Huel provides a range of meal replacement products that may support your daily nutrient intake in a convenient and sustainable format. With powdered shakes, ready-to-drink meals, hot meals, and protein snacks, Huel might help those who prefer a balanced and plant-based alternative to traditional meals. Their formulations may supply essential macronutrients and micronutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In this review, you will learn about the key features of Huel's offerings, how its nutritional claims hold up, and the brand's value. We'll also explore Huel's sustainability efforts and how they fit into the competitive meal replacement market.
Founded in 2015 by Julian Hearn and James Collier, a registered nutritionist and dietitian, Huel aims to deliver an all-in-one nutritional support for busy people who need a quick, nutritious meal.
Huel specializes in creating nutritionally balanced, plant-based meals that provide a comprehensive blend of proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals. Its products include powders, ready-to-drink beverages, and snacks, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
The brand focuses on delivering complete nutrition that supports sustained energy, good digestion, and overall health, particularly for busy individuals, athletes, and high performers.
Huel mentions that its meals and snacks are 100% vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, meeting the demand for health-conscious, plant-based options. It has made several environmental commitments, such as designing meals that meet a carbon footprint target of around 0.5 kg CO2e per meal to help reduce global warming. The ingredients are assessed based on their environmental impact using the HowGood database, which evaluates factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity.
Huel also prioritizes recyclable packaging materials and works to decrease the carbon footprint of its packaging choices. The brand is working toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by tracking its emissions and setting reduction targets.
The company also emphasizes social responsibility by reducing food waste. Huel products are designed to have long shelf lives, and unsold items nearing their expiration date are donated to food banks. Huel donates 1% of its profits to charity and partners with organizations like the Felix Project to redistribute surplus food.
The product categories available from Huel include powdered meals such as Black Edition, Powder, Essential, and Superblend. Huel provides Hot & Savory Cups and Hot & Savory Meal Packs for those who prefer hot meals.
Huel also offers superfoods and green powders like Daily Greens and Superblend. It offers high-protein snacks, including the Complete Nutrition Bar and Complete Protein, vitamins, and energy drinks like Energy+.
Huel's Daily Greens Powder contains micronutrients, phytonutrients, probiotics, and adaptogens to support your fitness. One of its key components is the Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend, which includes spirulina, kale, spinach, and broccoli. These greens are rich in antioxidants, which may neutralize free radicals in your body. Free radicals could cause damage to the cells and induce aging and disease. Antioxidants are critical in maintaining optimal cellular function and protecting the immune system by combating oxidative stress.
Huel's Daily Greens Powder may provide essential vitamins and minerals for daily biological functions. For example, it contains Vitamin A, which helps support eye health and immune function, and Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant may help collagen production and enhance immune defense. It also has Vitamin D, which may help in calcium absorption to support healthy bone function, and Vitamin K, which may help blood clotting and bone health.
The Huel's Daily Greens Powder also includes antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries and apples. Blueberries are high in anthocyanins, which may reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive function via modulation of neuronal signaling pathways. Apples have quercetin polyphenol, which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and modulating inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. These antioxidants may help reduce the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with aging and metabolic disorders.
Huel Daily Greens also contains algae-derived superfoods such as chlorella, which are dense in chlorophyll, protein, and essential micronutrients like iron and magnesium. Spirulina in Huel Daily Greens has been studied for its potential immunomodulatory and anti-lipidemic effects, possibly due to phycocyanin. This biliprotein scavenges free radicals and downregulates pro-inflammatory mediators. With its high RNA/DNA content and detoxifying ability via cell wall binding, Chlorella in Huel Daily Greens may assist in heavy metal chelation and support liver health.
Huel's Daily Greens Powder may also provide digestive support through added probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum) and digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase. These components may enhance nutrient absorption by promoting gut microbiota diversity and the enzymatic breakdown of macronutrients. Scientific evidence suggests that maintaining a balanced gut microbiome may support a healthy immune response and promote mental health through the gut-brain axis.
The Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex is another vital part of Huel Daily Greens. This blend includes ashwagandha, rhodiola, lion's Mane, and other adaptogens, which help the body manage stress. Adaptogens may work by regulating cortisol levels, the hormone released during stress. Chronic stress can weaken immunity and fatigue, so adaptogens may balance the body's stress response, promoting resilience and mental clarity. Lion's Mane, specifically, is known for its potential to support brain health, as it may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which is involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons.
The Huel Ready-to-Drink formula may provide essential macronutrients and micronutrients in a convenient, portable format. It includes oats, brown rice flour, and tapioca. These sources are rich in complex polysaccharides and β-glucans, which may regulate blood glucose levels and release sustained energy.
20g of pea protein in Huel Ready-to-Drink may support muscle maintenance and repair, while 20g of carbohydrates, including 4g of dietary fiber, aid in digestive health and sustain energy. The 5g of coconut oil and flaxseed fat can provide healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may help enhance energy and brain function.
Dietary fiber in Huel Ready-to-Drink is derived from oat fiber, flaxseed, and chicory root (which is rich in inulin). This supports gastrointestinal health by promoting beneficial gut microbiota and regular bowel movements.
The micronutrient blend in Huel Ready-to-Drink includes minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, iron, and calcium, which support bone health, immune function, and oxygen transport in the blood. Vitamin C may help with immune health and collagen production, while magnesium could help regulate muscle and nerve function.
Huel Ready-to-Drink has chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry, iced coffee caramel, berry, salted caramel, and cinnamon Roll flavors.
The Huel Bestseller Bundle is a curated selection of Huel's most popular products, offering a comprehensive introduction to their range of nutritionally complete meals, drinks, and snacks. The bundle includes one Huel Black Edition Powder pouch containing 40 grams of high-quality plant protein per 90-gram serving. Also included are two Hot & Savory meals, such as Chick'n & Mushroom Pasta and Mexican Chili, which require only hot water for preparation.
Two Ready-to-Drink bottles in flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla for convenient nutrition on the go. The bundle also includes two Complete Nutrition Bars, offering 12g of protein and 27 essential micronutrients in each bar, ideal for maintaining energy and nutrient levels between meals. The Bestseller bundle also has one bag of Daily Greens, a nutrient-dense superfood powder packed with 91 vitamins, minerals, and wholefood ingredients.
Huel Black Edition offers high-protein, low-carbohydrate, plant-based nutrient support. Its macronutrient ratio is approximately 40% protein, 40% fat, 17% carbohydrates, and 3% fiber by energy. This composition may support muscle protein synthesis, satiety, and metabolic health while minimizing blood glucose spikes. A 90g (2 scoop serving ) of Huel Black Edition can provide about 400 kcal and 40g of protein added from pea protein isolate and brown rice protein concentrate. These plant proteins are complementary in amino acid profile, as pea protein has lysine but has a lower methionine content. In contrast, brown rice protein is higher in methionine but lower in lysine. The 17 grams of fat per serving include health-supporting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help preserve cell membrane integrity, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function. The brain and muscles could absorb Huel Black Edition's medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as a fast-acting energy source. Monounsaturated and saturated fats in Huel Black Edition support fat-soluble vitamin absorption (A, D, E, K) and hormonal balance.
Huel Black Edition includes B-complex vitamins like B12, B6, and niacin, vital for converting food into cellular energy. Vitamin D and K2 in the Huel Black Edition formulation may promote bone health and calcium regulation. At the same time, minerals like iron and zinc are essential for oxygen transport, enzyme activation, and wound healing. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, A, and selenium may combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
The Huel Black Edition formula also contains green tea extract, a source of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Its potent polyphenol content further enhances fat metabolism, reduces inflammation, and provides cellular protection.
To support gut health, Huel Black contains Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856, a spore-forming probiotic known for its stability and efficacy in improving gut flora composition and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. Flaxseed fiber includes soluble (e.g., mucilage) and insoluble fractions, contributing to digestive regularity and microbial fermentation. Sweetness in Huel Black Edition is achieved using steviol glycosides from stevia and a modest amount of organic coconut sugar, avoiding artificial sweeteners or high-glycemic sugars.
