Can you use Huel as a protein shake? The ultimate nutritional breakdown

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Huel's Head of Nutrition, comparing Huel to a protein shake is like comparing a car and a motorbike—they are two fundamentally different products built for different purposes. While Huel products contain significant protein, the key difference lies in its composition as a nutritionally complete meal, not just a concentrated protein source. So, can you use Huel as a protein shake? The short answer is yes, but it offers far more than a typical protein supplement.

Quick Summary

Huel products, particularly Black Edition and Complete Protein, are high in protein and can supplement daily intake. Unlike standard protein powders, Huel is a nutritionally complete food containing a balanced profile of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Huel vs. Protein Powder: Huel is a nutritionally complete meal replacement, while protein powder is a concentrated protein supplement.
High-Protein Options: Specific Huel formulas, like Black Edition and Complete Protein, are explicitly designed to be high in protein,.
Nutritionally Complete Protein: Huel's vegan protein blend provides a complete amino acid profile, a quality often lacking in single-source plant proteins.
Versatile Use: Huel can be used for post-workout recovery, as a meal for bulking, or as a convenient, high-protein, low-calorie snack, depending on the product,.
Pros and Cons: Benefits include nutritional completeness and convenience, while downsides can include a higher calorie count and potential for digestive issues due to fiber,.
Tailor Your Intake: Huel's diverse product line allows you to choose a formula that best matches your specific protein and calorie goals,.
Sustainable Energy: The combination of protein, fiber, and complex carbs in Huel provides sustained energy, unlike some quick-acting protein powders.

Huel vs. Standard Protein Powder: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse Huel with a simple protein powder, largely due to its convenient powdered format. However, the core purpose and nutritional content of each product are vastly different. A standard protein shake is designed to deliver a high dose of concentrated protein with minimal carbs and fat. This makes it ideal for muscle repair and recovery, particularly immediately after a workout, without adding significant calories from other macronutrients. The protein source is often whey or casein for traditional shakes, or a single plant source for vegan options.

In contrast, Huel (Human + Fuel) was developed as a nutritionally complete meal replacement. Its formula is balanced with high-quality protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. This means a Huel shake provides a comprehensive meal, not just a protein boost. A shake's full-spectrum nutrient content makes it suitable for replacing a meal when time is short, ensuring you don't miss out on vital vitamins and minerals.

Comparison Table: Huel vs. Typical Protein Powder


Feature	Huel Black Edition (Meal Replacement)	Standard Whey Protein Powder (Supplement)
Primary Function	Nutritionally complete meal replacement	Concentrated protein source
Protein per Serving	40g (90g serving)	~20–30g (typical scoop)
Other Macros	Significant carbs, fats, and fiber	Minimal carbs and fat
Micronutrients	Includes 27 essential vitamins and minerals	Typically lacks comprehensive micronutrient blend
Use Case	Quick meal, bulking, calorie control	Post-workout recovery, protein supplementation
Cost per Serving	Higher cost per serving due to complete nutrition	Generally lower cost per gram of protein

Which Huel Product is Best for Protein?

Huel offers different products tailored for various needs. For those specifically focused on protein intake, the brand offers dedicated, higher-protein formulas.

Huel Black Edition: This formula is designed as a high-protein, lower-carb meal replacement. With 40g of protein and 400 calories per 90g serving, it's ideal for a full meal or a significant post-workout refuel. The plant-based protein comes from a blend of pea and brown rice protein, ensuring a complete amino acid profile.
Huel Complete Protein: If your goal is a lower-calorie, high-protein snack, the Complete Protein is the better option. It provides 20g of plant-based protein per 105kcal serving, making it more comparable to a traditional protein shake's macro profile, but with the added benefit of being nutritionally complete.

How to Use Huel to Boost Protein Intake

Integrating Huel into your routine to increase protein is straightforward and can be customized to your goals.

For Muscle Growth and Bulking

Athletes and bodybuilders often use Huel during a bulk to increase overall calorie and protein intake. A single serving provides a convenient, nutrient-dense boost that can be added between meals. Combining a scoop of Huel with a scoop of your regular protein powder is also an effective strategy to maximize both macro and micronutrient intake.

For Post-Workout Recovery

A post-workout shake needs both protein and carbohydrates to replenish muscle glycogen stores and stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Huel Black Edition is particularly effective for this, as it provides a robust balance of both. Its convenience means it can be prepared in seconds and consumed on the go.

For Weight Management

Huel's high protein and fiber content help promote satiety, making you feel fuller for longer. This can be a key benefit for those on a calorie-controlled diet. Replacing a less nutritious, high-calorie meal with a Huel shake can help manage overall calorie intake while still providing all essential nutrients. The specific Huel product you choose can be tailored based on your desired calorie count.

Pros and Cons of Using Huel as a Protein Source

Using a product like Huel for protein has several advantages and a few potential drawbacks compared to standard protein powder.

Pros:

Nutritional Completeness: Unlike simple protein powders, Huel provides a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbs, and fiber, ensuring balanced nutrition.
Convenience: It offers a quick, no-fuss meal or supplement that saves time on preparation.
Vegan and Allergen-Friendly: The plant-based ingredients are suitable for vegans and many with lactose intolerance.
Higher-Quality Protein: The blend of plant proteins (pea, rice, faba) creates a complete amino acid profile superior to single-source plant proteins.

Cons:

Higher Calorie Content: For individuals seeking only a low-calorie protein boost, Huel's meal replacements may contain more calories than necessary. The Complete Protein product addresses this, but it is important to check the specific nutritional information.
Potential Digestive Issues: The high fiber content may cause gas or bloating in some individuals, particularly when first starting.
Cost: While Huel is affordable for a complete meal, it is more expensive than standard protein powder on a per-serving basis.
Taste and Texture: Some users find the texture slightly gritty, though taste is subjective and varies by flavor.

Conclusion

While a standard protein powder is a dedicated tool for supplementing protein intake, Huel is a multi-purpose nutritional tool. It's a mistake to view Huel as just a protein shake, as its complete nutritional profile serves as a balanced meal replacement. You can certainly use Huel to boost your protein intake, and for many, it offers a more nutritious, convenient, and effective option for fitness and dietary goals than a simple protein supplement. However, for those strictly looking for a low-calorie, high-protein-only supplement, a traditional protein powder might be a more targeted and cost-effective choice. Ultimately, the right product depends on your specific nutritional needs and lifestyle.

For more detailed information on Huel's specific protein formulas, you can check the official Huel website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Huel can be very effective for building muscle. It's high in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and provides the necessary calories and nutrients for a calorie surplus needed to bulk up,.

The amount of protein varies by Huel product. For example, Huel Black Edition offers 40g of protein per 90g serving, while Huel Complete Protein provides 20g per 29g serving,.

Yes, Huel uses a blend of plant-based proteins, such as pea, faba bean, and rice protein, to ensure it contains all nine essential amino acids needed by the body.

Huel Powder can be the sole source of nutrition if consumed at an amount of at least 2,000kcal per day, but it is generally recommended to use it as a supplement alongside a balanced diet of whole foods.

Huel Black Edition is a nutritionally complete meal with a balanced macronutrient profile, including 40g of protein and 400 calories per serving. A standard protein shake is typically just a concentrated source of protein with very few other nutrients.

No, Huel is generally more expensive per serving than standard protein powder because it provides a complete meal with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, carbs, and fats, not just protein.

Some individuals may experience side effects like bloating or gas, especially when first introducing Huel into their diet, due to its high fiber content. These effects often subside as the body adjusts.