I have been using Vega since my sophomore year in high school (06'/07'), didn't enjoy it much then. Now I love it. For the past three years I have been using it as often as I can get my hands on it, normally once a day when I have it. I have used other meal replacements such as RAW MEAL and others in attempt to get a 'better deal', and Vega has consistently come out on top. During my University experience, Vega has become an essential part of my diet when my fruits and vegetable intake is sometimes not as high as it would normally be. Best of all, this meal replacement is plant based and mostly raw.
Other meal replacements such as RAW MEAL provide similar benefits I'm sure, but the taste, although I can get it down with water, is a challenge. As well, the taste cannot be masked in Raw Meal I found. Vega is ENJOYABLE to drink, and it is a part of my day I look forward to.
As for the taste, I strongly recommend the original flavor if only using with water. I find the three flavors including Vanilla Chai harder to take with water. I purchased the Vanilla Chai this time because it tastes great in smoothies and it was at a great price. Over the years I have found that my taste buds have slowly adapted to love the taste of the original flavor mixed with water, I strongly attribute this to cutting out most of the junk food in my diet, making my taste buds 'cleaner'. I recommend that you stick with it, and the taste will come along with your vitality and health. If you can't take it with water, make a smoothie. The original specifically, blended with fruit is great. There are also a myriad of smoothie recipes at the Vega Community website and other users sites.
I am a Vegan now for the most part. However, when I started Vega I was not even close. It is nice to know that Vega is not formulated with meat or dairy products. Don't let not begin a Vegan however, stop you from using it.
NOTE: The original flavor comes with 2 extra servings (17 vs 15) compared to the flavored versions, which is another benefit of purchasing that flavor.
PROS
+Taste, original flavor is easily masked in smoothie if you can't take it with water. Chai tastes great in smoothies, however if you are planning on mixing with water, I would recommend the original.
+Low in fat, and any fat in this meal replacement is beneficial.
+Naturally filling.
+Great source of plant based protein.
+Good source of probiotics and vitamins and minerals (nonsynthetic).
+Maca for hormone balance and support.
+Easily digestible, very easy on digestion.
+Controls cravings well, especially when taken in the morning.
CONS
+Cost can be a tad expensive, but considering a meal replacement, I believe the price is fair. Keep your eyes open on Amazon for a good price, the lowest I have seen this flavor for is 48.99 so far. I have seen the original for 50.99 as well.
BOTTOM LINE
Great taste, high quality, fair price. Don't expect a magic pill, but incorporated into a well balanced healthy diet, Vega is an amazing addition that will help you stay on track.
I am a shake fanatic. I am always in search of the perfect shake and the perfect bar. I haven't found the the perfect bar yet, but I have found the perfect meal replacement, it is Vega. Vanilla Chai is my personal favorite because it tastes great mixed with water. Yes, it is pricey. But it is well worth the cost. It takes the place of so many supplements. There is no need for a multivitamin, calcium/magnesium, omega-3, green supplement, or energy supplement. It is all here. Vega has 2.5g of Maca, which is great for hormone balance, endocrine glands, and energy. I have suffered with adrenal problems for years and this product has made more difference than any combination of products I have taken in the past. It contains 2.5g of Chlorella which is a great heavy metal and liver detoxifier. Vega has 15g of fiber which is over half our daily requirements. Finally, and most importantly, it is filling and really does replace a meal. I highly recommend it!
Buy Vega Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer, Vanilla Chai Flavor, 34.9 oz Now
This review has been edited since its first publication:
Sequel Vega Optimizer mixes a smoothie recipe of flax, hemp, brown rice, chlorella and pea powder together so you don't have to do it yourself. Vega isn't the only product to do this with smoothie ingredients, but it's arguably the best.
Vega charges a whopping 37 to 45 dollars a pound. Organic or not, vegan or not, that's just incredibly expensive. Am I being unfair? I think not. Most of these ingredients by themselves, even at full retail price, cost an average of 15 dollars a pound. We're talking about grains, seeds and green algae here, which in bulk should be reasonably priced for consumption.
Maybe it's because Whole Foods carries and markets it, maybe it's because of the fancy logo and the celebrity endorsement. Considering the actual costs of mixing these ingredients together and selling them in a plastic tub, Vega has made its R&D investment back many times over already.
When the price is down around 40 dollars a tub, I purchase a vanilla chai or chocolate flavor tub. Otherwise, when the price of Vega shoots up seasonally to the 60 dollar region, I buy the Tru-Foods brand, which offers virtually the same mix for about 32 dollars a tub. That's half the price, and closer to the fair market price for these ingredients. I use this product every day for weeks at a time, so I'm saving significant coin by going with Tru-Foods. I'm hoping that other well known nutrition brands make a similar product to force the Vega price down to reasonable levels.
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I took the advice of one reviewer and got a sample size to try. I love this stuff! I blend it with a frozen banana mainly for consistency and a little for flavor along with almond milk. I was worried that I would hate having a cold shake each morning since it is cooler now, but it makes me feel great. I use just 1 scoop to make it last longer and it works for me since I eat several small meals each day. Can't wait to try other flavors!
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Man, I can stomach just about anything, especially in the name of "healthy." I used to take straight wheatgrass shots with my mom when she was going through chemo and we thought THAT was bad. This product is flawless; wonderful nutrition, great customer support, and a strong mission to support those looking to support themselvesthat's why I at least give it two stars. However, I have never tasted anything so awful in my life. Please, please, PLEASE purchase a sample from a Whole Foods store, or any retailer that supplies samples, before purchasing this product. I applauded those who can stomach the shakes, but there is no amount of organic cinnamon or fresh berries on earth that can help this product in my opinion. I'll stick to my green smoothies and protein supplements... PSI tried both the "chocolate" and "natural" flavors.
I was at Wal Mart today and compared pricing. $1.83 a box for 12.2 oz. It was around $2.80 at Wal-Mart for 18 oz in their store brand. So the real deal is slightly cheaper and shows right up at the door. Can't beat it. I wish the prices were as good on other cereal on Amazon.