To adapt to to various taste preferences, Huel Black Edition is available in chocolate, banana, vanilla, unflavored and unsweetened, cinnamon roll, salted caramel, strawberry shortcake, coffee caramel, and cookies and cream. Each flavor is said to be made with natural flavorings and sweetened with stevia and coconut sugar, minimizing artificial additives and maintaining a low glycemic impact.
The Huel Complete Nutrition Bar is a high-protein, plant-based snack that may help maintain nutrient intake without compromising taste or health. One 51-gram bar contains up to 14 grams of protein, 27 vitamins and minerals, and high dietary fiber. The protein supports muscle synthesis, repair, and satiety. The 5g of dietary fiber in each bar helps digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. High fiber intake may also help decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Huel Complete Nutrition Bar includes vitamin D, B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are critical for bodily functions, such as energy metabolism, immune system support, nervous system health, and bone maintenance.
For example, vitamin D is crucial in calcium absorption, while vitamin B1 aids red blood cell formation and neurological function. Iron is essential for preventing fatigue by supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor features a cocoa coating, chocolate chips, natural flavors, and a micronutrient blend. Its primary sweetener, maltitol, is a sugar alcohol with a lower glycemic impact. However, it can trigger digestive discomfort in some people when taken in large amounts. Other flavor options of Huel Complete Nutrition Bar are fudge brownie, dark chocolate raspberry, chocolate caramel, and peanut caramel.
Although Huel bars are vegan, they contain soy and wheat. They are produced in facilities that process common allergens such as milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. People who are sensitive to sugar alcohols like maltitol should be cautious, as excessive consumption can cause laxative effects, which is a common side effect of polyols.
Huel provides a versatile selection of products that cater to various dietary needs and lifestyles. These include powdered meal replacements (Black Edition, Essential, and Superblend), ready-to-drink meals, hot savory meals, protein powders, and high-protein bars.
All Huel products are considered nutritionally complete, delivering the full spectrum of essential nutrients, around 26+ vitamins and minerals, protein, fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The formulas also provide functional health support, such as vitamin C for immune health, magnesium for muscle function, and biotin for energy metabolism. This can help bridge common nutritional gaps, especially for those with limited meal planning or cooking time.
Huel offers a 20% discount for subscription orders and free shipping on U.S. orders over $65. It ships to multiple countries, making it accessible for a broad user base. The subscription option makes it convenient for frequent users, while bundles like the Bestseller or Grab & Go Packs simplify the shopping process.
Huel strongly emphasizes environmental sustainability, using minimal packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. It offers plant-based, low-carbon meals and claims to use sustainable ingredients measured against key metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, labor risk, biodiversity, and land use.
In 2023, Huel became a certified B Corp, affirming its commitment to social and environmental standards. Its plant-based formula also has a lower carbon footprint than meat-based meals.
Unlike custom nutrition brands that tailor macronutrients or remove allergens, Huel uses a standardized formulation. You can't customize the ingredient mix, protein-to-carb ratio, or flavor intensity. This may limit its appeal for users looking for more personalized nutrition or those with specific dietary restrictions beyond veganism.
Huel products, particularly the Ready-to-Drink and powdered formats, often receive criticism for their taste and mouthfeel. Some users describe them as chalky, overly sweet, or artificial. The Powder can be grainy or clumpy without proper blending. Repeated use of the same flavors may lead to “taste fatigue,” making long-term use less appealing. While flavors are available, personal preference significantly affects satisfaction.
Founded by Chris Manderino, LyfeFuel offers a variety of plant-based, nutrient-dense products, including meal replacement shakes, performance shakes, and meal replacement bars. These products support metabolism, weight management, and overall fitness, emphasizing 50+ superfoods, pea, and hemp proteins.
LyfeFuel also offers adaptogen supplements containing ingredients like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea, designed to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. The brand provides wellness programs and curated bundles to help individuals reach their health goals.
In contrast, Huel provides a broader variety of meal options, such as powdered, ready-to-drink, and hot meals. It also offers a range of snacks, including complete protein bars, powders, and greens-focused products. While both brands emphasize convenience and nutrition, Huel's offering is more diverse, catering to various meal preferences, including hot and ready-to-drink options. At the same time, LyfeFuel focuses on shakes, bars, and performance-oriented products.
