GNC Lean Shake Review: Everything You Need To Know

As far as meal replacement shakes go, GNC lean shake seems to at the top of the list. This whey protein-based shake is designed to aid in weight loss as well as promote muscle building.

But, one looming problem; According to GNC Holding Inc., the lean shake is scientifically designed to enhance a leaner body. However, I have not found any scientific research on the formula used on their website.

Don’t get me wrong; research does exist on the various ingredients used like whey protein and fiber. But, the implication that the product’s formula is scientifically proven, while it’s not, it kind of a problem.

However, despite this red flag, lean shake has been widely accepted by many people. The meal replacement shake has received mostly positive results from its customers, most implying that it works.

1. What Is It: A Closer Look at GNC Lean Shake

GNC lean shake contains both soluble and is high in protein to provide satiety.

GNC lean shake is a protein powder designed to limit calorie intake and promote weight loss. This shake is formulated with a blend of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber that promotes satiety, improves digestion, and regularity.

Q. Does GNC Lean Shake qualify as a meal replacement shake?

According to WebMD, a meal replacement shake should offer:

• 200 to 230 calories per serving
• <5 grams of fat
• 3-5 grams of fiber
• 10-15 g of protein
• And at least 30% of the RDA of vitamins and minerals

Although GNC lean shake contains 180 calories per serving– which is low, it compensates in the other features. Not only does GNC have less fat, but it provides more protein than most shakes. Additionally, the fiber content is within the recommended dosage. So, yes lean shake is a meal replacement powder.

2. History of the Brand

General Nutrition Centers Logo

GNC (General Nutrition Centers), founded in 1935 is behind lean shake. The American-based company has its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it develops and sells vitamins, sports nutrition, beauty, herbs and energy products.

• Where are the supplements manufactured?

GNC lean shake and other supplements are manufactured in a privately-owned company– Nutra Manufacturing, Inc.located in Greenville, S.C. Unlike most supplement companies, GNC owns and manufactures its supplements, probably the reason why the shake is cheaper than other replacement shakes in the market.

3. Ingredients Used

• Whey Protein Blend

GNC contains both whey isolate and concentrate.

GNC lean shake is rich in both concentrate and isolates protein. Both of these Whey types have different concentration. For instance, Whey concentrate contains 70-80% protein, lactose, and fat. Isolate, on the other hand, is 90% protein, but is less in lactose, and also lacks most of the nutrients found in concentrate.

Whey protein is easily absorbed and utilized compared to other protein forms [2].  Additionally, it can boost your energy expenditure to around 80-100 calories a day. Furthermore, it promotes muscle gain, increases insulin and plasma amino acids that stimulate muscle growth [1]. 

One study discovered that consuming 25% of protein can reduce your cravings bu 60% [3].

Lean shake contains 25 g of protein which can mean that it is effective in reducing appetite and curbs cravings.

• Vitamin blend

One glaring problem with the low-calorie diets is the vitamin and mineral deficiencies. GNC lean shake contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that maintain the normal body levels. Some of the nutrients include:

• Calcium improves bone health and strength
• Iron promotes blood function and circulation
• Vitamin A promotes healthy eyes and supports bone health
• Riboflavin enhances energy production and increases blood flow
• Vitamin C repairs body tissues and promotes the formation of collagen
• Thiamin supports nerve brain and muscle health
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and moisturizer for the skin
• Niacin lowers triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol
• Zinc builds the immune system
• Vitamin B12 that boosts immunity and increases energy

• Fiber

Dietary fiber offers significant benefits from lowering cholesterol to weight loss. However, according to Mayo Clinic, an adult needs around 28 grams per day. GNC lean shake contains 13 grams dietary and soluble fiber– which most might argue that is small to produce any significant results. However, as a meal replacement shake, it contains the right amount needed.

GNC Lean shake also contains milk protein concentrate, which in combination with whey can increase protein synthesis.

4. How It Works

From its ingredients, GNC lean shake works by curbing your appetite and cravings. Additionally, it provides satiety for up to 2 hours which helps you to reduce food intake.

