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HLTH Code Review: Evaluating Its Shake-Based Approach to Daily Nutrition

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HLTH Code is a nutrition-focused brand centered on formulations designed to support metabolic health, weight management, and everyday nutrition needs. Its products are positioned as a balanced option for a full meal, combining protein, healthy fats, fiber, probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals in a single shake.

The brand emphasizes convenience for addressing concerns such as inconsistent meal patterns, cravings, blood sugar balance, and difficulty maintaining nutrient-dense food choices.

In this review, we will take a closer look at HLTH Code’s offerings, how the brand compares with similar brands, and the advantages it claims to provide. We will also evaluate the overall reputation it holds among consumers and within the fitness market.

HLTH Code Review

About HLTH Code

As per the official website, HLTH Code specializes in complete meal replacement products developed around metabolic health science.

Co-founded by Dr. Ben Bikman, a metabolic researcher, the brand emphasizes formulations that provide a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients while avoiding added sugars, soy, artificial sweeteners, and artificial ingredients. Its positioning centers on helping you manage areas such as appetite control, blood-sugar balance, sustained energy, and lean muscle support through convenient, nutrient-dense shakes.

HLTH Code’s offerings primarily fall within the meal replacement and metabolic wellness category. Its core range includes the Original Complete Meal and a Plant-Based Complete Meal alternative, available in flavors such as Chocolate Macadamia, Creamy Vanilla, Chocolate, and Vanilla.

According to the makers, HLTH Code also provides Flavor Fusions variety packs to diversify taste options, along with food-storage containers and Blender Bottles to support on-the-go use. Beyond shakes, the lineup extends to complementary metabolic support options such as Berberine, positioned as an add-on if you are focused on weight and blood-sugar management goals.

HLTH Code Offerings

  1. 15 Complete Meals

    HLTH Code offers 15 Complete Meals in each bag, with formulations available in both plant-based and whey–collagen protein options.

    As per the official website, each version combines macronutrients with fiber, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

    The plant-based formulation provides 27 grams of protein per two scoops, derived from specially fermented plant sources. The fermentation process uses mushroom mycelial activity to partially break down plant proteins, which may improve digestibility by reducing anti-nutrients such as phytic acid and protease inhibitors. This process can support better amino acid availability and may reduce the chances of developing bloating.

    The shake also includes a 1:1 ratio of fats to protein, with fats sourced from coconut, olive oil, avocado, MCT oil, flaxseed, and cocoa butter. These provide a mix of short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids that may promote mitochondrial energy metabolism and membrane structure and hormone signaling functions associated with longer-chain fatty acids.

    The whey-collagen version also delivers 27 grams of protein per two scoops, sourced from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. Whey protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile and is rich in leucine, which may support the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway.

    Egg white protein is highly bioavailable and supports tissue maintenance and enzyme production. The collagen component supplies peptides containing glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that form part of the structural framework of cartilage, tendons, and skin. These peptides are absorbed as short chains and may contribute to collagen turnover within connective tissues.

  2. Berberine

    As per the official website, Berberine supports healthy blood sugar levels, glucose metabolism, and weight-management processes. This formula has berberine, which supports energy regulation at the cellular level, particularly through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase that might promote glucose uptake, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial energy use.

    Berberine formula also combines turmeric, which supplies curcumin that interacts with inflammatory and immune-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB and cytokine activity. It might support cardiovascular function, lipid balance, and tissue-level oxidative stability.

    Broccoli seed extract in this formula provides glucoraphanin that can be converted in the body to sulforaphane. It might also help support your body’s response to oxidative stress and assist in maintaining normal cellular and metabolic function.

  3. Flavor Fusions Variety 3pk

    According to the official website, Flavor Fusions Variety 3pk is a bundle created to add additional flavor options to HLTH Code shakes while keeping the underlying nutrition profile of the meal the same. The pack contains three flavor blends, including Cookies & Cream, Strawberry, and Salted Caramel, with 30 servings of each for a total of 90 servings. The blends are intended to be added to a vanilla HLTH Code shake during preparation.

    The brand highlights that one scoop can be used to adjust the taste, and a second scoop may be added if a stronger flavor profile is preferred. This product functions as a flavor add-in rather than a primary nutritional component, so its purpose is to modify taste rather than provide additional protein, fats, or vitamins and minerals.

HLTH Code Advantage

Founder-led Brand Identity

HLTH Code positions itself as a founder-led brand co-founded by Dr. Ben Bikman, PhD, along with Joel Bikman and Sargon Daniel.

The brand explicitly references Dr. Bikman’s academic background in bioenergetics and his research focus on insulin resistance, carbohydrate metabolism, and metabolic regulation as foundational to its product philosophy.