Both brands share a commitment to plant-based nutrition and sustainability. LyfeFuel emphasizes clean, plant-based ingredients without artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or fillers. They are also committed to environmental responsibility, planting trees for each product sold, and using sustainable packaging.
Similarly, Huel is dedicated to providing vegan, low-carbon-impact products with minimal environmental footprint, offering 100% vegan products and recyclable packaging. Huel has further reinforced its sustainability efforts by obtaining B Corp certification, which holds the company to higher social and environmental responsibility standards. LyfeFuel, while also sustainable, does not carry this certification but still makes efforts to reduce its environmental impact through its practices. Both brands align their ecological values, though Huel's B Corp status adds a formal layer of accountability.
Regarding customer service and return policies, LyfeFuel offers a 30-day return policy but requires products to be in their original packaging to be eligible for returns. They also offer free shipping on subscriptions and orders over $75 and donate 5% of every purchase to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
Huel, on the other hand, has a more flexible return policy and a money-back taste guarantee. Customers can return products within 30 days, even if they have been opened. Huel offers free shipping on orders over $40 and a referral program for additional savings. While both brands provide good customer service, Huel's return policy is more lenient than LyfeFuel's stricter terms regarding unused products.
Both brands prioritize sustainability, but their approaches differ slightly. LyfeFuel focuses on eco-friendly packaging and tree planting for every product sold. At the same time, Huel is a B Corp-certified company, which signifies a formal, recognized commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Huel's B Corp certification ensures that the company meets rigorous standards for environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, setting it apart in terms of verifiable social and environmental impact.
Ka'Chava is a premium brand based in the U.S., founded in 2012 by Simon Malone. The brand was created to blend convenience with an extensive spectrum of whole-food-based nutrients, offering a plant-based, all-in-one superfood meal designed for total-body wellness.
Ka'Chava's formula includes over 85 superfoods, macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, supporting holistic health and optimal physical performance. It features plant proteins like pea and rice, adaptogens such as maca and ashwagandha, supergreens like chlorella and spirulina, and nutrient-rich superfruits such as acai and camu camu. The formula is also fortified with probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and MCTs from coconuts, all free from gluten, soy, dairy, and artificial sweeteners.
Ka'Chava prioritizes ingredient purity with extensive third-party testing for toxins, heavy metals, and microbial contamination.
In contrast, Huel takes a science-backed, efficiency-driven approach. Its ingredients include pea protein, oats, flaxseed, and brown rice protein, combined with a synthetic vitamin and mineral blend offering 27 essential micronutrients.
Huel's formula is less focused on adaptogens and superfoods. While its ingredient diversity is narrower, its consistent profile supports mass scalability and functionality.
Regarding product variety, Ka'Chava offers one primary product, the All-in-One Superblend, which is available in five flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, chai, coconut acai, and matcha. Each bag contains 15 servings. Huel provides a broader range of options, including its Original and Black Edition powdered meals, Ready-to-Drink bottles, Hot & Savory meals, protein powders, and bars, with flavors like Chocolate, Banana, Berry, Vanilla, and Salted Caramel.
In terms of taste and texture, Ka'Chava is often praised for its creamy, rich, and smooth consistency that is enjoyable even with just water. Huel's taste leans more functional, with some users describing it as oaty or chalky, particularly in the Original Powder. However, the flavor has improved in newer formats like the Ready-to-Drink and Black Edition, though it remains more nutrition-focused than gourmet.
Ka'Chava claims benefits across many health areas, including gut health, brain function, immune support, skin improvement, energy boost, and stress management, mainly due to its adaptogenic and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Huel's health messaging revolves around nutritional completeness, weight management, and the convenience of a complete meal in one product. While it effectively supports fitness and energy goals, it does not incorporate the adaptogens and herbal wellness ingredients in Ka'Chava.
