Why did they change the formula?
Darin Olien and our team of expert nutritionists decided to update the formula with
FOUR new Superfoods and a whole host of other improvements. The original chocolate
launched three years ago and development started two years before that. Over the past
5 years, there have been a TON of new Superfood discoveries and improvements in
agricultural sourcing of key ingredients.
As we stand by the integrity and quality of Shakeology, we always want you to have the
most cutting-edge, most healthy shake possible. Some have compared this to the iconic
Coca-Cola misstep “New Coke.” We can assure you with 100% confidence that we’re
not in the business of making high-fructose sugar-water. We’re in the business of
making the healthiest shake on Earth—and will continue to refine and improve our
formulas so that we stay light-years ahead of the competition.
If we complain enough, will they bring the old formula back?
While there is no going back to the original formula, we are taking every piece of
feedback (good and bad) into consideration and are exploring ways to minimize the
aftertaste and improve the flavor of the new formula.
Where can I send my feedback?
We want to hear your thoughts and opinions loud and clear! Please send any feedback
you have to [email protected], and encourage your customers and prospects
to do the same. Our executive team will be looking closely at all your feedback, so that
we can continue to provide the highest quality (and most-liked) product. You can help us
make sure that happens!
What exactly did they change in the new formula?
• LESS FRUCTOSE. Yes, fructose is natural. But the bottom line: itʼs sugar. We
reduced the fructose by about 3 grams per serving and added the super-sweet
Superfoods Coconut Flower Nectar and Luo Han Guo.
• MORE FIBER. We increased the fiber count by about 3 grams per serving, thanks to
the addition of pea protein. More fiber is good news, as it will help you feel full even
longer, reduce your cholesterol, and improve your digestion process.
• 4 NEW SUPERFOODS.
o Moringa is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin A, Protein, Potassium and Iron.
Moringa has anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties and is known to promote energy, vitality, athletic performance, and weight loss—while
boosting the immune system and protecting against disease.
o Coconut Flower Nectar is the sweet, nutrient-rich nectar produced by coconut
bloss oms. It contains 17 amino acids, minerals, and vitamin C, has a broad
spectrum of B vitamins, and is high in potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
It’s also loaded with inulin, a prebiotic fiber, which feeds our intestinal flora
and helps boost digestive and immune functions.
o Luo Han Guo is said to be 300 times sweeter than cane sugar and could have
a positive impact on coughs and other respiratory ailments. And recent
research has revealed that it may work as an antioxidant to help eliminate
free radicals that can cause serious health concerns.
o Himalayan salt is the “healthy” salt, containing more than 70 trace minerals,
and may help prevent acne and tooth decay.
• Lastly, we ALSO incorporated the improvements we made when we launched
Tropical:
o More concentrated grasses. Weʼre using grass juice powders. The grasses
are first pressed into juices—which allows us to concentrate the nutrients
more—then the juice is dried down to a powder.
o Better strain of probiotics.
o No suma root or blue-green algae.
What’s up with that aftertaste? Why does it taste like an artificial sweetener? Did
they increase the level of stevia?
We have heard all the feedback from you on the aftertaste and are taking it to heart. We
are looking at ways to optimize the formula to minimize the stevia-rich aftertaste. The
amount of stevia is the same. But with a LOT less fructose in the formula, the stevia
bitter/metallic aftertaste seems to have become more prominent. Coconut flower nectar
and luo han guo are whole foods that are naturally sweet and are not as overpowering
as fructose, which is another reason why the stevia aftertaste seems to be coming out
more than before. Again, we are looking at ways to optimize the formula to minimize the
aftertaste. Of course, there are no artificial sweeteners or chemicals in Shakeology!
Here are some things you can mix in to help minimize the aftertaste:
o A dollop of vanilla yogurt or vanilla greek yogurt
o A banana
o ½ an avocado
o More PB2 peanut butter powder
o Switch from plain almond or rice milk to vanilla almond or rice milk
o Try coconut water or coconut milk or vanilla coconut milkWhy is it less sweet and chocolatey than before?
You may notice it tastes a lot less like a Wendy’s frosty. That’s because there’s less
sugar overall and WAY less fructose. Sugar and fructose amplify the chocolate taste
and smell.
Here are some things you can mix in to help increase the sweetness or chocolate flavor:
o Switch from vanilla almond or rice milk to chocolate almond or rice milk
o Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder
o Add honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, chocolate syrup
My customers have tried the new formula and hate it. What should I do?
1) Empathize with them and share your experiences with the new formula. Perhaps
it has taken you a few days to adjust to the new flavor. Share any recipes or
tweaks youʼve made.
2) Ask them to give it a try for 7 days to give their taste buds time to adjust.
Chances are, you’ll realize you actually prefer the new formula to the original.
