Huel
Huel is a British nutritionally complete food company that produces plant-based meal replacements, including powdered shakes, ready-to-drink beverages, bars, and hot savory meals, designed to provide balanced nutrition in convenient formats.[1] Founded in June 2015 by Julian Hearn and James Collier in the United Kingdom, Huel's mission is to offer affordable, sustainable food options that minimize environmental impact and animal use while delivering complete daily nutrition.[1] The brand emphasizes accessibility, with products priced at approximately $1.52 per 400-calorie serving, and operates from offices across the UK, US, and Europe, employing over 100 team members.[1] At the core of Huel's offerings is a commitment to nutritional completeness, ensuring each product supplies all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, along with optimal levels of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and phytonutrients to meet daily requirements.[2] Formulations feature high-quality plant-based ingredients such as oats, pea protein, brown rice, and flaxseed, resulting in 100% vegan, lactose-free, and GMO-free meals, with gluten-free options available, that are low in sugar and support digestive health through high fiber content.[3] For instance, a standard 400-calorie serving of Huel Powder provides around 30 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 46-49 grams of carbohydrates (varying by flavor), with a macronutrient ratio of approximately 37% net carbs, 30% fat, 30% protein, and 3% fiber.[3] Huel has achieved B Corporation certification for its ethical and sustainable practices, including efforts to reduce food waste through long-shelf-life products and a focus on eco-friendly sourcing.[4] The company has expanded globally, with significant revenue growth—reaching £214 million in sales for the financial year ended July 2024—and continues to innovate, launching functional products like the carbonated Daily Greens ready-to-drink beverage in September 2025 to meet rising demand for convenient, benefit-focused nutrition.[5][6]Company Background
Founding and Founders
Huel was founded in 2015 in Aylesbury, England, by Julian Hearn, a marketing entrepreneur with prior experience in online ventures, and James Collier, a registered nutritionist and founder of the bodybuilding website MuscleTalk.[7][8][9] Hearn, who had built and sold previous companies in the digital space, sought to create a convenient alternative to conventional meals that prioritized nutritional completeness and sustainability.[10][11] The initial motivation stemmed from Collier's expertise in nutrition, where he developed a recipe for a nutritionally complete meal replacement to overcome the limitations and inefficiencies of traditional diets, such as time-consuming preparation and inconsistent nutrient intake.[7][12] Hearn recognized the commercial potential of this formulation and partnered with Collier to bring it to market, combining Collier's scientific background with Hearn's business acumen in marketing and operations.[9][13] The venture was bootstrapped from the outset, with Hearn providing the initial funding from his personal resources without seeking external investment, allowing the founders to maintain control during the early development phase.[10][9] This self-financed approach supported the formulation and testing of the product, which launched in 2015.[8]Operations and Business Model
Huel is a privately held company headquartered in Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, where it relocated its global headquarters in 2019 to a 10,000-square-foot facility designed to foster collaboration among its team.[14] The company maintains additional offices in Birmingham and London in the UK, as well as in New York City and Germany, supporting a workforce of over 300 employees across these locations as of 2025.[15][16] As a privately held entity, Huel operates without public stock listing, enabling focused decision-making on long-term sustainability and product innovation while achieving global distribution through direct shipping to customers in over 80 countries.[17][18] The core of Huel's business model revolves around direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales conducted primarily through its website, where customers can purchase products outright or via subscription plans that offer recurring deliveries at discounted rates to encourage repeat business.[19] This DTC approach accounts for approximately 99% of its revenue, minimizing overheads associated with traditional retail distribution and allowing scalability through digital marketing and e-commerce infrastructure.[19] Subscriptions, in particular, drive customer retention by providing flexibility in frequency and product selection, with options starting at around £1.10 per 400 kcal serving, positioning Huel as an affordable alternative to conventional meals.[20] The model emphasizes sustainability as a key differentiator, evidenced by Huel's achievement of B Corp certification in June 2023 after scoring 92.1 on the B Impact Assessment, which evaluates environmental and social performance.