Table of Contents
About Huel
With a busy lifestyle, I often struggle to eat properly. The whole meal prep thing has never been my thing, so I feel like I’m often missing the mark nutritionally.
Do you want to eat better while maintaining your busy lifestyle? Or switch to a vegan diet while still getting all the nutrients you need? If so, I think you’re going to want to read this Huel review.
Huel creates nutritionally complete food which offers an ideal balance of slow-release carbs, protein, fat, fiber, and 27 essential nutrients and vitamins. The brand prides itself on producing affordable and delicious plant-based meals that also minimize environmental damage.
Huel has been spotlighted by such media outlets as CNN, Forbes, Vox, and Business Insider, among many others. The brand also has a devoted following of 267K fans on Instagram and 251K on Facebook.
In this Huel review, I’ll introduce you to the brand’s products, provide answers to some frequently asked questions, and, finally, answer the most pressing question of all: is this brand really worth the buy? Let’s dive in.
Overview of Huel
As we all know, the technology that was supposed to make our lives easier has also made them busier than ever. Given this situation, more and more people rely on pre-prepared meals and junk food to get them through their days. I’m not huge on junk food, but my “easy meals” aren’t exactly square.
Responding to this new reality—and also to the environmental impact of mass food production and food waste—co-founders Julian Hearn and James Collier launched Huel in 2015, deriving the name via a combination of “human” and “fuel.”
Originating in Aylesbury, UK, the brand was founded on three main goals:
- Provide easily accessible healthy meals at an affordable price
- Reduce waste by using as little packaging as possible
- Be environmentally friendly by employing sustainable production methods
The brand has a range of powders, ready-made drinks, bars, and savory meals in its line up. Staple Huel ingredients include peas, rice, oats, flaxseed, and coconut, all of which are sustainably sourced. Huel meals are also low in sugar, lactose-free, and 100% vegan.
With their homebase in Tring, Hertfordshire, Huel expanded to the US in 2017, and now has regional headquarters in Los Angeles and Berlin.
Now that you know a little more about the names behind the brand, I’ll cover the highlights next in this Huel review.
Highlights
- Range of convenient, vegan-friendly meals and snacks to give you the nutrients you need
- Lots of gluten-free options
- Sustainable and eco-friendly production methods
- Low-waste packaging
- Transparent ingredient lists and nutrition information
- Reasonably priced, with most meals/meal replacements less than $3 each
- Savings offered based on quantities ordered and subscriptions
Huel Meal Replacement Review
Coming up in this Huel review, I’ll go over some of the brand’s bestselling meal replacement options. Products covered here include ready-to-drink beverages, powders, and bars. I’ll provide nutrition information for each product as well so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Like what you see? Conveniently, you can set up a repeat-delivery subscription for most Huel products, ranging in frequency from every week to once every 10 weeks. If you decide to subscribe, you’ll get 10% off every order.
Huel Ready-to-Drink Review
One of the brand’s most popular products, Huel Ready-to-Drink is packed full of protein, fiber, phytonutrients, and a healthy balance of carbohydrates and fats. This plant-based meal replacement contains all 27 essential minerals and vitamins and is GMO-, soy-, and gluten-free.
I’m a huge fan of ready-to-drink products. Since I usually reach for easy meals, I like that to get a range of nutrients, all I need to do is unscrew the cap and enjoy.
Huel Ready-to-Drink comes in four yummy flavors: banana, vanilla, chocolate, and berry. Each bottle contains:
- 37g carbohydrates
- 20g plant-based proteins
- 19g fat
- 6g fiber
- 2g vitamins and minerals
Huel Ready-to-Drink costs $54 for a one-time box of 12 bottles.
Huel Black Edition Review
Huel Black Edition is a popular choice for those on a protein-heavy, low-carb diet. It contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals, plus 33% more protein and 50% fewer carbs than the standard Huel protein powder.
One serving of Huel Black Edition contains:
- 17g carbohydrates
- 40g plant-based protein
- 18g fat
- 7g fiber
- 3g vitamins and minerals
Huel Black Edition comes in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, as well as decadent (yet still healthy) options like salted caramel, coffee caramel, and strawberry shortcake. And for those who want to keep things neutral, there’s always unflavored/unsweetened. Me? I’m a strawberry shortcake fan all the way.
