As you know, I went with HW, but I didn't use any of their soups, shakes or meals. As a HW customer you will receive a discount code if you purchase any, and you can buy odd ones to try out via their site. A lot of people on the HW forum, actually do use them particularly the shakes. I have not found a need to. I don't do shakes, I don't like soup, and for the price that you're paying, I don't know if its overly necessary.