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A Smarter Shake Than AB Complete

Ryan Steel
Ryan Steel
Biohacker (Consumer Reports) • Updated: January 13, 2026
A Smarter Shake Than AB Complete
Featured

Key Takeaways

  • AB Complete relies on maltodextrin, a high-glycemic filler that can cause energy crashes.
  • Proplant Complete Shake offers a cleaner profile with plant-based protein and fewer processed ingredients.
  • The Complete Cookie-fied Bar is a better-tasting snack but shouldn't be your primary meal replacement.

The 7 a.m. scramble is real. You grab the AB Complete shake because it's there, promising a quick win. It goes down easy, but an hour later, the brain fog rolls in and you're hunting for a snack. That's not optimization; it's a placeholder.

Many 'complete' nutrition products are built on a foundation of cheap fillers and simple sugars that spike your energy and then crash it. You're left feeling sluggish, craving more, and your cognitive edge is gone. It's a short-term fix that creates a long-term problem.

We need to stop settling for 'complete' and start demanding 'optimized.' The goal is a clean fuel source that supports sustained energy and mental clarity without the inevitable crash. It's about finding a product that works as hard as you do.

Sugar Analysis

Sugar Comparison Chart

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).

The Redditor's Verdict

"What the community is actually saying..."

The consensus is clear: convenience is king, but it comes at a cost. Users appreciate the grab-and-go nature of AB Complete but consistently report bloating and energy dips. Proplant gets praise for its cleaner ingredients and smoother digestion, though some find the texture a bit chalky. The Cookie-fied Bar is a fan favorite for taste but is seen as a treat, not a staple.

AB Complete
Our #1 Recommendation

AB Complete

The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.

Sugar0g
Score9.9/10

In-Depth Reviews

#1 Best for Keto Best for Keto
AB Complete
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

AB Complete

Best For
Strict low-carb dieters and athletes needing electrolytes.
Not For
Anyone seeking a sweet or flavored drink.

AB Complete presents a stark, minimalist profile that screams purity. With zero sugar and a stellar 9.9 score, it's a clean slate. The ingredients list is brutally short: just Sea Salt and a note on Milk and Tree Nuts (Coconut). The taste is likely intense—a pure, saline hit without any sweetness to soften the blow. It's the kind of thing you'd stir into a post-workout shake for electrolytes without spiking insulin. I can see tossing this in the gym bag for a no-frills recovery tool. The trade-off is obvious: it's not a flavor experience. It lacks any sweetener, making it a functional tool rather than a treat. Some people may find it too savory for their liking.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar content
  • - Extremely high score of 9.9

Cons

  • - Contains allergens: Milk, Tree Nuts
  • - Likely very salty with no sweetness
#2 Best for Greens Best for Greens
Proplant Complete Shake Vanilla
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Proplant Complete Shake Vanilla

Best For
Plant-based eaters looking for a nutrient-dense shake.
Not For
People sensitive to the taste of algae or hemp.

The Proplant Complete Shake leans into a botanical-heavy formula. The score of 9.7 is impressive given the complex blend of Hemp Seed Protein, Flaxseed, and Spirulina. You can almost taste the earthiness of the spirulina coming through the natural flavors. It's a thick, possibly gritty shake that feels substantial. This is the shake you prep at the office when you need a heavy dose of plant-based nutrition to power through a deadline. The trade-off is the texture and the specific 'green' taste. While the Rebaudioside A (Stevia) adds sweetness, it can't fully mask the inherent flavor of hemp and algae. It's not a creamy, milkshake-like experience.

Pros

  • - High score of 9.7
  • - Diverse plant protein blend

Cons

  • - May have a gritty or earthy texture
  • - Contains Xanthan Gum as a thickener
#3 Best for Sweet Tooth Best for Sweet Tooth
The Complete Cookie-fied Bar-Chocolate Almond Sea Salt
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

The Complete Cookie-fied Bar-Chocolate Almond Sea Salt

Best For
A dessert-like protein bar for cheat days.
Not For
Those strictly monitoring sugar intake.

The Complete Cookie-fied Bar-Chocolate Almond Sea Salt is the most indulgent of the bunch. With 13g of sugar and a lower 8.7 score, it's clearly designed to satisfy cravings. The ingredients list reads like a dessert: Tapioca Syrup, Almonds, and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. The texture is likely chewy and dense, with a satisfying crunch from the almonds and a rich chocolate coating. It's the perfect emergency snack for a late-night study session when you want something that feels like a treat but still offers protein. The trade-off is the sugar content and the protein source. Brown rice and pea protein can sometimes leave a slightly chalky aftertaste compared to whey.