Each bag of Huel Black Edition contains 17 sachets of powder, and I learned that 2 bags is the minimum order. As a one-time purchase, this’ll run you $83; If you subscribe, it’s $75 a pop. Note that, as with all Huel products, the more you order, the more you save.
Huel Hot & Savory Review
Huel Hot & Savory is great for those wanting a savory alternative to traditionally sweet-flavored protein powders and meal replacements. These vegan savory meals are packed full of protein-rich grains like quinoa, plus lots of veggies and delicious spices.
I appreciate that Huel offers something savory and substantial for those that like chew their meals. A refreshing smoothie on a winter day just doesn’t do it for me, so I think it’s great they have balanced meals for all.
What I love most is that these meals are ready to eat in just five minutes, which makes them perfect for people with busy lifestyles. One serving of Huel Hot & Savory contains:
- 40g carbohydrates
- 24g plant-based protein
- 13g fat
- 11g fiber
- 2g vitamins and minerals
Choose from the many mouthwatering flavors, including:
- Sweet & Sour
- Tomato & Herb
- Mexican Chili
- Spicy Indian Curry
- Thai Green Curry
- Yellow Coconut Curry
Each bag contains seven meals, and each order must have a minimum of three bags (any combination of flavors). The one-time cost is $77, or $69 with a subscription.
Huel Flavor Boosts Review
If you’re looking to punch up the taste of your Huel Powder, then add some Huel Flavor Boosts for an extra hit of flavor. Beyond creating a new range of flavor combos, these pouches are also a great way to sample Huel flavors before committing to a full order.
I don’t have to tell you how many protein powders there are on the market, and while I think Huel has something special going on, I appreciate the option to taste test before I buy a larger order.
Huel Flavor Boosts are available in the following tempting flavors: banana, vanilla, peanut butter, mint chocolate, and more!
I should note that Huel Flavor Boosts offer no nutritional benefits: they are taste amplifiers only, so don’t go throwing away your Huel Powder!
Each 100g pouch of Flavor Boosts costs $8.
Huel Bar v3.1 Review
Protein bars are usually one of two things: very high in carbs and sugar or made with whey and eggs. Huel’s complete nutrition bar is vegan and has a fraction of the net carbs that other bars do.
Deliciously decadent yet packed full of nutrients, the Huel Bar v3.1 is guaranteed to be your new favorite snack for eating on the go or recharging post-workout. Each bar contains:
- 18g carbohydrates
- 12g plant-based protein
- 8g fat
- 5g fiber
- 2g vitamins and minerals
Try these bars in one of six rich flavors: raspberry and white chocolate, peanut butter, chocolate orange, salted caramel, coffee caramel, or chocolate. All flavors are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, and the chocolate varieties use vegan chocolate chips.
Each box of Huel Bar v3.1 includes 15 bars, and it’s a minimum of two boxes per order. A one-time purchase will set you back $62 (marked down from $75), and you’ll pay just $56 with a subscription.
Can’t decide which flavor to get? Then go for the Variety Box, which includes three of each for a total of 18 bars. One-timers can get this option for $69, while subscribers will pay $62.
Huel Gluten-free v3.0 Review
The nutritious, low-sugar Huel Gluten-free v3.0 powder features prebiotics and probiotics along with a perfect balance of carbs, fat, protein, and fiber. Kombucha and acerola cherries are in the mix too, which are both good sources of vitamin C and a range of B vitamins.
So far, it seems like Huel has something for everyone, and I really like that. Each serving of Huel Gluten-free v3.0 contains:
- 38g carbohydrates
- 29g plant-based protein
- 13g fat
- 7g fiber
- 3g vitamins and minerals
You can get this powder in either vanilla, chocolate, berry, salted caramel, or caffe latte. Unflavored/unsweetened and the oaty-flavored “Original” options are also available.
Every bag of Huel Gluten-free v3.0 contains 17 meals, and every order must contain at least two bags. The one-time cost is $83, and it’s $75 with a subscription. Quantity discounts apply with each extra bag purchased.
