When you’re slammed at work, lunch can feel like an afterthought. Sure, fast food is always an option, but meal replacement bars and shakes are often (but not always) more convenient and made with better ingredients.
We found a high-protein meal replacement shake that looked interesting and seemed ideal for people looking for both convenience and extra help hitting their macros. So, we asked our tester to try Huel’s Black Edition ready-to-drink shake and report back. Here’s what he said.
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Huel Shake
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Huel
- Our thoughts: A high-protein meal replacement shake without a lot of artificial ingredients added
- Who it’s for: Those looking for an easy, on-the-go protein boost
- What makes it different: This shake is vegan, gluten-free, and includes a wide array of vitamins and minerals
Pros
- 35 grams of protein per serving
- No blending or mixing necessary
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without artificial sweeteners
Cons
- Expensive without subscription
- Slight aftertaste
- Moderate sweetness, though some people may prefer a sweeter product
Huel Ready to Drink Shake Specs
Our Experience with Huel Ready to Drink Shakes
Huel’s Black Edition ready-to-drink shakes are high-protein options designed to be consumed on the go. Each bottle contains 35 grams of protein, in addition to carbohydrates and fats, plus essential nutrients. The company claims health benefits such as immune and digestive support, reduced fatigue, and support for muscle function. Huel is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without any artificial sweeteners.
Our tester, Pete, who is also a certified nutrition coach, tried this product. Let’s take a look at what he shared about his experience.
What We Liked
Pete said, “This is labeled as a complete ready-to-drink meal and would work well as a meal replacement shake due to the 400 calories per serving and 35 grams of protein. Some potential benefits of this shake are that it’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher-certified, which will appeal to some consumers. It’s also free of artificial ingredients, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.” Here’s what else he shared:
- Ease of use (5 out of 5): It’s a ready-to-drink shake, so there aren’t any complicated directions to understand. Pete said, “There aren’t instructions that come with this since it’s ready to drink and already prepared.”
- Texture (5 out of 5): It had a nice consistency, with Pete reporting, “The product is already fully dissolved and there weren’t any clumps inside the beverage.” He also noted that the product had a smooth mouth feel and creamy consistency.
- Side effects (5 out of 5): Pete reported no digestive issues or negative side effects after drinking this product.
What We Would Change
There were a few minor drawbacks as well.
- Taste (3 out of 5): Pete reported, “The taste of this product is decent. You can tell that it’s a plant-based protein powder, which tastes significantly different from a whey.” Additionally, Pete said, “I would say there is a slightly off-putting aftertaste, especially if someone isn’t used to drinking plant-based protein shakes, but it’s really not bad.”
- Sweetness (3 out of 5): According to Pete, “It has a subtle flavor and a moderate level of sweetness from coconut sugar.”
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
This product may not be the right fit for everyone, as everyone’s health goals and dietary needs are different. We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to ask if a meal replacement product like this high-protein shake is right for you.
Comparing Huel to Other Meal Replacement Shakes
Frequently asked questions
How much does Huel cost?
Based on the company’s website, it appears the protein shakes are sold as 12-packs. A one-time purchase of 12 shakes is $72.50 as of this writing, which amounts to $6.04 per bottle. Prices are a little lower with a subscription.
Where can I find Huel?
The company has a website that sells directly to consumers, but they also sell via online retailers like Amazon and are available in physical stores like Target and GNC. Huel offers a store locator on its website to help you find products near you.
What are the side effects of Huel shakes?
Our tester didn’t report any side effects, but individual results may vary. You may want to consult your healthcare provider before introducing a new health product into your diet.
Can I lose weight with Huel?
It’s important to note that this product isn’t marketed as a weight-loss supplement. If weight loss is a goal, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about steps you can take—which might include dietary changes like incorporating more protein. In that case, a high protein shake like Huel might help. However, this product is not designed for weight loss and doesn’t make any weight loss claims.
