Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal is the shake most people mean when they say “Herbalife shake”. Made with 250ml of semi-skimmed milk, a serving gives you 18g of protein and 4g of fibre, and it’s designed to replace a meal. Here’s how to choose a flavour, how to make it and how it fits into your day.
The Herbalife shakes sold in the UK
| Shake | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Formula 1 Healthy Meal | Meal replacement for weight control, or a quick balanced meal |
| Formula 1 Free From | The same idea, for people avoiding certain allergens. Check the label for your needs |
| Protein Drink Mix | Adds extra protein to a Formula 1 shake. Not a meal on its own |
| High Protein Iced Coffee | A higher-protein coffee drink or snack |
| Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength | Post-training protein for people who exercise regularly |
Formula 1 flavours
We stock the standard UK range: Smooth Chocolate, Vanilla Cream, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Delight, Banana Cream, Summer Berries, Mint & Chocolate and Café Latte, plus limited editions while stocks last.
If you’re unsure, start with Vanilla Cream. It’s the most adaptable: blend it with frozen berries, a spoon of cocoa, cinnamon or half a banana and you’ve got a different shake every day from one tub. Chocolate and Cookies & Cream are the usual favourites for people who want something that tastes like a treat. Café Latte works well blended with ice as an iced coffee.
What’s in a Formula 1 shake
Two scoops (26g) mixed with 250ml of semi-skimmed milk gives you:
- 18g of protein, which makes it high in protein
- 4g of fibre, which makes it high in fibre
- At least 38% of the daily reference intake for the vitamins and minerals it contains
- No artificial colours
Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass, which matters when you’re eating less to lose weight. The protein and fibre together are also why a shake tends to keep people fuller than, say, a slice of toast with jam at a similar calorie count. Check the label on your tub for the exact figures for your flavour, as they vary slightly.
How to make a Herbalife shake
- Pour 250ml of milk or a fortified milk alternative into a shaker or blender.
- Add two level scoops (26g) of Formula 1.
- Shake or blend until smooth. A blender with ice gives a thicker, colder shake.
Use milk or a fortified alternative rather than water. The milk is part of the nutrition the shake is built around, including a good share of the protein. If you use a plant milk, a soya drink keeps the protein closest to dairy.
How many shakes should you have a day?
That depends on what you want from them:
- To lose weight: substituting two daily meals of an energy-restricted diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss. Your third meal should be a balanced meal with vegetables and a good source of protein.
- To keep weight off afterwards: substituting one daily meal of an energy-restricted diet with a meal replacement contributes to the maintenance of weight after weight loss.
- For convenience: one shake when you’d otherwise skip a meal or grab something worse.
Shakes aren’t meant to replace every meal. You still need regular food, fruit and vegetables, and enough to drink. The Herbalife weight loss plan page explains a full day.
How long does a tub last?
A 550g tub holds around 21 servings at 26g each. That’s three weeks at one shake a day, or about ten days at two a day. Our shake cost calculator works out what each shake costs you, including the milk.
Who should check first
Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using meal replacements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, have a medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, or take regular medication. Check the label for allergens: standard Formula 1 contains soya, and you’ll be mixing it with milk unless you choose an alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix Herbalife shakes with water?
You can, but the shake is designed to be made with milk or a fortified alternative. With water you’ll get noticeably less protein and the shake won’t count as a full meal replacement.
Are Herbalife shakes vegan?
Formula 1’s ingredients are suitable for vegans in many flavours. Make it with a fortified soya drink for a vegan shake. Check the label of the flavour you choose.
Can I make a shake the night before?
Yes, if you keep it sealed in the fridge and drink it within 24 hours. Shake it again before drinking, as it will thicken.
Which shake is best for building muscle?
Formula 1 with a scoop of Protein Drink Mix, or Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength after training. Total protein across the day matters more than the brand. Our protein calculator gives you a daily target.
Not sure which shake or flavour suits you? Message me on WhatsApp and I’ll help you choose. Every order includes free coaching.
Andrew Hill is an Independent Herbalife Member and earns money when you buy Herbalife products from DietPal. Use meal replacements as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Individual results vary. Page last reviewed: 12 November 2026.