Huel Natural Flavor Boost 10 Taster Pack Review
Variety is the spice of life but with so many tasty flavor options, I struggle to narrow down my choice to just one. I wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t decide which of the Flavor Boost flavors to pick either. Luckily, the Huel Natural Flavor Boost 10 Taster Pack lets you try before you buy.
In this convenient Huel sample pack, you’ll get one 3g sample for each of the following flavors:
- Chocolate
- Mint Chocolate
- Mocha
- Peanut Butter
- Banana
- Berry
- Strawberry
- Apple Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Spice
- Salted Caramel
The Huel Natural Flavor Boost 10 Taster Pack is just $5. No subscription or quantity discounts are available for this product.
Huel Shaker Bottle Review
If you’re purchasing Huel Powder, you’re going to need to shake it up in something. So why not make it easy and get the Huel Shaker Bottle while you’re at it?
This bottle is BPA-free and holds 24 fl oz (700 ml) of liquid, with extra space to facilitate shaking. There is also a large spout, which allows you to add ice to your drink, plus a detachable ice guard. It’s dishwasher-safe, too.
If you think you’ll just mix your Huel powder in a cup, think again my friend. Protein powders are notoriously tough to mix and without a shaker, you’ll often be sipping back clumps.
Simply pour in your Huel Powder, add water or your other favored mixer, shake, and you’ll have your nutritious drink in seconds! The Huel Shaker Bottle is $5.
What Are The Benefits of Huel?
As a majority of doctors and nutritionists now affirm, switching to vegan meals can have a significantly positive effect on your health. Huel provides you with nutrient-complete vegan meals in a convenient, affordable, and low-calorie way.
While specialized Huel weight loss products are not available, what the brand currently offers may still contribute to weight loss thanks to their use of low-calorie, slow-release carbs, which help you stay fuller for longer after eating. This will naturally reduce your cravings.
The perfectly calibrated balance of protein, fat, and fiber in Huel’s meals may also contribute to slimming, and many users have seen their blood fat levels drop as well.
Is Huel A Good Meal Replacement?
Huel is a good meal-replacement option for when you’re super-busy or in time-pressured situations, but it is not a long-term solution for a nutritious diet. For example, I would replace a traditional breakfast or lunch with Huel during my workday, and then have a normal dinner.
Huel can be used to replace every meal for short periods of time, like if you’re on a three-day cleanse. In any case, your body will need to adjust to replacing meals with it. So if you’re going to cleanse, start slow, and build up to replacing more meals.
Huel side effects include tiredness, cravings, and an upset stomach. As with adding anything new to your diet, it’s recommended that you consult your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating Huel on a permanent basis.
Huel Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
I’ve given you an overview of the brand’s products; now it’s time for for me to fill you in on what people are saying about them. For this part of my Huel review, I combed the web for helpful feedback. Keep reading to see what I found out.
The Huel website itself has no independent reviews, but it does link to the brand’s profile page on Trustpilot. O also consulted Amazon and Reddit to give as broad a picture as I can of customer feedback.
Huel receives an “Excellent” score of 4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot based on 11,875 reviews. Reviewers have praised these products for their great taste, convenience, health benefits, and the brand’s high-level customer service.
One five-star reviewer says: “So far I have found my experience with HUEL easy and generally fantastic.… The flavours I’ve tried are lovely and … I feel good when drinking them and have not felt bloated like I have with other supplement type drinks. I would highly recommend HUEL to my friends and anyone that hasn’t tried it yet.”
On Amazon, the vanilla-flavored Huel Powder receives 4.2/5 stars from 588 global ratings. One reviewer praised not only the convenience and flavor, but also the energy-boost benefits that the powder offers:
“Not only is it super quick and easy to make[,] but it makes me feel a lot more energized in the mornings with all of the protein and vitamins it contains. Since it has so much fiber, you definitely need to ease into it [to] avoid digestive issues.”
