The Huel Powder Formula Explained

Huel Powder is a nutritionally complete powdered food that is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and a macronutrient split of 37:30:30:3 (net carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber). This means that  37% of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 30% comes from fat, 30% from protein and 3% from fiber. Huel Powder also provides micronutrients, such as phytonutrients and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. 

Additionally, it contains no lactose or any animal products, no soy, and no GMOs.

The Huel Powder works to meet the HHS and USDA's Dietary Guidelines and Daily Value (DV) requirements for all macro- and micronutrients, and proportion them to provide what you need from a meal[1].

The Huel Powder Formula

• Carbohydrate in Huel Powder: Gluten-free Oats and Tapioca
• Fat in Huel Powder: Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Coconut
• Protein in Huel Powder: Peas, Faba and Rice
• Fiber in Huel Powder: Oats and Flaxseed
• Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Powder
• Phytonutrients in Huel Powder
• Ingredients of Huel Powder
• Nutritional Profile of Huel Powder
• Huel Powder Cautions and Allergen Advice
  

Carbohydrate in Huel Powder: Gluten-free Oats and Tapioca

The carbohydrates in Huel Powder are from gluten-free oats and tapioca starch. About 37% of the calories (energy) in Huel Powder come from carbohydrates.

Tapioca, a starch that comes from the roots of the cassava plant. We’ve used this as a source of carbohydrates, and because it provides a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. 

Oats have been shown to have a low glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index refers to how long it takes between ingesting a carb source and the resulting rise in blood sugar and, hence, energy levels[2]. Macronutrients like fiber, protein and fat help to slow the digestion of carbohydrates, and therefore helps to create a slower, stable release of glucose into the blood rather than a “spike”. Plus, oats provide so much more than just carbohydrates; they also provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. 

Fat in Huel Powder: Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Coconut

The fats in Huel Powder provide 30% of the total calories (energy) and are made up of flaxseed and sunflower seeds to ensure that the essential fatty acids are included in optimum amounts. We’ve also included coconut, as the fats in coconut are known as medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs. MCTs are an efficient source of energy, as they are treated much like carbs,  so they provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel and are perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles[14].

There are two completely essential fatty acids (EFAs) that humans require: linoleic acid (LA – an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA – an omega-3)[3]. Using our blend of flaxseed and sunflower oil powder, we’ve ensured Huel Powder contains sufficient amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Moreover, these natural seed powders provide antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals[4].

Huel Powder is High-protein: Pea, Faba and Rice

For healthy adults, the DRI recommends that 10-35% of calories should come from protein, or a minimum of 0.8g of protein per kg body weight per day. The recommendation of 0.8g of protein per kg body weight per day is the recommendation to prevent deficiency[1]. The Western diet typically provides more protein than this[5], and Huel Powder does too. All essential amino acids, including BCAA’s (Branched chain amino acids) are included in adequate amounts from three vegan protein sources: pea, faba and brown rice protein, with smaller amounts coming from other ingredients like flaxseeds and oats. Furthermore, protein is more satiating than other macronutrients[6], helping you to feel satisfied after your meal.  

Amino Acid Profile of Huel Powder

Protein is made up of amino acids. There are over 500 amino acids in nature, 20 of which are known as the standard amino acids as these are the ones that are coded genetically and are subsequently involved in primary protein synthesis. Of these 20, nine are essential as they cannot be synthesized from other amino acids.

The nine essential amino acids are:

• Histidine 
• Isoleucine 
• Leucine 
• Lysine 
• Methionine 
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine 
• Tryptophan 
• Valine

The other eleven are:

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic acid
• Cysteine
• Glutamine
• Glutamic acid
• Glycine
• Proline
• Serine
• Tyrosine

Generally, proteins derived from animal foods (meats, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs) are considered complete proteins because they provide all nine essential amino acids.  Some plant foods are also complete proteins, including quinoa, buckwheat, and soy. You can also combine plant foods (legumes, seeds, grains, and vegetables) to get all nine amino acids. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or one or more of the essential amino acids. 

The protein in Huel Powder comes primarily from pea protein and brown rice protein. This ensures the inclusion of all essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. The protein from brown rice is high in the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, plus it contains good amounts of all the others, but is very low in lysine. Pea protein is low in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine. Faba bean protein is high in lysine and leucine, but lower in sulfur containing amino acids. Plus there’s additional protein in smaller amounts from the flaxseed.

Huel Powder is High-fiber: Oats and Flaxseed

The vast majority of Americans do not consume adequate amounts of fiber, with just 5% of the population meeting fiber intake recommendations [15]. Healthy adults require anywhere from 25-38g of fiber per day (14g of fiber for every 1,000 calories). One serving of Huel Powder contains 8-10 grams of fiber per serving, depending on which flavor option you choose.

The fiber in Huel Powder is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms all naturally supplied from the food ingredients, mainly from oats and flaxseed. The high fiber content of Huel Powder helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools in healthy users. Fiber acts like a sponge, so it’s important to consume lots of water when using Huel Powder[7]. The beneficial soluble fiber in oats is called beta-glucan. Soluble fiber plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. [8].

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Powder

The majority of the vitamins and minerals (also known as micronutrients) in Huel Powder are from natural ingredients. We then use a micronutrient blend to fortify the product to ensure we are providing all the vitamins and minerals you need from a meal. 

