The Huel Daily Greens Formula Explained

Huel Daily Greens is a green superblend powder supplement made to boost nutrition in the diet with 91 vitamins, minerals and whole-food-sourced nutrients as well as protein, essential fats, fiber, phytonutrients, adaptogens, and probiotics. Each serving is vegan, gluten-free, and contains less than 1g of sugar based on plant-proteins, greens, fruits, and mushroom powders with 27 essential vitamins and minerals.

Like all Huel products, Huel Daily Greens contains no lactose, GMOs, or any animal products. Daily Greens also does not contain soy.

• Huel Daily Greens Macronutrients
• Plant-Based Protein and Raw Superfood Blend
• Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend
• Organic Superfruit Blend
• Super Mushroom Adaptogen Complex
• Botanical Blend
• Probiotics in Huel Daily Greens
• Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Daily Greens
• Ingredients & Nutritional Profile

Huel Daily Greens Macronutrients

The principal macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrates, fat, protein, and fiber. Huel Daily Greens Original flavor contains 8g net carbs, 1g fat, 3g protein, and 2g of fiber per 50 calorie 15g serving. For Watermelon and Lemon & Ginger flavors, each 8.5g serving contains 46g net carbs, 0.51g fat, 23g protein, and 2g fiber per 25 calories.

The protein in Huel Daily Greens comes from organic ingredients, primarily pea protein, fava bean protein, chlorella and spirulina as well as some from the organic oats, flaxseed, and chia. Amino acids are the most basic units of protein, and several amino acids are essential, with others being crucial for good health. There are also fatty acids that are essential for life and good health, so including sources of fat is equally important. Even though Huel Daily Greens has been formulated primarily to provide vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and adaptogens, we’ve ensured it contains all the essential amino acids and the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The fiber in Huel Daily Greens is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms, and is provided mainly by organic pea fibre, chicory root fibre (inulin), flaxseed, oats, chlorella, spirulina, chia and the organic greens and fruits blends.

Plant-Based Protein and Raw Superfood Blend

Huel Daily Greens Plant-Based Protein and Raw Superfood Blend provides protein, carbohydrate, essential fats, fiber, and key vitamins and minerals.  Oat flour contains a special class of fiber called beta-glucans, which have been shown to have a favorable effect on cholesterol and blood glucose levels^1,2. The oats used in Huel Daily Greens are certified gluten-free. Tapioca is a starch extracted from cassava, a root vegetable, similar to sweet potato. Along with providing carbohydrates, the tapioca in Huel Daily Greens helps with mixability and provides a smoother texture.

Pea protein complements the other plant-based proteins to create a complete amino acid profile. It's high in important branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, which plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis³, and has a lower allergenic risk versus other protein sources such as soy and whey. Organic fava bean protein is high in phenolic acid and flavonoids (which are antioxidants) and the processing of this ingredient also reduces its antinutritional properties, such as phytic acid, thereby allowing improved absorption of key minerals, such as iron and zinc⁴,⁵.

Organic flaxseed and chia seeds both contain high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which have been demonstrated to have a positive effect on heart health and other parts of the body such as the gut⁶,⁷. Organic sprouted quinoa is grown in a nutrient-rich medium meaning it's even higher than quinoa seeds in several b-vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 which is extremely rare in plant-based foods.

Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend

Chlorella is the collective name for several species of green algae. These algae are a source of key micronutrients including B vitamins, vitamin E, choline, phosphorus, and iron, as well as essential fatty acids, amino acids, and fiber. 

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable high in fiber. It’s also high in glucosinolates, a group of phytonutrients with a range of properties from antioxidant to anti-inflammatory properties⁸. The nutrient profile of broccoli sprouts is more concentrated when compared to older broccoli, which is why we’ve included both in Huel Daily Greens.

Black garlic extract is made from raw garlic that has been exposed to low heat and humidity to alter its taste, color, and structure. It has been shown that its antioxidant components, including the polyphenol and flavonoids contents of black garlic, increase significantly with aging of the garlic⁹.

Organic Superfruit Blend

Organic tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and phytonutrients, one of particular interest is lycopene, which is the pigment that gives tomatoes their red color, and is an antioxidant that’s been linked to better cardiovascular health¹⁰.

Organic acerola cherries (aka Malpighia emarginata) are grown in Central and South America and are rivaled by few other fruits in respect of their high vitamin C content, and also contains several phytonutrients such as flavonoids. Organic tart cherries are distinct from their sweet cousins and have a brighter red color. They contain a number of phytonutrients which may reduce inflammation¹¹.

One of the first popularized ‘superfoods’, blueberries have a high number of polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and there’s growing research on the positive effects of including blueberries for good brain health¹²,¹³. However, organic hawthorn flower could be considered an even older ‘superfood’ containing antioxidants that could be beneficial for the heart which may explain why in the Middle Ages it was taken for a broken heart (though we’re a little skeptical of this claim!). 

Super Mushroom Adaptogen Complex

The term ‘adaptogen’ was coined in the late 1950s by Soviet scientists to describe any substance that exerts positive effects on both sick and healthy individuals without producing unwanted side effects¹⁴. While we now know that’s not strictly true, the evidence base for adaptogens positive effects is growing and strengthening. 

One popular adaptogen is ashwagandha, a herb used in Indian medicine. Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), which may help to lower stress levels over time¹⁵,¹⁶. Another adaptogen, rhodiola root extract, has been shown to reduce fatigue, particularly stress-induced fatigue, such as exam stress¹⁷,¹⁸.

