Huel, blending human and fuel, is a vegan supplement brand designed to power active lifestyles with healthy nutrition options. They sell nutrition bars, instant meals, protein shakes, a daily greens powder, and Huel Black Edition—a high-protein meal replacement—which our tester tried first-hand. This protein shake has 27 essential vitamins and minerals and 40 grams of protein per serving, which is helpful for athletes and people who have an active lifestyle to fuel their workouts and aid in recovery.
Our team of industry experts and medical professionals analyzed Huel Black Edition to give you an honest review of the protein lineup, including details about its quality, ingredients, price, and more. Could Huel Black Edition be the next best meal replacement for you? Read on to find out.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Huel Black Edition
Key product features
What you should know
Huel Black Edition is a high-protein powder designed to support an active lifestyle, whether you’re focused on muscle gain or weight loss.
- Our tester found that when playing volleyball, Huel kept her feeling full thanks to its 40 grams of protein per serving.
- The starting price of $2.50 per serving is competitive with similar products.
- Huel Black Edition is an excellent option for those who prioritize high-quality, plant-based nutrition to help meet their daily macronutrient and micronutrient needs.
What is Huel Black Edition?
Huel Black Edition is a high-protein, nutritionally complete meal replacement powder designed to support an active lifestyle. It provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, including 40 grams of protein per serving, derived from pea protein, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein. Unlike traditional meal replacements, Huel Black Edition contains 50% fewer carbs, making it a suitable option for those seeking a lower-carb alternative. It also includes 27 essential vitamins and minerals, 20 amino acids, and added fiber and probiotics to support digestion and overall health.
This product is plant-based and gluten-free, making it ideal for vegans and those with gluten sensitivity. Huel Black Edition is designed to provide a convenient, complete meal that supports athletic performance, muscle growth, and general well-being.
Huel Black comes in nine flavors: vanilla, chocolate, banana, strawberry shortcake, coffee caramel, cookies and cream, salted caramel, cinnamon roll, and an unflavored/unsweetened option. Several of them contain tree nuts, including cookies and cream, vanilla, chocolate, and unsweetened.
Is Huel Black Edition good for weight loss?
Huel Black Edition shakes can be part of a balanced, healthy diet and support weight loss efforts. High in protein and fiber, with 6-8 grams of fiber per serving, it may help keep you feeling full for longer, aid the liver in processing glucose, and help manage blood sugar levels. (2) Each shake contains 400 calories and 40 grams of protein, contributing to a feeling of fullness. For safe weight loss, a common goal is to cut about 500 calories per day to lose roughly one pound per week. (3)
Research also suggests that consuming protein and engaging in resistance exercises can aid weight loss and improve athletic performance by boosting energy levels. (4) Huel Black Edition can be incorporated into a weight loss program to support overall health. Additionally, using weight loss apps can help track calories, activity, and water intake to assist with your weight loss journey.
Specs
| Price per serving | $2.50 |
| Serving size | 2 scoops |
| Flavors | Vanilla, chocolate, banana, strawberry shortcake, coffee caramel, cookies and cream, salted caramel, cinnamon roll, and unflavored |
| Calories per serving | 400 |
| Number of vitamins and minerals | 27 |
| Macros | 40 grams of protein, 20–25 grams of carbs, 17–18 grams of fat |
| Third-party testing | Yes |
Huel Black Edition ingredient breakdown
Huel Black Edition is designed for people with an active lifestyle who want to ensure they get the necessary vitamins and minerals to support their athletic performance and overall health.
Macronutrients
Each serving of Huel Black Edition delivers 40 grams of protein sourced from pea protein, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein, offering a higher protein content than many similar products on the market. For context, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that an individual weighing 165 pounds should consume about 60 grams of protein per day for general health, though active individuals should be consuming more. (5) Protein is essential for overall health, providing the building blocks for muscles, bones, skin, and hair. (6) Ground flaxseed in the formula may also support digestion, lower blood pressure, and reduce glucose levels. (7)
In addition to its protein content, Huel Black Edition provides 20-25 grams of carbohydrates and 17–18 grams of fat per serving. The fat content is derived from sources like flaxseed and sunflower oil powder, offering a mix of healthy fats to support overall health. Huel Black Edition also includes 8 grams of fiber and probiotics to aid digestion. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining regular bowel movements and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing inflammation. The recommended daily fiber intake is about 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women. (8)
Vitamins and minerals
Huel Black Edition contains a complete profile of 20 amino acids, including leucine, which plays a crucial role in muscle growth and can aid in weight loss by boosting energy levels. (9, 10) It also includes green tea extract, most recently recognized for its potential for treating sarcopenia, a condition characterized by age-related muscle loss and weakness. (11)
Being plant-based, Huel is an excellent option for vegan athletes who may miss out on certain nutrients typically found in meat, such as vitamin B12. To address this, Huel Black Edition is fortified with vitamins B12 and selenium. It also includes calcium, vitamin D, and iron—nutrients that can be challenging to obtain in sufficient amounts from a vegan diet alone. Vitamin D and calcium are vital for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of bone loss. (12)
Sweeteners
Huel Black Edition is sweetened with organic coconut sugar and stevia. The amount of sugar varies depending on the flavor. Generally, a serving of coconut sugar has around 15 calories, while stevia contains zero calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (13, 14)
Our experience testing Huel Black Edition
Our tester, an active beach volleyball player and avid weightlifter, tried various flavors of Huel Black Edition for two weeks. Initially skeptical, she was pleasantly surprised by how energized and full she felt for three to four hours after drinking the shake. She was concerned the taste might be too sweet, but found it subtle, and thought the cookies and cream flavor was particularly reminiscent of oatmeal.
