Breaking Down: What are the ingredients in Beachbody protein powder?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a Healthline review, Shakeology is noted for its blend of proteins and a wide array of other ingredients like antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, not just for its protein content. This detailed guide addresses the question: what are the ingredients in Beachbody protein powder, specifically for their popular Shakeology and Performance Recover formulas.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the complex ingredient lists found in Beachbody's Shakeology and Performance Recover protein powders, covering specific protein sources, proprietary superfood blends, and additional components like digestive aids and sweeteners.

Key Points

Diverse Protein Sources: Beachbody protein formulas utilize various protein sources, including whey, casein, pea, rice, flax, and quinoa, to cater to different dietary needs like vegan or lactose-inclusive diets.
Extensive Superfood Blends: Shakeology is packed with proprietary blends of fruits, vegetables, and adaptogens, providing a wide spectrum of phytonutrients and antioxidants beyond standard protein powders.
Targeted Formulas: The ingredient list of Beachbody's products aligns with their intended purpose; Shakeology offers a broad nutritional spectrum, while Performance Recover focuses on muscle synthesis and recovery.
Digestive Support: Both probiotics and digestive enzyme blends are common inclusions, aiming to support gut health and enhance the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
Consider the Proprietary Blends: Important ingredients like adaptogens and probiotics are often in proprietary blends, meaning their specific quantities are unknown and may not be in therapeutically effective doses.
Weigh Cost Against Alternatives: The high price of these products should be considered against more affordable alternatives and the nutritional value gained from integrating whole foods into your diet.
Intended as a Supplement: These products are designed to supplement a healthy diet, not to fully replace meals, as they may lack the caloric and macro-nutrient density of a full meal.

The Core Components of Beachbody Protein Powders

Beachbody offers two primary protein powder products: Shakeology and Performance Recover. Each is formulated with a distinct purpose, and their ingredient lists reflect these different goals, from comprehensive daily nutrition to post-workout recovery. Understanding the ingredients requires breaking down the product based on its intended use.

Decoding Shakeology's Complex Formula

Shakeology is positioned as a comprehensive superfood nutrition shake, featuring much more than just a simple protein boost. The ingredients can be grouped into several distinct categories that contribute to its overall profile.

Protein Blend

The protein sources in Shakeology differ depending on whether you choose the whey-based or vegan formula.

Whey-Based: This version primarily uses whey protein isolate, derived from milk. It is highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body, making it a popular choice for muscle repair.
Vegan: The plant-based formula contains a proprietary blend of pea protein, flax seed, rice protein, and quinoa. This combination ensures a complete amino acid profile, suitable for those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet.

Proprietary Superfood and Adaptogen Blends

Shakeology is known for its extensive list of superfood ingredients, which are part of proprietary blends. These can vary slightly by flavor and formula, but generally include:

Super-Fruits: Pomegranate, camu-camu, and goji berry are included for their antioxidant properties.
Super-Greens: Kale, spinach, and chlorella add vitamins and phytonutrients.
Adaptogens: Herbs and mushrooms like ashwagandha, reishi, maitake, and chaga are included to help the body respond to stress.

Digestive Health Ingredients

To support gut health and aid nutrient absorption, Shakeology includes several digestive aids:

Probiotics: Contains Bacillus coagulans, a spore-forming probiotic that survives harsh stomach conditions to reach the gut.
Prebiotics: Fiber from chicory root or acacia gum serves as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria.
Digestive Enzymes: A proprietary enzyme blend is included to assist in breaking down various carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Flavoring and Sweeteners

To make the shake palatable, Shakeology uses:

Natural Flavors: Derived from natural sources to create various flavors.
Sweeteners: Options often include stevia leaf extract or organic cane sugar, depending on the specific product.

Ingredients in Beachbody Performance Recover

Unlike Shakeology, the Performance Recover formula is specifically designed for muscle recovery after exercise. Its ingredient profile is more focused on delivering a targeted dose of protein and other performance-related compounds.

Muscle Recovery Blend

This product features a strategic three-protein blend to provide both fast and sustained-release protein to muscles.