Pricing is a key differentiator as Ka'Chava's All-in-One Shake costs $69.95 per 15-serving bag, amounting to around $4.66 per serving. Huel's Powder is priced at $47 for 17 servings, approximately $2.76 per serving. The Black Edition costs $56.30 (around $3.23 per serving), and the Ready-to-Drink version of Huel costs $66.50 for 12 bottles, or roughly $5.54 per serving.
While both offer subscription discounts, Ka'Chava is nearly 80% more expensive per serving than Huel's Powder, reflecting its premium ingredients and wellness-focused formulation.
When evaluating Huel's customer feedback, we learned that Huel maintains an active and engaged community on Reddit, especially within subreddits like r/Huel, where users share their experiences and thoughts.
Many users appreciate Huel for its convenience and nutritional benefits, often mentioning how it fits nicely into their busy lifestyles or supports their health and dietary goals, such as weight management.
Products like Huel Black Edition and Huel Ready-to-Drink (RTD) are frequently discussed, and people highlight their taste, texture, and satisfaction.
Positive comments on Reddit often highlight the improvements in energy and digestive health users experience after incorporating Huel into their routines. The brand's variety of options, including vegan and gluten-free products, is a significant advantage, making it appealing to those with specific dietary preferences.
While the overall sentiment is positive, there are some areas of criticism. A few users mention that certain flavors or the consistency of the Huel Black Edition don't meet their preferences, describing it as too thick or overly sweet. Price is also occasionally cited as a concern, with some feeling that Huel's products may be pricier than home-cooked meals or other meal replacement options.
When evaluating Huel's customer feedback on Trustpilot, the brand has accumulated 21,990+ reviews with a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5. This score highlights customer satisfaction, reflecting the brand's ability to meet the expectations of a significant portion of its customer base. The rating of 4.3 reinforces the positive sentiment, with many users praising the brand's nutritional balance, convenience, and sustainability efforts.
However, like any brand, there are areas for improvement. Some users have shared dissatisfaction with the taste of certain products, including mentions of bland or overly artificial flavors. Texture issues, such as clumping in powdered products, have also been raised in a few reviews. Some customers have encountered delivery-related frustrations, particularly concerning shipping costs and delays, especially in regions with limited access or higher shipping fees.
Huel is a prominent brand in meal replacement and nutritional supplements. The brand has garnered a strong following, especially among health-conscious consumers, busy professionals, and fitness enthusiasts who value the convenience of plant-based, nutritionally balanced products.
Huel has effectively positioned itself as a leader in the “complete food” category, with its minimalist branding and science-backed formulations resonating with consumers.
The company's commitment to sustainability, including its focus on carbon neutrality, minimal packaging, and plant-based ingredients, has further strengthened its appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
However, Huel's reputation is somewhat mixed. On the positive side, the brand has built a loyal customer base, with people praising its products' convenience and nutritional completeness.
Online forums, Reddit threads, and social media reflect high satisfaction, especially among those who appreciate time-saving, vegan-friendly, and macro-balanced meal options.
Huel has expanded globally, including to the U.S., which has solidified its credibility as a global player in health and wellness.
Despite these strengths, Huel faces significant criticism, particularly regarding customer service. The brand currently holds an F rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), failing to respond to 6 complaints about poor customer service, delayed refunds, and shipping issues. There are online reports of difficulty reaching support and delays in resolving customer issues, contrasting with the brand's otherwise polished image.
While some users appreciate the product's taste and nutritional value, others have mentioned concerns about its flavor and digestibility. Some experience digestive discomfort or find the taste an acquired one.
Huel offers several advantages, including its plant-based ingredients, balanced macros, and comprehensive mix of vitamins and minerals, which can be helpful for busy people seeking to fill nutritional gaps.
The brand's range of products, from powders to ready-to-drink options, makes it adaptable to different lifestyles. Huel might help support the daily nutritional requirements and is backed by research on its nutrient composition and fortification.
However, Huel has limitations that you should consider. While it provides essential nutrients, its offerings cannot entirely replace a diet rich in whole foods that naturally provide high-quality protein, fats, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. The high fiber content may also cause digestive discomfort for some people, especially during the adjustment period. Despite its convenience, Huel's reliance on ingredients and blends may not align with those seeking whole, minimally processed foods.
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