The Huel Diet Formula Explained

Huel Powder is a nutritionally complete powdered food that is high in protein and fibre, low in sugar and supplies phytonutrients and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, it contains no animal-derived products and is non-GMO.

Huel Diet Powder meets the UK and EU Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI), Reference Intake (RI) and Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for macro- and all micronutrients [1,2,3].

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Diet Powder.

Huel Diet Powder is 32:23:40:5 Macro Split

The principle macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fibre. In Huel Diet Powder, we’ve set them at the ratio of 32:23:40:5; i.e. 32% of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 23% from fats, 40% from proteins and 5% from fibre.

Amino acids are the most basic units of protein, and several amino acids are essential for life, with others being crucial for good health, so any diet should include a significant amount of protein.

There are also fatty acids that are essential for life and good health, so including sources of fat is crucial too.

Carbohydrates, although not essential per se, are our body’s preferred source of energy and therefore have significant benefits to ensuring sustained and consistent energy levels.

Carbohydrate in Huel Diet Powder

The primary source of carbs in Huel Diet Powder is ultra-fine powdered oats. Oats have been shown to have a low glycaemic index (GI). GI refers to the rate after which we ingest a carb source to the resulting rise in blood sugar and, hence, energy levels [4]. The oats in Huel Diet Powder mix easily and help sustain energy levels until your next meal. Oats also provide so much more than just carbohydrates: many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients too.

Fat in Huel Diet Powder

The fats in Huel Diet Powder are mainly derived from flaxseed and sunflower seeds to ensure that essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are in optimal ratios.

Essential nutrients can not be made by the body so must be obtained from the diet. There are two completely essential fatty acids (EFAs) that humans require: linoleic acid (LA – an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA – an omega-3 fatty acid) [6]. Using a blend of flaxseed and sunflower oil powder, we’ve ensured Huel Diet Powder contains sufficient amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

Huel Diet Powder is High in Protein

The RI for protein is 50g per day, but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency [1,2,3]. The Western diet typically provides more [7], and Huel Diet Powder does too. All essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are included in adequate amounts from three vegan protein sources: pea, faba bean and brown rice protein. A reference intake of 2,000 calories would supply 200g of protein. This is an adequate amount for good health as well as building and maintaining muscle mass. Furthermore, protein is more satiating (filling) than other macronutrients [8].

Amino Acid Profile of Huel Diet Powder

Protein is made up of amino acids. There are over 500 amino acids in nature, 20 of which are known as the standard amino acids, as these are the ones that are coded for genetically and are subsequently involved in primary protein synthesis in animals. Of these 20, nine are essential as they cannot be synthesised from other amino acids.

The nine essential amino acids are:

  • Histidine
  • Isoleucine
  • Leucine
  • Lysine
  • Methionine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Threonine
  • Tryptophan
  • Valine

The other 11 are:

  • Alanine
  • Arginine
  • Asparagine
  • Aspartic acid
  • Cysteine
  • Glutamine
  • Glutamic acid
  • Glycine
  • Proline
  • Serine
  • Tyrosine

All protein sources are not equal: some are classed as ‘complete proteins’ and some are not. A complete protein is one that contains sufficient quantities of all nine essential amino acids. Generally, proteins derived from animal foods are complete. Indeed, some proteins derived from plant foods are often complete as well; examples include quinoa, buckwheat and soya. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or one or more of the essential amino acids.

Rice protein is high in the sulphur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, plus it contains good amounts of all the others, but is very low in lysine. Pea and faba bean proteins are low in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine. Combining ingredients ensures everything is covered whilst keeping Huel Diet Powder plant-based. Plus there’s additional protein from the flaxseed.

Huel Diet Powder is High in Fibre

A serving of Huel Diet Powder contains 17% of the recommended daily amount of fibre. The fibre in Huel Diet Powder is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms all supplied from the food ingredients, namely oats, flaxseed and chicory. The high fibre content helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools, keeping everything running smoothly in healthy individuals.

Fibre acts like a sponge, so it’s important to consume lots of water when using Huel Diet Powder [9]. The Huel Diet Powder formula has been designed to support a healthy digestive system. Moreover, you may well have heard about the beneficial soluble fibre in oats called beta-glucan. Huel Diet Powder is loaded with this cholesterol-lowering fibre, which in turn may support heart health [10].

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Diet Powder

Almost all 26 essential vitamins and minerals are included in Huel Diet Powder at more than 30% of the daily reference intake (RI). There have been numerous studies in the past 20 years demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the RIs may have beneficial effects to health.