[4] To enhance supply chain transparency, Huel joined Tony's Open Chain initiative in June 2023, committing to source all its cocoa according to five ethical principles that ensure fair treatment of farmers and cooperatives in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, thereby addressing exploitation in the cocoa industry.[21][22] Operationally, Huel employs plant-based manufacturing processes centered on its state-of-the-art, carbon net-zero facility in Milton Keynes, UK, which opened in early 2024 to handle in-house production and reduce reliance on third-party suppliers.[23][24] This 71,000-square-foot site supports the company's focus on vegan formulations, using ingredients like oats, pea protein, brown rice protein, flaxseed, and coconut, all processed in facilities adhering to high regulatory standards for quality and safety.[20] Huel's products are designed to meet diverse dietary needs, with all offerings being 100% plant-based and vegan, and many lines, including its standard Powder v3.0, formulated to be naturally gluten-free through the use of certified gluten-free oats.[25] This operational emphasis on allergen-friendly, sustainable production enables Huel to serve a global customer base seeking convenient, ethically sourced nutrition without compromising on environmental impact.[20]Products
Powder-Based Meals
Huel's powder-based meals form the foundation of its product lineup, offering nutritionally complete options designed for convenient meal replacement. The original Huel Powder, launched on June 17, 2015, in Vanilla flavor, is packaged in 1.73 kg bags containing approximately 17 servings and serves as a balanced, plant-based meal replacement when mixed with water or non-dairy milk.[26][3] Each 100 g serving (two level scoops) provides 400 calories, supporting full or partial meal substitution as part of a varied diet.[3] In December 2019, Huel introduced Black Edition to cater to those seeking a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate alternative, launching initially in Chocolate and Vanilla flavors within 1.53 kg pouches.[26] This variant features 50% fewer carbohydrates and 33% more protein than the original—delivering 40 g of protein per serving—while using natural sweeteners like stevia and coconut sugar to minimize glycemic impact.[27] Like the original, a 90 g serving (two scoops) yields 400 calories and is prepared by blending with 400-500 ml of water or milk for a complete meal option.[27] Both powders emphasize ease of use and nutritional completeness, with customizable mixing ratios allowing users to adjust texture and flavor; for instance, adding fruits or nut butters enhances palatability without compromising the core formulation.[28] They are positioned for busy lifestyles, enabling quick preparation via shaker bottle to replace one or more daily meals while aligning with dietary guidelines for balanced intake.[3]Ready-to-Drink and Bar Products
Huel's Ready-to-Drink (RTD) products consist of bottled meal replacement shakes designed for convenience, providing a nutritionally complete meal without preparation. Launched in late 2018 with initial flavors including Vanilla and Berry, each 16.9-ounce bottle delivers 400 calories, 20 grams of plant-based protein, high fiber, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals.[29][30] Later variants, such as the Black Edition introduced in 2024 for the US market, offer 35 grams of protein per 400-calorie bottle while maintaining low sugar and zero artificial sweeteners.[31] In October 2025, Huel launched Lite RTD, a lower-calorie version with 200 calories per 16.9-ounce bottle, 15 grams of protein, and reduced carbohydrates for lighter meal or snack options.[32] Available flavors include Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Banana, aligning with Huel's powder-based nutritional standards for balanced macronutrients.[33] Huel Bars provide a portable, snack-sized option for partial meal replacement or between-meal nutrition, formulated as vegan, gluten-free bars with complete nutrient profiles. First released in the UK in December 2016 and expanded to the US in December 2019, the Complete Nutrition Bars feature layers of chocolate and caramel or similar coatings, delivering approximately 200 calories, 12-15 grams of plant-based protein depending on the variant, high fiber, low sugar, and all 27 essential vitamins and minerals per bar.[34][35] Flavors such as Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Butter cater to on-the-go consumption, emphasizing sustained energy without the need for refrigeration.[36][37] Introduced in September 2020, Huel Hot & Savory products expand the line with warm, savory meal options in pouch or cup formats, prepared by adding hot water or microwaving for under five minutes. Each serving (approximately 95-108 grams depending on flavor) yields 400 calories, 22-25 grams of plant-based protein, high fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals, making it a full meal alternative with 100% vegan, non-GMO ingredients free from soy and artificial additives.[38] In October 2025, Huel introduced Hot & Savory Meal Packs as a new ready-made format for quicker preparation.[39] Flavors include Pasta Bolognese, Chick'n & Mushroom, and Mac & Cheeze, offering variety in texture and taste for those seeking heated meals that match the nutritional completeness of Huel's other formats.[40][41]Supplements and Additional Offerings
