Meal replacement refers to a food product that is intended to replace one or more meals in a person's diet. These products are typically designed to provide nutrition, such as calories, protein, vitamins and minerals, without the need for cooking or preparation time. Meal replacements can come in various forms including shakes, bars, soups, and ready-to-eat meals. They are often marketed as a convenient way to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet by reducing caloric intake without sacrificing nutrition.