Herbalife vs. Isagenix vs. Shakeology...Which is Best?

There is no denying that in today’s booming market for nutritional supplements, the names Herbalife, Isagenix and Shakeology lead the way among manufacturers and distributors.  It’s easy to see why each of these companies has been so successful, despite hitting some speed bumps along the way.

Let's take a closer look at each of these companies so you know what they are all about and can decide whether or not you want to try one of them out....

Herbalife

Founded in 1980 by Mark Hughes, Herbalife started out selling a protein shake designed to help people lose weight quickly and safely.  From there, the company has ballooned to include a full line of products including protein shakes and snacks; nutrition, energy and fitness supplements and personal care products.  The company’s number one seller is the Formula 1 protein shake, a soy-based meal-replacement shake.  Yet it doesn't contain nearly as much protein per serving as the others.

Herbalife carries products designed for weight loss but also targets other areas including heart health, digestive health and skin care and their most recent addition is the 24 sports line, which was introduced in 2011. 

They try to meet the needs of all customers with products that are vegetarian, kosher, allergen-free and halal.  Their success has come with problems, as they have met with contentions of fraud and charges of running a pyramid scheme related to their marketing approach as well as product safety claims, all of which have been refuted or addressed.

Bottom Line:  Biggest company, most products, less nutrients in an apples to apples comparison

Isagenix

Isagenix International LLC markets dietary supplements and personal care products worldwide.  The company was founded by John Anderson, who had previously worked in the nutritional supplement industry, and Jim and Kathy Coover, who are experienced marketing executives.  The trio combined their skills to successfully promote their line of protein shakes, weight loss supplements, diet snacks and meals and cosmetics.

Isagenix products are very nutrient-focused, designed to help improve overall health while helping with weight loss but the company’s claims have been challenged by many in the medical and scientific fields.  While some insist that the company’s claims are not backed by scientific proof, Isagenix continues to stand by its products as a healthy alternative to weight loss.

Bottom Line:  More nutrients, more holistic, and a bit more expensive than Herbalife products as a whole.

Shakeology

Shakeology is a line of meal-replacement shakes produced by Beachbody LLC.  Beachbody was founded in 1998 in Santa Monica, CA, as a fitness and weight loss brand.  They provide a wide range of weight loss and self-improvement products including the Shakeology shakes, as well as various workout plans to help customers get fit and build muscle.

The Shakeology shakes combine super-proteins, super-fruits, super-greens, antioxidants, adaptogen herbs, pre and pro-biotics and digestive enzymes to create a product that helps you get all of the essential nutrients your body needs while losing weight. 

All of the ingredients used are completely organic and the shakes come in a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and café latte.  There has been some debate about the health benefits of the Shakeology products, especially as they have not received FDA approval, but consumer reviews have for the most part been positive.

Bottom Line:  Focused on shakes alone, a bit expensive, although contains good amount of nutrients.

What about the business opportunity?

All of these companies participate in MLM, or multi level marketing, where there are distributors who recruit other distributors, and money funnels up the chain.

As such, with the boom in natural health these companies have become quite popular, and millions of people promote them either full time or part time, depending on how lucrative it becomes for them.  If you have enough people "under" you selling well, you can actually make it a full time profession.

Let's take a look at how they stack up as a business...

Herbalife

You make 25-50% profit when you sell retail, and 20% wholesale.  As you get more people under you, you can earn royalties, bonuses and rewards such as money, trips, gifts, etc.

Isagenix

You make up to 50% on sales, a $150 bonus for each recruit (they need to buy something though), bonuses for your team and various incentives and promotions.

Shakeology

You earn 25% on every shake order.  Once you become an Emerald Coach (2 people under you) you are eligible for bonuses starting at $250 a week.  You can then work your way up to Diamond Status and earn $3000 or more per week.  But that is difficult to attain.

There are other companies such as Advocare and Plexus with similar offerings.  As far as a business opportunity, they all have the benefits and drawbacks.  You will find a lot of happy distributors as well as dissatisfied ones for each MLM company...so it's really a matter of choosing the one that appeals most to you.

Your best bet is to talk to friends or family members that have tried the businesses and see what they have to say about it.

Bottom Line on Herbalife vs. Competitors

No nutritional supplement or diet replacement will let you lose weight and stay healthy on its own.  Unfortunately there are companies that try to make a profit off of the desire of many individuals for a quick weight loss solution.  It is all too easy to fall prey to get-rich-quick schemes and other marketing ploys. 

The makers of Herbalife, Isagenix and Shakeology products have all come under scrutiny for making such claims but each company has been able to fend off the critics and remain successful.  That’s because they understand that the only real way to lose weight and improve your health is by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.  They offer products which can be a useful, delicious and healthy addition to your weight loss regimen.

Provided you consult with your doctor before starting your weight loss program and use these products wisely, you can get the results you want without risking health issues.   

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