Ka’Chava Vs Lyfe Fuel: Which One Takes The Crown?

In this article, I will compare two popular nutrition shakes: Ka’Chava Vs Lyfe Fuel.

I’m a dietitian who has worked with countless clients to reach their goals (both with and without supplements). 

It’s my aim to make sure you get all of the unbiased information you need to make the best decisions for your health. That includes all the details of different nutrition programs, products, and more.

Let’s learn more about Lyfe Fuel and Ka’chava, starting with the better option.

At a Glance

To sum it up, Lyfe Fuel is the better option when it comes to nutrient density, benefits, and cost. 

That being said, If you’re looking for flavor options and a higher calorie shake, Ka’Chava may be the better option for you.  

Keep reading to learn more about each of these products to make the best decision for your health goals.

Quick Facts: Face To Face Comparison

	Lyfe Fuel	Ka’Chava
Major Health Claims	Boosts Energy Improves Metabolic Function Supports Healthy Balance & Lifestyle Reduces Hunger & Cravings	Nutrient Dense Complete Meal Clean Ingredients Tastes Delicious Beneficial for Gut, Brain, Muscle, Skin, Hair, and Heart Health
Dietary Preferences	Vegan, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Non-GMO	Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Preservative-Free
Ingredient Count	32	85
Probiotic Count	960 Million CFU	Not listed
Calories per Serving	110 Calories per serving (1 scoops)	240 Calories per serving (2 scoops)
Macronutrient Count per serving	5g Carbohydrate, 2g Fat, 18g Protein	24g Carbohydrate, 7g Fat, 25g Protein
Net Carbs Per Serving	4g	18g
Flavors	Chocolate Vanilla Chai	Vanilla Chocolate Chai Coconut Acai Matcha
Serving Recommendations	Start with 8 – 12 ounces of any cold liquid. Add 1 level scoop (33g) of powder. Shake or blend until smooth & creamy.	Mix two scoops (60g) well with 12-14 ounces of ice-cold water.
Servings Per Container	24	15
Price Per Serving	$2.50 – $2.92	$3.99 – $4.67
Certifications	Manufactured in a FDA, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility Third-party tested	Manufactured in TSA Certified, NSF, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), FDA, and UL-certified facilities Third-party tested Some organic ingredients

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Introductions

What is Lyfe Fuel?

Lyfe Fuel is described as an “all-in-one super fuel.” It offers 25 superfoods as well as six different blends focusing on benefits like longevity, digestion, and metabolic function.

They offer an Essentials protein shake with 18 grams of protein per 33 gram serving as well as a “performance” protein shake (with 25g per serving). However, today we’re mainly focusing on the original Essentials shake. 

What is Ka’Chava?

Ka’Chava is a “superblend” that is made with 85+ nutrients and plant-based ingredients. It offers seven blends with different components like protein, supergreens, and adaptogens.

There are five different flavors of Ka’Chava available, all of which have 25 grams of protein per 60 gram serving and a plethora of ingredients.

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Standout Features

Lyfe Fuel 

• Blend is 65% protein
• Non-GMO
• 960 Million CFU probiotics from five different strains
• Sustainable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free ingredients
• Only one scoop per serving

Ka’Chava

• 85+ superfood ingredients
• Some organic ingredients
• High fiber (6g per serving)
• Five different flavors

Lyfe Fuel Overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ajU1GW_9U

Lyfe Fuel is a company based out of Southern California led by founder Chris Mandero. Going from an NFL fullback to a plant-based nutrition expert and entrepreneur, Chris wanted to create a nutrient-dense product that is created by nature, rooted in science, and designed for modern lifestyles.

Lyfe is actually an acronym for Live Your Fullest Everyday, which aligns with the company’s goals of creating overall positive change in the world. Lyfe Fuel focuses on producing small batch organic and non-GMO products from whole-food derived fuel sources to support active and healthy lifestyles. 

Along with their efforts on the nutrition front, Lyfe Fuel also has initiatives for environmental and social justice programs. They even work to reduce their carbon emissions and have eco-friendly packaging.

Main Benefits

• May reduce cravings: Lyfe Fuel is rich in protein and healthy fats that can help to keep us fuller for longer, therefore reducing cravings throughout the day. 

