Is this trendy meal replacement shake worth the hype? We dive deep into what's actually inside the tub, how it tastes, and whether it's actually good for you.
If your social media feeds are anything like mine, you've likely seen a 310 Nutrition shake post somewhere between your friend's vacation photos and that random political rant from your uncle. With over 4 million shakes sold and a robust online community touting dramatic weight loss results, 310 Nutrition has positioned itself as a leader in the ever-growing meal replacement market.
But as someone who's spent years studying nutrition, I approached this review with a healthy dose of skepticism. Are these shakes genuinely nutritious, or are they just another cleverly marketed weight loss product with questionable ingredients? Let's break it down.
What Is 310 Nutrition, Exactly?
310 Nutrition is a Las Vegas-based company that specializes in weight loss products, offering everything from fat burners and appetite suppressants to metabolism boosters. Their flagship product, simply called "310 Shake," is designed to be consumed once or twice daily as a meal replacement with the goal of helping users achieve a slimmer waistline.
The brand positions itself as a premium option in the meal replacement category, with marketing that emphasizes "clean nutrition" and "wholesome, real ingredients from nature with nothing artificial." But at approximately $70 for a 28-serving bag (around $2.50 per shake), it's certainly not the most budget-friendly option on the market. The question is: does the nutritional profile justify the price tag?
My 30-Day Experience
To give this review the personal touch it deserves, I committed to replacing one meal a day with 310 Nutrition's Chocolate shake for a full month. Here's my honest experience:
First Impressions
The packaging is sleek and appealing – nothing says "I'm taking my health seriously" quite like a minimalist design with earth tones and clean fonts. Opening the bag, I noticed the powder had a pleasant chocolate scent, though not overpowering.
Following the directions, I mixed one scoop with 8 oz of almond milk (though water is recommended for maximum weight loss benefits). The powder dissolved relatively well with a shaker bottle, but I found using a blender created a much smoother consistency.
Taste and Texture
Let's be honest – taste matters. If you're replacing meals with a shake, it needs to be at least somewhat enjoyable, or you'll never stick with it.
The chocolate flavor was mild but pleasant – not the rich, decadent chocolate experience you might get from a milkshake, but certainly palatable. However, there was a subtle aftertaste I attribute to the stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. After a few days, I began adding half a banana and some ice to improve both the flavor and texture.
When mixed with just water, the texture was somewhat thin and had a slightly gritty finish – not uncommon with plant-based protein powders. With almond milk and especially with a blender, the consistency improved significantly.
Fullness Factor
A major selling point of 310 shakes is their ability to control hunger through their "tri-plex blend of protein." I found that the shake kept me satisfied for about 2-3 hours – not quite as long as a proper meal, but decent for a 110-calorie drink. By week two, I was often adding a tablespoon of almond butter to increase the satiety factor, which helped tremendously but also added calories.
Nutritional Breakdown: What's Actually In This Stuff?
Now for the nutrition deep-dive. As a holistic nutritionist, I always emphasize looking beyond calories to the actual ingredients and nutritional profile of what you're consuming.
Calories and Macronutrients
Each serving of 310 Shake contains just 90-110 calories (depending on the flavor), with approximately 15 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbohydrates (5 of which are fiber), and only 1.5 grams of fat.
From a weight loss standpoint, the low calorie count is certainly appealing. However, at just 110 calories, this doesn't come close to meeting the caloric requirements of a true meal for an adult. The high protein content (which constitutes about 55% of the total calories) is beneficial for muscle maintenance during weight loss, but the overall calorie count means you're essentially drinking a protein shake with some added nutrients, not replacing a full meal.
Protein Source
Eight of the nine 310 shakes use a plant-based protein blend containing pea protein, brown rice protein, and hemp protein. These plant proteins, especially when combined, provide a complete amino acid profile similar to animal proteins.
As a nutritionist, I appreciate the use of a varied plant protein blend rather than relying solely on a single source. The combination provides a better amino acid profile than any single plant protein alone.
Sweeteners and Flavors
One of 310's selling points is the absence of artificial sweeteners. Instead, they use stevia and monk fruit extract, which are natural, zero-calorie sweeteners. While these are generally recognized as safer alternatives to artificial sweeteners, they do contribute to the aftertaste some users complain about.
The shakes also contain "natural flavors" – a somewhat ambiguous term in the food industry. Without manufacturers publishing the exact chemicals used to produce these flavors, there's no way for consumers to assess their safety. This lack of transparency is concerning from a whole-food nutrition perspective.
