Is it good to drink breakfast essentials every day? A deep dive into nutritional drinks

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in Nutrients, daily and weekly consumption of meal replacement (MR) products was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality over a median follow-up of 14.4 years. This raises significant concerns for individuals who rely on shakes and meal replacement drinks, like Carnation Breakfast Essentials, every day for their morning meal.

Quick Summary

Frequent daily or weekly consumption of meal replacement products is linked to higher mortality risks, especially for women. While offering convenience and specific nutrients, these highly processed, high-sugar drinks often lack fiber and other essential compounds found in whole foods, which can impact gut health and overall well-being.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Many breakfast essential drinks contain high levels of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases over time.
Processed Ingredients: These products often use synthetic vitamins, fillers, and artificial sweeteners that are not as bioavailable as nutrients from whole foods and can negatively impact gut health.
Increased Mortality Risk: A study found that frequent, long-term consumption of meal replacement products was linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality.
Incomplete Nutrition: Shakes typically lack the full spectrum of nutrients, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds found in a balanced diet of whole foods.
Moderation is Key: Occasional use as a supplement can be acceptable, but daily reliance is not recommended for optimal, long-term health.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with health conditions or weight goals should consult a doctor or dietitian before incorporating these drinks regularly.

The Convenience vs. Consequences of Daily Shakes

Many busy individuals and families turn to 'breakfast essential' drinks for a quick and easy start to the day. These products, such as Carnation Breakfast Essentials, are heavily marketed as nutritious beverages packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. They offer a seemingly perfect solution for those who are rushed in the morning or have difficulty consuming solid food. However, a closer look reveals that the convenience may come at a significant long-term cost to your health.

The High Sugar and Additive Content

One of the most concerning issues with many breakfast essential drinks is their high sugar content. Nutrition labels often list sugar or corn syrup as one of the primary ingredients, meaning it is present in greater quantities than many of the other components. For example, one Healthline report noted that a single serving of Carnation powdered drink mix contained 19 grams of sugar, with maltodextrin (a form of sugar) being the third ingredient. This excessive sugar intake, especially when consumed daily, can contribute to significant health problems. Long-term, high sugar consumption is linked to weight gain, tooth decay, high triglycerides, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The Problem with Processed Ingredients

Breakfast essentials are highly processed products that often contain synthetic vitamins, fillers, and artificial sweeteners and flavors. While these ingredients can make the product palatable and enhance its shelf life, they don't offer the same quality or bioavailability as nutrients derived from whole foods. Synthetic vitamins are not absorbed as efficiently by the body, and artificial additives have been linked to potential health issues, including digestive upset and alterations to the gut microbiome. Contaminants like heavy metals and BPA can also be found in some protein powders used in these drinks.

Potential Health Risks of Relying on Shakes Daily

Increased Mortality Risk: A large-scale study found that daily and even weekly consumption of meal replacement products was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, particularly in females. This suggests that relying heavily on these processed beverages long-term may negatively impact overall lifespan.
Digestive and Gut Health Issues: The low fiber content in many shakes can lead to digestive problems like constipation. Furthermore, food additives and artificial sweeteners can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health.
Nutrient Deficiencies: While fortified with some vitamins and minerals, these shakes cannot replicate the full spectrum of nutrients found in whole foods, including antioxidants, phytochemicals, and various enzymes. Substituting multiple meals can result in a significant nutritional deficit over time, impacting overall health and well-being.
Weight Management Challenges: The liquid nature of these drinks can be less satiating than solid food, potentially leading to overconsumption later in the day. While some brands market for weight loss, they do not address the root causes of unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to weight regain once shakes are stopped.

Comparison Table: Breakfast Essential Drink vs. Balanced Whole-Food Breakfast


Feature	Breakfast Essential Drink	Balanced Whole-Food Breakfast
Nutrient Source	Highly processed, synthetic vitamins and minerals, fillers.	Natural, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Sugar Content	Often high in added sugars or artificial sweeteners.	Generally low in added sugar, with natural sugars from fruit.
Fiber Content	Frequently low or lacking in dietary fiber.	High in dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Satiety	Less filling due to liquid format and low fiber.	More filling due to fiber, protein, and chewing.
Long-Term Effects	Linked to increased mortality risk with frequent use.	Promotes long-term health, stable energy, and wellness.
Gut Health	Potential to disrupt gut microbiome due to additives.	Supports a healthy gut microbiome with diverse, natural fiber.

How to Use Meal Replacement Shakes Safely

If you choose to incorporate breakfast essential shakes into your routine, moderation and mindful consumption are key. Experts recommend using them as a supplement, not a sole source of nutrition, and only under certain circumstances.

For Targeted Use: They can be beneficial for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those recovering from illness or surgery who have difficulty chewing or preparing meals. They can also help meet calorie or protein goals for athletes or those needing to gain weight, though a physician or dietitian should be consulted.
To Replace a Single Meal: For those with an occasional busy morning, replacing one meal with a nutritional shake is an acceptable option. However, it is crucial to ensure the rest of your daily diet is varied and rich in whole foods to compensate for any nutritional gaps.
Read the Label: Be vigilant about checking ingredient lists for high amounts of sugar, artificial additives, and low fiber content. Prioritize products with more whole-food ingredients.
Consult an Expert: If you plan to use these products frequently or have underlying health conditions like diabetes, it is essential to consult a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you create a balanced nutritional plan that meets your needs and prevents long-term health complications.

Conclusion: Prioritize Whole Foods for Optimal Health

While breakfast essential drinks offer a quick fix for busy schedules, relying on them every day is not a sound long-term strategy for optimal health. Their high processing, excessive sugar content, and limited nutritional profile, compared to whole foods, can lead to negative health outcomes over time. For a genuinely nourishing and sustainable breakfast, a balanced meal of whole grains, fruits, dairy, and lean protein remains the superior choice. In cases where a shake is necessary, it should be used judiciously and as part of a larger, balanced diet that prioritizes real, unprocessed foods.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on the dangers of processed foods and the benefits of a whole-foods diet, see the Times of India article on the topic: Are meal replacement shakes safe? Here's what nutritionists want you to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking breakfast essentials every day can potentially be harmful due to their high sugar content, processed ingredients, and potential to cause nutritional deficiencies when used as a complete meal replacement.

No, while fortified with vitamins and minerals, they often lack the fiber, phytonutrients, and complex carbohydrates found in a truly balanced meal of whole foods. They are best considered as supplements, not complete replacements.

Yes, they can. The liquid format is often less satiating than solid food, which can lead to increased hunger and higher calorie intake later in the day, potentially causing weight gain.

The main difference lies in the source and quality of nutrients. A whole-food breakfast provides naturally occurring, easily absorbed nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, while a shake contains highly processed, often synthetic, ingredients.

While shakes can be used in the short term for weight loss, they are not a sustainable long-term solution because they don't address healthy eating habits. They can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight regain when stopped.

Highly processed ingredients, such as synthetic vitamins, fillers, and artificial sweeteners, can negatively impact gut health by disrupting the microbiome and causing digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.

No, it is not recommended for children to consume these drinks daily without medical supervision. Their high sugar content can be detrimental to developing bodies and healthy eating habits.