Research shows that meals that contain protein and fats with carbohydrates instead of just carbohydrates alone can keep us fuller. 

• Might improve skin quality and strengthen hair and nails: The Essentials shake contains both phytonutrients & ceramides, compounds that have been shown to improve skin, hair, and nails. 

Phytonutrients are protective antioxidants in produce that are responsible for their color, while ceramides are compounds found in our skin barrier. 

• Might improve focus and energy: Components of Lyfe Fuel like spirulina and Co-Q-10 have been shown to improve focus and energy. Co-Q-10 specifically is important for the cellular production of energy.

• May promote muscle building: Protein in Lyfe Fuel provides amino acids, which are the building blocks in muscle. When paired with strength training, high protein intake can lead to bigger, stronger muscles.

• Supports digestive function: There are five strains of probiotics and five types of prebiotics in the Essentials shake. All of these gut-friendly compounds work together to balance the gut microbiome and promote better digestion.

• May improve immunity: Ingredients like berries, greens, and grapeseed contain antioxidants, which protect our cells from toxins that make us sick. 

Diets high in antioxidants have been shown to not only reduce our risk for flus and colds, but also chronic diseases in the long run.

• Might enhance bone health: Lyfe Fuel is very high in both vitamin D and vitamin K. These two vitamins work together to build bone strength and density. 

Pros

• Higher micronutrient and protein density
• 960 Million CFU probiotics
• Diverse ingredient and nutrient panel
• Sustainable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free ingredients
• Somewhat transparent labeling
• 100% Non-GMO and some organic ingredients

Cons

• 24 servings per package
• No certified organic ingredients
• Contains tree nuts from coconut and wheatgrass

Ka’Chava Overview

Tribal Nutrition, the company that produces Ka’Chava, was founded by Simone Malone. After leaving his busy life to spend time in nature, Malone decided to create a whole foods nutrition shake with the ingredients that surrounded him.

Tribal Nutrition also has a large role in saving our planet’s rainforests by partnering with the Rainforest Trust. So far, they have saved almost 130,000 acres of rainforest.

Main Benefits

• Might improve digestion: Ka’Chava contains a probiotic/prebiotic blend that helps to grow and feed good bacteria. Digestive enzymes are also present to help with nutrient breakdown and absorption in the GI tract.

• May reduce stress: Ka’Chava contains an adaptogenic blend, which are a group of ingredients that may help your body adapt to stress. This blend is mainly mushrooms, which have been studied for their adaptogenic properties. 

• Can improve energy and fatigue: Adaptogens also play a role in possibly improving energy, while magnesium in Ka’Chava can help improve sleep, therefore reducing daytime fatigue. 
• Could support healthy muscles, bones, and joints: We need adequate amounts of protein to support the muscle building process. Luckily, Ka’chava is a rich source of protein. Plus, when we build muscle, we are also supporting our bones and joints. 

• Can have a positive effect on appearance: Your skin, hair, and nails have the quickest cell turnover, so they’re usually the first places that you can notice malnutrition. 

Antioxidants and omega-3s in Ka’Chava have both been shown to improve dry skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. 

Pros

• Five different flavor options 
• Comprehensive ingredient profile
• Some ingredients are organic
• High in fiber  

Cons

• Higher in calories and carbohydrates, which may affect nutrition goals
• Very expensive
• Only 15 servings per container
• Probiotic amount not listed
• Lots of proprietary blends
• Some flavors contain tree nuts (coconut)

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s talk about ingredients. While both shakes contain lots of beneficial ingredients, there are some differences in both labeling and density. 

Lyfe Fuel

Lyfe Fuel contains 32 ingredients, some of which are measured per serving. Others are included in one of six proprietary blends, meaning the exact amount is not listed but the weight of the blend is.

This leads to a somewhat transparent label. However, I’d like to see more measurements for even more clarity. 

It does list the amount of probiotics that are in the product, which is 960 Million CFU. The probiotics come from five different strains, which means you are introducing more good bacteria to your gut. This is lower than other blends on the market, but Ka’Chava doesn’t even list the CFU in their blend to compare.

That being said, Lyfe Fuel really does offer a vast panel of ingredients, which contributes to a lot of different nutrients.

