Kate Farms focuses on plant-based, organic formulas that may support various fitness needs. The brand aims to target concerns such as food allergies, digestive sensitivities, and the desire for clean nutrition.
The brand’s catalog includes a variety of nutritional formulas, such as Standard 1.0, Peptide 1.5, High Protein Nutrition Shake, and pediatric options, which are compatible for both oral consumption and tube feeding. Beyond these, the brand offers specialized options, such as Glucose Support 1.2 and Renal Support 1.8, for blood sugar and kidney concerns.
In this review, we explore several aspects of Kate Farms, including the effectiveness and suitability of its formulas for various needs, offerings, and the brand’s commitment to providing clean product options. The review also discusses the advantages, potential brand limitations, and real user experiences.
About Kate Farms
Founded by Richard and Michelle Laver, Kate Farms is a U.S. brand that was established to provide a substitute for conventional tube-feeding formulas, which are typically filled with processed ingredients, artificial additives, and high sugar content.
The brand’s offerings are categorized into everyday nutrition, specialized nutrition, medical nutrition, and kids nutrition. Some featured offerings in these categories include Nutrition Shake, Standard 1.4, Peptide 1.5, Pediatric Standard 1.2, Kids Nutrition Chocolate, and Glucose Support 1.2.
As per the makers, all products from the brand are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from common allergens, such as dairy, gluten, soy, tree nuts, eggs, and GMOs.
According to the official site, the offerings from Kate Farms are used in more than 1,450 hospitals across the United States.
The brand’s formulations are available online through the official site and Amazon, as well as in retail outlets, such as Walmart and select Target stores. Formulations from the brand are further accessible through insurance programs like Medicare, Medicaid, WIC, and even HSA/FSA benefits.
Kate Farms Products
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High Protein Nutrition Shake
The High Protein Nutrition Shake might contribute to your daily protein needs, which may support muscle growth, promote recovery post-exercise, and assist with strength maintenance.
According to the official site, one carton (325ml) contains 160 calories, 25g of USDA Organic pea protein, 6g of dietary fiber, and zero sugar content. The shake comes in a pack of 12 cartons and is available in strawberry and chocolate flavors.
The Spectra Phytonutrient Blend in the High Protein Nutrition Shake provides concentrated plant extracts, including broccoli, Coffeeberry, spinach, green tea, carrot, turmeric, kale, beet, raspberry, and tart cherry. Such ingredients may work at the cellular level to help lower oxidative stress, support vascular function, and improve metabolic efficiency.
As per the official site, the High Protein Nutrition Shake features around 27 essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, E, D, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients might contribute to your daily micronutrient needs and vitality. The makers further state that the High Protein Nutrition Shake is free from common allergens (such as soy, dairy, gluten), artificial sweeteners, colors, and corn syrup.
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Nutrition Shake
According to the official site, Nutrition Shake may boost your energy levels and potentially support your fitness goals. It’s one 325ml carton is said to contain 330 calories, 16g of protein, 18g of total sugars, and 12g of total fat. The Nutrition Shake is available in coffee, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors.
This Shake contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals to cover daily nutritional needs, which include vitamins A, E, D, folate, biotin, choline, niacin, and magnesium. Vitamins A, E, and D could help support cellular protection, immune defense, and bone health. Folate and biotin may help stimulate DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and efficient energy production from protein intake.
Niacin may encourage the formation of NAD⁺/NADP⁺ molecules, which might support metabolic pathways that release energy from protein and other macronutrients. Magnesium may function as a cofactor for ATP synthesis, which could support muscle contractions and boost energy levels.
The shake also contains a mix of phytonutrient extracts from superfoods, such as broccoli, kale, cinnamon, tomato, garlic, blackberries, and turmeric. These phytonutrient extracts may contribute to the shake’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Standard 1.4
Standard 1.4 is a plant-based, calorie-dense shake that may help you gain or maintain weight and support increased energy needs.
As per the official site, one carton (325ml) has 455 calories, 51g of total carbohydrates, 20g of organic pea protein, and 16g of total sugars. The makers state that Standard 1.4 is compatible with both oral consumption and tube feeding.
