How Much Milk is in a Herbalife Shake? A Guide to Preparation

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Herbalife's standard Formula 1 shake recipe calls for 250ml of semi-skimmed milk per two scoops, providing specific nutritional values. Knowing exactly how much milk is in a Herbalife shake is crucial for managing your calorie intake and tailoring your meal replacement to your personal health and fitness goals.

Quick Summary

The standard Herbalife Formula 1 recipe uses 250ml (around 8-10 fl oz) of milk or an alternative. Water can also be used, though it alters nutritional content and texture.

Key Points

Standard Measurement: The standard Herbalife recipe uses 250ml (approx. 8.5 fl oz) of semi-skimmed milk per two scoops of Formula 1 powder.
Milk vs. Water Nutrition: Mixing with milk increases calories and protein, while mixing with water results in a lower-calorie, lower-protein shake unless Protein Drink Mix is added.
Lactose-Free Options: For a vegan or lactose-free alternative, fortified soy milk or almond milk can be used, with Herbalife also recommending water plus Protein Drink Mix.
For Weight Loss: Using water with Protein Drink Mix is the most effective low-calorie, high-protein approach for those focused on weight management.
Customization: Flavor and texture can be customized by adding fresh or frozen fruit, extra ice, or other specific Herbalife products.
Check Regional Labels: Some regional products may have slight variations in the recommended liquid volume (e.g., 8oz vs 250ml vs 300ml), so always check your canister.

The Standard Formula 1 Recipe

For most markets, the standard recipe for a Herbalife Formula 1 shake specifies using 250ml of semi-skimmed milk. This is equivalent to approximately 8.5 fluid ounces. However, some regional products, such as those in Australia or New Zealand, might recommend 300ml of milk. Similarly, U.S. versions have often recommended 8 fl oz of nonfat milk. Always check the specific canister's instructions for the most accurate information. To make a shake, simply follow these steps:

Shake the canister: Gently shake the Formula 1 powder before use, as contents can settle.
Measure the liquid: Pour 250ml of cold, semi-skimmed milk into a shaker cup or blender.
Add the powder: Measure out two scoops (typically 26g) of Herbalife Formula 1 mix and add it to the milk.
Blend or shake: Mix thoroughly until the shake is smooth and creamy. For best results, use a blender.

Milk vs. Water: The Key Nutritional Differences

The liquid you choose for your Herbalife shake has a significant impact on its total nutritional value, especially its calorie and protein content. While milk is recommended for a complete meal replacement, water offers a lower-calorie option, particularly for those on a strict weight loss plan.


	With 250ml Milk (approx)	With 250ml Water (approx)
Calories	~180-220 kcal	~90-110 kcal
Protein	~17-18g	<10g
Texture	Creamy, smooth	Thinner, less rich
Satiety	Higher, more filling	Lower, may lead to snacking sooner
Cost	Higher	Lower

Herbalife Milk Alternatives and Customization

For those who are lactose intolerant, follow a vegan diet, or simply prefer a different taste or nutritional profile, several alternatives can be used in place of cow's milk. The Formula 1 mix is formulated to taste great with a variety of liquids.

Popular Liquid Alternatives

Fortified Soy Milk: Recommended by Herbalife for a vegan and naturally lactose-free option that maintains a good nutritional balance.
Almond Milk: A great low-calorie, dairy-free alternative that can still provide a good texture. Unsweetened versions are best for calorie control.
Oat Milk: Offers a naturally sweet, creamy texture without the need for dairy.
Water: The lowest-calorie and most convenient option. To boost the protein content and creaminess, it's recommended to add Herbalife's Protein Drink Mix (PDM).

Customizing Your Shake for Taste and Texture

To enhance your shake's flavor and consistency, consider these simple additions:

Add fruit: Blend in frozen berries, half a banana, or other fresh fruit for a thicker, fruit-flavored shake.
Use ice cubes: Adding a few ice cubes before blending can make the shake thicker, colder, and more refreshing.
Add PDM: When using water, adding a scoop of Protein Drink Mix is the best way to increase the protein and improve the creamy texture.

Achieving Your Goals: Water, Milk, or PDM?

The choice of liquid base should align with your personal health and wellness objectives.

For weight loss or calorie control: A shake made with water is the lowest calorie option. For a more satisfying, high-protein meal, combine Formula 1 with water and Protein Drink Mix (PDM). This helps manage hunger while keeping calories in check.
For muscle gain or a fuller meal: Using semi-skimmed or nonfat milk provides extra protein and calories, supporting muscle growth and offering more satiety. Adding extra ingredients like peanut butter can also increase protein and healthy fats.
For nutritional balance: Using milk or fortified soy milk creates a more complete meal, packed with vitamins, minerals, and a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates, as specified on the Herbalife label.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the amount of milk in a Herbalife shake is determined by your preparation method and individual goals. The standard recommendation is 250ml of semi-skimmed milk for a complete, balanced meal replacement. However, you are not limited to this. By choosing alternatives like water, soy milk, or almond milk, and customizing with extra ingredients, you can control the calorie count, protein content, and flavor to perfectly fit your dietary needs and preferences. While the milk-based shake is creamy and nutrient-rich, the water-based shake with PDM provides a satisfying, lower-calorie option, proving the versatility of Herbalife's Formula 1 meal replacement.

For more detailed information on Herbalife products and preparation, you can visit the official Herbalife support center at https://support.herbalife.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can absolutely use water instead of milk. This will significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of your shake. For a more complete meal, Herbalife recommends adding their Protein Drink Mix (PDM) when using water.

Using milk alternatives like fortified soy or almond milk is a great option. They offer a dairy-free base while still providing a creamy texture and often added protein, though the overall nutritional values will differ from cow's milk.

When prepared with 250ml of semi-skimmed or nonfat milk, a standard Herbalife Formula 1 shake typically contains between 180 and 220 calories, depending on the flavor and regional product.

Adding Protein Drink Mix (PDM) to a water-based shake is important for increasing the protein content and improving the creaminess. Without PDM, a water-only shake is much lower in protein and may not be as filling.

Yes, using milk adds a creamy, smooth texture and richer taste compared to water. This is a matter of personal preference, but milk generally provides a more satisfying milkshake-like experience.

Herbalife shakes can be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance when prepared with a lactose-free milk alternative, such as fortified soy milk, almond milk, or by following the water and Protein Drink Mix recipe.

Yes, while 250ml is a common recommendation, product labels can differ slightly depending on the market. Always refer to the specific instructions on your Herbalife product canister for the precise liquid volume.