The Huel Daily Superblend Formula Explained
Huel Daily Superblend is a plant-based, nutritionally complete, powdered food that is high in protein, high fiber and packed with 87+ vitamins, minerals, and wholefood-sourced nutrients. Each 250-calorie meal 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.
Huel Daily Superblend is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. Additionally, like all Huel products, it contains no GMOs or any animal products.
Huel Powder meets the HHS and USDA's Dietary Guidelines and Daily Value (DV) requirements for all macro- and micronutrients1, providing fewer calories per serving compared to Huel Powder.
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?!) to achieve holistic health. 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.
Huel Daily Superblend Macronutrients
The principle macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fibers, and in Huel Daily Superblend we’ve set them at the ratio of 34:21:40:5* respectively; i.e. 34% of the energy comes from net carbohydrates, while 21% comes from fat, 40% from protein and 5% from fiber.
Carbohydrates in Huel Daily Superblend
The carbohydrate in Huel Daily Superblend is predominantly derived from oat flour and tapioca, however, a number of the other ingredients also contribute a small amount of carbs. Oats are a nutritious ingredient because they provide numerous micronutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1) and manganese. Tapioca is a starch that comes from the roots of the cassava plant and we’ve used this as a source of carbohydrate because it also provides a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.
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 is important to help maintain normal cholesterol levels among many other health benefits3.
The coconut milk powder in Huel Daily Superblend provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel. But MCTs have another invaluable quality, they are resistant to oxidation and rancidity, and they show antioxidant effects4,5, meaning that they most likely do not contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In short, MCTs from coconut are a healthy and efficient source of energy.
Plant-Based Protein and Superfood Blend
Huel Daily Superblend provides proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, fibers, and key vitamins and minerals.
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 levels6, 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 grow8. 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 of these sources has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of amino acid composition, and when combined, they can complement each other to provide a more nutritionally well-rounded and complete protein profile.
Pea protein is high in important branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, which plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis9, and has a lower allergenic risk versus other protein sources such as soy and whey. However, pea protein is relatively low in methionine, but brown rice protein is relatively high in this amino acid. Brown rice protein is nutrient-rich and is a fantastic source of certain micronutrients such as vitamin E, potassium, and phosphorus and naturally contains two of the essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6). Faba bean protein provides a good balance of essential amino acids including lysine and is also favored 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 stroke11.
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 colours.
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 health12.
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 inflammation13.
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 health14,15.
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 levels16.
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 properties17. 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 flavonoids19. Preliminary research has suggested that regular mate tea consumption may increase antioxidant enzyme gene expression20.
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 by Soviet scientists to describe any substance that exerts positive effects on both sick and healthy individuals without producing unwanted side effects21. While we now know that’s not strictly true, the evidence base for adaptogens' positive effects, particularly reducing the effects of stress22, 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 time23, 24.
Ginseng mainly refers 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 adaptogen25. 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 response26 and decrease the odds of developing a common cold as well as the duration of experiencing cold symptoms27.
Hawthorn is a type of berry that was included in the Huel Daily Superblend Organic Botanical Blend because of its immune-supportive potential28, 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 health29-31. 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 Superblend32. Bifidobacterium Bifidum has specific adaptations to the human gut allowing it to thrive and compete with other bacteria, potentially preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria33.
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 low34-36, so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Daily Superblend 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 zinc35-37.
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 43% of the DV for vitamin B12.
Read more about vitamins and minerals and their role in human health.
Phytonutrients in Huel Daily Superblend
Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods that, whilst not essential, may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention. Junk food diets and many synthetic liquid diets that aren’t based on real food are deficient in phytonutrients, and thus consumers miss out on invaluable health benefits and antioxidant effects.
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 development38, 39. Lutein is also an antioxidant. Zeaxanthin, another antioxidant, has also been added because of its role in long-term eye health38.
Summary
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 – Huel Daily Superblend 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 Superblend appropriately.
Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis - 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.
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 Superblend. However, if you’re in remission, Huel Daily Superblend may be beneficial.
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.
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.
Huel Daily Superblend 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 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.
*Nutritionals may vary depending on the flavor.
References
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