Whey Protein: Fast-digesting whey protein isolate is included for rapid muscle repair immediately following a workout.
Casein Protein: Slow-digesting casein protein sustains the muscle-repair process over a longer period.
Pea Protein: This plant-based protein, rich in the amino acid leucine, is added to further support muscular development.

Additional Ingredients

Beyond the protein, Performance Recover also contains:

Beet Sugar: Provides a source of carbohydrates, which are important for replenishing glycogen stores after exercise.
Electrolytes: Potassium citrate and sodium chloride are added to help replenish electrolytes lost during intense workouts.
Flavoring: Natural flavors are used along with stevia leaf extract for sweetness.

Comparison: Shakeology vs. Performance Recover


Feature	Shakeology	Performance Recover
Primary Goal	Comprehensive daily nutrition; replaces one daily snack or meal.	Post-workout muscle recovery.
Protein Blend (Whey)	Whey protein isolate.	Whey protein isolate and casein.
Protein Blend (Vegan)	Pea, flax, rice, quinoa.	Pea protein (used in conjunction with whey/casein in standard formula).
Key Additional Components	Extensive superfood blend, adaptogens, probiotics, digestive enzymes.	Beet sugar (for carbs), electrolytes.
Carb-to-Protein Ratio	Varies by formula; generally lower carbs for daily use.	Higher carb ratio in standard formula to assist glycogen replenishment.
User Target	Individuals seeking to supplement their daily nutrition.	Athletes focused on muscle repair and recovery post-exercise.

Evaluating the Ingredients: What Consumers Should Know

While the ingredient lists are extensive, it's important to approach these products with a critical eye, as some experts and reviews have noted.

Proprietary Blends: Many key superfood ingredients are part of proprietary blends, meaning the specific amount of each component is not disclosed. This makes it difficult to ascertain if they are present in therapeutically effective doses.
Cost: Shakeology, in particular, is considered expensive compared to other protein and nutritional shakes on the market. It is often debated whether the benefits justify the cost, especially since similar nutrients can be obtained more affordably from whole foods.
Whole Food Superiority: No supplement can completely replicate the benefits of a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. Shakes are best used as supplements, not outright meal replacements.
Potential for Digestive Issues: The high fiber content and specific ingredients like chicory root can cause digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, in some individuals.

Conclusion

Beachbody's protein products, Shakeology and Performance Recover, contain complex and distinct ingredient lists tailored to their specific applications. Shakeology is a multi-ingredient nutrition shake loaded with protein, superfood blends, adaptogens, and digestive aids, designed for general wellness and curbing cravings. In contrast, Performance Recover is a targeted formula with a strategic blend of whey, casein, and pea proteins, along with carbohydrates and electrolytes, to optimize post-exercise muscle repair. While both provide a convenient way to boost protein intake and nutrients, consumers should be aware of the high cost, the lack of dosage transparency in proprietary blends, and the superiority of whole foods. The ingredients in these products are diverse and numerous, but their efficacy largely depends on the individual's needs and dietary context.

For more detailed information on specific products, consult the official BODi website: https://www.www.bodi.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Beachbody offers vegan versions of its Shakeology and Performance Recover products, which feature plant-based proteins like pea, rice, flax, and quinoa instead of dairy-based whey.

Beachbody products are generally marketed as free from artificial sweeteners, relying on natural sweeteners like stevia leaf extract or monk fruit extract.

Shakeology is a comprehensive nutritional shake intended to be a daily supplement with a wide array of superfoods and vitamins, while Performance Recover is a targeted post-workout shake formulated to speed up muscle repair and reduce soreness.

While Shakeology can replace a single snack or light meal, Beachbody advises against using it as a replacement for more than one meal, as it lacks the caloric and nutritional complexity of whole foods.

The inclusion of high amounts of fiber from ingredients like chicory root and various plant-based compounds can cause gas, bloating, or other digestive discomfort in some sensitive individuals.

No, the standard Performance Recover contains whey and casein protein derived from milk and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies. A plant-based alternative would be necessary.

The effectiveness of the superfood ingredients is debated because they are part of a proprietary blend, so the exact amount of each ingredient is not transparently listed. It is unclear if they are present in sufficient quantities to provide significant health benefits.