One thing I really like about Lyfe Fuel is that it is very nutrient dense. In just one scoop, it has 18 grams of protein and more than your daily recommended value (DV%) of Vitamin E and D. It also has high amounts of vitamin K, B complex vitamins, and other minerals.

There are some mentions of the Essential shake as a meal replacement on the website, but I would not recommend this. At only 110 calories, this shake would be equivalent to a small snack, not a meal.

List Of Ingredients

• Measured Ingredients
  • Isomaltooligosaccharide Powder (OligoSMART™M), 1000 mg
  • Isomalutose (Palatinose™M), 1000 mg
  • Flax Seed (Linum usitotissimum), 1000 mg
  • Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera) Seed (95% Proanthyanidins) Extract, 350 mg
  • Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Pericarp Extract, 350 mg
  • Spirulina (Spirulina platensis Geiti) Herb Powder, 250 mg
• Berry Blend, 170 mg
  • Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Elderberry, Cranberry (Vita Berry)
• Probiotic Blend (960 million CFU), 80 mg
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS, L. plantarum, L. rhamosus, B. breve, B. longum
• Organic Greens Blend, 50 mg
  • Alfalfa Leaf Juice, Wheatgrass, Barley Grass, Oat Grass, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Kale, Spirulina, Chlorella, Kelp, Dulse, Dandelion, Broccoli Sprouts.
• Digestive Enzyme Blend, 50 mg
  • Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease
• Inositol, 20 mg
• Coenzyme Q10, 10 mg
• Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7), 100 mcg
• Other Ingredients
  • Pea Protein, Organic Rice Protein, Vitamin/Mineral Lief 50 Mix (Retinyl Palmitate, Ergocalciferol, DL-a-Tocopheryl Acetate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Cyanocobalamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium iodide, Magnesium Citrate, Zinc Sulfate, Phytonadione, Tricalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Tricalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Dimagnesium, Magnesium Citrate, Chromium Chloride, Cupric Oxide, Potassium iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Zinc Sulfate, Maltodextrin), Coconut Sugar (Organic), Natural Flavors, Stevia RebaudiosideA Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Sodium Chloride, Methylcobalamin Dicalcium Phosphate, -Alpha Tocopheryl Succinate, Cholecalciferol (Vitashine™)

Ka’Chava

Ka’Chava contains 85+ ingredients, which is one of the highest amounts that I’ve seen on the market. While this is great for diversity and variety of nutrients, it may mean the full blend is less nutrient-dense than others because the nutrients are so widespread.

Unlike Lyfe Fuel, you’ll need two scoops of Ka’Chava to reach 25 grams of plant-based protein. But even then, you’re still getting a good amount less than the daily recommended value (DV%) of many vitamins and minerals. There are also only two strains of probiotics.

Ka’Chava does have more calories per serving, though, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your nutrition goals. 

They claim it to be a meal replacement, but again, I think that it has too few calories to replace a whole meal.

List Of Ingredients

• Plant-Based Protein Blend (29.25 grams)
  • Yellow Pea Protein, Organic Whole Grain Brown Rice Protein, Organic Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis linneo, seed), Organic Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus, seed), Organic Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, seed)
• Omega EFA / Fiber Blend (11.12 grams)
  • Organic Pure Whole Grain Oat, Organic Acacia Gum, Chia (Salvia hispanica, seed), Flax (Linum usitatissimum, seed)
• Antioxidant / Superfruit Blend (5.1 grams)
  • Organic Coconut Flower Nectar (Cocos nucifera, flower bud) Acai Berry (Euterpe oleracea, fruit), Organic Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis, fruit), Camu-Camu Berry (Myrciaria dubia, fruit), 100% Organic Strawberry, 100% Organic Tart Cherry, 100% Organic Blackberry, Organic Blueberry, 100% Organic Raspberry
• Adaptogen Blend (1,020 mg)
  • Organic Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii walp, root), 100% Organic Shiitake Mushroom Mycelia, 100% Organic Maitake Mushroom Mycelia, 100% Organic Reishi Mushroom Mycelia, 100% Organic Cordyceps Mushroom Mycelia, 100% Organic Ginger Root
• Super-Greens / Vegetable Blend (500 mg)
  • 100% Organic Beet, 100% Organic Carrot, 100% Organic Spinach, 100% Organic Broccoli, 100% Organic Tomato, 100% Organic Kale, 100% Organic Cabbage, 100% Organic Parsley Leaf, 100% Organic Brussel Sprouts, 100% Organic Green Pepper, 100% Organic Cucumber, 100% Organic Celery, 100% Organic Garlic,100% Organic Green Onion, 100% Organic Cauliflower and 100% Organic Asparagus, Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris)
• Probiotic / Prebiotic Blend (50mg)
  • Inulin, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Digestive / Enzyme Blend (50mg)
  • Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Taste Test