As a busy athlete with limited time, she appreciated the convenience of the shake’s balanced macronutrients. On days she plays volleyball, she heads to the beach at 6 a.m., and this shake provided quick fuel when there was no time for breakfast.
A nice touch, she noted, was the scoop being packaged outside the powder, eliminating the need to dig into the bag. Plus, she enjoyed the free shirt and shaker bottle included with her first order.
Huel Black Edition cost
Huel Black Edition is priced at $2.50 per serving, placing it between budget-friendly options like Nutricost Meal Replacement Shake at $1.50 per serving and pricier alternatives like Ka’Chava Shake at $4.66 per serving.
Currently, Huel offers free shipping on orders over $65 and a 70% discount on athletic wear. Students, first responders, military staff, and medical providers can enjoy a 10% discount. You can choose items à la carte or save with a subscription, which offers a 20% discount. If you’re undecided, the Huel website provides detailed information about each product, including calories, ingredients per flavor, and price per serving. Plus, first-time buyers receive a free shaker and t-shirt.
Who should take Huel Black Edition
Huel Black Edition is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially to stay full during intense workouts. It’s a convenient choice for busy days when meal prep isn’t an option. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for those with a gluten sensitivity.
Who should not take Huel Black Edition
Individuals with tree nut allergies should steer clear, as many Huel flavors contain tree nuts. Those avoiding added sugars should note that Huel Black Edition includes coconut sugar and stevia, which may not align with dietary preferences.
About Huel
Huel is a British company that sells nutritionally complete, convenient food options with minimal environmental impact. Today, the brand offers high-protein shakes, savory instant meals like BBQ Korean noodles, greens powders, and protein bars to support everyone from athletes and fitness beginners to shift workers and busy parents. Sustainability is at the heart of Huel, with a focus on reducing its ecological footprint by minimizing single-serving packaging.
Huel also uses third-party testing to help guarantee the quality of its products.
How we test plant-based protein supplements
Plant protein is an increasingly popular alternative to whey protein in dietary supplements. It’s made from plant-based sources such as peas, soy, brown rice, and seeds. While not all plant protein sources are complete proteins (containing all nine essential amino acids), most plant protein blends include at least one complete protein source.
To determine which plant protein products stand above the rest, our team developed a custom testing methodology and scoring algorithm. We evaluate plant protein powders across six categories: protein source, completeness of the protein, macronutrient calories per serving, protein per serving, price per gram of protein, and sweeteners.
These categories were developed in collaboration with registered dietitian and doctor of exercise physiology Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
Our plant protein powder scoring methodology is an extension of our broader nutrition product and supplement evaluation criteria. Each product is assigned a score out of 5 for each category we test. These scores are then weighted based on importance and averaged to produce a cumulative score out of 5 for each product, with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the highest.
You can read our full plant-based protein testing methodology here.
Protein source–40%
The protein sources in a plant protein powder determine whether it’s a complete protein source. Some plant sources are missing or limited in one or another amino acid, making them incomplete. The source(s) also determine the calories from protein versus carbohydrates or fats. We evaluate eight plant protein sources: soy, pea, hemp, brown rice, lentil, chia, pumpkin seed, and blends.
Complete protein–20%
To be considered complete proteins, protein supplements have to consistently provide all nine essential amino acids, which are necessary for supporting muscle growth and overall development. Therefore, complete proteins receive the highest marks.
Macronutrient calories per serving–15%
Ideally, most of the calories consumed through plant protein powder should come from protein. However, depending on the protein source and other ingredients, calories can also come from carbohydrates and fats.
