This year might mark turning point for meal replacement sales [graphic]

The meal replacement category is currently searching for its next breakthrough and a better marketing message. Consumers appear to be shying away from the old direct weight-loss pitch and are looking more for products that promise overall health.

Current MLM weakness is weighing down this category the most.

Nonetheless, expect growth rates to outpace the average 2.7 percent rate of 2005-2009.

The above looks at meal replacement sales for five years and the estimates through 2020.