15 Cheaper Alternatives to OPTAVIA Fuelings

Cheaper alternatives to OPTAVIA Fuelings are a great way to save money, especially if you’re out of the official snacks or doing the DIY Optavia 5 & 1 Plan. Things like beef jerky, protein puffs, some cereals, and yogurts can all work – just make sure they’re under 150 calories and have at least 10 grams of protein. These alternatives give you more control over ingredients and your budget. Whether you want soy-free options, higher protein, or snacks you can find at any grocery store, there’s something for you.

Need ideas? No Cow Marshmallow Crunchies have 7g of plant-based protein for under 100 calories. Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shakes are a budget-friendly way to get 20g of protein. Or, for the best soy-free shakes, try Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein – they’re easy on your stomach! These are the kinds of swaps we’d recommend to a friend.

Want more reviews and ideas for store-bought Optavia Fueling alternatives? Check out this list of 15 options listed below. At Optimal Weight Plan, we’re a company of passionate OPTAVIA coaches. If you’re exploring the DIY 5 & 1 Plan, call us to book a discovery call and learn how to make OPTAVIA work for YOU.

1.No Cow Blueberry Cobbler Protein Bar

The No Cow protein bar is a great soy-free alternative to Optavia Fuelings. It’s cheaper, with up to 22g protein per serving, and it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. You’ll find them easily online at Walmart, Amazon, or the official No Cow website – no coach needed. The downside is higher calories (200 per bar) compared to Optavia. I usually split a bar in half, making each serving about $1.35 and comparable to an Optavia Fueling. No Cow uses plant-based protein (pea and rice) and natural sweeteners like stevia. Honestly, the taste is amazing – like guilt-free blueberry pie! It’s fruity and sweet without that artificial sweetener aftertaste. We haven’t found many negative reviews, so we give No Cow bars a solid 4.7 out of 5 rating score. For the best deals, check their website directly.

2. Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a top-tier Optavia Fueling replacement. It’s under 100 calories per serving with a whopping 22 grams of premium, hormone-free protein from EU dairy cows. This whey mixes easily and is incredibly low-carb, making it perfect for customizing with almond milk, yogurt, or even avocado and cucumber for extra nutrition. Momentous has a short, clean ingredient list (only 8!) compared to Optavia’s 34, earning it 4.5 out of 5 points. Prefer no sweeteners? Go for the unflavored version. While slightly pricier than some protein powders, Momentous still beats OPTAVIA Fuelings in per-serving cost, making it a smart investment in quality.

3. No Cow Mighty Treats

No Cow Mighty Treats are a great, budget-friendly alternative to Optavia Fuelings. With only 90 calories, they offer 7g of plant-based protein and are ready to eat. While smaller than Optavia Fuelings, they’re similar in taste and nutritional profile. If cost is a concern, No Cow Mighty Treats are a smart choice. They’re also dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, soy-free, and vegan. Look for the Marshmallow Crunchies (blue box) on the No Cow website for the lowest calorie option.

4. Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth

Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth is a solid OPTAVIA fueling substitute for soup because it has only 70 calories and is packed with 16 grams of protein. However, it’s important to note that at $60 for 2 boxes, it’s not the cheapest option out there, especially when compared to OPTAVIA’s $3.32 per serving. On the plus side, Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth contains zero sugar and only 5 grams of net carbs, which is half of the carbs in OPTAVIA fuelings. Additionally, it includes ingredients like reishi mushroom powder, believed to have health benefits, as well as other ingredients such as chicken bone broth powder, grass-fed beef collagen, minced green onion, garlic powder, cauliflower, parsley, and turmeric extract, making it flavorful and savory despite its low sodium content.

5. Orgain Clean Protein Shakes

If you’re looking for a grocery store alternative to Optavia fuelings, consider Orgain Clean Protein Shakes. They’re convenient, ready-to-drink, and provide 20g of protein with only 130 calories. However, they are overly sweet and the vanilla flavor, in particular, isn’t very satisfying. You might prefer the chocolate flavor, but don’t expect a rich shake experience. The aftertaste is tolerable. At under $2.40 per serving, they’re a budget-friendly option. These shakes are soy-free, gluten-free, Kosher certified, and available in plant-based or grass-fed milk protein versions.

6. Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake

Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake is a budget-friendly, high-protein Optavia Fueling substitute. It has only 100 calories, 1g fat, 7g carbs, and tastes surprisingly good for a zero-sugar option. It deserves a 4.4 EPRS rating. Muscle Milk Light Vanilla offers similar macros (100 calories, 20g protein) at just over $2 per serving, significantly cheaper than Optavia Fuelings ($3.32). Its texture makes it versatile for snacks or coffee creamer. While Amazon has limited flavor options, Muscle Milk Pro offers greater variety. It’s also free from soy, erythritol, and artificial sweeteners, making it a healthier choice for Optavia 5 & 1 or the 3 & 3 maintenance phase.

7. Shrewd Food Protein Puffs

Shrewd Food Protein Puffs are a great alternative to Optavia poppers and crunchers, offering more protein per serving and cool flavors like Totally Taco, Nacho Cheese, and Brick Oven Pizza. I love them as an evening snack – they’re low in calories and sodium, satisfying, and tasty. For sodium-conscious folks, the Sweet Thai Chilli flavor has only 160mg. Plus, they’re soy-free, which is important for those of us with food allergies.

Comparing to Optavia, a 21g serving of Shrewd Food’s Brick Oven Pizza flavor has 14g protein, 2g carbs, and 90 calories. It’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and lacks artificial flavors and preservatives. Optavia Essential Zesty Cheddar & Italian Herb Crunchers, on the other hand, contain 100 calories, 12g soy protein, and ingredients like tapioca starch and soybean oil. Shrewd Food Protein Puffs are also cheaper at $2.49 per bag on their website or $1.78 on Amazon, compared to Optavia’s crunchers, poppers, and sticks.

8. Magic Spoon Cereal

Magic Spoon cereals are excellent OPTAVIA breakfast alternative. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and avoids sugar with mostly natural ingredients. Instead of Optavia’s Essential Apple & Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal (13g protein), I have 1 cup (38g) of Magic Spoon for similar protein (13g) at almost half the price ($1.95 vs. Optavia’s $3.32 per serving). Magic Spoon is slightly higher in calories (140-160 vs. Optavia), but boasts lower sugar, no gluten, grains, or artificial additives. While Optavia gets 10g of protein from soy, Magic Spoon has 13g from a milk protein blend. It’s also notably cheaper than other Optavia cereal substitutes.

9. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

Of the many beef jerky options for Optavia Fueling substitutes, Jack Link’s Original is our favorite. It’s made with lean cuts of 100% beef, minimal sodium, fat, and additives – no MSG or nitrates. I prefer the Original flavor for its simplicity. An 80g serving keeps me satisfied for 2-3 hours. It costs around $1.39 per serving, making it budget-friendly even if you double the serving to 160g. While pricier options like Jeff’s Famous or Country Archer exist, Jack Link’s remains our go-to. The only drawbacks are that it can be a bit salty and the large pack tends to dry out quickly if not consumed fast.

10. Slate Milk

Slate Milk is an Optavia Fueling alternative that offers a healthier twist on chocolate milk. It’s lactose-free, with 20g protein, 1 net carb, zero sugar, and only 100 calories per can. I enjoy the classic chocolate flavor for its taste, texture, and convenience – it’s a great snack or post-workout drink. It’s best chilled, and the high protein content avoids the fake sugar taste of some protein shakes. The main drawback of Slate Milk is the price – over $3.10 per serving, approaching the cost of Optavia Fuelings. While you might find online deals, cheaper alternatives like Atkins chocolate milk or Gatorade Super Shake could be worth exploring.

11. Atkins Protein Chips

Atkins Protein Chips are a great Optavia fueling substitute for a fun snack. They offer 13g of protein per serving with only 130 calories, costing just $1.91 – nearly half the price of Optavia snacks. While they have double the sodium of Optavia fuelings, they’re versatile for low-calorie Lean and Green meals like nachos or chilaquiles. Whether you’re on the Optavia 5 and 1 plan or not, Atkins Protein Chips offer a healthier alternative to regular tortilla chips. The only downside is the lack of an unflavored option.