Huel offers a range of targeted supplements designed to complement its core meal products by addressing specific nutritional needs, such as protein intake and micronutrient support. These supplements are formulated to be vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories, allowing users to incorporate them into their routines without replacing full meals.[42][43] Huel Complete Protein is a standalone vegan protein powder supplement providing 20 grams of protein per serving from a blend of pea, faba, and hemp proteins, delivering all nine essential amino acids for muscle recovery and maintenance. Unlike Huel's complete meal powders, it contains 110 calories per serving and is intended for use as a post-workout boost or daily protein addition, with added vitamins and minerals to support overall nutrition. Launched as the world's first nutritionally complete vegan protein powder, it emphasizes high bioavailability and sustainability through plant-based sourcing.[42][44] Introduced in February 2023, Huel Daily Greens is a superfood powder supplement featuring 91 wholefood-sourced ingredients, including spirulina, ashwagandha, kale, and ginseng, alongside vitamins and minerals to promote gut health, immune function, and energy levels. Available in powder form for mixing into water or other beverages, each serving delivers 23 calories and focuses on antioxidants, adaptogens, and fiber without providing substantial calories or macronutrients. A carbonated ready-to-drink version was released in September 2025 to enhance convenience, available in flavors such as Apple, Cucumber & Mint; Peach & Hibiscus; and Blueberry, Lemon & Thyme.[45][43][6] Among additional offerings, Huel Daily A-Z Vitamins serves as a low-calorie micronutrient blend in the form of a sparkling energy drink, containing all 26 essential vitamins and minerals, 100mg of caffeine from green tea and guarana, and electrolytes to support daily vitality and reduce fatigue. Launched in August 2023, this 30-calorie canned beverage is positioned as an add-on for users seeking targeted nutrient top-ups, with flavors like cherry-raspberry and pineapple-mango derived from real fruit extracts.[46][47][48]Nutritional Profile
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Huel products are formulated to provide a balanced macronutrient profile, with approximately 37% of calories derived from carbohydrates, primarily sourced from gluten-free oats and tapioca starch.[3] Protein constitutes about 30% of the caloric content, obtained from plant-based sources including pea, faba bean, and brown rice proteins.[3] Fats also account for roughly 30% of calories, mainly from flaxseed, sunflower oil powder, and coconut medium-chain triglycerides.[3] Each 100-gram serving delivers 8 to 10 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health and satiety.[3] The following details primarily apply to Huel Powder version 3.1 (current as of 2025); other products have similar but tailored profiles. The micronutrient composition of Huel ensures comprehensive coverage of essential nutrients, including 27 vitamins and minerals that meet 100% of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) when consuming five servings to reach 2,000 calories daily.[3] Per 100-gram serving (values approximate and may vary slightly by flavor), this includes vitamins such as A (180 micrograms or 23% NRV), C (60 milligrams or 75% NRV), D (4 micrograms or 80% NRV), E (3 milligrams or 25% NRV), and the B-complex vitamins like B1 (0.24 milligrams or 22% NRV), B2 (0.28 milligrams or 20% NRV), B6 (0.34 milligrams or 24% NRV), B12 (0.8 micrograms or 32% NRV), and folate (80 micrograms or 40% NRV).[49] Key minerals encompass iron (7.9 milligrams or 56% NRV), zinc (3.6 milligrams or 36% NRV), and calcium (260 milligrams or 33% NRV), all derived from plant-based fortification to support overall physiological functions.[49] With a caloric density of 400 kilocalories per 100-gram serving, Huel is designed for convenient, sustainable meal replacement without promoting caloric excess, allowing users to scale intake based on individual energy needs.[50] This profile emphasizes plant-based nutrient sourcing to align with vegan dietary preferences while maintaining nutritional completeness.[3]| Macronutrient | Percentage of Calories | Grams per 100g Serving | Primary Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 37% | 37-49g | Oats, tapioca starch |
| Protein | 30% | 30g | Pea, faba bean, brown rice |
| Fats | 30% | 12g | Flaxseed, sunflower, coconut |
| Fiber | N/A (included in carbs) | 8-10g | Oats, flaxseed |