The Huel Daily Superblend Formula Explained

Huel Daily Superblend is a plant-based, nutritionally complete, powdered food that is rich in protein, fiber and packed with the essential vitamins and minerals, as well as wholefood-sourced phytonutrients. Each 250-calorie serving provides beneficial nutrients from six nutrient-rich blends: plant-based protein and superfood blend, organic superfruit blend, organic antioxidant greens blend, organic adaptogen and super mushroom complex, organic botanical blend, and probiotics. The macronutrient split of Daily Superblend is 34:21:40:5, i.e. 34% of the energy comes from net carbohydrates, while 21% comes from fat, 40% from protein and 5% from fiber.

Huel Daily Superblend is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. Additionally, like all Huel products, it contains no GMOs or any animal products.

The Daily Superblend 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 250 calorie serving[1].

How is Huel Daily Superblend Different from other Huel Powdered Meals?

Huel Daily Superblend combines not only all the great nutrition that you’d expect from every Huel meal as standard but we’ve also added six nutrient-packed super blends (get it?!) for additional potential health benefits. Huel Daily Superblend is a small but mighty nutrition shake that does it all, at only 250 calories per meal, compared to the typical 400-calorie Huel Powder, Black Edition, and Hot & Savory meals.  

Daily Superblend is designed to be very customizable; it provides all the vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants and adaptogens you want from a meal, and is still low enough in calories that you can add it into your morning smoothie routine if you wish. You can build it out to be more calorically dense by blending it with things like plant-based milks, nut butters, fruits, yogurts etc. But, if you prefer to keep it simple, you can consume it as is by shaking it up with water! 

Carbohydrates in Huel Daily Superblend

The carbohydrate in Huel Daily Superblend provides 34% of the calories. The carbohydrates are predominantly derived from oats and tapioca, however, a number of the other ingredients also contribute a small amount of 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[40]. 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. 

Fats in Huel Daily Superblend

The fats in Huel Daily Superblend make up around 21% of the total energy and are principally provided by flaxseed and coconut milk powder. 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 fatty acid )^[2]. Huel Daily Superblend is a good source of fatty acids and is particularly high in the essential fatty acid ALA, which can help maintain normal cholesterol levels among other health benefits ^[3].

The coconut milk powder in Huel Daily Superblend provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel. 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[4,5].

Plant-Based Protein and Superfood Blend

Huel Daily Superblend provides proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, fibers, and key vitamins and minerals. 

The vast majority of Americans do not consume adequate amounts of fiber, with just 5% of the population meeting fiber intake recommendations[10]. Huel Daily Superblend contains gluten-free oats which are a source of a special class of fiber called beta-glucans that have been shown to have a favorable effect on cholesterol and blood glucose levels ^{[6, 7]}. Inulin, a soluble prebiotic fiber, can also be found in every Huel Daily Superblend meal. Research has linked inulin to digestive health because it feeds the good bacteria in the gut and helps them grow ^[8]. What’s more, fiber supports digestive health by promoting bowel regularity. Tapioca is a starch extracted from cassava, a root vegetable, similar to sweet potato. Along with providing carbohydrates, the tapioca in Huel Daily Superblend helps with mixability and provides a smoother texture.

There are three plant-based protein sources in Huel Daily Superblend, pea protein, faba bean protein, and brown rice protein. Each brings different concentrations of essential amino acids to the formula. This means that when combined, they can complement each other to provide a nutritionally well-rounded and complete amino acid profile.

Pea protein is high in important branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, which plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis ^[9]. However, pea protein is relatively low in methionine, but hemp protein is relatively high in this amino acid. 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. Faba bean protein provides a good balance of essential amino acids including lysine and is also favoured by our product development team because it gives a smooth and creamy profile. 

Flaxseed is packed with nutrients, fiber, and the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of flaxseed may have positive effects on lowering blood pressure to a level that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke ^[11]. 

Organic Superfruit Blend

The Huel Daily Superblend superfruit blend is packed with a range of fruits, all of which bring their own beneficial compounds such as vitamins and phytonutrients. In particular anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient, which are the naturally occurring pigments found in plants, particularly berries which are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors.

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 health ^[12].

Organic acerola cherries (aka Malpighia emarginata) are grown in Central and South America. They are rivaled by few other fruits in respect of their high vitamin C content and also contain several phytonutrients such as flavonoids. Organic tart cherries are distinct from their sweet cousins and have a brighter red color. They contain several phytonutrients which may reduce inflammation ^[13].

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 health ^{[14, 15]}. 

Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend

The Huel Daily Superblend Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend contains thirteen ingredients specially selected for their antioxidant health properties. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are naturally produced byproducts of various cellular processes. Left unchecked, free-radical molecules in the body can cause damage to cells and tissues in the body if they remain at chronically high levels ^[16].

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 properties ^[17]. The nutrient profile of broccoli sprouts is more concentrated when compared to older broccoli, which is why we’ve included both in Huel Daily Superblend.