​Public materials identify Dr. Bikman as a professor and metabolic scientist, and his published work and educational content are presented as informing the formulation approach rather than serving as clinical claims.

​The company frames its low-carbohydrate, fat-forward meal replacement products as reflecting this research perspective, with formulations designed to minimize net carbohydrate content while emphasizing fats and protein in alignment with insulin-focused metabolic frameworks.​

Products such as the Complete Meal are positioned within this context, with nutritional profiles that the brand states are intended to support controlled insulin response rather than general calorie replacement. This founder-led identity distinguishes HLTH Code as a brand built around a specific metabolic science viewpoint, where product design and educational messaging are guided by the founders’ research orientation rather than by broad lifestyle or fitness positioning.

HLTH Code Limitation

Limited Independent Clinical Visibility

HLTH Code frames its offerings within a science-focused metabolic health narrative, positioning products such as 15 Complete Meals, Berberine, and Flavor Fusions Variety 3pk as tools intended to support glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic efficiency. However, the brand has a relatively low level of visibility within independently conducted clinical research.

Although HLTH Code frequently references established metabolic principles and ingredient level studies, there is limited publicly available evidence in the form of independent third-party randomized controlled trials that directly evaluate the brand’s specific formulations, dosing strategies, or integrated usage programs.

In clinical nutrition and metabolic science, randomized controlled trials are widely regarded as the highest standard for efficacy validation because they reduce placebo effects, participant bias, and confounding lifestyle variables.

The brand’s claims appear to depend primarily on founder-led interpretation of existing research, expert opinion, educational content, and self-reported user outcomes rather than externally run trials measuring objective clinical endpoints.

Pros

  • Claims to provide a nutritionally balanced meal-replacement shake designed for convenience.
  • The brand highlights that its products are manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities for quality assurance.
  • Offers a plant-based option in meal replacement shakes for non-dairy users.

Cons

  • Some users report occasional mixing or texture inconsistencies.
  • Limited independent clinical research specific to the formula.

HLTH Code Alternatives

  1. Orgain

    Orgain positions itself as a versatile nutrition brand with a wide portfolio designed for everyday use across different age groups and lifestyle needs. The brand places strong emphasis on USDA Organic certification where applicable, minimizes added sugars, and avoidance of artificial flavors or preservatives. Its range includes plant-based protein powders, high-protein shakes, collagen products, supplements, and an extensive kids’ nutrition line.

    Product diversity is a defining feature, with multiple flavors and formats such as the Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder, Creatine Monohydrate Powder, and Kids Protein Nutrition Shakes. Orgain also highlights accessibility and consumer trust, supported by B-Corp Certification and a mission centered on broader lifestyle nutrition rather than a single functional outcome.

    HLTH Code follows a more focused and science-oriented model. Co-founded and formulated by Dr. Ben Bikman, the brand concentrates primarily on meal-replacement shakes developed around metabolic health principles. The formulation approach centers on 0 g added sugars, approximately 4 g net carbs, collagen addition, blended protein sources, and 27 g of dietary fats per serving, to support satiety, weight management, stable energy, and blood-sugar control. HLTH Code maintains a compact product lineup, primarily consisting of Original and Plant-Based Complete Meal shakes, complemented by targeted add-ons such as Berberine.

    As per their official website, Orgain prioritizes variety, flavor options, and suitability for different life stages, including families and people seeking flexible nutrition choices. HLTH Code prioritizes nutrient balance, metabolic outcomes, and satiety within a structured meal-replacement format. While Orgain supports a wide range of nutrition preferences, including vegan and plant-based users, HLTH Code appeals more to people seeking a consolidated, research-guided shake intended to function as meals.

    Orgain offers a broad multi-category product ecosystem suitable for general lifestyle nutrition, whereas HLTH Code delivers a specialized, metabolically focused meal-replacement option.

  2. Garden Of Life

    Garden of Life offers numerous products across categories, including an extensive set of meal replacement and protein powders. The catalog features multiple named products, such as Raw Organic Meal Replacement Protein Powder in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, lightly sweet, and vanilla spiced chai, along with Organic Meal Chocolate and Organic Meal Vanilla powders.

    The lineup extends into nutrition areas with products such as Organic Plant Protein Smooth Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, and Smooth Unflavored powders, Raw Organic Fit Protein in original, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee variants, as well as options like Super Seed Beyond Fiber, Omega-Zyme Ultra Capsules, and Dr. Formulated Keto Organic MCT Powder. This breadth is strengthened by a strong certification-first identity, with many products tied to USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, NSF Gluten-Free, Kosher, Informed-Choice, B-Corp, Upcycled Certified, and Green-e Energy Certified labels, emphasizing ingredient standards, transparency, and environmental accountability across the portfolio.

