Skip to content

HSA/FSA Eligible: Learn more.

New! Earn rewards with Huel+

Subscribe and save 20%

  • HSA/FSA Eligible: Learn more.

  • New! Earn rewards with Huel+

  • Subscribe and save 20%

Why Huel?Guides & ArticlesRefer a friend
Shop all

Bestselling Powders

  • Black Edition

    High-protein complete meal

  • Powder

    The original complete meal

  • Essential

    The most affordable complete meal

Bestselling Powders

Nutrition Drinks & Snacks

  • Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

  • Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

  • Complete Nutrition Bar

    High-protein snack

  • Complete Protein

    Nutritionally complete protein powder

  • Energy+

    Supercharged vitamin drink

Nutrition Drinks & Snacks

Hot Meals

  • Hot & Savory Cups

    On-the-go hot & tasty meal

  • Hot & Savory Meal Packs

    Hot & tasty meal

Hot Meals

Superfoods & Greens Powders

  • Daily Greens

    Super greens powder

  • Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

Superfoods & Greens Powders
Shop all

Nutritionally Complete Powdered meals

  • Black Edition

    High-protein complete meal

  • Powder

    The original complete meal

  • Essential

    The most affordable complete meal

  • Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

Nutritionally Complete Powdered meals

Ready-to-drink Meals

  • Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

  • Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

Ready-to-drink Meals

Hot Meals

  • Hot & Savory Cups

    On-the-go hot & tasty meal

  • Hot & Savory Meal Packs

    Hot & tasty meal

Hot Meals
Not sure what product is right for you?
Take the quiz
Shop all

Bundles

  • Grab & Go Bundle

    All our most convenient products

  • Bestseller Bundle

    All our favorite products

  • High-Protein Bundle

    Our ultimate high-protein products

Bundles
Explore our best-selling bundles
Shop Now
Shop all

Superfoods & Greens Powders

  • Daily Greens

    Super greens powder

  • Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

Superfoods & Greens Powders
Immune support made simple. Try Daily Greens today!
Shop our Greens range
Shop all

Ready-to-drink Meals

  • Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

  • Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

Ready-to-drink Meals

High-Protein Snacks

  • Complete Nutrition Bar

    High-protein snack

  • Complete Protein

    Nutritionally complete protein powder

High-Protein Snacks

Vitamin & Energy Drinks

  • Energy+

    Supercharged vitamin drink

Vitamin & Energy Drinks
Convenience meets complete nutrition. Snack smarter!
Shop Drinks & Snacks
Shop all

Official Huel Clothing

  • Huel Men's T-Shirt

  • Huel Women's T-Shirt

  • Huel Tote Bag

Official Huel Clothing

Accessories

  • Complete Protein Scoop

  • Huel Scoop

  • Huel Shaker

  • Reusable Huel Hot & Savory Cup

  • Huel Daily Greens Bottle

Accessories
Official Huel merch made for everyday life
Shop Huel Merch
Shop all

Powdered Meals

  • Black Edition Powder
  • Powder
  • Essential Powder
  • Superblend

Ready-to-drink Meals

  • Black Edition Ready-to-drink
  • Ready-To-Drink

Hot Meals

  • Hot & Savory

Daily Greens

  • Daily Greens

Energy & Vitamin Drinks

  • Energy+

High-protein Snacks

  • Complete Nutrition Bars
  • Complete Protein
  • About Us
  • Science Advisory Board
  • Reviews & Testimonials
  • Find Us In Store
  • Sustainability
  • Press
  • FAQs
  • Partner With Us
  • Huel+
Take the quiz


