The Huel Complete Protein Formula Explained

Huel Complete Protein is a nutritionally complete vegan protein powder that is high in protein with 20g per 105 kcal serve, sugar-free, and contains fibre and all 26 vitamins and minerals.

Huel Complete Protein contains no lactose, soy, or any animal products.

Huel Complete Protein meets the Japanese Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for macro- and all micronutrients [1]. Unlike Huel Powder and Black Edition, which are both 400kcal meals, Complete Protein should not be used as a meal for your sole source of nutrition. It’s perfect any time to give your body a quick protein boost whenever you need it.

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Complete Protein.

Huel Complete Protein is 12:10:75:3 Macro Split

The principal macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fibre. Unlike Huel Powder and Black Edition, Complete Protein is not a meal – as such, the macronutrient ratio is 12:10:75:3 respectively; i.e only 12% of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 10% from fat, a whopping 75% from protein and 3% from fibre.

Amino acids are the most basic units of protein, and several amino acids are essential for life, with others being crucial for good health, so any diet should include a significant amount of protein, especially if you’re an active individual.

There are also fatty acids that are essential for life and good health, so including sources of fat is crucial too. Even though Huel Complete Protein has been formulated primarily to provide protein and thereby has very little fat, we’ve incorporated additional essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, ensuring that it’s nutritionally complete.

Carbohydrates, however, are not as essential. Although carbs have significant benefits to sustaining even energy levels, some people prefer to have a lower intake of carbs for some meals and snacks. We’ve designed Huel Complete Protein at ratios to suit people who are looking for a high protein, low carb snack.

Huel Complete Protein is High-Protein – Brown Rice, Faba and Peas

The DRI for protein is 81g per day, but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency [1]. If you’re an active individual or someone who frequently participates in exercise, most likely the 81g DRI for protein will not be sufficient to meet your increased demands for protein.

When we exercise, regardless of the type i.e endurance or strength-based exercise, we experience an increased rate of muscle protein breakdown. For the body to recover from exercise and adapt, it needs to be provided with the building blocks of protein, i.e. amino acids.

The ‘optimal’ amount of protein in a meal to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS), in other words, the process of building new muscle, falls somewhere between 20-40g protein for healthy individuals. The range is dependent upon the individual’s lean mass (the amount of muscle someone has), height, the type of exercise you do, metabolic rate and other factors [2]. Huel Complete Protein provides 20g protein per serve.

Huel Complete Protein is suitable for vegans made from a unique blend of three plant protein sources, brown rice, faba, and pea, and provides adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids. Typically, vegan protein powders are notorious for having a poor flavour profile; however, we’ve combined the more brown rice and pea proteins and layered them with faba protein to produce a smooth and creamy profile.

Amino Acid Profile

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

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)

All protein sources are not equal: some are classed as ‘complete proteins’ and some are not. A complete protein contains sufficient quantities of all nine essential amino acids (EAAs). Generally, proteins derived from animal foods (meat, 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 soybeans, quinoa, buckwheat, hempseed. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts of one or more of the EAAs, and are thereby considered ‘incomplete’. Some are notably low, such as corn protein, which is low in lysine and isoleucine.

Animal-based proteins e.g. whey – which are ‘complete proteins’ – are often thought of as superior compared to many individual ‘incomplete’ plant-based proteins. However, when two or more plant based proteins are combined, often the resulting total EAAs content is plenty. The protein in Huel Complete Protein comes from three of the main ingredients: brown rice protein, faba protein and pea protein. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts of the EAAs. Brown rice protein is high in the sulphur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, plus it contains good amounts of all the others but is comparatively low in lysine. The pea and faba proteins are lower in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine. This is why we selected these three sources, ensuring everything was covered whilst keeping Huel Complete Protein vegan-suitable.

Why does the total amount of EAAs matter? Well, it appears that only the EAAs are required for kick-starting the process of rebuilding/making new proteins otherwise known as muscle protein synthesis [3]. Three of the EAAs are categorised as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and these are leucine, isoleucine and valine. Not only are BCAAs substrates of the MPS process, but leucine is of particular importance as it acts as a stimulatory signal for MPS [4] – think of it as the ignition of a car engine. Huel Complete Protein has a total of 7.2g EAAs and 3.3g BCAAs per serve.

Huel Complete Protein is a Source of Fibre

The fibre in Huel Complete Protein is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms. The fibre content of Huel Complete Protein helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools in healthy users.

Vitamins and Minerals

Many of the vitamins and minerals – also known as micronutrients – in Huel Complete Protein are from natural ingredients. However, 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. There have been numerous studies demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the DR! may have beneficial effects to health.

For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low [5-7], so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Complete Protein 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 zinc [7].