There have been numerous studies in the past 20 years demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the DV may have beneficial effects to health. For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low[9-11], so we've reflected this in the Huel Powder formula. Benefits of consuming more vitamin C include supporting a healthy immune system, antioxidant properties and it also helps the absorption of minerals like iron [10-12].

With some of the trace elements, the levels in Huel Powder are higher than the recommended amounts. This is because we only need tiny amounts of them, but the natural ingredients in Huel Powder are a rich source.

Choline is an essential B vitamin. Although it can be synthesized in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets[13]. As Huel Powder is all about optimum health, the inclusion of choline was deemed fundamental. Iodine is a trace mineral essential for thyroid health[16].

Phytic acid is a naturally occurring substance in some cereals such as oats. Phytic acid can chelate (bind) some minerals, meaning that they’re less bioavailable[17]. As oat powder is a fundamental ingredient of Huel Powder we've ensured the levels of some minerals, like iron, are higher to accommodate any issues with phytic acid chelation. Furthermore, the high level of vitamin C in Huel Powder will also further promote iron absorption[18].

Phytonutrients in Huel Powder

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods which, whilst not essential, may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention[19]. Because Huel Powder’s fundamental ingredients are plant-based foods, these are already phytonutrient-rich, and the benefits are passed onto anyone consuming Huel Powder. However, we've also added some additional phytonutrients to optimize the Huel formula and to complement the antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E and selenium.

Phytonutrient polyphenols in Huel Powder have antioxidant activity. Huel Powder's beneficial phytonutrients include the following:

• Avenanthramides are antioxidant polyphenols unique to oats shown to have anti-inflammatory effects[20].
• Ferulic acid, also from oats, is a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent[20,21].
• Lutein comes from the flaxseed powder and we've also added additional lutein in our vitamin and mineral blend. Although not essential, there is concern that diets low in lutein may lead to macular degeneration of the eye in the elderly, as lutein is involved in eye pigment development[22,23]. Lutein is also an antioxidant.
• Zeaxanthin is another antioxidant, this has been added as it also has a role in long-term eye health[26].

Other carotenoids and bioflavonoids have antioxidant activity and are naturally present from the acerola cherries[24,25].

Ingredients & Nutritional Information

Huel Powder Cautions and Allergen Advice

• Celiac: Huel Powder gluten free and suitable for those with celiac disease.
• FODMAPs:  FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed and consequently ferment so can be irritating to some people's intestines. Sometimes those with IBS follow low FODMAP diets. Huel Powder is low in FODMAPs constituents so is suitable for people who follow a low-FODMAP diet. Read more about Huel and FODMAPs here.
• Diabetes mellitus: For those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please review the carbohydrate, sugar and other nutrition facts of the Huel Powder to see if it is suitable for your needs.
• Pregnancy & lactation: Huel Powder can be included in the diet of those who are pregnant or breast feeding, however it should be limited to one serving per day. Please review more information about Huel and pregnancy in our FAQ. If you have questions about suitability, we suggest you discuss with your doctor if there are any clinically specific reasons why they wouldn’t be suitable. 
• Children: Huel Powder is not suitable for children under the age of 4 years old. Up to a full serving of Huel Powder may be suitable for children 9 years or older. Huel should not be their sole source of nutrition as they have different nutritional requirements to adults; for more information please see our Children, Adolescents and Huel article.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Huel Powder is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).
• Inborn errors of metabolism: If you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you should consult your doctor or specialist clinician before using Huel Powder.
• Eating disorders: Huel Powder can be consumed by individuals with eating disorders as a useful source of complete nutrition if it is an appropriate fit for their current meal plan. However, we recommend that individuals with eating disorders only use Huel after discussing it with their doctor or relevant clinician.
• Medications: There may be specific drug-nutrient interactions relating to a particular medicine you're using, so we recommend you read the drug information provided with your prescription, and if you have any further concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

Allergen Advice

We thoroughly assess our ingredients and the processes we use to make Huel and whenever we identify potential routes of allergen contamination we will first take steps to eliminate the possibility of any contamination of our product. However, where it is not possible to remove the risk we will clearly highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging and ingredients lists in line with current US food safety guidelines.

However, we recognize that people can suffer from allergies that are outside the US recognized ‘key allergens’, so we assess ingredients and keep a record of other ingredients in our product that may have allergenic potential. If you have any specific inquiries, please contact us.

References

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3. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. Essential Fatty Acids. Date Accessed 09/04/19. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids].
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14. Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
15. Quagliani, D., & Felt-Gunderson, P. (2016). Closing America’s fiber intake gap: Communication strategies from a food and fiber summit. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 11(1), 80–85. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6124841/
16. Woeber KA. Iodine and thyroid disease. Med Clin North Am. 1991; 75(1):169-78.
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21. Adom KK, et al. Antioxidant activity of grains. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002; 50(21):6182-7.
22. Abdelly & Sfar. Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum and Carpobrotus edulis Extracts. Bouftira Ibtissem. Ad Chem Eng & Sci 2. 2012; (3): pp 359-365.
23. Richer et al. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial). Optometry. 2004;75 (4):216–230.
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26. Semba RD, et al. Are lutein and zeaxanthin conditionally essential nutrients for eye health? Medical hypotheses. 2003; 61(4):465-72.