    HLTH Code, in comparison, maintains a narrower but highly specialized product focus built primarily around its Complete Meal shakes. The lineup centers on specific named variants such as Original Chocolate Macadamia, Original Creamy Vanilla, Plant-Based Chocolate, and Plant-Based Vanilla, alongside complementary options like Flavor Fusions variety packs, berberine capsules, and branded BlenderBottle accessories.

    Rather than highlighting organic sourcing or sustainability certifications, HLTH Code differentiates itself through a science-driven formulation philosophy shaped by the metabolic research background of co-founder Dr. Ben Bikman. The brand also highlights that its shakes are manufactured in a CGMP-certified, FDA-registered facility.

    Garden of Life features a wide ecosystem of wellness and lifestyle products with multiple flavor options, adjacent health categories, and certification-backed credibility. Meanwhile, HLTH Code offers targeted metabolic-health meal options and prioritizes functional benefits.

How Did We Evaluate?

  1. Brand Reputation

    We evaluated HLTH Code by looking at its brand age, background, leadership, and the credibility signals available from public sources.

    The brand positioning centers on complete meal-replacement shakes designed around metabolic health, with an emphasis on balanced macros, healthy fats, protein, and the exclusion of added sugars and artificial ingredients.

    The company operates as a privately held, direct-to-consumer brand, and its products are manufactured in the U.S. in facilities that the brand states follow FDA-registered and CGMP standards.

    We also considered the brand’s trust profile, including its status on consumer-accountability platforms. At the time of writing this review, HLTH Code is not listed on the Better Business Bureau. This absence does not necessarily indicate negative business practices, but it limits insight into long-term customer-service trends through that channel.

    Our evaluation indicates that HLTH Code positions itself as a science-focused nutrition brand. At the same time, limited independent visibility raises concerns regarding accountability and reputation.

  2. Real User Experiences

    Our evaluation of HLTH Code is based primarily on Amazon customer feedback for the brand’s flagship product, the Complete Meal Replacement Shake, which holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating from more than 300+ reviews.

    Many users report positive outcomes such as sustained fullness, improved energy levels, and better appetite control compared with other meal replacement options. Taste and texture are frequently highlighted as strengths, with several users noting that the shake avoids artificial aftertastes and, for some, feels easier on the stomach than typical protein or collagen-based blends. Feedback related to customer service also supports the brand’s reliability, as customers describe helpful and accommodating interactions.

    However, some users find the product expensive for daily or long-term use, particularly at the full recommended serving size. A few consumers mention digestive sensitivity or texture concerns that improve when portions or mixing methods are adjusted. Flavor variety is another commonly noted area for improvement, with customers expressing interest in additional options.

    It is also relevant that while HLTH Code offers other products, such as its berberine supplement and the Flavor Fusion Variety Pack, these options were not available on Amazon at the time of evaluation. As a result, the feedback reflects user experiences primarily with the meal replacement shake.

    The findings indicate that HLTH Code is regarded as a nutritionally focused premium brand with strong user satisfaction, while price and product availability remain important considerations for potential buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Shakes from HLTH Code be used as a full-time diet replacement for all meals?

No. The brand offers shakes that are designed to replace one or two meals per day, not all meals, even though it provides balanced macros, fiber, vitamins, and minerals with its fixed 1:1 protein-to-fat ratio. Using it for every meal may reduce dietary variety and may not supply enough calories for highly active people. The brand positions it mainly for convenience, keto, and weight-management support rather than full-time reliance.

HLTH Code available through retail stores for users who prefer in-person purchasing?

No. The brand’s products are not sold in physical retail stores and are available exclusively online. Its product is also listed on select online marketplaces such as Amazon and Ubuy, but in-person, store-based purchasing is not currently supported.

How does HLTH Code support ketosis compared to regular meal options?

The brand highlights that its shakes include 27g of fats from short-, medium-, and long-chain sources, which it positions as supportive of sustained energy on a ketogenic diet. However, the ketosis response may still vary based on total daily intake and individual metabolism.

Conclusion

HLTH Code is built around metabolic health principles, with formulations that combine protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients while limiting added sugars, soy, and artificial sweeteners.

However, the evidence for long-term outcomes such as sustained weight change, biomarker improvement, or glycemic stability remains limited because of the lack of independent studies on full product formulations. The brand’s reliance on liquid meals, reduced dietary variety compared to whole-food eating patterns, and a relatively low-carbohydrate, higher-fat profile may not suit all preferences or fitness needs.

It is essential to assess your tolerance for specific ingredients and evaluate whether a shake-based routine fits your lifestyle. You should also seek medical guidance before replacing regular meals or combining these products with medications. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, metabolic conditions, digestive concerns, or restrictive diets.

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