With so many vegan protein powders available these days, it can be hard to know which ones are any good. We are here to help with this in-depth article on our favourite organic pea protein powder from Huel.
Huel is an amazing plant-based protein brand offering great-tasting shakes, and quick nutritious meals, with great morals at its core. Whether you’re into your fitness or not, they seem to dominate the online world for plant-based protein and health supplements so you’ve probably seen them advertised somewhere.
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Table Of Contents
Who Are Huel?
Launching back in June 2015 with just one flavour, Huel now has a range of over 6 different flavours to choose from in their complete protein supplement range, including one unflavoured one for those hardcore folk! It’s certainly not to everyone’s taste – as they state on their website.
They now also have a wide range of other products from – protein bars, drinks, accessories – even meals such as mac & cheese and Cajun Pasta (among many others). On your first order, they even give you a free shaker along with a t-shirt of your choice.
Huel Nutrition Facts
Getting a few extra grams of protein into your diet can be hard, especially if you lead a vegan lifestyle, are on a gluten-free diet, or have celiac disease. What’s great about Huel is it’s both dairy free and gluten free, so no matter your dietary requirements, you should be able to get enough protein in your diet. The perfect way to increase your protein intake without having to consume whey protein or other animal products.
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Nutritional Information
Here is some nutritional information on their complete protein shakes, and how they measure up in terms of nutrition value per serving.
Below is what you can expect from the Huel complete plant protein blend shakes. The ingredients list includes…
- 20 grams of organic protein powder – hemp protein, faba and pea protein
- 26 vitamins & minerals
- 105 calories
- Gluten free
- 100% Vegan
- 9 essential amino acids
- Sugar free – no artificial sweeteners
- GMO-free
- No artificial colours or flavourings
- Contains turmeric & black pepper – great for boosting the immune system
- Good source of fibre
- NOT USDA certified organic
Although this plant-based powder can be used as a meal replacement, we wouldn’t advise you do this more than once a day as you just can’t beat whole foods as a good option for overall nutrition.
For example, say you were aiming for 2000 calories a day. To reach that just drinking Huel protein powder, you’d have to be drinking approximately 2.3 litres of these nutritionally-enhanced shakes, which would take you well over your recommended daily protein intake. So while one a day as a meal replacement might be great for better weight management, doing it on a regular basis could make you feel rather ill.
Even though these shakes are healthy and full of digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals, that’s a lot of them in a day which causes stomach and digestive issues. Nothing’s better than eating fresh fruits and vegetables regularly. Especially if you’re looking to boost your metabolism.
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The Huel Complete Protein Flavour Options
What started off with just one flavour has now evolved into a company that has a variety of flavours to choose from.
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie – (rich chocolate flavour) most popular
- Vanilla Fudge – Huel favourite
- Strawberries & Cream – very sweet
- Banana Milkshake – lighter tasting
- Salted Caramel – sweet and smooth
- Unflavoured & Unsweetened – not for everyone
The flavours they offer cover most people’s tastes – from those who love super sweet shakes, to those who want to go down the natural route.
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The Taste & Texture
One of the most important factors when it comes to protein powders, other than the amount of protein per serving, is the texture. Is it nice to drink? Is it gritty, or too sweet?
Of course, this is very subjective to people’s differing taste, however, our team have been trying them all out for you over the last few months. It turns out, that the texture is very dependent on what you mix your Huel powder with and how you mix it.
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Mixing it with the 300 MLS of water as stated on their website does leave it feeling a little bit gritty in the mouth. However, if you mix it with 300 MLS of almond milk, it goes very creamy and isn’t gritty at all. Due to its low sugar content (no added sugar), when just adding water, it can seem a little bitter, however, if you add milk, it makes it slightly sweeter – my preference!
It’s also great to mix into overnight oats, and you wouldn’t even know it was there – other than the great taste. However, mixing it in with yogurt for say a yogurt and fruit bowl (or junk bowl as some people like to call it), does make it go quite gritty.
It definitely seems the more creamy the liquid you add to it, the less gritty it is.
The Price
The only downside when it comes to the price is that you have to buy two tubs at a time. Better for the environment if you don’t have as many deliveries, however, if you’ve never tried it before, buying two tubs can be a bit risky.
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You can also save yourself a bit of extra money if you opt for their subscribe and save. Saving an additional 10% off your order. If you combine the subsequent subscription order of 10% off, you’re actually getting a pretty good deal. Two tubs for £45 – when subscribed.
However, you can unsubscribe at any time, you aren’t locked in unless you want to be.
Other Sources Of Plant Protein
Of course, you don’t have to buy these protein shakes, there are a variety of sources that you can naturally get your protein from that don’t come from animals.
Some high protein alternatives include…
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Tofu tempeh
- Chickpeas
- Houmous
- Pumpkin seeds
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentil beans
These are all great sources of protein if you’re on a plant-based diet. You should just try to avoid heavily processed foods.
Types Of Protein Powders
- Whey Protein
- Pea Protein
- Organic brown rice protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Soy protein
- Hemp protein
If you have a sensitive stomach, a blend of pea protein and hemp protein might be the best option for you to consume high-quality protein powders without upsetting your digestive system. However, if you aren’t sure, or have more of a serious issue, make sure you consult with your healthcare provider first.
Huel – Is It Right For Me?
This of course is totally dependent on what you’re looking for. If you want something more that just a simple protein powder, that offers great nutritional benefits as well, then yes, definitely give Huel protein powder a go.
Also, if you follow a vegan diet, then something like the Huel complete plant-based protein powder could be the perfect way to ensure you’re getting all the other vitamins and minerals in your diet. Not only is it great for protein, it also contains vitamin D & B, which you could be lacking if you don’t eat meat.
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However, if you just want a low-quality, cheap protein powder, then no, this one probably isn’t for you as there are other cheaper options available.
Our Opinion
After a few months of testing out the various different flavours, and various ways to eat/drink it, it is one of the best plant-based proteins on the market. It’s great on price (with all the discounts on top), it tastes great and isn’t too sweet, and offers a good amount of protein per serving. Plus, the calories aren’t too high if you’re on a bit of a diet.
These days, it’s the only protein powder I personally use as a complete protein source – helping me reach my fitness goals by aiding muscle recovery and muscle growth.
Of course, you can have your Huel protein powder shakes whenever suits you best, however, we found it best to have a high protein shake right after exercise, whether that’s a morning smoothie, a simple protein shake, or in some overnight oats.
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