Take the quiz

Shop

  • Bestsellers

    Black Edition

    High-protein complete meal

    Powder

    The original complete meal

    Essential

    The most affordable complete meal

    Bestselling Powders

    Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

    Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

    Complete Nutrition Bar

    High-protein snack

    Complete Protein

    Nutritionally complete protein powder

    Energy+

    Supercharged vitamin drink

    Nutrition Drinks & Snacks

    Hot & Savory Cups

    On-the-go hot & tasty meal

    Hot & Savory Meal Packs

    Hot & tasty meal

    Hot Meals

    Daily Greens

    Super greens powder

    Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

    Superfoods & Greens Powders
  • Nutritionally Complete Instant Meals

    Black Edition

    High-protein complete meal

    Powder

    The original complete meal

    Essential

    The most affordable complete meal

    Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

    Nutritionally Complete Powdered meals

    Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

    Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

    Ready-to-drink Meals

    Hot & Savory Cups

    On-the-go hot & tasty meal

    Hot & Savory Meal Packs

    Hot & tasty meal

    Hot Meals
  • Bundles

    Grab & Go Bundle

    All our most convenient products

    Bestseller Bundle

    All our favorite products

    High-Protein Bundle

    Our ultimate high-protein products

    Bundles
  • Superfoods & Greens Powders

    Daily Greens

    Super greens powder

    Superblend

    All-in-one superfood meal

    Superfoods & Greens Powders
  • Nutrition Drinks & Snacks

    Black Edition Ready-to-drink

    High-protein on-the-go complete meal

    Ready-to-drink

    On-the-go complete meal

    Ready-to-drink Meals

    Complete Nutrition Bar

    High-protein snack

    Complete Protein

    Nutritionally complete protein powder

    High-Protein Snacks

    Energy+

    Supercharged vitamin drink

    Vitamin & Energy Drinks
  • Official Huel Merch

    Huel Men's T-Shirt

    Huel Women's T-Shirt

    Huel Tote Bag

    Official Huel Clothing

    Complete Protein Scoop

    Huel Scoop

    Huel Shaker

    Reusable Huel Hot & Savory Cup

    Huel Daily Greens Bottle

    Accessories
  • Shop all products

Science

  • Black Edition Powder
  • Powder
  • Essential Powder
  • Superblend
  • Black Edition Ready-to-drink
  • Ready-To-Drink
  • Hot & Savory
  • Daily Greens
  • Energy+
  • Complete Nutrition Bars
  • Complete Protein

About

  • About Us
  • Science Advisory Board
  • Reviews & Testimonials
  • Find Us In Store
  • Sustainability
  • Press
  • FAQs
  • Partner With Us
  • Huel+
Why Huel?
Guides & Articles
Refer a friend
  • Not sure what product is right for you?
    Take the quiz
  • Explore our best-selling bundles
    Shop Now
  • Immune support made simple. Try Daily Greens today!
    Shop our Greens range
  • Convenience meets complete nutrition. Snack smarter!
    Shop Drinks & Snacks
  • Official Huel merch made for everyday life
    Shop Huel Merch

BCorp logo
Transparent Image

Plant-based nutrition to help the planet thrive

All Huel products are 100% vegan, designed for low-carbon eating.

See our commitments

Food

  • Powdered meals
  • Hot meals
  • On-the-go
  • Huel Daily Greens
  • Snacks
  • Nutrition
  • Accessories

Company

  • FAQs and help center
  • Contact us
  • Delivery & returns
  • Huel+
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Reviews
  • Huel discount codes
  • Modern slavery statement

Support

  • Press
  • Careers
  • Medical staff discount
  • Student discount
  • Partnerships
  • Store locator
  • Sustainability
  • Forum

Food

  • Powdered meals
  • Hot meals
  • On-the-go
  • Huel Daily Greens
  • Snacks
  • Nutrition
  • Accessories

Company

  • FAQs and help center
  • Contact us
  • Delivery & returns
  • Huel+
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Reviews
  • Huel discount codes
  • Modern slavery statement

Support

  • Press
  • Careers
  • Medical staff discount
  • Student discount
  • Partnerships
  • Store locator
  • Sustainability
  • Forum

© 2015 - 2025 Huel Limited. All rights reserved.

VisaMastercardApple PayAmexPayPal
YouTube
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
TikTok
Instagram

Details on health claims:

Huel meals and bars provide the right amount of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins & minerals as part of a balanced diet

Energy Source of biotin to contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism

Digestion Source of calcium to contribute to the normal function of digestive enzymes

Immune system Source of vitamin C to contribute to the normal function of the immune system

Skin health Source of zinc to contribute to the maintenance of normal skin

Cognitive function Source of iron to contribute to normal cognitive function

Muscle function Source of magnesium to contribute to normal muscle function

Your Cart

Oops! Your cart is empty

Shop All

Bestsellers

Powdered Meals

Hot Meals

Ready-to-drink Meals

Greens & Superfoods

Energy Drinks & Bars

Nutrition in the News: Are Ultra-Processed Foods Actually Bad for You?

Ultra-processed foods have been a big nutritional news topic recently and tend to be a recurring talking point with discussion on their health credentials seemingly sparked every few months. Our nutrition team breaks it all down.

“The Barbie cast got into shape by intermittent fasting and quitting ultra-processed foods, their trainer said’’.