Total protein per serving–15%
Research suggests aiming for approximately 25-30 grams of protein per serving to optimize muscle protein synthesis, which can help with gaining or maintaining muscle mass as we age. While daily protein needs vary by individual, based on age, gender, training, goals and the other parts of the diet, 25-30 grams per meal meets the needs of most people. Most plant protein supplements contain around 15-30 grams of protein per serving. However, the quality, types, and combination of plant proteins may determine the ideal quantity, meaning sometimes higher amounts may be beneficial, given the source.
Price per gram of protein–5%
Price is an important factor for consumers and often (though not always) reflects the quality of a product. There are high-quality plant proteins that cost below average and relatively low-quality plant protein products that cost more than average. Because of this potential discrepancy, this category carries less weight in the overall score.
Since protein content is the best measure of value for a plant protein powder, we rate each product based on the price per gram of protein.
Sweeteners–5%
Sweeteners may improve the taste profile of a plant-based protein supplement, but they don’t add nutritional value beyond sometimes being a fast-burning energy source. We prefer to see minimal sweeteners in plant protein formulas, and we prefer some over others.
Certifications
Nearly all reputable supplement companies conduct in-house testing for safety and label accuracy. However, many brands also opt for additional certifications to further ensure quality and safety. We award bonus credits to brands that undertake this additional step. Recognizing that smaller, newer supplement companies may not afford high-profile, third-party testing labs, we weigh certifications lower than other categories in our algorithm.
Bonus points
Since the supplement industry—especially protein supplements—is constantly evolving, we pay attention to products and brands going above and beyond to stand out. That’s why we incorporate bonus credits into our plant-based protein supplement scores to recognize innovation and encourage healthy competition among all brands. All bonus points are equally weighted and cumulatively provide a slight boost to the product’s overall score.
Plant protein formulas are awarded bonus credits for:
- No proprietary blends
- Sustainable packaging
- Added enzymes
What customers are saying
Huel Black Edition (chocolate flavor) garnered 1,122 reviews on Amazon, and 56% of those ratings are five stars.
“I have this every morning for breakfast and sometimes when I need a quick meal before a workout. It’s delicious and I feel great – I rarely drink coffee anymore. I’ve been drinking it for a month now, so I can’t say what effect it’s had on my weight loss journey but I have been losing about 5 pounds a month since I started a regular workout routine and cutting calories.”
Username “MamaChelle,” Amazon
Of the complaints, a least a dozen people were disappointed that the protein powder didn’t come with a scoop.
“First time purchasing and I received a bag without a scoop. Combed through the whole thing. A bit annoying to have to find a way to measure it out without one Taste is ok. Not sure I’d order again,” said Sara, a verified reviewer.
Expert opinion
We consulted with Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University, for her insight on Huel Black Edition:
“Huel is a great option for vegan athletes. Not only is it high in protein, but it packs a whopping 9 grams of fiber and probiotics. And with more than 25 vitamins and minerals included, this protein can help prevent deficiencies that can typically occur in people following a vegan or plant-based diet,” Roper says.
We’ve featured Huel Black Edition protein in:
Compare Huel
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| Huel Black Edition | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate | Gainful Customized Protein | Nutricost Meal Replacement Shake Powder | |
| Rating | |||||
| Cost per serving | $2.50 | $2.00 | $1.52 | $3.50 | $1.50 |
| Protein source | Pea protein, Brown rice protein | Whey protein isolate | Whey protein isolate | Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, or pea protein and brown rice protein | Instantized whey protein concentrate |
| Dosage | 40 grams | 28 grams | 25 grams | 19–25 grams | 20 grams |
FAQs
Is Huel healthy?
Yes, Huel products can be a nutritious addition to your diet, packed with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that support overall health. Huel is 100% plant-based and gluten-free, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet through convenient, wholesome meals.
Is Huel Black Edition worth it?
We believe Huel Black Edition is worth it for anyone looking to support a healthy diet and fitness routine. While it’s priced at $2.50 per serving—slightly higher than some alternatives—Huel consistently receives positive feedback from testers and verified reviewers.
Is Huel Black Edition good for weight loss?
Yes, Huel’s Black Edition, combined with 27 essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, can aid in weight loss when paired with resistance training. At 400 calories, this can replace breakfast or lunch and keep you feeling full for hours. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dietitian or nutritionist before starting any weight loss plan.
Does Huel taste good?
Huel offers a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. After trying Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, and Strawberry Shortcake, our tester enjoyed the taste of Huel Black Edition meal replacements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS
Dr. Jen Roper is an associate professor of health and human sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in exercise science and biomechanics. She has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association since 2014.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Lauren Evoy Davis
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Lauren Evoy Davis is a health journalist with expertise in cancer and other chronic conditions. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from American University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Elon University. Her work has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Council on Aging, HelpGuide WebMD, Everyday Health and Verizon. She tests meal kits, meal delivery services, and fitness apps. When not writing or reading, Lauren enjoys paddle boarding on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, weightlifting, and gardening.