Although the average meal replacement is going to cost more than your protein powder per serving, it is most likely going to cost you less per serving than an actual meal would. The average price we found for meal replacement shakes is $3.11 per serving, which is significantly less than going to pick up a burrito or having a sit-down meal at a restaurant. It is also most likely less than you’d pay for a meal you’d make at home. All in all, a meal replacement is a fairly affordable way to get in a decent amount of calories in one sitting.