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Emily Hirsch, MS, RD
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Huel Powder Review: An Excellent Option for Balanced On-the-Go Meals, Affordable Price
Last Updated on March 20, 2023
Medically Reviewed by Anthony Dugarte, MD
Huel is a high-quality, nutritionally complete meal replacement powder that could help you stay on track with your health goals. It’s priced right but has mixed reviews on taste. Overall, users find the product helpful.
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian with over fifteen years of experience in the health and wellness space. She received her undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and her Masters of Science with distinction in nutrition education from California State University, Chico.
Medically Reviewed by
Anthony Dugarte, MD
Medical Reviewer
Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S. is a health and wellness writer and medical content reviewer. In addition to dedicating the last 11 years to medical research, Dr. Dugarte also has more than a decade of experience in strength and conditioning, nutrition, and rehabilitative exercise, as well as authoring and reviewing health and wellness-related content.
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Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Huel offers a convenient and healthy option for on-the-go meals at an affordable price, especially when you lack time to cook and want a quick and effortless way to get a well-balanced, nourishing meal.
- Huel has a healthy nutrition profile. It provides a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, high-quality protein, essential healthy fats, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Huel may also help you cut calories without tracking or measuring your food, so some people may consider using this supplement to reach their weight loss goals. (We offer some tips on this below.)
- According to Trustpilot, the reviews for taste are mixed. Customers either love them or do not like the aftertaste and texture. Huel offers many flavors, so you have options to find the flavors that work best for you.
What We Liked About Huel
- Provides all 27 essential vitamins and minerals that may help you reach your daily nutrient needs.
- Well-priced product compared to alternatives.
- For those tracking calories, it could simplify calorie counting.
Important Considerations
- It can cause some digestive discomfort due to its high fiber content.
- It contains coconut, an allergen.
- We see this product being used on days when you are too busy to cook or need extra nutrition, but we don’t recommend using Huel as a long-term substitute for real food.
- Drinking your meals may increase feelings of deprivation compared to eating traditional food.
Huel Powder at a Glance
Huel Powder is a nutritionally complete powdered meal replacement product designed to meet the body’s nutritional needs.
It contains an ideal balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals, making it a unique and nutritious alternative to regular food.
In addition, Huel Powder and its other products are high in protein and fiber, low in sugar and salt, and rich in phytonutrients (beneficial plant compounds).
Huel is available in powder form (the main focus of this review) or as a ready-made drink. Huel Powder comes in various flavors, including banana, vanilla, cafè latte, salted caramel, and chocolate.
Huel was founded in 2012 by Julian Hearn when he set out to design a program that would help people get optimal nutrition to boost their physical performance. This concept developed into the idea that “fast food” can be nutritionally complete, convenient, and affordable, with minimal impact on animals and the environment.
How to Make It and Its Taste
Huel is made by mixing two scoops of the powder with 13 ounces of cold water. To prep Huel, you can use a blender or a shaker.
As a meal replacement, Huel can be taken at any time of day. However, the brand recommends drinking their product for breakfast or lunch during the week and having a traditional meal in the evening or on the weekend.
Consumer reviews on Huel’s taste are relatively split. Some users praised the taste. However, while still happy with the product and customer service, others stated they were not fans of its taste. Some users reported that Huel had an “artificial taste,” and some also mentioned that they did not like the aftertaste.
Tip: Taste is highly individualized. Huel Powder comes in many flavors, so try and experiment to find the one you like best.
Expand to See Nutrition Facts
One serving of Huel (2 scoops, 100g) provides the following:
- Calories: 400
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g (Dietary Fiber: 7g, Total Sugars: 1g, Added Sugars: <0.5g)
- Protein: 30g
- Total Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: <0.5mg
- Sodium: 330mg
Huel Offers Great Value for the Price
Compared to similar on-the-go meals, Huel is definitely worth the cost, given how nutritionally complete the meal is.
Each Huel pouch contains 17 meals. Whether through a subscription or a one-time purchase, you must buy at least 2 bags.
| Cost Per Pouch | Total Cost | Cost Per Meal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Purchase | $41.47 | $83.34 | $2.45 |
| With a Subscription | $37.50 | $75 | $2.21 |
Huel offers its original powders in 10 flavors, which are all priced the same (as shown above) except for the Cinnamon Roll, which is a bit more expensive. With a subscription, the Cinnamon flavor costs $83 for 2 pouches at $2.44 per meal. However, as a one-time purchase, it costs $92.22 for two bags ($2.71 per meal).
You can select the frequency of the delivery and pause, cancel, and edit your subscription at any time.
Shipping is free on all orders over $59. You can return unopened Huel Powder pouches for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. However, you will be responsible for covering the total shipping costs of the return.
