What should I look for in a meal shake?

Read the whole panel, because a meal shake is standing in for a meal. Protein per serving is the start; then look at calories (enough to count as a meal), fiber, fats, and micronutrient coverage across the %DV column — a real meal replacement spreads it, a protein shake with a vitamin dusting does not. Check where maltodextrin and added sugar sit on the ingredient list, and compute cost per serving, which is where premium shakes get expensive. Third-party verification of the micronutrient claims is a genuine plus. We grade shakes on completeness and price, never on any weight claim.