The Huel Hot & Savory Formula Explained
Huel Hot & Savory is a delicious nutritionally complete meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential fats and contain a balanced macro split of 38:30:25:7 (net carbohydrate, fat, protein, fiber), phytonutrients, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, they contain no lactose or any animal products, and no GMO.
Huel Hot & Savory meets the HHS and USDA's Dietary Guidelines and Daily Value (DV) requirements for all macro- and micronutrients[1] and are a sustained source of energy with a wealth of other nutritious benefits.
Continue reading to find out more about Huel Hot & Savory.
The Huel Hot & Savory Formula Explained
Nutrition information and Ingredients
Huel Hot & Savory has a 38:30:25:7 Macro Split
The principle macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fiber, and in Huel Hot & Savory, they’re at the ratio of 38:30:25:7 respectively; i.e. 38% of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 30% from fats, 25% from proteins, and 7% from fiber.
Amino acids are the simplest units of protein, and several amino acids are essential for life, with others being crucial for good health, so any diet has to contain a significant amount of protein.
Some fatty acids that are required for life and good health, so including sources of essential fat, are crucial too.
Carbohydrates, while not essential per se, have significant benefits and help maintain energy levels.
These ratios in Huel Hot & Savory are within the parameters of the healthy eating guidelines and provide optimum, sustained energy release while covering macronutritional requirements for disease prevention.
Carbohydrate in Huel Hot & Savory
The carbs in Huel Hot & Savory are mainly provided by the brown rice, quinoa, and corn starch. However, a number of the other ingredients also contribute to the carb content, and this differs between the varieties. We’ve chosen brown rice and quinoa as they’re ideal grains for a tasty meal and, in combination with the other ingredients, allow for a slow release of energy[2]. Plus, as rice and quinoa are wholefoods, they provide so much more than just carbohydrates: many vitamins and minerals too.
Fat in Huel Hot & Savory: Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Coconut
The fats in Huel Hot & Savory provide 30% of the total energy and are principally provided by flaxseeds and sunflower oil to ensure that essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are in optimum amounts. We’ve included medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut. MCTs are treated much like carbs, i.e. they provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel and are perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles[3]. But MCTs have another invaluable quality: they are not susceptible to oxidation and rancidity, meaning that they do not contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In short, MCTs from coconut are a healthy and efficient source of energy.
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)[4]. Using our blend of flaxseeds and sunflower oil powder, we’ve ensured that Huel Hot & Savory contains sufficient amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Moreover, these natural seed powders provide antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals. Free radicals may be involved in the pathology of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging, so it’s desirable to keep their formation to a minimum, and this is the role of antioxidants[5].
Hot & Savory is High-protein
The RI for protein is 50g per day, but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency[1]. The Western diet typically provides more[6], and Huel Hot & Savory does too. All essential amino acids are included in adequate amounts from vegan protein sources. Most of the protein is supplied by pea protein and the pulses, with a significant amount provided by the brown rice, quinoa, and flaxseeds and smaller amounts coming from several of the other ingredients, depending on the variety. Based on an average 2,000-calorie intake, you’ll be consuming 117-120g protein per day (varies depending on the variety) from Huel Hot & Savory. This provides ample for optimal health as well as building and maintaining a healthy body. Furthermore, protein is more satiating (appetite suppressing) than other macronutrients[7], and we've designed Huel Hot & Savory to stop unwanted hunger pangs.