12. Oikos Triple Zero

Oikos Triple Zero is a great Optavia Fueling replacement: it’s affordable, creamy, has 90 calories, 15g protein, and 0g sugar per 150g serving. This makes it very filling. The main drawback is that it needs refrigeration, unlike Optavia Fuelings. For even more protein, Oikos Pro has 20g, and Oikos Blended has 14g, with interesting flavors. Oikos Pro has 30 more calories, 50mg sodium, and 8g carbs. If extra calories aren’t a concern, Oikos Pro is a tasty pre-workout option. For the closest match to Optavia Fuelings, stick with Triple Zero.

13. Dannon Light + Fit Nonfat Greek Yogurt

Dannon Light & Fit yogurt is a cost-effective alternative to Optavia Fuelings. It offers 12g protein for only 80 calories. While it has a slightly tart aftertaste, the texture is smooth and it’s generally tasty. The biggest advantage is the price – $3.98 for 4 packs (less than $1 per serving), making it three times cheaper than Optavia. It also comes in over 20 flavors, with caramel apple pie being a favorite. The downside is that it can be hard to find and it does contain artificial flavors.

14. Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame

Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame is a good alternative to Optavia Fuelings, offering interesting flavors like wasabi, sea salt, and seaweed. It has less than 150mg of sodium and costs $2.60 per container (approximately $0.86 per serving). One serving contains 130 calories and 13g of protein.

While we are not usually a fan of plant-based snacks, Seapoint Farms has a variety of weight-loss-friendly options. The Boston Globe Magazine even named their edamame the best plant-based snack of 2022. The only downside is the soy content, but 8g of fiber per serving helps balance the nutrition. If you’re looking for a healthier Optavia alternative, we suggest checking out this brand.

15. Tillamook Beef Jerky

Tillamook Beef Jerky is a great Optavia fueling alternative. It’s hardwood smoked, has no artificial ingredients, 0 sugar, and 0g carbs per serving – all for about $2.50! My favorites are Sea Salt & Pepper, Honey Glazed, and Spicy & Sweet. This is my go-to when I need a satisfying snack that’s healthier than processed Optavia bars. One serving of Tillamook beef jerky, with 10g protein, keeps me full longer than most Optavia Fuelings.

Important note: Tillamook Beef Jerky is high in sodium (500mg per serving), though it does have only 70 calories and 14g protein. If you’re watching your sodium, this might not be the best choice. I like it plain, no dips needed – and it stores well without refrigeration!

How To Find the Ideal OPTAVIA Fuelings Substitutes?

To find the ideal OPTAVIA fueling substitutes, look for store-bought snacks with the following characteristics:

1. Contains 100-150 calories per serving (similar to OPTAVIA shakes and bars).
2. Offers 10 grams of protein or more (ideally from whey, casein, or soy).
3. Has under 10 grams of carbs (ideally with no added sugars).
4. Features a minimal amount of fat (less than 5 grams, avoiding trans fats).
5. Contains lower sodium (under 200mg like OPTAVIA fuelings).
6. Is ideally fortified with vitamins (if not, supplement with a multivitamin).
7. Provides high fiber (over 4 grams per serving).
8. Fits your budget (ideally around $2 per serving or less).
9. Has positive online reviews.

So if you can’t find the perfect OPTAVIA Fueling substitute at the grocery store, use the guidelines listed above to evaluate snacks on your next shopping trip. You could also look for cheaper OPTAVIA Fuelings like bars and shakes on eBay or Facebook (just beware of expired products), or try experimenting with a DIY Optavia approach using foods you already have.

What Bars Are Similar to OPTAVIA Bars?

