Drinkable meals – quick, convenient… but really useful?

Why you should think twice about liquid meals

Drinkable meals are all the rage: Shake up, drink, and you're full – all in just a few minutes. Sounds like a nutritional dream for those short on time. But is it really as healthy as it seems?

A look at human digestive biochemistry shows that our bodies work differently than these “liquid complete solutions” promise.

Digestion begins in the head – and in the mouth

When you eat, there is much more that happens than just “swallowing”:

1. Chewing – more than just mechanical:
Chewing breaks down food. The smaller the food, the better enzymes can process it.

2. Saliva – your natural digestive booster:
Digestion begins in the mouth—especially of carbohydrates. This is ensured by the enzyme α-amylase in saliva.

3. The body prepares itself:
The smell, taste and even the sight of food starts the so-called cephalic phase : digestive juices start flowing, the stomach adjusts – everything runs like a well-oiled clockwork.

4. Chewing makes you full:
Chewing for longer ensures earlier satiety. Hormones like GLP-1 and PYY help you say "stop" in time.

What happens if we skip all of this?

Drinking meals bypass the entire oral phase – and this has consequences:

• Less pre-digestion: Without saliva, carbohydrate digestion cannot begin – this can cause blood sugar to fluctuate more.
• Digestion is running idle: the important preparatory processes in the stomach and intestines are partially missing.
• Hardly any feeling of satiety: Liquid food is quickly consumed – the brain hardly has time to react.
• Long-term risks: Regular consumption increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, etc.

Exception: Protein shakes – drunk cleverly

Now the big BUT: Not every liquid meal is equally problematic. High-quality protein shakes can be beneficial – even from a biochemical perspective.

Why?

• Protein digestion starts later: Unlike carbohydrates, it only begins in the stomach – saliva is less important here.
• Proteins are highly satiating: they directly stimulate satiety hormones, even in liquid form.
• Slow proteins (e.g. casein): These ensure a long-lasting release of amino acids – ideal for lasting satiety.

Conclusion: Not everything that is quick is also smart

Drinking meals can be helpful in everyday life – but they shouldn't become a habit. Those who rely on them regularly skip important biological processes that actually help us stay healthy.

Our tip:
👉 Only use liquid meals specifically – e.g. when you are short on time or for therapeutic purposes.
👉 Protein shakes: yes, but please use high-quality ingredients and enjoy them slowly.