Huel is also available from Amazon, but for a slightly higher price.
Is Huel Powder Healthy?
Huel Powder is a nutritionally complete powdered food that contains a balance of macronutrients.
It is high in protein and fiber, low in sugar and salt, and rich in phytonutrients (beneficial plant compounds that can act as antioxidants in the body). Huel also contains all 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
The main ingredients in Huel are oats, pea protein, flaxseed, brown rice protein, coconut, and sunflower oil.
The product doesn’t contain any animal products making it suitable for vegans. It is also soy, lactose, and GMO-free.
Below are additional insights on Huel’s main ingredients and the health benefits they promote:
Oats
Huel’s primary source of carbohydrates comes from oats. Oats are an excellent source of fiber that can increase feelings of fullness and may even help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies show that oats can increase feelings of fullness. This can, in turn, help with appetite control and weight management. Additionally, the fiber in oats can reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels, which can improve heart health. (1, 2)
Probiotics are also added to the fiber found in Huel to help support a healthy gut.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is derived from green and yellow peas and provides an ideal hypoallergenic plant-based protein source. Pea protein contains all of the nine essential amino acids that your body can’t produce and must get from food sources. Research suggests that pea protein powder can help build muscle with resistance training. (3)
Additionally, pea protein and whey protein (derived from cow’s milk) may be equally effective in supporting muscle growth with regular exercise. (4)
Ground Flaxseed
Often considered a superfood, flaxseed is chock full of nutrients. A single tablespoon has protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and assorted vitamins and minerals.
The fiber found in flaxseed may improve heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels. (5)
Flaxseed may also help people with appetite control and weight management. (6)
Brown Rice Protein
Brown rice protein is a specialized protein made by treating rice with enzymes through a unique conversion process. This type of protein is hypoallergenic and may even have some health benefits.
One study found that brown rice protein is as effective as whey protein in enhancing body composition and exercise performance, making it an excellent plant-based protein option for athletes. Additionally, adequate protein intake can help increase feelings of fullness which may support weight loss. (7, 8)
Coconut MCTs
This type of coconut oil contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides.
Some evidence suggests that MCTs may play a role in weight management by increasing the hormones that reduce appetite and help increase feelings of fullness. (9, 10)
Sunflower Oil Powder
Sunflower oil is an important source of fat that provides linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It also includes vitamin E and vitamin K.
Your body requires two essential fatty acids (EFAs), which include both linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid).
Huel uses a blend of flaxseed and sunflower oil powder to ensure that they provide sufficient amounts of both EFAs. Essential fatty acids may benefit heart health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (11)
Safety Considerations
Due to its high fiber content, Huel can cause some gastrointestinal distress for people sensitive to fiber. Users report gas, bloating, diarrhea, and other mild GI complaints resulting from drinking Huel.
Huel also contains coconut, which is considered a tree nut. Therefore, people with tree nut allergies should be aware and avoid taking Huel if allergic to coconut.
It is also important to note that flavored versions of Huel Powder contain sucralose (also known as Splenda), an artificial sweetener. If you are trying to avoid this ingredient, we recommend getting the unflavored version of Huel.
Tip: Get the unflavored version of Huel to avoid artificial sweeter and sweeten it naturally by blending it with a handful of berries or bananas.
If you have any underlying health conditions, speaking with your doctor before taking a meal replacement supplement is important to ensure it is safe for you.
Comparison to Alternatives
Huel offers a high-quality, nutritional balanced meal replacement powder for busy people at a competitive cost. Here’s how Huel Powder compares to popular alternatives:
| Huel | Soylent Powder (Original) | Ka’Chava | HLTH Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$41.67 for 17 servings ($2.45 per serving) |
$69.59 for 35 meals ($1.98 per serving) |
$69.95 for 15 servings ($4.67 per serving) |
$59.95 for 15 servings ($4.00 per serving) |
| Lowest Possible Price | $37.50 for 17 servings ($2.21 per meal) with a subscription | $52.75 per pouch ($1.51 per meal) with a pre-paid subscription for 6 mos. | $59.95 for 15 servings (subscription) | $49.95 for 15 servings (subscription) |
| Return Policy | 30 days but the product must be unused | No refunds unless the product is received damaged or defective. | 30-day money-back guarantee on the first order | 30-day money-back guarantee on the first order |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (contains bovine collagen and eggs) |
| Organic | No | No | No, contains some organic ingredients | No |
| Calories Per Serving | 400 | 400 | 240 | 400 |
| Protein Per Serving | 29 grams | 20 grams | 24 grams | 27 grams |
| Fiber Per Serving | 7 grams | 6 grams | 6 grams | 9 grams |
| Key Components |
Protein, Vitamins & Minerals, Prebiotics, Probiotics |
Protein, Fiber, and Essential Vitamins and Minerals |
Protein, Vitamins & Minerals, Fiber, Fruits & Vegetables, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes |
Protein, Vitamins & Minerals, Collagen, Fiber, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes |
| Third-Party Testing or Certifications | None | None | None | None |
| Purchase Options | Amazon | Amazon | Kachava.com | gethlth.com |
Understanding Huel Product Line
Huel offers a variety of products beyond powdered meal replacements that provide people with additional tools to achieve their health goals. The following is a comparison of the main products:
Huel Powder v3.0
Huel Powder is a nutritionally complete powder that is mixed with water. The drink can replace breakfast or lunch and costs $2.21 per meal with a subscription.