The Standard 1.4 formula contains brown rice syrup solids, high linoleic sunflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides from coconut, and agave syrup. Its makers also include ingredients like L-carnitine, L-tryptophan, and vitamin D3 in the formulation.
L-carnitine could help move fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized for optimal energy production, which may spare protein for building muscle. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that could encourage serotonin production, which might positively impact your appetite and mood. As per the official site, the Standard 1.4 shake is available in plain, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavor variants.
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Peptide 1.5
Peptide 1.5 formula may help support weight gain and maintenance while being gentle on digestion. According to the official site, it contains 500 calories, 24g of protein, 5g of dietary fiber, and 20g of total sugars per carton.
The Peptide 1.5 formulation uses hydrolyzed organic pea protein, which your digestive system breaks down into smaller peptides for easier absorption and digestibility.
Brown rice syrup solids, pea starch, agave inulin, and MCTs are integrated in the Peptide 1.5 formula. Medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed quickly and redirected to the liver, where they are converted into energy molecules (called ketones). Agave inulin is a prebiotic fiber that could feed beneficial gut bacteria, which helps improve nutrient absorption and gut health.
Pea starch provides complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, giving a steady release of glucose to support sustained energy and minimize rapid blood sugar spikes.
As per the official site, Peptide 1.5 may be particularly beneficial if you have high-calorie needs or prefer a combination of drinking, eating, and tube feeding. It may flow smoothly through feeding tubes as small as 6.5 French size without dilution. The brand claims that its Peptide 1.5 is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and gluten-free.
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Pediatric Blended Meals
According to the official site, Pediatric Blended Meals are formulated for children aged 1–13 years to support healthy growth and development. Pediatric Blended Meals contain 9g of easy-to-digest organic protein, 250 calories, 5g of total sugars, and 11g of total fats per 250ml pouch. The formulation comes in resealable single-serve pouches in appealing flavors, such as Mango & Strawberry, Squash & Carrot, and Banana & Blueberry.
The makers claim Pediatric Blended Meals are designed to connect directly to ENFit™ tube feeding devices, allowing smooth flow with minimal effort. Such convenience may help lower preparation time, limit mess, and make the feeding process more efficient.
The Pediatric Blended Meals formula comprises a mix of organic whole foods and essential nutrients, such as carrot, flaxseed oil, beet, and amino acids (like l-lysine, l-threonine, l-carnitine, and taurine).
Carrots in these meals provide beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to support cell growth, immune health, and tissue repair. Flaxseed oil supplies omega-3 fatty acids that may improve cell membrane function, reduce inflammation, and support brain development.
Essential amino acids like L-lysine and L-threonine are essential for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and bone growth, while L-carnitine could help support energy metabolism.
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Kids Nutrition
The Kids Nutrition shake may support healthy pediatric growth and development through a USDA Organic and Non-GMO formula.
As per the official site, one carton (250ml) contains 8g of protein, 250 calories, and 9g of total sugars. It also comprises organic phytonutrient extracts from nutrient-rich foods like broccoli, kale, spinach, blueberries, and turmeric. These phytonutrient extracts might support pediatric macronutrient needs.
Kids Nutrition shake provides DHA Algal Oil, flaxseed oil, and pea protein. DHA from algal oil is an omega-3 fatty acid that could support your child’s brain and eye development while promoting immunity.
Flaxseed oil features alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another omega-3, which might help maintain cell membrane integrity and support your child’s metabolism. As per the official site, Kids Nutrition shake is available in strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors.
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Renal Support 1.2
Glucose Support 1.2 is a low-glycemic shake that may support healthy blood sugar levels while minimizing energy dips from fluctuating blood glucose levels. According to the official site, it features 16g of protein, 300 calories, and 9g of total sugars per 250ml carton.
Instead of artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, Glucose Support 1.2 uses organic agave syrup to add a mild sweetness alongside vanilla extract. The formula also contains nutrients like chromium picolinate, magnesium citrate, biotin, and zinc oxide for blood glucose support.
Chromium picolinate may enhance insulin sensitivity by improving insulin receptor activity, which may help your body’s cells utilize glucose more efficiently. Biotin may complement the benefits of chromium by influencing enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown and energy production.