In our testing, the best protein bars similar to OPTAVIA bars under 100 calories are Quest Mini Bars ($1.13 per serving) and No Cow Bars ($1.88 per serving), both with nearly 10 grams of protein. For a budget-friendly option, Kellogg’s Special K bars cost only $0.85 per serving with 90 calories. If you’re looking for a bar that will keep you full the longest, consider Built Bars. At $2.50 each, they’re 50% larger than OPTAVIA bars, offer almost twice the protein, and cost 25% less than OPTAVIA Fuelings. The following list shows what is comparable to OPTAVIA bars.

1. WonderSlim Meal Replacement Protein Bar
2. Soylent Snack Mini Protein Bars
3. Clif Mini Energy Bar
4. SKiNNY JiMMY! Protein Bar
5. Atkins Bars
6. ChocoRite Protein Bars Cookies n Cream
7. Extend Nutrition Chocolate & Caramel Energy Bars
8. Quest Protein Bars
9. Special K Protein Bars
10. SimplyProtein Chocolate-Dipped Protein Snack Bars
11. ProtiWise Bars
12. Pure Protein Bars
13. Zing Bars
14. BariWise Meal Replacement Protein Bar

Okay, but what’s comparable to OPTAVIA shakes that will keep you full the most?

What Shakes Are Similar to OPTAVIA Shakes?

Based on our testing, the best OPTAVIA shake substitute for those sensitive to soy allergies are Muscle Milk Zero because it’s soy-free, has 20g of protein, and contains 100 calories. For low-carb and high-protein OPTAVIA shake alternatives, consider Jocko Mölk Protein Shakes with 95 mg of caffeine. The best shake similar to Optavia on a budget is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, priced at $1.74 per serving, which is half the cost of OPTAVIA Fuelings. The following list shows what is comparable to OPTAVIA shakes.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein Shake
2. Muscle Milk Zero Protein Shake
3. Iconic Protein Drinks, Chocolate Truffle
4. Premier Protein Premier Clear Protein Drink Peach
5. Fuel for Fire Protein Smoothie Pouch
6. Slate Milk – High Protein Shake
7. Super Coffee, Iced Keto Coffee
8. Fairlife Fat-Free Ultra Filtered Milk
9. Alani Nu Protein Coffee
10. Ensure Max Protein Nutrition Shake
11. Vanilla Bean Vegan Plant Protein Shakes by Happy Viking
12. Pure Protein Protein Shake, 30g Complete Protein 
13. Protein2o 15g Whey Protein Infused Water, Peach Mango

If you struggle to find suitable OPTAVIA fueling replacements, consider exploring other diet programs similar to the OPTAVIA 5 & 1 plan. At Optimal Weight Plan, we’re a team of experienced OPTAVIA health coaches; give us a call today to discuss how we can help!

What Diets Are Similar to OPTAVIA Diet?

The following list shows diets similar to OPTAVIA 5 and 1 plan.

• Skinny Box
• Nutrisystem
• Isagenix
• WW (Formerly Weight Watchers)
• NOOM
• Jenny Craig
• Wonderslim
• Ideal Protein
• Profile by Sanford
• GOLO diet

Each of these programs similar to OPTAVIA has its own pros and cons, such as cost-effectiveness, variety in dietary options, and specific nutritional focuses. To find diets similar to OPTAVIA, focus on programs offering portion control, healthy eating habits, and a sustainable approach.

How To Create Your own Diet Similar to OPTAVIA 5 and 1?

To create your own diet similar to OPTAVIA 5 and 1 plan, follow these 11 steps.

1. Use shakes similar to Optavia
2. Create DIY Optavia Fuelings
3. Find cheaper alternatives to Optavia Fuelings
4. Use Optavia bar substitutes
5. Make your own Optavia bars
6. Eat 5 small meals a day
7. Forgo extra condiments
8. Join the online community
9. Reduce carbohydrates
10. Choose lean meats
11. Do strength training

We created a DIY diet plan similar to Optavia as a way to save money and reduce expenses. While the Optavia plan can be effective, the cost of processed foods (over $500 per month) isn’t feasible for everyone. Need extra help? Call us at Optimal Weight Plan today and let us help you choose the best diet plan for you.