After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011, five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams adopted a plant-based diet to enhance her health. She developed the Happy Viking protein shake, an all-in-one plant-based, meal-replacement beverage that is free from dairy, lactose, soy, and gluten.
The triple chocolate shake contains 150 calories, 5 grams of fat (3.5 saturated), 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of plant-based protein. Additionally, it has 4 grams of fiber, 320 milligrams of sodium, and approximately 20% of your daily recommended vitamins and minerals. The shake also includes one billion probiotics for gut health.
According to ReNue Pharmacy, a meal replacement shake should ideally contain at least 200 calories, so you might consider adding a banana or almond milk for extra calories. A nutritious protein shake should have a minimum of 10 grams of protein and 3 to 5 grams of fiber, both of which are met by Healthy Viking. ReNue also suggests that healthier protein shake options should have no more than 10 grams of sugar and 10-15 grams of fat, making Happy Viking’s 2 grams of added sugar and 5 grams of fat favorable. Protein shakes are typically fortified with at least 33% of the daily value of vitamins and minerals. Happy Viking is slightly below this mark, yet it provides about 10% of the daily value for calcium. It also contains MCT oil and sunflower oil, which offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Other considerations for the Happy Viking protein shake
Happy Viking includes two strains of probiotics: Bifidobacterium lactis and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. As stated by the International Probiotics Association, Bifidobacterium lactis is usually found in yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk and works to combat pathogens in your gut. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is also considered a “good” probiotic due to its potential to reduce inflammation and help prevent respiratory illnesses.
Happy Viking shakes also incorporate sunflower oil and MCT oil. Sunflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease (via WebMD). MCT oil, derived from coconut oil, may increase satiety and aid in weight loss, though further research is needed. It is also easily digested, providing a rapid energy source, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
On the downside, while the Happy Viking shake contains less than 2 grams of added sugar, it includes erythritol. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive discomfort due to bacterial fermentation in the colon (via Healthline). A 2023 study in Nature Medicine also indicated that high amounts of erythritol could increase the risk of blood clots.
