If we had to guess which is Herbalife Nutrition’s best-known product around the world, there would be little doubt: it’s our Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix.
When Formula 1 was first introduced back in 1980, there was no other product like it. It was a delicious healthy meal in a glass, providing the ideal balance of protein and other key nutrients in a quick-to-make and affordable way.
So how have we been able to maintain Formula 1 as our flagship product for almost 40 years? Through innovation.
An Evolution Tailored to Consumers’ Nutritional Needs
Over the years, we have continued to improve the composition of the product and the quality of the ingredients while broadening the flavors. As of today, Formula 1 contains 21 vitamins and minerals, 17g to 24g of high-quality protein, and is a good source of fiber. All this for only 170 calories when mixed with 8 oz. nonfat milk or one serving (2 scoops) of Protein Drink Mix.
We are always trying to come up with alternatives that satisfy the particular nutrition needs of consumers. Here are some examples of innovations around the world* developed to do just that:
Evening Shakes
Did you know that winter temperatures in Russia can get as low as -80 ÂşF (-62 ÂşC)? That is why we developed an evening shake in Russia for people to have a healthy meal choice while drinking a comforting, hot beverage.
Milk Alternatives
In some impoverished areas of Brazil, people don’t own a refrigerator and thus can’t keep milk in their homes. To address that issue, we developed a powdered milk substitute (NutreV) to be combined with Formula 1 to make a complete, nutritious meal.
Alternative Plant-based Protein Shakes
We’ve developed products tailored to our customers’ evolving nutritional needs. For example, our Select line, which is made with alternative plant-based proteins –pea, quinoa, and rice– and non-GM ingredients.  They are not formulated with soy or dairy, plus it’s gluten-free, vegetarian and Kosher certified.
Our first 100% vegan protein shake was launched in 2019. Tri Blend Select is a complete protein shake blend made up of naturally-sourced, organic and wholefood ingredients. It contains a unique combination of pea, quinoa and flax seed as part of a premium protein blend that provides all the essential amino acids found in a complete protein.
Region-Customized Flavors
When Formula 1 first started the only flavor was vanilla. Today, we have over 30 flavors to choose from, worldwide.** In addition, we have developed region-customized flavors so the nutrition experience of our customers is as tasty as it is healthy. For example, we have Kulfi F1 in India, Matcha and Red Bean F1 in China, Cantaloupe F1 in Russia, and Chocolate Hazelnut F1 in South and Central America.
Through product innovation, we look to not only enhance the meal replacement experience but address consumers’ need for personalized, targeted nutrition. In the end, it’s about choice and giving consumers options to suit their individual needs.
Innovation Goes Hand in Hand with Quality
Over the years, we continue to focus on taste, quality, and effectiveness, as well as scientific testing and manufacturing innovations, to honor customers who make our products part of their daily nutrition.
We have been a proponent and early adopter of the Supplement OWL, a self-regulatory initiative serves as a resource to identify dietary supplements, key ingredients, product label information, and claims, allowing customers to search and evaluate labels and other product information to make better, informed choices.
We are also an industry leader in quality control and science, particularly in the area of botanical identification. We continue to lead the way as we expand and improve our program to include new advances in science such as DNA technology.
We want our customers to know that what they are putting in their bodies is the very best. And that has really been a key element of our Formula 1 evolution.
* Not all products mentioned are available in every market. Every product is customized to the region they are sold at.
** Not all 28 flavors are available in every market.
Chris MorrisChief Innovation Officer and Sr. Vice President, Distributor Experience
Chris Morris is responsible for initiatives that support innovations across the company, which ultimately enhance distributor and customer services. Before joining the company, he spent five years at LSI, first as the director of the company’s IT program management office and later as director of global IT infrastructure and operations.