Huel Black Edition
Huel Black Edition is similar to Huel Powder, except the product doesn’t contain any oats and is gluten-free. It has 50% fewer carbohydrates and 33% more protein and contains green tea extract. It is also more expensive than regular Huel Powder at $2.50 per meal with a subscription.
Huel Ready-to-Drink
This ready-to-drink formula provides all 27 essential vitamins and minerals plus a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, and phytonutrients. The product is also naturally gluten-free. Huel ready-to-drink provides extra convenience than the Huel Powder but costs $4 per bottle with a subscription.
Huel Hot & Savory
Huel Hot & Savory is a nutritionally complete vegan meal that contains rice, quinoa, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It includes balanced macronutrients and provides all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. The product can be prepared in under 5 minutes and is $3.76 per meal with a subscription. You are required to order at least 3 bags.
Huel Bar
The Huel Bar is a nutritionally complete snack. It contains 200 kcal per bar and provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, essential fats, fiber, phytonutrients, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. One bar is $3.13 with a subscription, and you must order a minimum of two boxes.
Huel Complete Protein
Huel Complete Protein is a nutritionally complete, plant-based, high-protein snack made from hemp, faba, and pea protein. The product provides 110 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals. Huel Complete Protein is $1.25 per serving with a subscription and two container minimum order.
Huel Daily Greens
Huel Daily Greens is a greens powder supplement that contains 91 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food ingredients and offers a convenient way to increase your daily nutrient intake to support your overall health. With a subscription, Huel’s Daily Greens costs $45 ($1.50 per serving) or $50 as a one-time purchase.
Additional Questions
Can Huel help me lose weight?
While Huel Powder isn’t necessarily marketed as a weight loss product, you could use the product to create a calorie deficit over time which can help you lose weight.
For example, suppose your typical breakfast contains 500 calories, followed by a morning snack of 200 calories. In that case, you can create a calorie deficit by replacing both with Huel. Since Huel only has 400 calories, you would create a calorie deficit of 300 calories to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Huel also provides an easy way to track your calories (without tracking or measuring your food) and plenty of complex carbohydrates and protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer.
Can Huel replace all my meals?
Technically, yes. Huel provides a nutritionally complete meal. However, we don’t recommend you do that, as drinking your meals does not have the same effect on your body as eating your meals.
Additionally, the manufacturer recommends drinking Huel as a replacement for either breakfast or lunch while enjoying a traditional meal at dinner.
We recommend using Huel when you’re pressed for time and need to remove the burden of preparing a nutritionally balanced meal. For example, Huel shakes can be made easily in the morning and provide a healthy breakfast while on the way to school or work.
Additionally, Huel’s Hot and Savory line can provide a well-balanced meal if there are some nights when you don’t have time to cook or need something easy.
Is Huel good for gaining muscle?
Huel can help you gain muscle by providing increased calories and increased protein.
Is Huel keto-friendly?
Huel Powders, Ready-to-Drink, and Bars aren’t suitable for a keto diet because they contain too many carbohydrates. However, the company provides low-carbohydrate hacks that can be used with several of its products.
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11 Sources Used
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- The role of meal viscosity and oat β-glucan characteristics in human appetite control: a randomized crossover trial:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24884934/ - Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat β-glucan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25411276/ - Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25628520/ - Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4307635/ - Evaluation of flaxseed formulation as a potential therapeutic agent in mitigation of dyslipidemia:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25163498/ - Flaxseed dietary fiber supplements for suppression of appetite and food intake:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22245724/ - The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance:
https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-12-86 - The Effects of Increased Protein Intake on Fullness: A Meta-Analysis and Its Limitations - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26947338/ - Impact of medium and long chain triglycerides consumption on appetite and food intake in overweight men:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192077/ - Effects of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25636220/ - Essential fatty acids as functional components of foods- a review:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190204/
