days. I am still determine to lose the weight and I am very proud to say I am down 20.2 lbs (visualize two sacks of 10lbs potatoes or 20lbs of butter) and it is going to be 3 weeks tomorrow, that is so encouraging. I already am seeing it in my clothing went down a couple of sizes in my pants and got rid of a blazer that was way to big for me. People already stared noticing I figure when it 25-30lbs then I will get more comments. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks .
posted Jun 12th, 2008 9:25 amLee H
I have been on the Optifast diet for 7 weeks. So far it seems to be working my Blood pressure is down from 130/102 to 126/80 and I have lost over 35 pounds. The diet is simple because you know exactly what and when to eat, however a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about cheating on the diet. I pay about 103 Dollars a week for food and have to pay about $25 every 2 weeks to the insurance company for the doctor visits. I hear people say the diet is expense but I would disagree. I used to eat out everyday for lunch and dinner, I know that that I was spending more then $100 a week on food. I still have about 65/70 pounds to lose before I get down below 25 BMI. I won't really know how well this diet will work out in the long run but it seems to be working so far.
posted Jun 9th, 2008 9:48 amPierre
Wow, I was on Optifast over 10 years ago. Lost 86lbs. stuck to it all through the program, did not have the bars or the soups, could have lost some more but felt so healthy for once in my life. I managed to keep it off for 4 years, then started to have some emotional problems went on prozacs and started to put it back on 2-3 pounds a month until I then stopped taking the medication but kept putting it back on, about ten pounds a year. Now I gained most of it back and since I did so well on it before I finally decided to go back on. I have started Optifast again, I have been on it for 12 days, the last 4 days I found it really hard and ate some solid foods not enough to gain what I had lost (12.5lbs) up to date. I really know that if I stick to it, you dont want to put food in your mouth and you see the weight just drop off. When I was on it before I did not miss meals with familly and friends, i would enen acommpany them to any restaurants and have the chef mix my shake and have it served with everybody else meal. I am more determined and not quitting, by the way I dont set goals. I just watch it drop off and I feel better and want to walk, bike move ect... Its a change than having to get off a chair and go some place than the washroom or bed. I know it works thats why I am more determined
posted Jun 3rd, 2008 1:01 pmJudith
I started Opti Fast. I did not pay a $550 initial fee. However, I am going to a doctor for bariatric surgery and this is the prep. I would not do this diet without being under a doctor's or nutritionist's care. I am doing the plan where you can eat one meal a day. It has been 2 weeks and I have lost 10 lbs. Yes, there is hunger. Yet, I have found that it is getting easier. Because it balances your blood sugar levels, I am not having overwhelming cravings. In addition, I feel that since my addictive trigger, food, has been removed for the most part, I am having an easier time of it.
posted May 26th, 2008 1:03 pmWILL
WHERE CAN I ORDER THIS ONLINE ??? HELP ME PLEASE... THANKS !!
posted May 12th, 2008 9:19 amCindy
I went on Optifast March 2007, and lost 40 pounds in 12 weeks and surpassed by goal. It was the best program, and I didn't want to go back to food. The first 2 weeks are the hardest, then you don't think about it. I have regained 15 pounds since Feb, as I had surgery and was stuck at home. I am back on Optifast, day 2, to regain control again. I am hoping 6 weeks will be enough.
posted Apr 30th, 2008 8:46 pmlouise
l REALLY need to lose weight fast but l am scared to start , reading the comments about the hunger l dontknow. STOP!!! am l in control or the food. l shall keep you informed l am in Australia
posted Apr 28th, 2008 8:31 amPeg
I started Optifast for 1 week. It was hard. I didn't realize how much I thought about food. I did lose 5 lbs but got sick and couldn't continue. I am thinking of starting again, however, it's t's hard to get past the taste of the foods. There isn't hardly anything I like. The prepared shakes are a lifesaver. You should take one with you whenever you leave your house and a bar or two also. It upsets me that the shipping is so expensive. I wanted to order a case of prepared shakes for about $60.00 but the shipping was $20.00 and I just wouldn't do it. It makes the product just too expensive. I'm trying to decide what to do now.
posted Apr 17th, 2008 7:08 amSara
I'm only on the second day of the program and I'm very worried about my self control. I love the program so far and it sounds very promising but I wish I had gotten a little more preparation to start the diet. I've already snuck a handful of Goldfish and I keep eyeing the food on tv. I am only 21 and I weigh 214 pounds, I want to lose 65 of them. I just hope that I won't corrupt myself and not allow the weight to come off. Do you know if you're allowed to eat any 0 calorie foods like carrots or something to curb the food cravings between shakes?
posted Apr 13th, 2008 9:42 pm