For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low [11,12,13], so we've reflected this in the Huel Diet Powder formula. Benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy immune system, healthy skin and antioxidant properties [12,13,14].

Choline is a conditionally essential B vitamin, and although, strictly speaking, it can be synthesised in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets [15]. It’s of particular importance post menopause [16,17]. As Huel Diet Powder is all about optimum health, the inclusion of choline was felt to be fundamental.

There has been some concern about phytic acid: a naturally occurring substance in plant foods like flaxseed. Phytic acid can chelate (bind to) some minerals, meaning that they are less bioavailable [18]. As flaxseed is a large contributor to the nutrition of Huel Diet Powder, we've ensured that there are adequate levels of some minerals, like iron and zinc, to accommodate any issues with phytic acid chelation. The high level of vitamin C in Huel Diet Powder further promotes iron absorption [19].

Phytonutrients in Huel Diet Powder

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods which, whilst not essential, may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention. Junk food diets are often deficient in phytonutrients, and thus consumers miss out on invaluable health benefits and antioxidant effects.

Huel Diet Powder’s fundamental ingredients are plant-based foods, which are already phytonutrient-rich. Additionally, we've also added some extra phytonutrients to optimise the Huel Diet Powder formula and to complement the antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E and selenium.

Huel Diet Powder's beneficial phytonutrients include:

  • Avenanthramides: antioxidant polyphenols unique to oats shown to have anti-inflammatory effects [20].
  • Ferulic acid: also from oats, a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent that has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties [21,22].
  • Lutein: from the flaxseed powder and we've also added additional lutein in our vitamin and mineral blend. Although not essential, there is concern that diets low in lutein may lead to macular degeneration of the eye in the elderly, as lutein is involved in eye pigment development [23,24]. Lutein is also an antioxidant.
  • Zeaxanthin: another antioxidant, this has been added as it also has a role in long-term eye health [23].

Other carotenoids and bioflavonoids have antioxidant activity and are naturally present from the main ingredients [25].

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Banana

Ingredients: Oat Flour, Pea Protein, Ground Flaxseed, Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium), Vitamins (C, Niacin, E, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B2, A, B1, Folate, K, Biotin, D, B12), Lutein), Natural Flavourings, Brown Rice Protein, Soluble Chicory Fibre, Sunflower Oil Powder, Faba Bean Protein, Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum, Sweetener: Sucralose.

Allergy advice: See ingredients in bold. May contain mustard.

We recommend up to one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* per 100g% RI* per serving
Energy1617kJ840kJ19%10%
384kcal200kcal
Fat9.6g5.0g14%7%
- of which saturates1.4g0.7g7%4%
- of which monounsaturates2.4g1.3g
- of which polyunsaturates5.7g3.0g
Carbohydrate32g17g12%6%
- of which sugars1.0g0.5g1%1%
Fibre9.6g5.0g(32%)(17%)
Protein38g20g77%40%
Salt0.74g0.38g12%6%


Vitamins & Minerals

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* (NRV**) per 100g% RI* (NRV**) per serving
Vitamin A (µg)57530072%38%
Vitamin D2 + D3 (μg)136.8260%136%
Vitamin E (mg)7.03.658%30%
Vitamin K (μg)11059147%79%
Vitamin C (mg)623278%40%
Thiamin (mg)0.640.3358%30%
Riboflavin (mg)0.900.4764%34%
Niacin (mg)105.263%33%
Vitamin B6 (mg)1.00.5271%37%
Folate (µg)269140135%70%
Vitamin B12 (µg)3.31.7132%68%
Biotin (µg)331766%34%
Pantothenic Acid (mg)3.51.958%32%
Potassium (mg)146076073%38%
Chloride (mg)43722755%28%
Calcium (mg)46024058%30%
Phosphorus (mg)45023464%33%
Magnesium (mg)23012061%32%
Iron (mg)115.879%41%
Zinc (mg)5.83.058%30%
Copper (mg)0.580.3058%30%
Manganese (mg)1.70.985%45%
Selenium (µg)382069%36%
Chromium (µg)115.828%15%
Molybdenum (µg)9650192%100%
Iodine (µg)10253.068%35%

Additional Information

Per 100gPer 52g serving
Choline (mg)15380
Lutein (mg)5.42.8
Zeaxanthin (mg)0.30.2
Omega 3 (g)2.61.4
Omega 6 (g)3.11.6


*Reference Intake

**Nutrient Reference Value

Ingredients: Pea Protein, Oat Flour, Ground Flaxseed, Cocoa Powder (8%), Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium), Vitamins (C, Niacin, E, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B2, A, B1, Folate, K, Biotin, D, B12), Lutein), Natural Flavourings, Brown Rice Protein, Faba Bean Protein, Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum, Sunflower Oil Powder, Sea Salt, Sweetener: Sucralose.