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Renal Support 1.8
Kate Farms claims that Renal Support 1.8 may help replenish protein loss and provide optimized doses of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Sodium may influence fluid levels outside cells and help the kidneys filter blood and reabsorb nutrients. Potassium could maintain the electrical charge across cell membranes, which may allow kidney cells to secrete waste and control acid–base balance.
According to the official site, one carton (250ml) of Renal Support 1.8 provides 450 calories, 20g of protein, 250mg of sodium, and 43g of total carbohydrates. For digestion and gut comfort, the formulation contains organic agave inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may support a healthy gut microbiome.
Kate Farms Advantages
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Broad Insurance Coverage Eligibility
According to the official site, Kate Farms’ formulas are broadly eligible for coverage under major public and private insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Kaiser, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Aetna, Blue Cross, and Blue Shield. To help you navigate the insurance process, the brand offers a Patient Advocate Team that can assist with approvals, denials, and appeals.
This broad insurance coverage approach may increase the likelihood of access to Kate Farms formulas under insurance, potentially reducing a significant financial burden. However, the brand mentions that its Nutrition Shake is excluded from insurance reimbursement.
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USDA Organic Certified Brand
As per the official site, all offerings from Kate Farms carry the USDA Organic certification. The brand prominently highlights the certification on its official site, reinforcing that its offerings are not only Certified USDA Organic but also Non-GMO Project Verified and free from common allergens.
For you, the USDA Organic certification may indicate that every ingredient in the brand’s formulations is grown, handled, and processed according to strict federal standards. It may also imply the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial additives in the brand’s offerings. As many of the brand’s offerings are catered to medical nutrition, whether through oral intake or tube feeding, the USDA organic certification may provide added peace of mind.
Kate Farms Limitation
Limited Consumption Formats
Kate Farms currently only provides products in liquid, ready-to-consume formulas, such as Peptide 1.5, Standard 1.4, and Nutrition Shake, which are packaged in Tetra Pak cartons. The brand does not offer any powdered or drink mix format in its lineup, which may limit flexibility if you prefer manually customizing serving sizes or adjusting drink thickness. It may also pose limitations in travel or storage, since liquid cartons are typically heavier and bulkier than powdered packages.
Meanwhile, similar brands like Orgain feature powdered formats in their lineup, such as the Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder and Supreme Greens, which may enable you to adjust your intake or scale portions to fit your needs. Moreover, Orgain also provides offerings in other consumption formats, including gummies, bars, and capsules. Kate Farms, with its emphasis only on ready-to-drink options, may come across as less flexible if you prefer a brand with more adaptable nutrition choices.
Pros
- Utilizes USDA-Organic pea protein in its lineup, showcasing a commitment to clean nutrition.
- Most of the brand’s offerings are compatible with tube-feeding scenarios, which flow smoothly in feeding tubes (up to 6.5 Fr size).
- The brand’s medical offerings are eligible for wide insurance coverage, including Medicare, Medicaid, select private plans, and WIC
- The Subscribe & Save program may provide a 10% discount on the retail price and support extended use.
Cons
- Some consumers may find the offerings from Kate Farms comparatively expensive than similar brands.
- The brand does not offer powdered formats and solely offers ready-to-consume liquid format options.
Kate Farms Alternative
Orgain
Both Orgain and Kate Farms focus on organic, plant-based nutrition. However, the brands differ in their core focus, product range, and pricing structure.
Orgain focuses on everyday health and wellness essentials, providing “clean” nutrition options across protein powders, ready-to-drink shakes, collagen mixes, snack/protein bars, and supplements.
Some featured offerings from Orgain include the Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder, Organic Nutrition Shake, 20g Clean Protein Shake, Vegan Organic Nutrition Shake, Grass Fed Pasture Raised Collagen Peptides, and Creatine Monohydrate Powder.
Meanwhile, Kate Farms maintains a more focused lineup, which concentrates on ready-to-drink shakes and tube-feeding compatible formulas.
Some featured offerings from the brand include Nutrition Shake, Standard 1.0, Peptide 1.0, Standard 1.4, High Protein Nutrition Shake, and pediatric-focused options like Pediatric Blended Meals, Kids Nutrition Shake, and Pediatric Peptide 1.5.
Both brands emphasize quality standards and clean labeling, but their certifications indicate subtle differences.