Amino Acid Profile of Huel Hot & Savory
Protein is made up of amino acids. There are over 500 amino acids in nature, 20 of which are known as the standard amino acids as these are the ones that are coded genetically and are subsequently involved in primary protein synthesis in animals. Of these 20, nine are essential as they cannot be synthesized from other amino acids. The nine essential amino acids are:
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
The other eleven are:
Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic acid
Cysteine
Glutamine
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Proline
Serine
Tyrosine
Amino Acid Content of Huel Hot & Savory (based on Thai Green Curry v1.0 - amounts will differ slightly for other flavors)
Amino Acid (mg) | Per 94g | Per 2000kcal | RDA* | %RDA per 94g |
Tryptophan | 319 | 1597 | 280 | 114% |
Threonine | 798 | 3992 | 1050 | 76% |
Isoleucine | 989 | 4946 | 1400 | 71% |
Leucine | 1476 | 7379 | 2730 | 54% |
Lysine | 1255 | 6276 | 2100 | 60% |
Methionine | 241 | 1205 | 1050** | 61% |
Cysteine | 403 | 2017 | ||
Phenylalanine | 997 | 4986 | 1750*** | 102% |
Tyrosine | 783 | 3915 | ||
Valine | 925 | 4624 | 1820 | 51% |
Histidine | 898 | 4492 | 700 | 128% |
Arginine | 1499 | 7496 | ||
Alanine | 1086 | 5430 | ||
Aspartic acid**** | 2553 | 12765 | ||
Glutamic acid***** | 3128 | 15640 | ||
Glycine | 925 | 4625 | ||
Proline | 893 | 4467 | ||
Serine | 1038 | 5190 |
*WHO (2007) recommended daily amounts for essential amino acids for 70kg adult
**combined total for methionine + cysteine
***combined total for phenylalanine + tyrosine
****figure includes asparagine
*****figure includes glutamine
All protein sources are not equal: some are classed as ‘complete proteins’ and some are not. A complete protein is one that contains sufficient quantities of all nine essential amino acids.
Generally, proteins derived from animal foods (meats, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs) are complete. Indeed, some proteins derived from plant foods (legumes, seeds, grains, and vegetables) are often complete as well; examples include quinoa, buckwheat, and soy. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or one or more of the essential amino acids. Some are notably low, such as corn protein, which is low in lysine and isoleucine.
The protein in Huel Hot & Savory comes from pea protein (powder and nuggets), pulses (black-eyed beans) brown rice, quinoa, and flaxseeds. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids. The protein from rice is high in the sulphur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, plus it contains good amounts of all the others, but is very low in lysine. Pea protein is low in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine. Combining ingredients ensures everything is covered while keeping Huel Hot & Savory vegan.
Fiber in Huel Hot & Savory
One serving of Huel Hot & Savory contains 37-47% (varies between varieties) of the recommended daily amount of fiber. The fiber in Huel Hot & Savory is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms and is naturally supplied from most of the ingredients, including the brown rice, quinoa, pulses, and vegetables) and provides more than most standard meals. The fiber content helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools in healthy users[8].
Fiber acts like a sponge, so try to consume more water than you might usually when using Huel Hot & Savory[9]. The Huel Hot & Savory formula supports optimum digestive system health.
Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Hot & Savory
A bulk of the vitamins and minerals – also known as micronutrients – in Huel Hot & Savory are from natural ingredients. However, in order to meet the demands of a Western lifestyle, we've added a unique vitamin and mineral formula to provide, in some cases, more than 100% of the recommended amounts.
Numerous studies in the past twenty years have demonstrated that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the RNI 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[10, 11, 12], so we've reflected this in the Huel Hot & Savory formula. Benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy immune system, healthy skin and antioxidant properties[11, 12, 13].
With some of the trace elements, the levels are far higher than the recommended amounts. This is because we only need tiny amounts of them, but the natural ingredients in Huel Hot & Savory are a rich source.
Choline is a conditionally essential B vitamin, and although, strictly speaking, it can be synthesized in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets[14]. It’s of particular importance for post-menopausal women[15, 16]. As Huel Hot & Savory is all about optimum health, having a high amount of choline was felt to be fundamental.
Phytonutrients in Huel Hot & Savory
Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods which, while not essential, may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention. Junk food diets are often deficient in phytonutrients, and thus consumers miss out on invaluable health benefits and antioxidant effects.
Huel Hot & Savory’s fundamental ingredients are plant-based foods, which are already phytonutrient-rich and so the benefits are passed onto anyone consuming Huel Hot & Savory. Additionally, we've also included some extra phytonutrients to optimize the Huel Hot & Savory formula and to complement the antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E and selenium.
Polyphenols in Huel Hot & Savory have antioxidant activity. Huel Hot & Savory's beneficial phytonutrients include:
Betalains: antioxidant polyphenols found in quinoa that also help with the function of antioxidant systems in the body
Ferulic acid: from quinoa and brown rice, a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent[19, 20].