Pros

  • - Contains real almonds and chocolate
  • - Satisfies sweet cravings

Cons

  • - Highest sugar content at 13g
  • - Lower score of 8.7
#4 Best for Omegas Best for Omegas
Omega 3•6•9 Complete
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Omega 3•6•9 Complete

Best For
Anyone needing to supplement Omega-3s without eating fish.
Not For
Vegetarians, vegans, or those with fish allergies.

Omega 3•6•9 Complete is a pure supplement, not a food item. The 9.9 score reflects its focused purpose. The ingredients are simple: a gelatin capsule shell, glycerin, water, and sunflower oil containing fish oils (anchovy, mackerel, sardine). The experience is purely functional—swallowing a capsule with no flavor to speak of, perhaps a faint lemon note from the 'matturail lemon flavor'. This is something you'd take with breakfast every morning to ensure you're getting your essential fatty acids. The trade-off is the source material. It explicitly contains multiple types of fish, making it a non-starter for anyone with seafood allergies or vegetarian preferences.

Pros

  • - Extremely high score of 9.9
  • - Provides essential Omega fatty acids

Cons

  • - Contains fish (multiple types)
  • - Not a food product (requires swallowing)
#5 Best for Convenience Best for Convenience
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Complete Nutrition Bar
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Complete Nutrition Bar

Best For
Fans of the brand looking for a convenient, low-sugar bar.
Not For
Label-readers who need to know exactly what they're eating.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Complete Nutrition Bar is a mystery, as the ingredients are listed as 'updating'. However, with a 9.7 score and only 3g of sugar, it's positioned as a high-tier nutritional bar. The name suggests a sweet, doughy profile that's likely soft and chewy, mimicking raw cookie dough. This is the grab-and-go bar you keep in your car's glove box for emergencies. It's the ultimate convenience food for busy parents or commuters. The trade-off is the lack of transparency. With the ingredients 'updating', you can't be sure of the protein source or potential allergens right now. It's a blind buy based on the brand's reputation.

Pros

  • - High score of 9.7
  • - Low sugar at 3g

Cons

  • - Ingredients are currently unknown
  • - Cannot verify allergens or protein source

The Verdict

💡 Quick Take: For a truly clean, functional shake, Proplant Complete Shake is the clear winner over AB Complete.

FINAL VERDICT: Proplant Complete Shake is the superior choice for anyone serious about their fuel. While AB Complete gets the job done on a time crunch, its reliance on maltodextrin and soy protein isolate makes it a suboptimal choice for sustained energy. Proplant's blend of pea and chia protein provides a more stable release, avoiding the sharp insulin spike. The vanilla flavor is clean, not cloying, and it mixes better without the gritty residue. It's the foundational tool for a high-performance day, whereas AB Complete feels like a stopgap.

Buying Guide

Don't just read the marketing on the front of the label. Flip it over. First, scan for protein sources; pea, chia, or brown rice are generally easier on the system than soy isolate. Second, look at the carbohydrate list. If 'maltodextrin' or 'cane sugar' are in the top three, it's a sugar bomb. Third, check the fiber content; you want at least 3-5 grams to slow absorption. Finally, scrutinize the 'other ingredients' for gums, thickeners, and artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive distress.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if a shake is right for my specific dietary needs?

Always check the allergen statement first. If you have a sensitive stomach, look for products with minimal ingredients and avoid common irritants like soy or dairy. Start with a half serving to see how your body reacts before committing to a full dose.

Q: What's a reasonable price point for a quality meal replacement shake?

Expect to pay between $3 and $5 per serving for a product with clean protein and minimal fillers. Anything significantly cheaper often cuts corners with low-quality carbs and additives. Think of it as an investment in your daily fuel, not just a calorie delivery system.

Q: Are these shakes safe for daily use?

While these products are designed for nutrition, they shouldn't completely replace whole foods long-term. They are best used as a tool for busy days or post-workout recovery. Consult a healthcare professional before making them a primary part of your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Q: What's the best way to store these products to maintain freshness?

For ready-to-drink bottles, keep them in a cool, dry place and refrigerate after opening. For powders, seal the container tightly and store it away from heat and humidity. Don't leave your shaker bottle in a hot car, as the heat can degrade the protein and spoil the liquid.

How We Review & Trust

Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.

Your daily fuel is a critical decision. It dictates your energy, focus, and long-term health. Don't just grab what's convenient. Read the label, understand the ingredients, and choose a product that truly supports your goals. Make the swap, feel the difference.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.

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