Now for one of the most important considerations: flavor. Here’s what actual customers have to tell us.

Lyfe Fuel Taste 

Lyfe Fuel only offers two flavors, chocolate and vanilla chai. While they haven’t reinvented the wheel with these, it seems like customers really liked the classic flavors.

Many commented on the richness of both varieties. While some liked to mix them into smoothies or recipes, a lot of customers just drank it as recommended with water.

Only a couple of customers mentioned a gritty texture, but other than that, most users seemed pleased.

Ka’Chava Taste

Ka’Chava offers not only chocolate and vanilla, but also coconut acai, chai, and matcha.

Customers seem to really like that they have a few options, and like the taste and texture of them in general.

Tribal Nutrition mentions on their website that they switched from stevia to lo han fruit extract after complaints of the product being too sweet and artificial-tasting in the past.

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Pricing Comparison

Another important factor when purchasing a new supplement is price. Lyfe Fuel is definitely a cheaper option at as little as $2.50 per serving. Keep in mind that there are more servings per container as well. 

Lyfe Fuel

• Price
  • It costs $70 for one 24-serving container of Lyfe Fuel without a monthly subscription.
  • Get it for $60 with a monthly subscription
• Price Per Serving
  • $2.50 per serving with the subscription
  • $2.92 per serving without
• Container Size
  • 1.7 lb per container

Ka’Chava

• Price
  • It’s $69.95 USD for a one-time purchase of one container, which contains only 15 servings 
  • You can opt for a monthly subscription, which will cost $59.95 per container
    • Note: You will need two containers per month to take daily
• Price Per Serving
  • $3.99 per serving with the subscription
  • $4.66 per serving without
• Container Size
  • 31.7 oz per container

Comparison of Side Effects and Safety

Both Lyfe Fuel and Ka’Chava recommend checking with a doctor before taking if you have any medical concerns or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Furthermore, they both contain potential allergens. 

I couldn’t find any reported side effects of taking Lyfe Fuel. However, while taking Ka’Chava, some customers noticed cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation if used daily. However, these side effects haven’t been addressed or explained by the company. 

Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava: Which Is The Best Option?

I think Lyfe Fuel is a much better option when it comes to benefits due to higher nutrient density and range of vitamins and minerals.  

It also offers more ingredients than Ka’Chava and lists the CFUs of probiotics.

Above all, Lyfe Fuel is as little as $2.50 per serving, while Ka’Chava is $4 at the cheapest.

That being said, Ka’Chava might be a better option for you if you are looking for more calories and different flavors. 

Why We Think Lyfe Fuel Is the Better Option

After comparing Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava, I recommend opting for Lyfe Fuel. 

It comes at a much lower cost, is higher in nutrient density, and has more strains of probiotics.

And, each package contains 24 servings, while Ka’Chava only has 15, meaning you’ll be doing less shopping. 

As a bonus, I also like that the company partners with initiatives in both sustainability and social issues.

Check out Lyfe Fuel to purchase your first bag here.

Final Thoughts on Lyfe Fuel vs Ka’Chava

At the end of the day, choosing the best nutrition shake not only relies on the ingredients, price, and flavor, but also your personal nutrition goals.

Keep in mind that these shakes should only be used as a supplement and should not make up the majority of your nutrition. Both of these shakes may be marketed as meal replacements, but in my expert opinion, I think they are too low in calories to replace meals.

Use them as snacks or supplements for the best outcomes. 

If you want to learn more about Lyfe Fuel and join their Lyfe Insider list, click here.

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