Understanding Huel's Approach to Sweeteners
Unlike many food manufacturers that use a single sweetener, Huel employs a variety of sweetening agents to achieve the desired taste profile in different product formats. This strategy allows them to cater to various consumer preferences, from those who want no artificial sweeteners to those prioritizing different nutritional profiles. The presence of erythritol, a sugar alcohol, is specifically tied to certain product lines, while others use stevia, sucralose, or a combination of natural sugars.
Huel's use of different sweeteners is also influenced by its formulation goals. For instance, the low-carb Huel Black Edition uses natural sweeteners like stevia and a small amount of coconut sugar to complement its lower carbohydrate profile. In contrast, some of the powdered shakes and ready-to-drink options use sucralose to achieve a specific level of sweetness. Understanding these nuances is key for any consumer checking the ingredient list.
Huel Products and Their Sweetener Breakdown
To see if erythritol is in your specific product, the best approach is to check the ingredient list on the packaging or the official website. Huel is transparent about its ingredients, and all sweeteners are explicitly listed.
- Huel Powder (v3.0): Flavored versions contain sucralose, while the Unflavored & Unsweetened option has no added sweeteners.
- Huel Black Edition: Sweetened with a combination of stevia and a small amount of organic coconut sugar. It is free from artificial sweeteners like sucralose.
- Huel Complete Protein Powder: Similar to Black Edition, this powder is sweetened naturally with stevia.
- Huel Complete Protein Bar: The ingredient list for these bars confirms the use of erythritol, alongside other ingredients like pea protein and chicory fibre. Excessive consumption of erythritol can produce laxative effects, and Huel adds a warning for consumers.
- Huel Ready-to-drink: The flavored varieties typically contain sucralose. The Black Edition ready-to-drink uses stevia and coconut sugar.
What is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs naturally in some fruits, though the version used in food products is typically manufactured by fermenting corn. Unlike other sugar alcohols, it is mostly absorbed by the bloodstream before it reaches the large intestine, which reduces the likelihood of digestive issues. It is often used as a bulking agent and zero-calorie sweetener.
In early 2023, a study raised some concerns about the potential link between high levels of erythritol in the blood and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly for those with pre-existing heart disease risk factors. It is important to note that this study examined high blood levels, and researchers have called for more long-term studies to confirm the effects of consumption from food products. The FDA still recognizes erythritol as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS).
Comparison of Huel's Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Huel Products Used In | Calorie Content | Glycemic Index (GI) | Primary Sweetening Agent | Notes on Usage | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erythritol | Complete Protein Bars (in coating) | Zero | Zero | Sugar Alcohol | Included as a bulking agent and zero-calorie sweetener. | At high doses, can cause mild GI discomfort, but less so than other polyols. Possible enhanced clotting risk at high blood levels. |
| Sucralose | Flavored Huel Powder (v3.0), Ready-to-drink | Zero | Zero | Artificial Sweetener | Provides a highly concentrated sweet taste. | Some concerns exist regarding gut microbiome disruption and altered glucose tolerance, but the FDA considers it safe. |
| Stevia | Huel Black Edition (Powder & Ready-to-drink), Complete Protein Powder | Zero | Zero | Natural Sweetener (plant-based) | Used alongside a small amount of organic coconut sugar in Black Edition for balance. | Considered one of the safest sweeteners; potential bitter aftertaste if used in high concentrations. |
| Coconut Sugar | Huel Black Edition (Powder & Ready-to-drink) | Caloric | Lower than table sugar | Natural Sugar | Used in small amounts to balance stevia's flavor and texture. | Can contribute to overall sugar intake, though in small quantities in Huel. |
Making an Informed Decision
For consumers concerned about erythritol, the most straightforward path is to choose a Huel product that does not contain it. The Black Edition and Complete Protein powders are sweetened with stevia and coconut sugar, which are generally well-tolerated. If digestive sensitivity is a concern, avoiding sugar alcohols entirely is the safest bet. Huel's transparency in its ingredient lists allows consumers to easily identify the sweeteners used in any specific product. Those wishing to avoid all added sweeteners can opt for the Unflavored & Unsweetened variants of the Huel powders. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual health goals, dietary sensitivities, and preference for natural versus artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
In summary, Huel does use erythritol, but only in specific products like the Complete Protein Bar. The company's other products are sweetened with a variety of alternatives, including sucralose in its flavored powders and ready-to-drink formulas, and stevia and coconut sugar in its Black Edition and Complete Protein powders. While erythritol is approved as safe, recent studies have prompted some caution, particularly for high consumption levels. Therefore, if avoiding erythritol is a priority, checking the ingredient list for your specific Huel product is the best course of action. Huel provides a wide enough range of options that consumers can easily find a sweetener profile that aligns with their dietary needs and preferences.
For Further Information
To explore more about Huel's product development and ingredient choices, you can visit the official Huel website. A detailed article discusses their philosophy on sweeteners and provides more context on why different ingredients are used across their product range: https://huel.com/pages/guide-to-sucralose.