Lutein: from the flaxseed and we've also added additional lutein in our 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[21, 22]. Lutein is also an antioxidant.
Zeaxanthin: another antioxidant, this has been added as it also has a role in long-term eye health[22].
Lycopene: added as it's a potent antioxidant[23].
Other carotenoids are also present from the quinoa as well as the tomato ingredients in the Tomato & Herb variety.
Several minor polyphenols that are naturally present from the pulses and vegetables.
Summary
As you can see, Huel Hot & Savory has far superior nutrition compared to most conventional diets. Say goodbye to expensive and low nutrition meals because convenience is a priority. Huel Hot & Savory ensures you’re giving your body what it needs through a warm, easy-to-prepare meal.
Ingredients and Nutritional Profile of Huel Hot & Savory (Pasta and Noodle flavors)
Huel Hot & Savory Cautions and Allergen Advice
Huel Hot & Savory is suitable for people with most conditions. However, as some conditions require dietary intervention, like with any food, please heed the notes below for the following conditions:
Diabetes mellitus - Huel Hot & Savory is suitable for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. As with all food, if you're using medication to help control your diabetes you should structure your intake of Huel Hot & Savory appropriately.
Inborn errors of metabolism - if you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you should consult your doctor or specialist clinician before using Huel Hot & Savory.
Pregnancy & lactation - Most Huel products are fine to have during pregnancy, but should be limited to one serving per day as there are different nutritional requirements during this period.
Children - Huel Hot & Savory is not suitable for children under 4 years of age. However, older children may include Huel Hot & Savory as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other foods; Huel Hot & Savory should not be their sole source of nutrition as they have different nutritional requirements to adults; for more information see our Children, Adolescents and Huel article.
Eating disorders - Huel Hot & Savory may be consumed by individuals with anorexia or bulimia nervosa as a useful source of complete nutrition. However, we recommend that individuals with eating disorders only use Huel Hot & Savory after discussing it with their doctor or relevant clinician.
FODMAP - Huel Hot & Savory is not low FODMAP.
Huel Hot & Savory is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).
Medication Interactions
Huel Hot & Savory is fine to consume if you’re using most medication. Although there are no obvious reasons why Huel Hot & Savory should be an issue, 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 clearly highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging in line with current US food safety guidelines.
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
FDA. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 2016 [Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=101.9].
Atkinson FS, et al. International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values: 2008. Diabetes Care. 2008; 31(12):2281.
Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
Institute LP. Oregon State University Essential Fatty Acids. Date Accessed: 07/21/20. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids]
Lobo V, et al. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010; 4(8):118-26.
Cordain L, et al. Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2005; 81(2):341-54.
Weigle DS, et al. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2005; 82(1):41-8.
Gallaher D. Dietary Fiber. Washington, D.C: ILSI Press; 2006.
Anderson JW, et al. Health benefits of dietary fiber. Nutrition Reviews. 2009; 67(4):188-205.
Deruelle F, et al. Vitamin C: is supplementation necessary for optimal health? Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, NY). 2008; 14(10):1291-8.
Combs J, et al. The Vitamins. 4th ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.
Hathcock JN, et al. Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 81(4):736-45.
Institute LP. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 07/21/19. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C]
Zeisel SH, et al. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009; 67(11):615-23.
Fischer LM, et al. Dietary choline requirements of women: effects of estrogen and genetic variation. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2010; 92(5):1113-9.
Fischer LM, et al. Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2007; 85(5):1275-85.
Tang Y, et al. Phytochemicals in quinoa and amaranth grains and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential health beneficial effects: a review. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017; 61(7).
Miguel MG. Betalains in Some Species of the Amaranthaceae Family: A Review. Antioxidants. 2018; 7(4).
Adom KK, et al. Antioxidant activity of grains. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002; 50(21):6182-7.
Ravichanthiran K, et al. Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018; 7(6):71.
Semba RD, et al. Are lutein and zeaxanthin conditionally essential nutrients for eye health? Medical hypotheses. 2003; 61(4):465-72.
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.
Institute LP. Oregon State University. Carotenoids. Date Accessed: 07/21/20. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids]