Very low energy diets (VLEDs) effectively induce rapid weight loss but may not contain adequate macronutrients or micronutrients for individuals with varying nutritional requirements. Adequate protein intake during weight loss appears particularly important to help preserve fat free mass and control appetite, and low energy and carbohydrate content also contribute to appetite control with VLEDs. As obesity disproportionately affects those of lower socioeconomic status, cost is also an important consideration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the cost and nutritional content (with a focus on protein) of all available VLED brands in Australia. Cost was determined by averaging the price (in Australian Dollars) of all flavors for each brand, and then calculating the cost proportionally to expected consumption (e.g. higher ratio of shake to bar or soup intake). Nutritional content was extracted and compared between brands and to the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) or adequate intake (AI) of macronutrients and micronutrients for men and women aged 19-70 years or >70 years. Eight brands of VLED products were identified (KicStart™, Optislim®, Optifast®, Proslim, Tony Fergusson®, Dr MacLeod’s®, Cambridge®, Vita Diet). The average cost per product varied widely, from $2.33 for KicStart™ to $4.43 for Cambridge®, which would result in a weekly difference of $44.10 if three products are consumed per day. All brands contained less protein than the requirements for males, larger individuals (BMI>35kg/m2) and adults >70 years. Even brands with the highest daily protein content, based on consuming three products/day (KicStart™ and Optislim®, ~60g/day), only met protein requirements of the smallest and youngest women for whom a VLED would be indicated. Considering multiple options to optimise protein content, we propose that adding pure powdered protein is the most suitable option because it minimizes additional energy, carbohydrate and cost of VLEDs.