You can share our CEO’s experience as well (coming from a guy who once
despised veggies and healthy food):
a. http://www.facebook.com/CarlDaikelerCEO/posts/493096340707789
b. http://www.carldaikeler.com/2012/07/i-challenge-your-tongue-to-a-duel/
3) Remind them of their WHY on drinking Shakeology. Is it the incredible energy
they feel? Better digestion or regularity? Weight loss? Better health? Lower
cholesterol? Off Meds? Shakeology, after all, is a health shake. While taste is
very important, there’s nothing nearly as healthy as Shakeology on the market.
4) Reiterate that Shakeology is a nutritional health shake first and foremost—it’s a
Superfood protein shake. Remind them that the changes to the formula were to
bring them even more Superfoods and health benefits. Here’s more info:
The decision we made as a company a decade ago was to "help people achieve their goals to lead healthy fulfilling lives….
Posted by Carl Daikeler on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Why does it smell different?
Due to reduced sugar and fructose, the “sweet” aromas are much more subdued. Sugar
and fructose amplify the chocolate taste and smell you’re used to.
Why is there brown rice protein and pea protein?
It adds fiber and helps ease digestion of protein.
Why is does the chocolate formula weigh less than the old formula? If the serving
size is smaller why is the scoop still the same size?
The reason the bag has less powder is that we have reduced the fructose by over half
which makes up most of the reduction in serving size from 48g to 42g. The difference of 6g times 30 servings is 180g, which is the difference between the old chocolate (1440g)
and the new chocolate (1260g). This is exactly the same as Tropical (1260g) and
Greenberry has always been less at 1200g (because it doesnʼt have the cocoa powder).
180 grams = 6 ounces. There are 16 ounces in a pound, so the reduction is less than
half a pound.
Keep in mind: this difference is mostly due to less sugar. The reason the scoop size is
still the same is that the newly-added brown rice protein and pea protein (which added
fiber as well as protein) is “fluffier” (less dense), so even the though the serving size is
less grams in weight (42g vs. 48), the volume it takes up is not smaller (because the
new formula is fluffier)—hence the same size scoop. Itʼs still 30 servings!
The new formula has less sugar. Will it still prevent my junk food cravings?
Yes! Itʼs not just the sugar that kills your craving. Itʼs feeding your body with all the right
nutrients. When your body is properly nourished, it doesn’t crave foods it knows won’t
help anymore.
Why does the new formula have 10 more calories than the original formula? (160
vs. 150 in the old formula). Should my customers who have weight to lose be
concerned?
Slight increase in fat (from 1g to 2g) adds an extra 9 calories and we have to round up
to 160 calories. These are extremely healthy nutrient-dense calories. Not “empty”
calories. They are the smartest calories you could put in our body!
Why is there 1 more gram of fat in the new formula? Should my customers who
have weight to lose be concerned?
It’s because we upgraded the source of natural cacao. Your body needs healthy fats.
The fat in cacao is the healthy kind (like the kind of fats found in olive oil and avocado).
Also, the nutrients found in healthy fats (essential fatty acids) can help stave off
cravings.
Why is there more sodium? What is Himalayan Salt? Why was it added into the
new Chocolate Shakelogy formula?
Salt and sodium are necessary in our diets. Unfortunately, common table salt has been
stripped of its natural minerals and only iodine has been added back in. Himalayan salt
is completely natural, relatively untouched, and as a result, still contains over 70 trace
minerals. All these natural minerals found in Himalayan salt actually make this salt
healthy for you. Keep in mind that the RDA is 2400 mg. People who follow a low sodium
diet generally restrict sodium to as low as 1500mg/day. So at 150mg, Chocolate
Shakeology only represents 10% of the recommended daily intake. Is the new chocolate Superfood formula gluten-free?
Just like the original formula, the new Shakeology chocolate Superfood formula does
not contain any gluten-based ingredients—and we make every effort to prevent any
ingredients with gluten from coming into direct or indirect contact with our products.
However, because of our high standards, we do not feel it is appropriate to make a
gluten free claim since Shakeology is produced in facilities that also handle gluten
based ingredients. If you have a concern about gluten, it is best to consult your doctor
before making any dietary changes.
Shakeology packaging used to say it was gluten-free. Why no longer?
Because the safety of our customers is extremely important to us, we felt it was prudent
to include the statement that Shakeology is made in a factory that also handles gluten
(wheat) based ingredients—and we removed the Gluten-Free statement. This does not
mean that Shakeology contains gluten! In fact, the Shakeology formula does not have
any gluten-based ingredients and we make every effort to prevent any ingredients with
gluten from coming into direct or indirect contact with our product. This is taking a very
conservative approach, however the health and safety of consumers is our number one
priority.
When will Shakeology be certified gluten-free?
There are no gluten-based ingredients in the Shakeology formula. Although we can
apply for a gluten free certification, the safety of our customers is extremely important to
us and until we are satisfied that our high standards can be met, we will not put a
gluten-free certified statement on the package. To meet our internal standards, we are
reviewing our entire supply chain of nearly 100 ingredients to ensure that there is no
potential exposure to gluten-based grains from the farm to the Shakeology product
being sealed in the final package. At this point, we cannot say when that assessment
will be complete.