Two trending topics of the moment crammed into a viral news story - one of which we’re experts in, the other we’d only like to think we are.

So, here’s a dietitian’s take on what you need to know about ultra-processed foods, from the different categories of food processing down to whether all processing is as inherently bad for you as Barbie’s PT would like you to believe.

What is food processing?

The term ‘food processing’ refers to any method or technique that takes place once a food is harvested to prepare it for consumption, cooking, or storing. Unless you’re munching on home-grown broccoli, nearly all of the food that we enjoy daily has gone through some sort of processing. The steps can amplify flavors, prolong shelf life and add to the convenience.

How are processed foods categorized?

A categorization system was developed called the NOVA classification, helping to distinguish between the levels of processing with four different categories.

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods

These foods retain their natural state and lack added ingredients. Take whole grains, fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables and eggs as examples.

Processed culinary ingredients

These are crafted from raw ingredients through processes such as pressing and grinding. In this group, you'll find items like oils, butter, sugar, salt, dried herbs, and spices.

Processed foods

These are manufactured by industry by adding salt, sugar, or oil to minimally processed foods, such as cheese or freshly baked bread.

Ultra-processed foods

These foods are entirely altered and typically created using industrial techniques and processes, such as carbonated drinks and savory packed snacks.

Is ultra-processed food unhealthy?

The term ‘ultra-processed food’ (UPF) is a label intended to categorize foods that have undergone the types of food processing that typically couldn't take place in a home kitchen.

It signifies a caution towards consuming items such as sweets, savory snacks, fast food, and ready meals that may be detrimental to our health. However, it’s worth noting that even surprising contenders like breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, flavored yogurts, and certain packaged breads can all fall under the UPF umbrella.

For many, UPFs offer a budget-friendly and convenient option. These foods often dominate supermarket aisles and advertising making it challenging to completely stay clear from them.

Studies have revealed a positive association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even though these studies are important, their observational design might not establish a direct cause-and-effect link.

Is all processing bad?

Ok, so we have the bad side of processing - ready meals crammed full of preservatives you can’t pronounce.

However, while we often come across the term 'processed food' negatively, we’re actually unknowingly engaging in processing every day, whenever we clean, cut, and cook ingredients.

While there can be drawbacks of processing such as nutrient removal or an excess of fat, sugar and/or salt, it’s important to remember many of the benefits.

  • Enhanced food safety and preservation, such as canning and freezing.
  • Nutrient Retention. Certain processes can enhance the bioavailability of nutrients.
  • Reduced food waste due to longer shelf life.

Where does Huel fit in?

Huel contains multiple ingredients, some of which have gone through certain processes, which is why people may choose to classify them as ‘processed food’. While a large number of UPFs are likely to be unhealthy if consumed too regularly, Huel products are going down a different course.

Some of the benefits of processing Huel is that it creates a convenient product with minimal food waste due to the long shelf-life. Processes when making Huel are also designed to conserve nutrients, like the grinding or soaking of flaxseed, which breaks them down so the body can digest the omega-3 fats inside.

Our focus is on science, and the food processing methods aren’t just steps in a recipe. They enable people to have a nutritious, sustainable and affordable alternative that sets Huel apart from other foods.

To help alleviate any concerns, heer are a few food additives that aren't in Huel:

  • No trans fats
  • No monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • No artificial preservatives - e.g. benzoates
  • No artificial colorants - eg azo dyes

ultra-processed foods

    Nutrition in the News: SACN statement on ultra-processed foods

    In July 2023, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition released a statement on processed foods and health. Concerns were raised about the limitations of the NOVA classification system, including the fact that categories are very broad.

    It also emphasized that consumption of UPF may indicate other unhealthy dietary patterns as diets high in UPFs are often energy dense, and high in saturated fat, salt or free sugars. It showed that further research is needed to assess and develop a reliable classification system for UPFs.

    TL;DR

    Highly processed foods aren’t inherently bad, processing can actually unlock nutritional value that would otherwise be lost, such as freezing vegetables. The real concern should be HFSS foods (high in fat, salt, sugar) which can have a significantly negative impact on your health. We should all be taking small steps to reduce these foods.

    It would seem reevaluating the NOVA classification is necessary, as being in category four doesn’t automatically make a food choice less favorable.

    Words: Jessica Stansfield RNutr. Junior nutrition manager at Huel.

    Join the Huel family

    Get the scoop on exclusive offers and product launches.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. You can unsubscribe at any time. Huel Privacy Policy.