For instance, Orgain highlights its B-Corp certification for sustainability, non-GMO formulations, and selective USDA Organic status for some formulations (such as Organic Meal Powder and Kids Protein Organic Nutrition Shake).
On the other hand, Kate Farms carries USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified certifications throughout its lineup, while also emphasizing allergen-free formulations.
When comparing pricing, the two brands further indicate a point of contrast. For example, the shakes from Orgain (ranging from Kids Protein Organic Nutrition Shake to 38g Protein Shake) are typically priced between $30 and $50, while the protein, collagen, and nutritional powders from the brand are typically priced in the range of $23–$67.
On the other hand, everyday nutrition formulas (such as Kids Nutrition and High Protein Nutrition Shake) from Kate Farms are priced between $38.70–$49.50.
Meanwhile, the formulations in the Medical Nutrition lineup (such as Standard 1.0 and Peptide 1.5) are priced around $49.50–$133.20.
How Did We Evaluate Kate Farms?
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Real User Reviews
As part of our evaluation, we reviewed verified consumer feedback received by Kate Farms’ offerings on Reddit, which is based on reviews across 2025.
Many users highlighted the brand’s formulations as one of the few nutritional options they can consistently tolerate.
Some customers noted that the shakes helped them maintain or even gain weight, with some describing them as essential to meeting daily calorie needs.
Insurance coverage is also a recurring theme in Reddit reviews, with many users stating that reimbursement made the brand’s offerings more accessible.
Taste and flavor variety also factored heavily into user experiences. Chocolate was often cited as the most preferred option, while vanilla and strawberry drew more mixed reactions, ranging from acceptable to complaints about aftertaste.
We also noted recurring concerns during evaluation. A few consumers experienced digestive discomfort and ingredient sensitivities, with issues ranging from bloating to intolerance of specific components like beet-derived ingredients. Other users questioned the balance of protein and fat relative to calorie content, comparing it unfavorably to homemade alternatives.
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Overall Price And Value
When evaluating Kate Farms, pricing is an important factor in assessing overall value. We compared the pricing of the brand’s two popular offerings to that of the offerings from the Orgain brand.
Kate Farms’ Nutrition Shake costs $51 for a case of 12, which comes to about $4.25 per shake. While the cost may be higher than mainstream options, the inclusion of free 2-day shipping may help offset the expense. Meanwhile, the brand’s Kids Nutrition Chocolate shake is priced at $43 for a case of 12, equivalent to about $3.58 per shake.
Competing options such as Orgain’s Organic Nutrition Shake cost $35.99 per 12-pack, equating to around $3.00 per shake. Similarly, Orgain’s Kids Protein Organic Nutrition Shake is priced at $29.99 for a case of 12, equating to about $2.50 per shake.
Thus, as per these details, Orgain offers better value for general wellness with lower prices and a broad product variety, while Kate Farms justifies its premium for medical or allergen-sensitive needs through specialized, high-quality formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the brand is not certified as low-FODMAP. While its formulas use pea protein and organic ingredients that may be well-tolerated if you have IBS, some components, like agave inulin or fibers, may still trigger adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
No, the brand does not offer single-serve trial packs for its lineup. Most formulations are sold in 11-ounce cartons, typically in 12-count cases, which can make first-time trials a higher upfront investment.
Yes, you might experience a distinct pea protein taste across formulas. While the brand uses natural flavoring like vanilla or chocolate to balance the issue, the plant-based profile may still taste earthy or slightly chalky compared to dairy-based shakes.
Conclusion
Kate Farms focuses on plant-based nutrition by providing ready-to-drink formulas that are also compatible with tube feeding. The brand emphasizes USDA Organic status, Non-GMO Project Verified certification, and allergen-free formulas throughout its lineup. Such assurances might provide you with a clean-label option, which is particularly helpful if you have food sensitivities or are on medically prescribed diets.
However, all offerings from the brand are solely available in liquid, ready-to-consume formats. This could limit the flexibility in consumption, including options for mixing, portion scaling, or adjusting thickness.
A careful evaluation of factors like your specific fitness goals, preferences, suitability for ready-to-drink liquid options, and pricing constraints may help you decide if Kate Farms aligns with your needs and requirements.
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.