5. Benefits and Results

Weight loss is the primary benefit of lean shake.

GNC lean shake benefits are tired to whey protein, and it’s vitamin blend.

• Weight loss

Meal replacement shakes reduce calorie intake [4]. Research has suggested replacing 1 to 2 meals a day with a meal replacement shake can hasten the weight loss process. Additionally, the shakes can produce satiety for 2 hours after consumption. In this particular study, the subjects lost an average weight of between 10.6 to 18.5 pounds in 12 weeks [5].

Furthermore, using a meal replacement shake can be more effective than a food-based, calorie restricted diets. One study found that following a partial meal replacements shake plan aided in 5.6 pounds more weight loss compared to reduced calorie intake [6].

• Reduces intake of unhealthy foods

A meal replacement shake can help you limit food intake and snacking by regulating your appetite and cravings.

• Increases metabolism

High-protein diets or shakes can help to boost your metabolism by increasing your energy expenditure. Furthermore, proteins require more calories to digest compared to other food types [7].

• Lowers blood sugar

It is believed that whey protein can lower blood glucose. However, research indicates that its effectiveness is linked to a person’s baseline characteristics like body weight and triglycerides [8].

6. Does It Work?

Based on its ingredient selection, GNC lean shake works. Furthermore, it has received positive reviews from many customers indicating its effectiveness.  

7. How to Take

Mix two scoops of lean shake– the equivalent of one serving with 8-10 fl. Oz water, and drink two shakes daily.

• Allergy concern

GNC lean shake contains milk and soybean.

8. Will It Work With Your Diet?

A low-carb and calorie-controlled diets are recommended alongside this meal replacement shake.

9. As Far As Taste Goes

GNC lean shake is available in several flavors: vanilla, banana, chocolate peanut butter, orange, mixed berry, and cookies & cream.

However, despite these flavors, some customers have complained about the nasty aftertaste.

10. Potential Side Effects

Some customers using GNC have complained of mild headaches, migraine, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.

11. Lawsuits

Currently, there’s no lawsuit against the lean shake. However, GNC Company has been scrutinized before for their fat burning supplements.

Read the full information.

12. Alternatives

There is no shortage of meal replacement shakes in the market. However, some offer a stiff competition like:

• 18 Shake
• 310 shake
• Shakeology
• Isagenix

Here are the 10 best meal replacement shakes.

13. Other Types of Products

Besides lean shake, GNC also has other products that are grouped into different categories including:

• Vitamins and supplements
• Weight management
• Protein and fitness
• Herbs and natural remedies
• Digestion and superfoods
• Food and drink
• Beauty and skin care

14. What Customers Are Saying

GNC lean shake has a 3.9 out of 5 rating with 1,172 reviews.

“GNC lean shake has a great taste. It is easy to mix, plus it doesn’t cause bloating I have used this shake for four months, and I have lost 50 lbs without losing lean mass.”

Thomas

“Lean shake is the best protein shake. I normally use it with soy milk instead of water, and I love it because it’s smooth and creamy. I also love the texture.”

Alexa

“ I don’t like the Lean chocolate shake. I can’t detect the chocolate powder, and I am forced to add cocoa powder to give it a little flavor.”

Amazon customer

“This meal shake tastes good, but it has a weird aftertaste. I am tired of using the shake because of the nasty aftertaste. But, I would recommend adding fruits to add flavor, and it helps.  

Nicole

15. Final Verdict!

GNC lean shake can be a great addition to your daily regimen if you can find ways to circumvent the taste issue. Many customers have complained of the lean shake aftertaste, but that is to be expected with Whey protein. You can try adding fruits like strawberries, cherries, or raspberries to your shake. Additionally, consider using almond or soy milk (if not allergic) instead of water.

NOTE: The number of calories differs in the different products. For example; the strawberry flavored has 170 calories with 6 grams of fat compared to the vanilla flavored which has about 180 calories. So, pay attention to the lean shake flavor.

You can buy GNC lean shake from Amazon or the official website.