Does Shakeology Help with Gut Health? An Unbiased Look at the Ingredients

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Over half of global consumers are aware of the link between the gut microbiome and overall health. Given this, many people turn to supplements like Shakeology to support their digestive systems, but does Shakeology help with gut health as effectively as it claims? The answer is more complex than simple marketing suggests, requiring a closer look at its ingredient list and dosage.

Quick Summary

Shakeology contains probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber intended to support gut health, but the amounts of these ingredients are often in question. Effectiveness varies, and some users report digestive side effects, while whole foods remain a superior alternative.

Key Points

Contains Gut-Supporting Ingredients: Shakeology includes probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes, all of which are known to aid digestive health.
Dosage Concerns Exist: The effectiveness is debated due to proprietary blends and low disclosed dosages, such as the low probiotic CFU count compared to therapeutic recommendations.
Potential for Side Effects: Some users experience digestive issues like gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, possibly due to the fiber content or individual sensitivities.
Whole Foods are a Strong Alternative: Many of the same benefits can be achieved more cost-effectively and with greater transparency by consuming a diet rich in whole, natural foods.
Not a Proven 'Superfood' Solution: Shakeology's expensive price point and questionable ingredient amounts make it a less effective and less transparent option compared to other supplements or a balanced diet.
Ingredient Transparency Varies: Other products, like Athletic Greens, are more transparent with ingredient amounts, offering a different value proposition for wellness.
Consider Sensitivity: Individuals with a sensitive digestive system or conditions like IBS should be aware of ingredients like chicory root and assess how their body reacts.

Unpacking the Gut-Friendly Ingredients in Shakeology

Shakeology is marketed as an all-in-one superfood shake packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. A significant part of this marketing highlights the product’s digestive health benefits, stemming from its blend of probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes. These components are crucial for a healthy gut microbiome and efficient digestion. For instance, the product includes Bacillus coagulans, a well-known probiotic strain, and a proprietary digestive blend containing enzymes like amylase and lactase. Prebiotic fiber, sourced from ingredients like chicory root and inulin, is also included to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

The Role of Shakeology's Key Digestive Ingredients

Probiotics: Shakeology contains Bacillus coagulans, a strain intended to help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. These microorganisms are vital for digesting food and synthesizing certain vitamins.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics, which are a type of fiber, act as food for the probiotics. They help these beneficial bacteria thrive and flourish, further supporting gut health. Shakeology includes prebiotics like chicory root and inulin.
Fiber: The shakes contain a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, as it adds bulk to stool and helps regulate bowel movements, which can alleviate issues like bloating and constipation.
Digestive Enzymes: Enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, and lactase are included to assist the body in breaking down food into nutrients, which aids proper absorption. This is particularly helpful for individuals with lactose intolerance who choose the whey-based version, as the added lactase helps break down any residual lactose.

The Problem with Proprietary Blends and Subpar Dosing

While the inclusion of these ingredients is a positive, the crucial question lies in the dosage and efficacy. Several reviews point out that Shakeology uses proprietary blends, meaning the exact amounts of many ingredients are not disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess if the dosage is sufficient to have a meaningful therapeutic effect. For example, a registered dietitian noted that Shakeology's Bacillus coagulans count (250 million CFU) is significantly lower than the recommended 10 billion+ CFU for an effective probiotic supplement. Without knowing the specific quantities, it's impossible to confirm if the so-called “powerful” ingredients truly deliver a significant impact on health. The transient nature of microbiome changes from short-term interventions also suggests that sustained, high-quality intake is key.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Despite testimonials of improved digestion, some users experience adverse digestive effects when consuming Shakeology. Common complaints include gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. There are several reasons for this:

High Fiber Content: A sudden increase in fiber intake can cause bloating and gas, especially for those with low-fiber diets.
Chicory Root/Inulin: The prebiotics inulin and chicory root can cause digestive upset in some individuals, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Whey Protein: While lactase is added to the whey-based formulas, some individuals with dairy sensitivities may still experience issues. The vegan, plant-based versions are a viable alternative for those with dairy concerns.
Adaptogens: The product contains adaptogens like ashwagandha, but the effective dose is unknown, and the impact on a sensitive system is unclear.

Shakeology vs. Whole Foods and Alternatives

When it comes to gut health, Shakeology faces stiff competition from both other supplements and, more importantly, a whole-food diet. The expense of Shakeology is a major factor, with many experts suggesting that the same nutrients can be obtained more affordably through a balanced diet of whole foods. A shake made with Greek yogurt, fruits, and seeds, for example, can provide a significant nutritional boost without the proprietary blend uncertainty or cost.


Feature	Shakeology	Whole-Food Shake (DIY)	Athletic Greens
Cost	High ($100+ per bag)	Low to Moderate	High (Similar to Shakeology)
Ingredient Transparency	Low (Proprietary blends)	High (You control ingredients)	High (Ingredient quantities listed)
Probiotic Potency	Questionable (Low CFU count)	Depends on added ingredients	Higher (More transparent dosing)
Fiber Content	3-6g per serving	Customizable based on recipe	Minimal
Potential Side Effects	Possible gas, bloating, cramps	Lower risk; customizable for sensitivities	Possible, depending on sensitivity
Nutrient Absorption	Whole-food derived ingredients claim enhanced absorption	High (Nutrients in natural form)	Good

Conclusion: A Supplement, Not a Cure

So, does Shakeology help with gut health? The evidence suggests it contains ingredients that are beneficial for gut health, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes. For some, it may provide noticeable improvements in digestion and regularity. However, the use of proprietary blends and potentially low dosages of key ingredients, especially the probiotics, casts doubt on its overall effectiveness compared to more scientifically validated options or a diet rich in whole foods. The high cost and risk of digestive side effects further complicate the matter. Ultimately, while Shakeology can supplement a healthy diet, it is not a magic bullet for gut health and may not be the most effective or transparent choice for everyone. A balanced, fiber-rich diet with whole foods is a proven, foundational approach to supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shakeology contains several ingredients for gut health, including probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), prebiotics (chicory root, inulin), a significant amount of fiber, and digestive enzymes like amylase and lactase.

Some health professionals question the potency of the probiotics in Shakeology, noting that the disclosed CFU count of Bacillus coagulans (250 million) is much lower than the recommended therapeutic dose, typically over 10 billion CFU.

Yes, some people report digestive side effects such as gas, bloating, and cramps. These can be caused by a sudden increase in fiber, sensitivities to ingredients like chicory root, or dairy intolerance in the whey-based versions.

No, real, whole foods often provide a wider variety of beneficial plant compounds and phytonutrients that supplements cannot replicate. A balanced meal is generally considered superior to any meal replacement shake.

For those with dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerance, the vegan version of Shakeology might be a better choice as it avoids whey protein. However, it still contains other ingredients like chicory root that could cause digestive issues.

When compared to supplements like Athletic Greens, Shakeology is noted for its lower ingredient transparency (proprietary blends). Athletic Greens, while also expensive, discloses ingredient quantities more clearly.

Yes, it is possible and often cheaper to achieve similar or better gut health benefits by eating a diet rich in high-quality whole foods, fiber, and incorporating probiotics and prebiotics through food or targeted supplements.