As a huge fan of The Overlap podcast, I’ve heard Gary Neville and his guests talk about Huel week after week, and I finally decided to give it a try. If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and complete meal you can grab on the go, Huel might just be the answer.
Designed by expert nutritionists, Huel provides all the nutrients your body needs in one convenient package. It’s not just a protein shake, it’s everything your body requires to perform at its best.
So when the opportunity came up to review the range – I was intrigued. I tried Huel products over a couple of months, as a snack, a lunch substitute, or a pre- and post-workout boost. Some products I loved and one I really didn’t rate at all. Here’s what I discovered.
What is Huel?
Huel (from “human” + “fuel”) is a UK-based company producing plant-based, nutritionally complete foods, from ready-to-drink bottles and instant meals to powders and bars. Launched in 2015, their mission is simple: convenient, balanced, and affordable nutrition for busy lifestyles.
Huel Daily A-Z Vitamins – 5/5
A sparkling vitamin drink with caffeine (100mg), electrolytes, and 26 essential vitamins. Flavours include pineapple, watermelon, and cherry & raspberry.
I’m not usually an energy drink fan, so I was surprised to find these are actually one of my top Huel products. They’re packed with electrolytes and vitamins to give you a little boost through the day, supporting everything from energy and focus to your immune system, basically 154 science-backed reasons to keep going.
The watermelon flavour was my favourite, and it really did work. My colleagues will confirm I didn’t stop talking all morning and got through loads of work after having one.
Pros: Light, energising
Cons: Only one caffeine-free option
Huel Black Edition Ready-To-Drink – 4.5/5
Higher protein (35g per bottle) and lower in carbs, this is ideal for anyone looking to up their protein intake without extra sugar. I found these bottles came in really handy on days when I was working late or had no time to nip out for lunch – a quick, convenient way to get a solid protein hit without having to think about prepping a meal.
Taste-wise, they’re slightly thicker than the standard Ready-To-Drink. Perfect post-workout, or whenever you need a protein boost on busy days.
Pros: High protein, low sugar, convenient, perfect for busy workdays
Cons: Limited flavours
Huel Ready-To-Drink – 4/5
These bottles are super convenient and filling, and they come in flavours like chocolate, vanilla, berry, iced coffee caramel, and banana. I loved all the flavours except banana – personal preference, as I’m just not a fan of banana-flavoured things. Each bottle packs 20g of protein and 400 calories, making them a solid choice when you need something quick and nutritious.
Taste-wise, they’re mostly milkshake-like: smooth, easy to drink, and sweet without being overpowering. I found them perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack – much better for me than reaching for a packet of biscuits when hunger hit.
Pros: Tasty, variety of flavours, moderate price, convenient
Cons: Not hugely filling as a full meal – but a great snack alternative.
Huel Complete Nutrition Bar – 3/5
High-protein snack bars with 26 vitamins and minerals. Surprisingly enjoyable, they come in a few different flavours – personal taste plays a big part here. Peanut caramel and chocolate caramel were firm favourites, while chocolate fudge brownie felt a bit too dense and chewy. Overall, they’re perfect for popping in your bag for on-the-go snacking or a post-workout boost.
Pros: Moderate protein, decent taste, easy for on-the-go
Cons: Dry texture, could use more gooeyness
Huel Daily Greens – 2/5
If you’re a fan of greens powders, this one certainly delivers on nutrients. Packed with 91 vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables, adaptogens, and probiotics, it promises a serious nutrient boost.
It supports energy, digestion, and immunity, making it a very comprehensive supplement for anyone looking to up their daily nutrient intake.
That said, purely personal taste this one wasn’t really for me. I tried the Original mixed with water, but it also comes in Watermelon flavour. Both flavours can be blended into smoothies if you prefer. Prep is simple: mix one scoop with 250–300ml of water. A little residue remains (maybe I need one of those little wizzy things influncers have), but it’s not a deal-breaker.
At £45 for 30 servings, it’s pricey. Nutrient-packed, yes, but I much preferred some of the other Huel products.
Pros: Nutrient-packed, lots of health benefits
Cons: Doesn’t fully dissolve, expensive, and not my favourite taste-wise
New: Huel Lite – 4/5
The newest addition to the Huel line-up, Huel Lite is made for those lighter moments. With 25g of protein, 6g of fibre, and just 190 calories, it’s a lower-calorie meal that still packs a nutritional punch.
Absolutely perfect for after a long run. It’s not too heavy but still gives you everything you need to recover – protein for muscle growth, magnesium and vitamin D for normal muscle function, and a full B-vitamin complex to help with energy levels. It feels more like a refreshing refuel than a full meal, which makes it perfect for that post-run window.
Full disclosure: This is a new product, I wasn’t sent these to review. I bought them myself to make sure I could include them in my test, so this is a completely honest, personal opinion.
Pros: Light, great macros, perfect after a workout
Cons: Limited flavours so far (I’m not a banana fan)
Verdict
Huel really hits a sweet spot between convenience and nutrition. The Ready-To-Drink bottles, especially the shakes and lite have been great as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, stopping me from reaching for a packet of Haribo!
The vitamin drinks were a surprising hit for me. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy them as much as I did. The Daily Greens grew on me a bit the more I used them, but in all honestly, I prefer another brand. That said, taste is totally personal, and it might be your new favourite.
If you’re time-poor but want something nutritionally reliable and vegan-friendly, Huel is worth a try. Just don’t expect it to replace the joys of whole foods entirely.
Want to give Huel a try?
My personal favourites are the:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Black Edition
- The Ready-To-Drink White bottle/Lite
- Watermelon Huel Daily A-Z Vitamin drink.
These have become regulars for me – whether it’s after a run, for a quick boost or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. You can grab these (and all the other products) directly from the Huel website using my code RUNWITHRACHEL for a discount.
