Top Meal Replacement Competitors and Alternatives to Huel
While Huel has become a prominent name in the meal replacement industry, several other companies offer compelling products that serve as strong alternatives. These brands compete on price, nutritional formulation, taste, and dietary suitability, providing consumers with a wide range of choices to fit their personal health and budget goals.
Ka'Chava: The Whole-Food, Nutrient-Dense Option
Ka'Chava positions itself as a premium, all-in-one nutritional shake made from whole-food, plant-based ingredients. Unlike Huel, which relies on a more scientific formulation, Ka'Chava emphasizes a natural ingredient list that includes a wide array of superfoods, adaptogens, and probiotics. Each shake typically has fewer calories than a standard Huel serving, making it an excellent alternative for those prioritizing nutrient density over sheer calorie count for weight management. However, this premium quality comes with a significantly higher price tag per serving. Users praise Ka'Chava for its creamy texture and wide variety of ingredients, though some find it to have a somewhat gritty consistency.
Jimmy Joy (Plenny Shake): The Budget-Friendly Contender
For those who find Huel's pricing too high, Jimmy Joy, and its Plenny Shake line, presents a highly competitive and more affordable option. A European brand, Jimmy Joy claims to be up to 63% more affordable than Huel in some comparisons, producing its meals in-house to keep costs down. Customer reviews often highlight Jimmy Joy's smoother texture and better taste compared to Huel, attributing the flavor to the use of real fruit. The brand also focuses on providing additional functional ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, which may appeal to those seeking improved gut health. Jimmy Joy's macro split differs from Huel's, and the brand is transparent about its use of soy protein and exclusion of MCT oils.
Soylent: The Original Tech-Optimized Meal
Soylent was one of the pioneers in the liquid meal replacement market, initially targeting tech professionals with its convenient, no-prep solution. Available in both powders and ready-to-drink formats, Soylent uses a blend of soy protein isolate, canola oil, and added fibers. While Huel uses oats and flaxseed to naturally boost fiber and micronutrients, Soylent adds resistant dextrin to meet fiber goals. A key difference lies in the macronutrient sources and nutritional balance, with Huel typically having a lower glycemic index and higher fiber content. However, Soylent is a solid, budget-friendly alternative that offers a smooth, reliable product, and many users prefer its taste. Soylent's ready-to-drink options can be more accessible in retail stores in some regions compared to Huel.
HLTH Code Complete Meal: Keto-Friendly and High-Fat
HLTH Code Complete Meal is an alternative to Huel that caters specifically to those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Its formulation prioritizes healthy fats from sources like avocado and coconut oil, giving it a much higher fat content compared to Huel's more balanced macronutrient profile. HLTH Code also includes gut-friendly ingredients such as digestive enzymes and probiotics, which sets it apart from Huel. Its taste is often described as mild and palatable, making it a good entry point for newcomers to meal replacements.
Comparison Table: Huel vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Huel (Standard) | Ka'Chava | Jimmy Joy (Plenny Shake) | Soylent (Powder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Oats, pea protein, flaxseed | Plant-based superfoods, adaptogens | Oats, soy protein, flaxseed | Soy protein isolate, canola oil |
| Macronutrient Profile | Balanced, low GI | Nutrient-dense, moderate carb | Balanced (variable by product), low GI | Balanced, higher GI than Huel |
| Price per Serving | ~$2.50+ | ~$4.66+ | ~$1.70+ (€1,59) | ~$3.00+ |
| Texture | Can be gritty for some users | Creamy, but can have grit | Often described as smoother | Typically smooth and consistent |
| Dietary Suitability | Vegan, gluten-free options | Vegan, organic, gluten-free | Vegan | Vegan, contains soy |
| Focus | All-in-one complete nutrition | Superfood-packed, natural focus | Affordable, good value for money | Convenient, reliable nutrition |
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the best alternative to Huel ultimately depends on your personal priorities. If budget is your primary concern, Jimmy Joy and Soylent offer competitive pricing without sacrificing the core function of a complete meal. For those focused on natural, whole-food ingredients and are willing to pay a premium, Ka'Chava provides an excellent superfood-rich option. If you follow a low-carb or ketogenic diet, HLTH Code is specifically formulated to meet those needs.
Consider your specific nutritional goals, such as weight loss, weight gain, or maintenance, and evaluate how each brand's macronutrient profile aligns with your plan. Taste and texture are highly subjective, so trying out smaller starter packs from different brands is a sensible approach before committing to a larger order. Ultimately, all of these brands, including Huel, are moving towards a more sustainable and convenient approach to nutrition, and selecting a product that best suits your needs will support your personal health journey. You can explore a broader comparison of meal replacement options from reputable sources like Fortune to help inform your decision.