The above reviewer puts their finger on one of the initial side effects of these products that even satisfied customers point to—to put it delicately, er, an increase in flatulence. But even that didn’t discourage a user who wrote a long report on thier experience with Huel on Reddit, concluding as follows:
“[After three weeks], my body has literally been craving Huel….I haven’t felt this good in years[.] I wake up and head to the kitchen to make Huel as if I was addicted to coffee (which I don’t drink at all)[,] and it fills me up until the next meal. I love the taste, I don’t mind drinking it at all, and I feel fantastic.”
The only dark spots on the Huel horizon are a handful of negative reviews that complain about the taste not being good (which I’ll pretty much write off as a matter of subjectivity) and the inconvenience of the minimum-order requirement, which is fair enough.
Is Huel Worth It?
Based on research and the highly positive reviews I found for this Huel review, I wholeheartedly agree that the brand is worth checking out.
It’s an awesome choice for people with busy lifestyles who are looking to eat healthier. It’s also ideal for those wanting to lose weight and improve their overall health.
The prices of Huel products are competitive, and the products give you good value for money. While you do have to commit to an order of two to three boxes or bags for most products, this seems to me to be a small price to pay.
I’ll also point out here in this Huel review, that you have the option to return an opened box if it’s your first order and you’re not satisfied with the product. So really, there’s no risk at all.
Huel Promotions & Discounts
While digging through the brand’s website for this Huel review, I uncovered a few promotions. I’ll give you the details below:
A student discount of 10% off any order is available to those who can verify their student status. There is also a 10% off discount for military personnel, medical staff, and first responders—again with a need to verify this status in order to unlock the discount.
Most first-time orders will benefit from freebies as well. These include getting a free Huel T-shirt, free shaker and scoop, or free pot and scoop. You’ll also get 10% off your order if you set up a subscription, and quantity discounts apply to most orders.
Where to Buy Huel
If my Huel review has convinced you to try the brand, you can purchase all Huel products on the brand website, huel.com. You can also purchase select products from Amazon and other retailers across the US. Find a Huel retail partner near you using the brand’s store locator.
FAQ
Is Huel healthy?
I‘m happy to report in this Huel review that Huel certainly does seem to be healthy. The brand is transparent with its ingredient lists and nutritional information, so you can check for yourself.
Is Huel processed food?
While products like Huel Powder are processed to combine all the ingredients and get the correct consistency, they aren’t processed in the way that fast food is. Huel products contain no unnecessary additives, preservatives, or sugars.
Does Huel lower cholesterol?
Huel meals contain plant-based protein, soluble fiber, and oat beta-glucans, which are proven to lower cholesterol. This suggests that eating Huel may indeed contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Does Huel keep you full?
Huel recipes are completely nutritionally balanced and include slow-release carbs. These result in a steady release of energy that will keep you feeling full for a long time after eating, thus reducing cravings.
What does Huel taste like?
This depends on the product and flavor you purchase. Huel Powder has a base oaty taste, the strength of which will vary based on the exact flavor you choose. Huel Hot & Savory is a whole other story, of course: consult each of the flavor descriptions for the precise mix of ingredients.
How long does it take for Huel to ship?
I’ve read that Huel orders are generally delivered in 3-7 business days. Shipping is free for US orders of $25 and up. For orders under that amount, shipping is $5 for the 48 contiguous US states and $13 for Alaska and Hawaii.
Huel ships to military addresses via USPS. Delivery can take between 3-5 business days or up to 14 business days, depending on your exact location.
How do I track my Huel order?
You’ll receive a shipping confirmation email from Huel once your order ships that will include a link so that you can track your order. You can also log in to your account on huel.com and find tracking info under “Order History.”
What is Huel’s Return Policy?
Huel allows you to return any unopened boxes or pouches within 30 days of delivery. You can return opened boxes of ready-to-drink products and bars, but only if it was a first-time purchase.
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, and if you are returning an order over $75, Huel suggests that you use a trackable shipping method.
To learn more about returns, contact [email protected].
How to Contact Huel
If you have any questions not covered in this Huel review, you can contact the brand via:
- Phone: 619-648-3086
- Email: [email protected]
- Website contact form
- Live chat
- Help forum
If you’d prefer to call the brand, their customer service hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (timezone not specified).
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