Is Huel Better with Milk or Water? A Complete Comparison

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Huel users, the choice between mixing Huel with milk or water significantly impacts both taste and nutritional value. This decision is often guided by personal preference, dietary goals, and calorie considerations.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of mixing Huel with milk versus water, comparing flavor, texture, nutritional content, and caloric impact to help you decide which liquid best suits your needs.

Key Points

**Water is ideal for low-calorie diets and weight loss goals, as it adds no extra calories and keeps the shake lighter and more digestible.
**Milk, including plant-based alternatives, creates a creamier, richer texture and can significantly improve the shake's taste and satiety.
**Using milk increases the calorie count, which is advantageous for muscle gain or higher energy needs, but a consideration for those watching their intake.
**For a balanced approach, a 50/50 mix of milk and water or using a low-calorie plant milk provides a good balance of creaminess and calorie control.
**Experimenting with different liquids, ratios, and additions like ice or flavorings is the best way to find your perfect Huel mix.

Huel: A Versatile Meal Replacement

Huel, a nutritionally complete food product, is designed to be a convenient and balanced meal replacement. The base powder, made from ingredients like oats, pea protein, and flaxseed, provides a comprehensive mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While a simple shake with water is the most basic way to prepare it, adding milk introduces new variables to consider. The ultimate choice depends on your specific health objectives, taste preferences, and calorie budget.

The Case for Mixing Huel with Water

Mixing Huel with water is the most straightforward and traditional method, maintaining the product's core nutritional profile while adding no extra calories. This approach is ideal for those focused on strict calorie control or who prefer a simpler, lighter shake.

Benefits of Huel with Water

Lower Calorie Count: Using water keeps the caloric load to a minimum, which is beneficial for those aiming for weight loss.
Original Nutritional Balance: Water does not alter the macronutrient ratio of the Huel formula, providing the precise balance of carbs, protein, and fats as intended.
Convenience: Water is almost always available, making it the easiest and most accessible option for preparation.
Lactose-Free: For individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet, water is a safe and suitable option.

Potential Drawbacks of Huel with Water

Thinner Texture: The consistency of a water-based Huel shake is often described as thinner and sometimes grittier compared to milk-based shakes.
Milder Taste: The flavor of Huel can be less pronounced when mixed with water, which some find bland or too 'oaty'.
Less Satiating: The quicker digestion of a water-based shake might leave some feeling less full compared to a milk-based option, which has more protein and fat.

The Case for Mixing Huel with Milk

Adding milk, whether dairy or plant-based, transforms the Huel experience by enhancing its flavor, texture, and nutritional content. This method is favored by those looking for a creamier, more indulgent shake or seeking to increase their calorie and protein intake.

Benefits of Huel with Milk

Improved Flavor and Texture: Milk creates a creamier, richer, and smoother shake, masking the oaty flavor and improving the overall drinking experience for many.
Increased Calories and Protein: Adding dairy milk significantly boosts the calorie and protein count, which is ideal for athletes and bodybuilders seeking muscle gain.
Added Nutrients: Depending on the type of milk, you can introduce more calcium, vitamin D, and protein to your shake.
Greater Satiety: The added protein and fat in milk can slow down digestion, leading to a greater and longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

Potential Drawbacks of Huel with Milk

Increased Calorie Intake: The extra calories from milk must be accounted for if weight management is a priority.
Not Vegan or Lactose-Free: Dairy milk is not suitable for those following a vegan diet or who are lactose intolerant.
Cost: Milk, especially high-quality or specialty plant-based options, adds to the cost per serving compared to water.

Comparison: Huel with Milk vs. Water


Feature	Huel with Water	Huel with Milk (e.g., dairy)
Calories	Lower, minimal extra calories	Higher due to added sugar and fat
Nutritional Profile	Reflects Huel's base formula	Enhanced with additional protein, calcium, and Vitamin D
Taste	Milder, more oaty; can be bland for some	Creamier, richer, and more palatable for many
Texture	Thinner, can be grainy or gritty	Thicker, smoother, and more milkshake-like
Satiety	Less filling, digests faster	More filling, promotes longer-lasting fullness
Dietary Restrictions	Suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals	Not suitable for vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals (dairy milk)
Cost	Less expensive per serving	Higher cost per serving
Goal Suitability	Weight loss, strict calorie control	Muscle gain, higher energy needs, enhanced taste

The Best Way to Mix Your Huel

Ultimately, the best liquid for your Huel shake comes down to your personal goals and preferences. For a lower-calorie, budget-friendly option, water is the clear winner. For those prioritizing a creamier texture, richer flavor, and higher protein intake, milk is the better choice. A compromise is a 50/50 mix of water and milk, or using a low-calorie plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk to get the creaminess with fewer added calories. For a smoother shake, regardless of liquid, using a blender is highly recommended over just a shaker bottle. You can further customize your shake by adding extras like ice, fruit, or spices. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect Huel recipe. The Huel user community is also a great resource for sharing tips and tricks to enhance your experience.

Conclusion

There is no single correct answer to whether Huel is better with milk or water, as the optimal choice depends entirely on individual needs and preferences. Water offers a clean, low-calorie, and convenient mix, perfect for weight loss goals or maintaining a vegan diet. Milk, on the other hand, provides a richer flavor, creamier texture, and a calorie and protein boost that can be beneficial for muscle building or satisfying a stronger appetite. The best strategy is to experiment with different liquids and ratios to discover what you enjoy most while aligning with your nutritional objectives. The flexibility to customize your Huel shake is one of its greatest strengths, allowing you to tailor it to your lifestyle and taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people find Huel tastes better with milk, as it creates a creamier and richer flavor that masks the naturally oaty taste of the powder. However, taste is subjective, and chilling the shake can improve the taste with either liquid.

The number of extra calories depends on the type and amount of milk used. For example, adding 300ml of semi-skimmed dairy milk to a standard 100g Huel serving can add approximately 168 calories.

Water is the better choice for weight loss because it contains no calories, helping you maintain a consistent and lower overall calorie intake. Milk adds extra calories that must be factored into your diet.

Yes, plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk are excellent alternatives. They can add creaminess and flavor while keeping the shake vegan and dairy-free. Be mindful of the nutritional differences, as most plant milks have less protein than cow's milk.

To get the smoothest texture, use a blender instead of a shaker bottle. Allowing the shake to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight also helps the powder fully dissolve, resulting in a less gritty consistency.

Absolutely. Many users find that a 50/50 mix of milk and water offers a good compromise, providing some of the creaminess and flavor of milk with fewer added calories. You can adjust the ratio to your preference.

Yes, adding milk enhances the nutritional profile by increasing the total calories, protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. The final macro split will differ from the base Huel powder alone.