20
Adults
Study Snapshot
4
Weeks
100%
Huel Users
22
Biomarkers
Haemoglobin
Sodium
Calcium
HbA1c
Total Cholesterol
HDL
Non-HDL cholesterol
Iron
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Folate
Vitamin B12
Choline
Magnesium
Potassium
Zinc
Copper
Manganese
Selenium
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Inside the study
Huel is a nutrition brand that makes convenient, plant-based foods and drinks designed to support a balanced lifestyle. Many of our products — such as Huel Powders, Hot & Savoury meals, and Ready-to-drink meals — are nutritionally complete, meaning they provide the right balance of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, fibre, and 26 essential vitamins and minerals.
We also offer products that support specific goals, including Daily Greens vitamin drinks, functional energy drinks, and high-protein snack bars. All Huel products are built on the same principle: smart, convenient nutrition made for real life.
Body composition
Four weeks on Huel led to significant changes in key measures linked to body composition and metabolic health.
In a four-week controlled study where Huel was the sole source of nutrition, participants saw an average 6% reduction in BMI.
At the start of the study, 63% of participants had a BMI above the healthy range.
While BMI isn’t a perfect measure of body fat, as muscle mass can influence it, it remains a useful indicator for most people.
Micronutrient wins
Four weeks on Huel led to significant improvements in key micronutrient levels. Here’s what changed:
Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly after four weeks of Huel v3.1 Powder.
One participant who began the study with a B12 deficiency reached healthy levels by week five. This improvement is especially positive for people following a plant-based diet, as vitamin B12 is typically found in animal products.
Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly from week 0 to week 5, rising by 18% (375.9 → 443.8 pmol/L). Huel v3.1 Powder provides 32% NRV per 100g serving.
The verdict: Huel is healthy.
Our clinical study shows that four weeks on Huel can lead to meaningful improvements in nutrient status, body composition, and key markers linked to long-term health.
- Improved micronutrient status
- Positive changes in body composition
- Improved metabolic health markers
- Nutritionally complete, plant-based food
The Board Shaping Huel's Future
The Huel Science Advisory Board is a team of leading experts in nutrition and health, ensuring every Huel product is grounded in the latest scientific research. They help us stay ahead of nutrition trends, drive innovation, and ensure our products deliver real, measurable health benefits.
Dr. Kristen Holmes
Dr. Idrees Mughal
James Collier
🔥 Bestseller
Black EditionComplete high-protein powder meal
40g protein
400 cal per meal
🔥 Bestseller
Daily GreensSupergreens powder
91 vitamins, minerals & nutrients
25 cal per serve
Black Edition Ready-to-drinkHigh-protein meal shakes
35g protein
400 cal per bottle
🔥 Bestseller
Hot & Savory Meal PacksHot & tasty instant meals
Up to 25g protein
400 cal per meal
The science doesn’t stop here
How Huel fits into real life
Huel isn’t designed to be your only source of food. So how does it impact health when eaten twice a day, or even just twice a week, alongside a regular diet? That’s the kind of real-world research we’re exploring next.
The research continues
Nutrition science is constantly evolving, and so are we. We're always reviewing the latest research to understand how Huel can best support your health, and we'll keep sharing what we find.
Why participants ate less
Participants were told to eat enough Huel to maintain weight, but most naturally ate less. This calorie drop likely influenced weight changes. Future research will clarify how much was due to Huel itself versus simply reduced intake.
References
- Wilcox MD CP, Stanforth KJ, Williams R, Brownlee IA and Pearson JP , . A Pilot Pre and Post 4 Week Intervention Evaluating the Effect of a Proprietary, Powdered, Plant Based Food on Micronutrient Status, Dietary Intake, and Markers of Health in a Healthy Adult Population. frontiers. 2022.
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- Borruel S, et al. Surrogate markers of visceral adiposity in young adults: waist circumference and body mass index are more accurate than waist hip ratio, model of adipose distribution and visceral adiposity index. PLoS One. 2014; 9(12):e114112.
- Alberti KG, et al. The metabolic syndrome--a new worldwide definition. Lancet. 2005; 366(9491):1059-62.
- Reeder BA, et al. The association of cardiovascular disease risk factors with abdominal obesity in Canada. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group. Cmaj. 1997; 157 Suppl 1:S39-45.
- Ruiz-Castell M, et al. Estimated visceral adiposity is associated with risk of cardiometabolic conditions in a population-based study. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11(1):9121.