Shakeology's Natural Sweetener Philosophy
Beachbody, the company behind Shakeology, has always focused on using high-quality, natural ingredients. This philosophy extends to their approach to sweetness, where they deliberately avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. Instead, they use a blend of natural sources to achieve the desired flavor profile. By combining different sweeteners, they can balance sweetness, minimize aftertaste, and control the overall sugar and calorie content of their shakes. This multi-faceted approach allows them to cater to different dietary needs, offering both a standard formula and a zero-added-sugar option for more carb-conscious consumers.
The Sweeteners in Original Shakeology
The Original Shakeology formula uses a combination of organic cane sugar and two potent plant-based, non-caloric sweeteners: stevia and monk fruit. The total sugar content per serving is relatively low compared to many other health drinks, with much of the sugar also coming from the fruit powders within its superfood blends. Notably, in a 2017 reformulation, the company replaced ingredients like agave and fructose with organic cane sugar to achieve a more balanced and well-rounded sweetness profile.
Components of Original Shakeology's Sweetness:
- Organic Cane Sugar: A small amount is added for a familiar, well-rounded sweetness.
- Stevia Leaf Extract: A natural, non-caloric sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
- Monk Fruit Extract (Luo Han Guo): Another plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the monk fruit.
- Fruit Powders: Concentrates from ingredients like bilberry and pomegranate contribute natural fruit sugars.
Sweeteners in Shakeology 0g Added Sugar
For individuals seeking to reduce their added sugar intake, the 0g Added Sugar version of Shakeology was introduced. As its name suggests, this formula contains no added organic cane sugar. It is sweetened exclusively with two plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners. To achieve a clean, sugar-like taste without the aftertaste sometimes associated with stevia, they use a specific, high-grade extract called Reb M.
Components of Shakeology 0g Added Sugar's Sweetness:
- Stevia (specifically Reb M): A high-grade stevia extract chosen for its cleaner taste profile, which is closest to sugar.
- Monk Fruit Extract: The same plant-based monk fruit extract used in the original formula.
Comparing Shakeology Formulas: Original vs. 0g Added Sugar
| Feature | Original Shakeology | 0g Added Sugar Shakeology |
|---|---|---|
| Added Sugar | Yes (Organic Cane Sugar) | No |
| Primary Sweeteners | Organic Cane Sugar, Stevia, Monk Fruit | Stevia (Reb M), Monk Fruit |
| Calories | Slightly higher (e.g., 160-170 kcal) | Slightly lower (e.g., 130-140 kcal) |
| Sweetness Source | Combination of added sugar and no-calorie sweeteners | Exclusively natural, no-calorie sweeteners |
| Target User | Those who want a standard, low-glycemic shake | Individuals actively limiting added sugar |
The Role of Other Sweet-Tasting Ingredients
While not primary sweeteners, some other ingredients in Shakeology contribute to its flavor profile. Yacon root, for instance, is included as a prebiotic fiber but has a slightly sweet flavor. This provides a natural, subtle background sweetness while primarily serving its function for gut health. The inclusion of ingredients like fruit juice concentrates also adds some natural sugars and flavor complexity, though Shakeology strives for transparency by ensuring all sugars are listed on the nutrition facts label. The use of whole-food ingredients with inherent flavors is part of Shakeology's approach to creating a satisfying product without relying heavily on refined or artificial inputs. For more information on their commitment to quality ingredients, you can visit the Beachbody site. Learn more about Shakeology's ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, Shakeology is sweetened with a thoughtful blend of natural, plant-based ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. The original formula uses organic cane sugar along with stevia and monk fruit, while the 0g Added Sugar version relies exclusively on the no-calorie plant extracts stevia and monk fruit. Both options provide sweetness through natural means, aligning with the company's overall health-conscious approach. By understanding these differences, consumers can choose the formula that best fits their personal dietary goals, whether they are focused on minimizing added sugar or simply enjoying a natural, balanced flavor.
