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When you think of meal replacements, you may think of low-calorie, bland-tasting supplements that leave you wanting more. But is there a better option? Whether you’re aiming to boost your calorie and protein intake for muscle gains, or seeking to steer clear of fast food when out and about, Huel Black could be the best meal replacement solution you’ve been searching for.
In this Huel review, our expert testers share their insights on formulation, taste, solubility, and cost. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I’ll break down the ingredients so you know exactly what you’re getting in each scoop of Huel Black. With this information, we hope you feel better equipped to decide if Huel Black is the right choice to help fuel your fitness goals.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
You Have Our Word
Our testers have tried dozens of meal replacement powders and hundreds of protein powders. As personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, nutrition experts, and weightlifting competitors, they know exactly what serious fitness gurus and athletes are searching for when it comes to product quality. They even use several products they’ve tested regularly to fuel their personal fitness journey.
In this review, you can expect their honest opinions on the following categories:
- Price
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer reviews
Huel Complete Black
Huel Complete Black
Product Highlights
- Plant-based complete nutritional shake
- 400 calories, 40 g protein, 5-8 g fiber, 4-6g sugar
- No artificial sweeteners
- 9 flavor options
- Gluten-free meal shake
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Doesn’t need to be refrigerated
- Resealable bag
- 40 g protein in each serving
- Contains all essential vitamins and minerals
- 9 flavors available
- Subscribe and save
Cons
- Reviewers say there's a bit of an aftertaste from plant-based protein
- Expensive for a meal replacement
Bottom Line
Huel Complete Protein Powder Black Edition is a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake powder, containing 400 calories per serving along with 40 grams of protein in all of the nine flavors. Fat, carb, and fiber content varies by 1 to 3 grams across flavors, but you can expect to find a healthy serving of unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in each shake. Plus, each shake contains all essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids with no artificial sweeteners or gluten.
A Quick Look at Huel
Huel offers complete nutrition supplements that include carbs, healthy fats, protein, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals. The company prioritizes convenience, affordability, and sustainability to support busy, active individuals and the environment. Their product lineup includes instant meals, nutrition bars, Huel ready-to-drink protein shakes, a daily greens powder, and of course, Huel Black—a high-protein meal replacement.
Huel Black is more than just a protein powder; it’s a complete meal replacement supplement formulated with ingredients that support muscle function, immune health, digestion, heart health, and energy production. It boasts high-quality protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
Huel Black is the next-level version of Huel Powder, offering less carbs, more protein, and a gluten-free formula. Each two-scoop serving delivers an impressive 40 grams of plant-based protein and 400 calories. It may appeal to hard gainers needing extra amino acids and energy beyond their regular meals to support muscle growth or those simply looking for a quick meal that doesn’t require any cooking.
Before You Buy
- 100% plant-based product suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- No artificial sweeteners, dyes, or additives
- Sustainable ingredients good for you and the planet
Is Huel Worth It?
At $3.12 per serving, Huel Black is on the more expensive side as far as meal replacements go. And while it does feature several essential nutrients and a complete amino acid profile, it may not be for everyone. We want to help you decide if it’s right for you. Here’s who we think will love Huel Black, and who might not.
Great for:
- Hard gainers who need a boost in protein and calories between meals
- Athletes who need a quick, convenient meal replacement shake while on the go
- Vegans looking for a balanced, plant-based protein supplement
Not recommended for:
- Bodybuilders who solely want to increase their protein intake
- Those who prefer supplements without added sugar
- Anyone with a tree nut allergy
Huel Black Edition Specs
| Price per serving | $3.12 |
| Serving size | 2 scoops |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, Unflavored & Unsweetened |
| Calories per serving | 400 calories |
| Number of vitamins and minerals | 27 vitamins and minerals |
| Protein per serving | 40 grams |
| Carbs per serving | 20-25 grams |
| Fat per serving | 17-18 grams |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Experience Using Huel Black Edition
Brittany Combs, GGR social media manager, had a positive experience testing Huel Black. She said, “Overall this is a great protein drink, especially if you’re looking for a TRUE meal replacement.” She appreciated all the added essential nutrients and thought each gluten-free serving was well balanced for those who are tracking their macros.
Although Huel Black isn’t marketed as a weight loss product, Brittany noticed several reviews written by customers using it to help them lose weight. Huel Black can be a good option for those interested in weight loss who need a healthy meal replacement for busy days or travel. However, we don’t recommend replacing whole-food meals with a daily meal replacement.
RELATED: Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss
Aside from weight loss, this supplement is ideal for those needing a quick meal while traveling or managing busy work schedules. Brittany noted, “I can see this as a great product for people who travel a lot and struggle to find healthy meals on the road.”
Price Per Serving
When ordering from the Huel website, a bag of Huel Black costs $53.00 as a one-time purchase. There are 17 servings per bag and each serving costs $3.12. This is expensive compared to many other protein powders and meal replacements on the market, so we rated the price per serving a 2 out of 5.