The Superfood & Fiber Blend
310 Nutrition places heavy emphasis on their "Fiber & Superfood Blend," which includes ingredients like:
- Organic alfalfa
- Organic apple
- Organic beet
- Organic broccoli
- Organic chaga mushroom
- Organic chlorella
- Organic ginger root
- Organic spinach
- Organic spirulina
- Organic turmeric
This impressive list certainly sounds nutritious, and many of these ingredients do contain beneficial phytonutrients. However, the proprietary blend makes it impossible to know the actual amounts of each ingredient. Given the small overall serving size of the shake, it's likely that many of these superfoods are present in amounts too small to provide significant nutritional benefit.
Vitamins and Minerals
The original 310 Shake formula includes a vitamin and mineral blend that provides about 30% of the daily value for most essential micronutrients. However, the newer organic formulation has removed the vitamin/mineral blend in order to maintain organic certification.
This is an important distinction for consumers to be aware of. If you're using the newer organic formula as a true meal replacement, you'll need to ensure you're getting these micronutrients from other sources.
Questionable Ingredients
While 310 Nutrition markets itself as a clean, natural product, there are some ingredients worth questioning:
- Folic Acid: Some research has associated folic acid supplementation with increased risk of prostate cancer. Many nutritionists prefer the more bioavailable methylfolate form of this B vitamin.
- "Natural Flavors": As mentioned, this term can encompass a wide range of additives, and the lack of transparency is concerning.
- Gums and Thickeners: The product contains guar gum, acacia gum, and xanthan gum. While generally recognized as safe, some people experience digestive discomfort from these additives.
- Raw Maca Root: The product contains maca root, which in its raw form is an indigestible starch similar to raw potato and can cause intestinal discomfort. Properly prepared maca should be gelatinized.
Weight Loss Results: Does It Actually Work?
The primary reason most people turn to 310 Shakes is for weight management. So, does it deliver?
With only 110 calories per serving and 15g of protein, 310 Nutrition shakes are specifically designed for weight loss. The high protein content helps maintain muscle mass during caloric restriction, while the fiber aids in satiety.
During my 30-day trial, I lost 4 pounds – not dramatic, but a healthy, sustainable rate of weight loss. However, it's important to note that I was replacing just one meal per day and maintaining an otherwise balanced diet and regular exercise routine.
There is no medical proof that 310 Nutrition is superior for weight loss than the equivalent amount of protein and calories from other sources. The weight loss benefits come primarily from caloric restriction rather than any magic ingredient in the formula.
The Price Factor: Value for Money?
At approximately $2.50 per serving (or around $2.25 with a subscription), 310 Shakes aren't cheap. When comparing to competitors:
- 310 Shakes: ~$2.50 per serving
- LyfeFuel: ~$2.91 per serving
- Shakeology: ~$4.56 per serving
- Huel: ~$2.35 per serving
While more affordable than Shakeology, there are much better natural shakes available that accomplish what 310 tries to do. The value proposition really depends on what you're looking for – convenience, weight loss support, or complete nutrition. My personal favorite is LyfeFuel as it’s the cleanest, most complete option I’ve found to date.
The Verdict: Is 310 Nutrition Worth It?
After 30 days of use, extensive research, and nutritional analysis, here's my honest assessment:
Pros:
- Low calorie and carb content, beneficial for weight loss
- High-quality plant protein blend
- No artificial sweeteners
- Free from common allergens (gluten, dairy, soy)
- Decent taste compared to many competitors
- Strong community support system
Cons:
- Too low in calories to truly replace a meal
- Contains some questionable ingredients like "natural flavors"
- Newer organic formula lacks added vitamins and minerals
- Relatively expensive compared to basic protein powders
- May cause digestive issues for some due to fiber content and thickeners
- Limited scientific evidence for efficacy beyond caloric restriction
Who Should Try It:
310 Nutrition shakes might be worth considering if:
- You're specifically looking for a low-calorie, high-protein drink to support weight loss
- You prefer plant-based protein sources
- You want a convenient option for busy mornings or post-workout
- You benefit from community support for accountability
Who Should Skip It:
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You're seeking complete nutrition from a true meal replacement
- You have a sensitive digestive system
- You prefer whole, minimally processed foods
- You're on a tight budget
- You want something with substantial scientific backing
The Bottom Line
310 Nutrition shakes can be a useful tool in a weight management program, primarily by helping control calorie intake in a convenient format. However, they shouldn't be viewed as nutritionally complete meal replacements or a magic solution for sustainable weight loss.
As with any dietary supplement, these shakes work best as part of a balanced approach to nutrition that includes plenty of whole foods, regular physical activity, and lifestyle habits that support overall wellbeing.
Remember, the most sustainable approach to health is one that works with your individual body, preferences, and lifestyle – whether that includes meal replacement shakes or not.
Have you tried 310 Nutrition shakes? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
About the Author: This review was written by a certified nutritionist with over 10 years of experience in holistic health and supplementation. We purchased this product independently and received no compensation for this review.
