Formula 3, explained
Formula 3 Personalised Protein Powder is a neutral-tasting blend of soy and whey protein. You stir it into drinks and food when you want a little more protein than your meal already has.
What Formula 3 is
One level tablespoon (6g) gives 5g of protein for 23 calories. Herbalife's label says one to four servings a day, so you can add anywhere from 5g to 20g.
The powder is 83% protein, with almost no fat or carbohydrate. A 240g tub holds 40 tablespoons.
It differs from Protein Drink Mix, which is a vanilla drink with 15g of protein and added vitamins and minerals per serving. Formula 3 has no added vitamins and a neutral taste, so it suits savoury food as well as shakes.
What's in it, ingredient by ingredient
Soy protein isolate
74.9% of the powder, about three quartersSoy protein isolate is the protein from soya beans, separated out and dried into a powder. Soya supplies all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein.
For comparison, the BDA puts a 30g handful of almonds at 6.3g of protein. One tablespoon of Formula 3 gives 5g for 23 calories.
Why it's in Formula 3: It is the main protein source in the blend.
Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
Soya is one of the 14 allergens that must be declared on UK labels.
Whey protein concentrate (milk)
24.5% of the powder, about a quarterWhey is one of the two main proteins in milk, alongside casein. Herbalife's nutrition team notes that whey is digested more quickly than casein.
Why it's in Formula 3: Herbalife blends whey with soy to make a mixed protein powder.
Because of the whey, Formula 3 contains milk and isn't suitable for vegans or anyone avoiding milk.
Anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide)
Silicon dioxide, also known as E551, is an anti-caking agent. It stops dry powders sticking together in clumps.
Why it's in Formula 3: It keeps the powder loose, so a level tablespoon measures evenly and stirs in easily.
EFSA's 2024 review found no safety concern at the levels used in food.
Flavourings are the only other ingredient, and Herbalife describes the finished taste as neutral.
Reading the label
Per level tablespoon (6g)
- Energy: 23 kcal. Four tablespoons add 92 calories.
- Protein: 5g. Four tablespoons give 20g, a little more than the 17.6g the BDA lists for 75g of firm silken tofu.
- Fat: 0.3g, of which 0.1g saturates. Four tablespoons add only about 1g of fat.
- Carbohydrate: 0.2g, of which 0.1g sugars. Four tablespoons add only about 1g of fat.
- Salt: 0.1g. Four tablespoons add about 0.5g, against the NHS adult maximum of 6g a day.
The label lists figures for the dry powder only. Whatever you stir it into adds its own calories and nutrients.
Per 100g the powder is 83% protein, which is why so little else shows up per tablespoon.
How to use it
One level tablespoon
Gently shake the tub, then take one level tablespoon (6g) of powder.
Stir it in
Stir it into about 150ml of a drink or food, such as a shake, smoothie, soup, sauce or gravy.
Herbalife's label says one to four servings a day. People often add a spoonful to a Formula 1 shake, or stir one into a bowl of soup.
A tub lasts 40 days at one serving a day, or 10 days at four. Keep the lid closed and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Good to know
Who it suits
- It suits sweet and savoury food because the taste is neutral.
- It adds protein with very little fat, sugar or carbohydrate.
Check first
- It contains soy and milk, so it isn't suitable for vegans or anyone allergic to either.
- If you take medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP before changing your diet.
Questions people ask
Can I add it to my Formula 1 shake?
Yes. Herbalife suggests Formula 3 as a way to customise a Formula 1 shake with extra protein. Each tablespoon adds 5g.
Can I stir it into food as well as drinks?
Herbalife lists soups, sauces and gravies among the foods you can stir it into. Use about 150ml of food per tablespoon.
What does it taste of?
Herbalife describes it as neutral, so it takes on the flavour of whatever you add it to.
Is it vegan?
No. A quarter of the powder is whey protein from milk. Vegan Protein Drink Mix is the plant-only option.
How is it different from Protein Drink Mix?
Protein Drink Mix is a vanilla drink with 15g of protein and added vitamins and minerals per serving. Formula 3 is plain protein in 5g steps, with no added vitamins or minerals.
Where these facts come from
- nhs_salt: nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-nutrition/
- bda_protein: bda.uk.com/static/61ad81e4-ea30-41d3-a03717a2467754d9/Practical-guide-
- fsa_allergens: gov.uk/government/publications/food-allergy-and-intolerance-advice-for
- nhc_reg_432: legislation.gov.uk/eur/2012/432
- efsa_sio2: efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/8880
- hl_protein_shakes: herbalife.com/en-gb/wellness-resources/articles/what-are-protein-shake
- hl_balancing_protein: herbalife.com/en-gb/wellness-resources/articles/balancing-protein-and-
- f3_fs: Herbalife product information and label
- f3_pn: Herbalife product information and label
- pdm_fs: Herbalife product information and label
- f1_fs: Herbalife product information and label
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Enjoy as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle. Herbalife images and video are the property of Herbalife. Speak to your GP before changing your diet if you have a medical condition, take medication or are pregnant.