Customers have the option to sign up for a subscription, allowing them to receive new orders as frequently as once a week or as infrequently as every 10 weeks. Huel claims the most common delivery frequency is every 4 weeks, which bumps the price of the product down to $42.50, making each serving $2.50.
Additionally, Huel Black is available for purchase on Amazon. However, prices tend to be higher than on the Huel website, unless you opt for an old flavor no longer available directly from Huel. Many customer reviews on Amazon mention that their Huel Black bags did not include a scoop. “When you consider that they claim this is a perfectly balanced meal replacement when you use two scoops and then don’t include the scoop, that is really annoying!” our tester Brittany shared.
Formulation
We are wildly impressed by the formulation of Huel Black, awarding it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. The amount of protein, balanced macronutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals make this product stand out amongst other meal replacement supplements.
For starters, Huel Black features an impressive 40 grams of protein per serving from pea protein, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein. This amount is at the higher end of the 20 to 40 grams of protein recommended every 3 to 4 hours by the International Society of Sports Nutrition1 to maximize muscle protein synthesis for muscle gains.
RELATED: Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
Meal replacement powders generally contain more carbs and fat than standard protein powders. If you plan to use Huel Black as a meal replacement, the extra fat and carbs are beneficial because they provide additional energy to sustain you until your next snack or meal. These added macronutrients contribute to the calorie count of 400 calories per serving.
There are 24 grams of carbs in the vanilla flavor of Huel Black. Fiber makes up a significant portion of these carbs, which helps you feel fuller for longer, promotes regular bowel movements, regulates blood sugar, and reduces cholesterol levels. For instance, the vanilla flavor offers 6 grams of fiber per serving, which is 21% of the daily recommended value for a 2,000-calorie diet, making it a very high source of fiber.
Sugar also contributes to the carb content in Huel Black. While the product doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners, it does contain added sugar. The vanilla flavor has 4 grams of added sugar per serving, which is 8% of the daily recommended value for a 2,000-calorie diet. This is considered a moderate amount of added sugar. For reference, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans2 recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 50 grams daily.
Additionally, while the fat content is high, most of it comes from unsaturated fat, which supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and promotes satiety. The vanilla flavor contains 17 grams of fat, with 14.5 grams coming from heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Furthermore, the product boasts 27 vitamins and minerals. These include, but aren’t limited to, vitamin D and calcium for strong bones, iron for oxygen delivery throughout the body, sodium and potassium for fluid balance, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.
Taste and Solubility
Huel Black is available for purchase in nine different flavor options. Our tester Brittany, GGR’s social media manager, tried the Cookies & Cream flavor and rated the taste a 5 out of 5. “It was very sweet, but not too sweet; just the right amount,” she said.
However, her favorite way to incorporate the product into her regimen was by adding it to her coffee. Brittany shared, “I can’t add the full serving size to my small espresso drink, but putting in a fourth of the serving was still a great add to make my espresso tastier and also give the benefits of added protein.”
She mixed the powder in 17 ounces of cold water and found that most of it dissolved well using a shaker bottle. Brittany noted, “I did taste a few chunks here and there, but with a really hard shake they seemed to go away fine.” She noted fewer chunks when using a blender. Ultimately, Brittany rated solubility a 4.5 out of 5.
Side Effects
Unlike popular whey protein products, Huel Black is free from lactose, gluten, and artificial sweeteners, reducing the likelihood of causing digestive discomfort. Brittany didn’t experience any negative side effects, noting, “I often get an upset stomach from other protein drinks, but this gluten-free and lactose-free option was very gentle on my stomach.” Overall, we rated this category a 5 out of 5.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
It’s important to note that Huel Black does contain coconut, making it unsuitable for those with tree nut allergies.
Protein supplements may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as kidney disease. Those with medical conditions or those taking prescribed medications should always consult their doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure safety.
Third-Party Testing
Huel Black is not third-party tested, but the label is transparent and there are no proprietary blends, still resulting in a low rating of 2 out of 5. Products that are third-party tested have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure quality and safety for consumers.
Third-party testing verifies label accuracy and ensures products do not contain harmful levels of heavy metals or contaminants. We recommend consumers prioritize products with third-party testing, especially athletes subject to drug testing for prohibited substances.
Huel Black Edition vs Ka’Chava
Ka’Chava Shake
Ka'Chava Shake
Product Highlights
- Plant-based protein powder
- 25 g of protein
- Comes in 5 flavors
- 21-25 g carbs and 7-8 g fat
- Free from soy, dairy, and gluten
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subscribe and save options
- Money back guarantee
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- Contains all three macronutrients
Cons
- Expensive price per serving
- Contains tree nuts
Bottom Line
The Kachava Shake is plant-based protein powder packed with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, antioxidants, and super greens. Although there are five delicious flavors to choose from, it’s worth noting that the price per serving is over $4. There is a subscribe and save option, which will bring the cost down to about $3.99 per serving.
Huel Black and Ka’Chava share many similarities as vegan meal replacement powders made with plant-based pea protein and brown rice protein. Both products provide over 25 essential vitamins and minerals and approximately 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving, depending on flavor.
However, their main differences lie in their protein, fat, and calorie content. Huel Black offers 40 grams of protein per serving, which is significantly more than Ka’Chava’s 25 grams. Additionally, Huel Black has a higher fat content compared to Ka’Chava. As a result, Huel Black boasts 400 calories per serving, whereas Ka’Chava provides 240 calories.
On the other hand, Ka’Chava shines with its inclusion of over 85 superfoods, some of which act as adaptogens. This high-end supplement also includes digestive enzymes and prebiotics to support digestion.
If you’re looking for a full-on meal replacement, Huel Black is probably the better option. If you’re looking for more of a protein powder supplement, Ka’Chava is worth a look.
Check out our in-depth Ka’Chava review for more information.
| Huel Black Edition | Ka’Chava | |
| Price per serving | $3.12 | $4.66 |
| Serving size | 2 scoops | 2 scoops |
| Flavors | 9 | 5 |
| Calories per serving | 400 | 240 |
| Number of vitamins and minerals | 27 | 26 |
| Protein per serving | 40 | 25g |
| Carbs per serving | 24 (Vanilla) | 24g |
| Fat per serving | 17 (Vanilla) | 7g |
| Third-party tested? | No | No |
Customer Experience
Huel Black allows for order cancellations and returns. If you order a product and change your mind, reach out to Huel via email to cancel and receive a refund. If Huel has already processed and shipped your order, you can return the item for a refund. Unopened Huel products can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund.
The Huel website also contains a chat box where customers can ask questions about products or begin the process of a refund or order cancellation.
Ordering Huel
When ordering Huel meal replacements you’re asked whether you would like to make a one-time purchase or sign up for a subscription. Subscribers enjoy a product discount and have the flexibility to select delivery frequencies ranging from weekly to every 10 weeks. First-time customers receive a free Huel t-shirt with their order.
Standard shipping typically takes between 3 and 6 days. Customers can opt for priority shipping, which ensures delivery within 1 to 2 business days. Orders over $65 qualify for free shipping, while orders under $65 include a $9 shipping fee.
Customer Reviews
Huel Black has a 4-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon, based on 1,157 customer reviews. Customers appreciate its balanced macronutrient content, but some dislike the texture. Reviews are mixed regarding taste. Additionally, several reviews mention that the product arrived without the scoop.
One Amazon customer likes the Banana flavor, but isn’t a fan of the texture, writing, “I love the banana flavor, it is great cold or warm. No matter how well I mix the powder with water or almond milk, it is always very gritty.”
Another verified buyer who favors the chocolate flavor shared, “I love this stuff, the chocolate-flavored Black Edition powder tastes really good, keeps me feeling full for a few hours.”
Finally, this Huel consumer had mixed thoughts and wrote, “The protein profile is great, as are the additional macros, the taste is tolerable. Protein powders are hard in general, but the texture is not great, it’s super grainy no matter how much I blend it or what I blend it with.”
Final Verdict of Our Huel Review
Huel Black is a complete meal replacement supplement loaded with plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber. It may be a good option for those needing a quick meal on the go that keeps them feeling full until the next meal. Our tester enjoyed the taste but would have liked the consistency to be slightly smoother.
Huel:
- Is filled with 40 grams of protein per serving
- Is Vegan-friendly
- Has 400 calories in each serving
- Has No artificial sweeteners or additives
- Tastes good, but the texture was a bit gritty
- Offers 27 essential nutrients that support overall health
Full Rating
Huel Black Edition
Huel Complete Protein Powder Black Edition is a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake powder, containing 400 calories per serving along with 40 grams of protein in all of the nine flavors. Fat, carb, and fiber content varies by 1 to 3 grams across flavors, but you can expect to find a healthy serving of unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in each shake. Plus, each shake contains all essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids with no artificial sweeteners or gluten.
Product Brand: Huel
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 46.50
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.05
Huel: FAQs
Is Huel actually any good?
Yes, Huel Black has a solid nutritional formulation and is generally customer-approved. This complete food supplement includes protein, fat, and carbs, as well as 27 micronutrients. Huel stands out for its high protein content, plant-based ingredients, and exclusion of artificial sweeteners and additives.
Is Huel good for losing weight?
Although Huel is not a weight loss product, it may help with weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Occasionally using Huel Black as a meal replacement may increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day, which could contribute to weight loss.
Is it OK to drink Huel every day?
It’s not recommended to replace nutritious meals with Huel Black or any meal replacement supplement on a daily basis. Meal replacement shakes often lack calories and nutrients needed by many individuals and generally aren’t a sustainable alternative to real foods long term.
Is Huel highly processed food?
Huel Black is a highly processed meal replacement. Many ingredients in Huel Black, including pea protein, have been processed to remove certain parts of the plant while extracting the desired ingredient. However, it’s important to note that a food being processed doesn’t necessarily make it unhealthy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020.
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