Choline is a conditionally essential vitamin, and although, strictly speaking, it can be synthesised in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets [8]. It’s of particular importance for postmenopausal women [9,10]. As Huel is all about optimum health, the inclusion of choline was felt to be fundamental.

Summary

Huel Complete Protein is a nutritionally complete plant-based protein powder; it contains fibre, vitamins & minerals and essential amino acids (EAAs). Unlike Huel Powder and Black Edition, Complete Protein should not be used as a meal for your sole source of nutrition. It’s perfect any time to give your body a quick protein boost whenever you need it.

Ingredients

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

チョコレートファッジブラウニー味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、ココアパウダー、亜麻仁油パウダー、食塩、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（ステビア抽出物、スクラロース）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Strawberries & Cream

ストロベリークリーム味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、水溶性食物繊維、亜麻仁油パウダー、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（スクラロース）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Vanilla Caramel

バニラキャラメル味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、亜麻仁油パウダー、水溶性食物繊維、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（スクラロース、ステビア抽出物）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Nutritional Information

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

チョコレートファッジブラウニー味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、ココアパウダー、亜麻仁油パウダー、食塩、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（ステビア抽出物、スクラロース）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Additional Information

*The percentage of nutrients standard values (in 2015) (18 years old or more, standard calorie 2,200kcal)

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Strawberries & Cream

ストロベリークリーム味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、水溶性食物繊維、亜麻仁油パウダー、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（スクラロース）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Strawberries & Cream

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Strawberries & Cream

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Additional Information

*The percentage of nutrients standard values (in 2015) (18 years old or more, standard calorie 2,200kcal)

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Vanilla Caramel

バニラキャラメル味

原材料：えんどう豆蛋白、そら豆たんぱく、玄米たんぱく、亜麻仁油パウダー、水溶性食物繊維、納豆菌エキ スパウダー、昆布パウダー/香料、塩化K、クエン酸K、安定剤（キサンタンガム）、炭酸Ca、リン酸 Mg、V.C、甘味料（スクラロース、ステビア抽出物）、V.A、ナイアシン、V.D、パントテン酸Ca、V.B12、V.B6、V.B2、酸化防止剤（V.E)、V.B1 、葉酸

本品で使用している海藻は、えび・かにが生息する海域で採取しています。

Vanilla Caramel

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Vanilla Caramel

Each bag contains 1.51kg

Serving size: 29g

Additional Information

*The percentage of nutrients standard values (in 2015) (18 years old or more, standard calorie 2,200kcal)

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Huel Complete Protein Cautions and Allergen Advice

Huel Complete Protein is food, therefore it 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 Complete Protein 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 Complete Protein appropriately.
• Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis - Huel Complete Protein 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 Complete Protein. Huel Complete Protein is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).
• 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 Complete Protein. However, if you’re in remission, Huel Complete Protein may actually be beneficial.
• Pregnancy & lactation - One 105kcal serving of Huel Complete Protein per day is fine to include during pregnancy and for nursing/lactating mothers. Above this amount is not advised due to the different nutritional requirements to the general population.
• Children - Huel Complete Protein is not suitable for children under four years of age.
• Eating disorders - Huel Complete Protein 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 any Huel products after discussing their inclusion with their doctor or relevant clinician.

Medication Interactions

Huel Complete Protein is fine to consume if you’re using most medication. Although there are no obvious reasons why Huel Complete Protein 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 highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging (and ingredient lists) in line with current UK and EU food safety guidelines. However, we recognise 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.

Huel Complete Protein is gluten-free. It’s also avenin-free: it does not contain any oats so is also suitable for those with an oat intolerance and coeliacs who have an adverse reaction to oats.

References

1. Cabinet Office Ordinance. Food Labelling Standards. Accessed 06/06/23 [Available from: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=427M60000002010#P]
2. Burd; N, et al. Protein-Containing Food Is More Than The Sum Of Its Constituent Amino Acids For Post-Exercise Muscle Anabolic Potential. Date Accessed: 04/07/21. [Available from: https://www.gssiweb.org/sports-science-exchange/article/protein-containing-food-is-more-than-the-sum-of-its-constituent-amino-acids-for-post-exercise-muscle-anabolic-potential]
3. Volpi E, et al. Essential amino acids are primarily responsible for the amino acid stimulation of muscle protein anabolism in healthy elderly adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003; 78(2):250-8.
4. Philp A, et al. Signals mediating skeletal muscle remodeling by resistance exercise: PI3-kinase independent activation of mTORC1. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2011; 110(2):561-8.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 04/07/21. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C] Administration USFaD. Nutrition Labeling of Food. 2018.
8. Zeisel SH, et al. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009; 67(11):615-23.
9. 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.
10. 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.