Allergy advice: See ingredients in bold. May contain mustard.

We recommend up to one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* per 100g% RI* per serving
Energy1617kJ840kJ19%10%
385kcal200kcal
Fat9.9g5.2g14%7%
- of which saturates2.4g1.3g12%7%
- of which monounsaturates2.8g1.5g
- of which polyunsaturates4.7g2.5g
Carbohydrate30g15g12%6%
- of which sugars0.8g0.4g1%0%
Fibre9.6g5.0g(32%)(17%)
Protein38g20g77%40%
Salt1.31g0.68g22%11%

Vitamins & Minerals

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* (NRV**) per 100g% RI* (NRV**) per serving
Vitamin A (µg)57530072%38%
Vitamin D2 + D3 (μg)136.8260%136%
Vitamin E (mg)7.03.658%30%
Vitamin K (μg)11059147%79%
Vitamin C (mg)623278%40%
Thiamin (mg)0.640.3358%30%
Riboflavin (mg)0.900.4764%34%
Niacin (mg)105.263%33%
Vitamin B6 (mg)1.00.5271%37%
Folate (µg)269140135%70%
Vitamin B12 (µg)3.31.7132%68%
Biotin (µg)331766%34%
Pantothenic Acid (mg)3.51.958%32%
Potassium (mg)146076073%38%
Chloride (mg)43722755%28%
Calcium (mg)46024058%30%
Phosphorus (mg)45023464%33%
Magnesium (mg)23012061%32%
Iron (mg)115.879%41%
Zinc (mg)5.83.058%30%
Copper (mg)0.580.3058%30%
Manganese (mg)1.70.985%45%
Selenium (µg)382069%36%
Chromium (µg)115.828%15%
Molybdenum (µg)9650192%100%
Iodine (µg)10253.068%35%

Additional Information

Per 100gPer 52g serving
Choline (mg)15380
Lutein (mg)5.42.8
Zeaxanthin (mg)0.30.2
Omega 3 (g)2.11.1
Omega 6 (g)2.61.3


*Reference Intake

**Nutrient Reference Value

Ingredients: Pea Protein, Oat Flour, Ground Flaxseed, Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium), Vitamins (C, Niacin, E, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B2, A, B1, Folate, K, Biotin, D, B12), Lutein), Natural Flavourings, Brown Rice Protein, Soluble Chicory Fibre, Sunflower Oil Powder, Faba Bean Protein, Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum, Sea Salt, Sweetener: Sucralose.

Allergy advice: See ingredients in bold. May contain mustard.

We recommend up to one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* per 100g% RI* per serving
Energy1609kJ840kJ19%10%
382kcal200kcal
Fat9.6g5.0g14%7%
- of which saturates1.4g0.8g7%4%
- of which monounsaturates2.5g1.3g
- of which polyunsaturates5.7g3.0g
Carbohydrate31g16g12%6%
- of which sugars1.1g0.6g1%1%
Fibre9.6g5.0g(32%)(17%)
Protein38g20g77%40%
Salt0.88g0.46g15%8%

Vitamins & Minerals

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* (NRV**) per 100g% RI* (NRV**) per serving
Vitamin A (µg)57530072%38%
Vitamin D2 + D3 (μg)136.8260%136%
Vitamin E (mg)7.03.658%30%
Vitamin K (μg)11059147%79%
Vitamin C (mg)623278%40%
Thiamin (mg)0.640.3358%30%
Riboflavin (mg)0.900.4764%34%
Niacin (mg)105.263%33%
Vitamin B6 (mg)1.00.5271%37%
Folate (µg)269140135%70%
Vitamin B12 (µg)3.31.7132%68%
Biotin (µg)331766%34%
Pantothenic Acid (mg)3.51.958%32%
Potassium (mg)146076073%38%
Chloride (mg)43722755%28%
Calcium (mg)46024058%30%
Phosphorus (mg)45023464%33%
Magnesium (mg)23012061%32%
Iron (mg)115.879%41%
Zinc (mg)5.83.058%30%
Copper (mg)0.580.3058%30%
Manganese (mg)1.70.985%45%
Selenium (µg)382069%36%
Chromium (µg)115.828%15%
Molybdenum (µg)9650192%100%
Iodine (µg)10253.068%35%

Additional Information

Per 100gPer 52g serving
Choline (mg)15380
Lutein (mg)5.42.8
Zeaxanthin (mg)0.30.2
Omega 3 (g)2.71.4
Omega 6 (g)3.11.6

*Reference Intake

**Nutrient Reference Value


Ingredients: Pea Protein, Oat Flour, Ground Flaxseed, Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium), Vitamins (C, Niacin, E, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B2, A, B1, Folate, K, Biotin, D, B12), Lutein, Zeaxanthin), Natural Flavourings, Brown Rice Protein, Matcha Green Tea Powder (2.5%), Soluble Chicory Fibre, Sunflower Oil Powder, Faba Bean Protein, Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum; Sweetener: Sucralose.

