A formulated product designed to substitute for a whole meal, providing controlled energy along with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Meal replacements appear as shakes, bars, and soups, marketed for weight management, convenience, or clinical nutrition. Regulated products must meet compositional standards ensuring they genuinely substitute nutritionally rather than simply cutting calories. They can aid weight loss when used as part of a structured plan, but dietitians caution against long-term reliance at the expense of learning healthy eating habits. Quality varies: the best options are high in protein and fibre with limited added sugars, while others are little better than confectionery.