A study on shiitake mushrooms suggested that they improved the body’s immune response while also creating a less inflammatory environment¹⁹. Cordycep mushrooms on the other hand appear to improve a person's VO2 max, which means they can utilize more oxygen during intense exercise and thereby improve their performance²⁰,²¹.

Ginseng mainly refers root of plants that belong to the genus Panax. The Huel Daily Greens Super Mushroom Adaptogen Complex contains three varieties. White ginseng is the dried root and has been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species, which can cause negative health effects, and it may do this by increasing the level of glutathione in cells²². Red ginseng is the root that’s been steamed and then dried. In certain groups, such as those with chronic illness and postmenopausal women, red ginseng may reduce symptoms of fatigue²³.

Botanical Blend

Cinnamon, a popular flavoring, may play a role in helping to control blood glucose levels²⁴ and may also have antimicrobial attributes²⁵.

Echinacea is a herb that contains bioactive compounds called alkylamides. Research suggests that the alkylamides could modulate the immune response²⁶ and decrease the odds of developing a common cold as well as the duration of experiencing cold symptoms²⁷.

Lemongrass leaf has been used in traditional medicine around the world, it contains a number of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins which together potentially exert anti-inflammatory effects²⁸.

Probiotics in Huel Daily Greens

Huel Daily Greens contains the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (25 Spores (Millions)) and Bifidobacterium Bifidum (125 CFU (Million)).

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that – when consumed in adequate amounts – may have health benefits, particularly for gut health^29-31. Bacillus coagulans is a robust and stable probiotic which makes it a great addition to Huel Daily Greens³². Bifidobacterium bifidum could help improve the immune system's resilience to stress³³ this is because stress can weaken the immune system making us more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Daily Greens

Huel Daily Greens contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals.

There is ever-growing evidence demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the US Daily Values (DVs) may have beneficial effects on health. For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low^34-36, so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Daily Greens formula. The benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy immune system, healthy skin, and antioxidant properties, and it also helps the absorption of some minerals like iron and zinc^35-37.

Huel Daily Greens is rich in all nine essential B-vitamins. Of particular note is vitamin B12 as it’s extremely rare in plant foods, meaning that vegans are particularly vulnerable to B12 deficiency if they don’t supplement with it. Huel Daily Greens contains 221% of the DV for vitamin B12. 

Huel Daily Greens is rich in 12 essential minerals. These include iron and zinc, trace elements that are often lacking in people’s diets, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium and iodine.

Read more about vitamins and minerals and their role in human health.

Summary

Huel Daily Greens is a green superblend powder supplement with 91 vitamins, minerals and whole-food-sourced nutrients and, as such, has a superior nutritional profile to the majority of other greens powders. Unlike other Huel products, Huel Daily Greens should not be used as your sole source of nutrition, but as a supplement and alternative to inferior multivitamin tablets. It’s the ideal accompaniment to breakfast.

Ingredients

Original - UK-US recipe

Daily Greens Lemon & Ginger

Daily Greens Watermelon

Please note: Huel Daily Greens is produced in a facility that handles milk.

Nutritional Profile of Huel Daily Greens

Daily Greens Original

Daily Greens Lemon & Ginger 

Daily Greens Watermelon

Huel Daily Greens Cautions and Allergen Advice

As some conditions require dietary intervention, like with any food, please heed the notes below for the following conditions:

• Diabetes mellitus – Huel Daily Greens is suitable for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. If you're using medication to help control your diabetes you should structure your intake of Huel Daily Greens appropriately.
• Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis - Huel Daily Greens is gluten-free and is made with no gluten-containing ingredients.
• Inborn errors of metabolism – if you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you must consult your doctor or specialist clinician before having Huel Daily Greens.
• Inflammatory bowel disease – if you suffer from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or proctitis, and are experiencing a flare-up, we advise caution when having Huel Daily Greens. However, if you’re in remission, Huel Daily Greens may actually be beneficial.
• Pregnancy & lactation – due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals, Huel Daily Greens is NOT suitable for use during pregnancy or for nursing mothers.
• Children – Huel Daily Greens is not suitable for children under 4 years of age, and children under 12 years should consult their doctor before using.
• Eating disorders - we recommend that individuals with eating disorders only have Huel Daily Greens after discussing with their doctor or relevant clinician.

Huel Daily Greens is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).

Medication Interactions

Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals and whole-sourced ingredients in Huel Daily Greens, 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

All Huel products are 100% vegan. 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 highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging (and ingredient lists) in line with current US food safety guidelines.

Huel Daily Greens is gluten-free and uses oats that are grown and processed in a wheat-free environment and are therefore free of wheat. However, we recognize that individuals can have allergies to any protein in any ingredient therefore if you have a specific allergy that is outside of the remit above, please contact us directly and we will do our best to guide you on which products are suitable.

Further reading

References

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3. Zaromskyte G, et al. Evaluating the Leucine Trigger Hypothesis to Explain the Post-prandial Regulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Front Nutr. 2021; 8:685165.
4. Dahiya PK, et al. Mung bean: technological and nutritional potential. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015; 55(5):670-88.
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39. Combs J, et al. The Vitamins. 4th ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.
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45. Hemarajata P, et al. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2013; 6(1):39-51.
46. Nagpal R, et al. Human-origin probiotic cocktail increases short-chain fatty acid production via modulation of mice and human gut microbiome. Sci Rep. 2018; 8(1):12649.