Does Herbalife Have Carbohydrates? An In-Depth Look at Product Nutrition

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Herbalife products, while often associated with protein, do contain varying levels of carbohydrates, with a Formula 1 meal replacement shake containing a significant amount depending on the flavor and how it is prepared. Understanding the specific macronutrient profile of each product is crucial for those managing their carbohydrate intake for health or dietary reasons.

Quick Summary

Herbalife products contain carbohydrates, but the amount varies substantially by product. Meal replacement shakes typically have a higher carb count, while protein mixes and teas may have much lower levels.

Key Points

Carbs Are Present: Many Herbalife products, particularly the Formula 1 meal replacement shakes, contain a notable amount of carbohydrates.
Variation by Product: The carbohydrate content varies significantly; Herbal Tea Concentrate has only 1g per serving, while the shakes have much more.
Preparation Matters: How you prepare a shake—mixing with water vs. milk—will substantially alter the final carb count.
Ingredient Types: Carbohydrates come from various sources within Herbalife products, including simple sugars like fructose and dietary fiber from sources like oat fiber.
Not Strictly Keto: Herbalife meal replacement shakes are not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet, but can be incorporated into a less restrictive low-carb plan.
Label Reading is Key: Always check the specific nutrition label for the most accurate information on a product's carb count before consumption.

Decoding Carbohydrate Content in Herbalife Products

It is a common misconception that all Herbalife products are high-protein and low-carbohydrate. The reality is that the carbohydrate content varies significantly depending on the specific product, with meal replacement shakes designed to provide a more balanced macronutrient profile, including carbohydrates. Other products, such as protein powders and tea concentrates, are intentionally formulated with very low or negligible carbohydrate content to fit different dietary goals. Customers must always check the specific nutrition label for accurate information before use, especially when following a controlled diet plan like low-carb or ketogenic.

Carbohydrate Content in Popular Herbalife Products

Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix

As a meal replacement, the Formula 1 shake is designed to offer a complete, balanced nutritional profile, which includes carbohydrates for energy. The total carb count is dependent on the flavor and preparation method. For example, a Cookies 'n Cream shake mix contains 11 grams of carbohydrates in the powder alone. However, when prepared with 8 ounces of nonfat milk, the total carbohydrate content rises to 23 grams. This difference is significant for anyone closely monitoring their daily macros. Some international versions and flavors may also differ slightly, so checking the regional label is always the most accurate method.

Herbalife Protein Drink Mix (PDM) and Enhanced Protein Powder

For those seeking a higher protein, lower carbohydrate supplement, Herbalife offers products like the Protein Drink Mix (PDM) and Enhanced Protein Powder. A Vanilla PDM can contain 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Similarly, the Enhanced Protein Powder has a very low carb count, with only 2 grams per serving, and is high in protein, making it suitable for lower-carb dietary approaches. These are often used as a supplement to the Formula 1 shake or as a standalone protein source.

Herbalife Herbal Tea Concentrate

Herbalife's Herbal Tea Concentrate is an excellent example of a very low-carbohydrate product. At just 1 gram of carbohydrates and 5 calories per serving, it offers a metabolism-boosting effect without the added sugars or carbs often found in other beverages. This product is suitable for even strict low-carb or keto diets.

What Types of Carbs are in Herbalife?

Not all carbohydrates are the same. Herbalife products may contain various carbohydrate sources. For instance, the Formula 1 shake lists fructose, inulin, and oat fiber in its ingredients. This means the carbohydrate total is composed of different types, including:

Sugars: Simple carbohydrates like fructose are included for flavor and energy. The amount of added sugar is often minimal, especially compared to many other convenience foods.
Dietary Fiber: Ingredients like oat fiber and inulin provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and helps promote a feeling of fullness.
Other Carbs: Other ingredients, like maltodextrin, can also contribute to the total carbohydrate count.

Comparing Carbs Across Key Herbalife Products


Product	Carbs Per Serving (approx.)	Primary Purpose	Suitability for Low-Carb Diet	Citations
Formula 1 Shake	11-26g (depends on flavor and prep)	Meal Replacement, Weight Management	Generally not strict keto; can fit into low-carb macros	,
Protein Drink Mix (PDM)	7-18g (depends on formula)	Protein Supplement, Muscle Mass Support	Better than F1 shake, but still requires monitoring	,
Enhanced Protein Powder	2g	High-Protein Supplement	Suitable; very low in carbs
Herbal Tea Concentrate	1g	Metabolism Boost, Energy	Suitable; very low in carbs

Is Herbalife Suitable for Low-Carb or Keto Diets?

For those following a strict ketogenic diet, the Formula 1 meal replacement shake's carb content would likely be too high, especially once prepared with milk. A strict keto diet requires keeping net carbs very low, typically under 20-50 grams per day. However, for a less restrictive low-carb approach, the shakes can be incorporated by accounting for the carbohydrates in a daily macro budget. Products like the Herbal Tea Concentrate and Enhanced Protein Powder are much more aligned with low-carb and keto principles due to their low carbohydrate and minimal sugar content. As one Facebook user noted, while some products can be made to fit low-carb macros, they are not typically considered keto-friendly. For the most accurate advice, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Factors Influencing Your Total Carbohydrate Intake

It's important to remember that the final carbohydrate count isn't just about the Herbalife powder itself. The total carbs you consume from a shake can be influenced by several factors:

Mix-ins: Adding fruits, nuts, or other ingredients to your shake will increase the total carbohydrate count significantly.
Liquids: Using milk instead of water dramatically increases the sugar and carbohydrate content of a shake.
Serving Size: The amount of powder used per serving will directly impact the total carbs. Measuring accurately is key.

Conclusion

So, does Herbalife have carbohydrates? The answer is unequivocally yes, but the amount depends heavily on the specific product. While the popular meal replacement shakes contain a balanced mix of macros, including a moderate amount of carbohydrates, other specialized products are formulated to be low-carb. For those managing their carb intake, it's essential to read the nutrition labels of each product carefully and consider how preparation affects the total macronutrient profile. By understanding these differences, consumers can make more informed choices that align with their personal health and dietary goals.

For more in-depth nutritional reviews, the Forbes article on Herbalife provides useful insights: I Tried Herbalife—Here's My Review.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbohydrate content of a Formula 1 shake varies by flavor and how it is prepared. When mixed with nonfat milk, a serving can contain around 20-23 grams of carbohydrates, including sugars from the milk and shake mix.

Yes, Herbalife Herbal Tea Concentrate is very low in carbohydrates, with only 1 gram per serving. It provides a caffeine boost with minimal calories and carbs.

Most Herbalife meal replacement products are not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet due to their carbohydrate content. However, some very low-carb products like the Herbal Tea Concentrate or Enhanced Protein Powder can be incorporated.

Mixing a Herbalife shake with milk significantly increases the carbohydrate content. For example, adding nonfat milk to a Formula 1 shake can more than double the total carbohydrates compared to the powder alone.

No, not all Herbalife products contain carbs. While meal replacements and some mixes do, specialized products like some protein powders are formulated to be very low in carbohydrates.

The carbohydrates in Herbalife shakes typically come from a mix of sources, including sugars like fructose and dietary fiber from ingredients like oat fiber and inulin.

To reduce the carb content, you can prepare your shake with water instead of milk, or use a low-carb alternative like unsweetened almond milk. Additionally, opt for low-carb add-ins instead of high-sugar fruits.