Green tea is one of the most popular antioxidant drinks in the world. Made from the Camellia Sinensis plant leaves, the green tea leaf extract is renowned for its potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its rich polyphenol content, particularly the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) ^[18]. 

Organic mate leaf extract is derived from a plant native to South America and is a source of bioactive compounds like flavonoids ^[19]. Preliminary research has suggested that regular mate tea consumption may increase antioxidant enzyme gene expression ^[20]. 

Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex

The Huel Daily Superblend Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex features a distinctive blend of mushrooms such as cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi mushrooms, touted for their medical properties. 

The term ‘adaptogen’ was coined in the late 1950s to describe any substance that exerts positive effects on both sick and healthy individuals without producing unwanted side effects ^[21]. While we now know that’s not strictly true, the evidence base for adaptogens' positive effects, particularly reducing the effects of stress ^[22], is growing and strengthening. 

One popular adaptogen included in the blend 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 time ^{[23, 24]}. 

Ginseng mainly refers to the root of plants that belong to the genus Panax, a herb native to China, Korea, and Russia, and has been used in traditional medicine as an adaptogen ^[25]. The Huel Daily Superblend Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex contains three varieties of ginseng, organic siberian, white, and red ginseng root. 

Organic Botanical Blend

The Huel Daily Superblend Organic Botanical Blend is a combination of 7 nutrient-rich botanical ingredients from different parts of plants like roots, leaves, and flowers.  

Echinacea is a flowering plant native to North America and is commonly used in herbal remedies because of its bioactive compounds called alkylamides. Research suggests that the alkylamides could modulate the immune response ^[26] and may decrease the odds of developing a common cold as well as the duration of experiencing cold symptoms ^[27]. 

Hawthorn is a type of berry that was included in the Huel Daily Superblend Organic Botanical Blend because of its immune-supportive potential ^[28], although further research is needed to explore this area.

Probiotics In Huel Daily Superblend

Probiotics are the ‘friendly’ bacteria that when consumed in adequate amounts may have health benefits, particularly for gut health ^{[29, 30, 31]}. Huel Daily Superblend contains two types of probiotics, Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856 and Bifidobacterium Bifidum. Bacillus Coagulans is a robust and stable probiotic which makes it a great addition to Huel Daily Superblend ^[32]. Bifidobacterium Bifidum has specific adaptations to the human gut allowing it to thrive and compete with other bacteria, potentially preventing the colonisation of harmful bacteria ^[33].

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Daily Superblend

Huel Daily Superblend 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, 35, 36]}, so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Daily Superblend formula. The benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy supporting a healthy immune system, antioxidant properties and it also helps the absorption of minerals like iron ^{[35, 36, 37]}. 

Huel Daily Superblend provides essential nutrients often present in limited amounts in plant-based diets, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, and calcium. Vitamin B12 in particular is extremely rare in plant foods, meaning that vegans are particularly vulnerable to B12 deficiency if they don’t supplement with it. Huel Daily Superblend 33% of the DV for vitamin B12. 

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

Phytonutrients in Huel Daily Superblend

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods that may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention. Because Huel Daily Superblend’s fundamental ingredients are plant-based foods, these are already phytonutrient-rich. However, we've also added some additional phytonutrients to optimize the Huel Daily Superblend formula and to complement the antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E and selenium.

Huel Daily Superblend’s beneficial phytonutrients include lycopene from the Organic Superfruit blend and lutein, and zeaxanthin from the 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 ^{[38, 39]}. Lutein is also an antioxidant. Zeaxanthin, another antioxidant, has also been added because of its role in long-term eye health ^[38].

Huel Daily Superblend 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: For those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please review the carbohydrate, sugar and other nutrition facts of the Daily Superblend to see if it is suitable for your needs. If you're using medication to help control your diabetes you should structure your intake of Huel Daily Superblend appropriately.

• Celiac disease: Huel Daily Superblend 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 Superblend.

• FODMAPs: We do not currently have FODMAP testing for Huel Essential, so we cannot confirm it is appropriate for those following a low FODMAP diet. 

• Pregnancy & lactation: Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals, Huel Daily Superblend is NOT suitable for use during pregnancy or for nursing mothers. 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 Daily Superblend 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 Superblend after discussing it with their doctor or relevant clinician.

• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Huel Daily Superblend is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).

• Medications: Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals and unique herbal ingredients in Huel Daily Superblend, 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 minimize the possibility of any allergen contamination of our product. However, where it is not possible to reduce the risk we will highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging (and ingredient lists) in line with current US FDA guidelines.

Huel Daily Superblend contains tree nuts (coconut) and is produced in a facility that handles milk. Huel Daily Superblend is gluten-free, utilizing oats that are cultivated and processed specifically for this application, making them free from 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.

References 

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39. Richer S, 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 (St Louis, Mo). 2004; 75(4):216-30.

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