Allergy advice: See ingredients in bold. May contain mustard.

We recommend up to one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* per 100g% RI* per serving
Energy1614kJ843kJ19%10%
386kcal200kcal
Fat9.7g5.0g14%7%
- of which saturates1.4g0.7g7%4%
- of which monounsaturates2.4g1.3g
- of which polyunsaturates5.7g3.0g
Carbohydrate32g17g12%6%
- of which sugars1.1g0.6g1%1%
Fibre9.9g5.2g(32%)(17%)
Protein39g20g78%40%
Salt0.89g0.46g15%8%

Vitamins & Minerals

Per 100gPer 52g serving% RI* (NRV**) per 100g% RI* (NRV**) per serving
Vitamin A (µg)57530072%38%
Vitamin D2 + D3 (μg)136.8260%136%
Vitamin E (mg)7.03.658%30%
Vitamin K (μg)11059147%79%
Vitamin C (mg)613276%40%
Thiamin (mg)0.640.3358%30%
Riboflavin (mg)0.900.4764%34%
Niacin (mg)105.263%33%
Vitamin B6 (mg)1.00.5271%37%
Folate (µg)269140135%70%
Vitamin B12 (µg)3.31.7132%68%
Biotin (µg)331766%34%
Pantothenic Acid (mg)3.51.958%32%
Potassium (mg)146076073%38%
Chloride (mg)43522754%28%
Calcium (mg)46024058%30%
Phosphorus (mg)47324768%35%
Magnesium (mg)23012061%32%
Iron (mg)115.879%41%
Zinc (mg)5.83.058%30%
Copper (mg)0.580.3058%30%
Manganese (mg)1.91.095%50%
Selenium (µg)382069%36%
Chromium (µg)115.828%15%
Molybdenum (µg)9650192%100%
Iodine (µg)10253.068%35%

Additional Information

Per 100gPer 52g serving
Choline (mg)15782
Lutein (mg)5.42.8
Zeaxanthin (mg)0.30.2
Omega 3 (g)2.71.4
Omega 6 (g)3.11.6
Caffeine (mg)7137

*Reference Intake

**Nutrient Reference Value


Huel Diet Powder Cautions and Allergen Advice

Huel Diet Powder is suitable for people with most conditions. However, as some conditions require dietary intervention, like with any food, please heed the notes below for the following conditions:

  • Diabetes mellitus: For those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please review the carbohydrate, sugar and other nutrition facts for Huel Diet Powder to see if it is suitable for your needs.
  • Inborn errors of metabolism: if you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you should consult your doctor or specialist clinician before using Huel Diet Powder.
  • Phenylketonuria: Huel Diet Powder is not suitable for those who suffer from PKU.
  • IBS, IBD and related conditions: Huel Diet Powder is not low-FODMAP.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Huel Diet Powder may be included during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but should be limited to one serving per day as there are different nutritional requirements during this period. Intentional weight loss during this time is not recommended, therefore an alternative Huel product may be more suitable.
  • Children: Huel Diet Powder is not suitable for children. For more information, see our Children, Adolescents and Huel article.
  • Eating disorders: Huel Diet Powder is not suitable for those with eating disorders. We recommend that individuals with eating disorders only use Huel after discussing it with their doctor or relevant clinician.
  • Medication: There may be specific drug-nutrient interactions relating to a particular medicine you're using, so we recommend you read the drug information provided with your prescription, and if you have any further concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.


Allergen Advice


All Huel products are vegan. We thoroughly assess our ingredients and the processes we use to make Huel and whenever we identify potential routes of allergen contamination we will first take steps to eliminate the possibility of any contamination of our product. However, where it is not possible to remove the risk we will clearly highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging in line with current UK and EU food safety guidelines.

However, we recognise that individuals can have allergies to any protein in any ingredient therefore if you have a specific allergy that is outside of the remit above, please contact us directly and we will do our best to guide you on which products are suitable.


References

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