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The Huel Ready-to-drink Formula Explained

Huel Ready-to-drink is a nutritionally complete meal in a bottle. It is a source of protein and fibre, while being low in sugar and it contains a balanced macro split of 34:43:20:3 (carbohydrate, fat, protein, fibre) and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, it contains no lactose, animal products or soy.

Huel Ready-to-drink meets the UK and EU Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI), Reference Intakes (RI) and Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for all macro- and micronutrients[1], and it provides a sustained source of energy with a wealth of other nutritious benefits.

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Ready-to-drink.

The Huel Ready-to-drink Formula Explained

Nutritional Information and Ingredients of Huel Ready-to-drink

Huel Ready-to-drink is 34:43:20:3 Macro Split

The principal macronutrients from which we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre, and in Huel Ready-to-drink their ratio is 34:43:20:3 respectively; i.e. 34% of the total energy comes from carbohydrate, 43% from fat, 20% from protein and 3% from fibre.

Amino acids are the most basic units of protein, and nine amino acids are essential for life, with others being crucial for optimum health, so any diet has to contain a significant amount of protein. Huel Ready-to-drink is high in protein with all essential amino acids present in good amounts (see below).

Fat is more energy-dense than carbohydrate and protein, so the Huel Ready-to-drink formula includes large amounts of healthy fats in order to achieve less volume and an easy-to-consume Huel meal in a bottle. Moreover, there are some fatty acids that are required for optimal health, and Huel Ready-to-drink is rich in fats that provide these essential fatty acids.

Carbohydrate, whilst not essential per se, does have significant health benefits.

The amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrate in Huel Ready-to-drink are designed to cover the requirements for healthy individuals.

Carbohydrate in Huel Ready-to-drink: Oats, Tapioca, and Brown Rice

The carbs in Huel Ready-to-drink are mainly from ultra-fine powdered oats, brown rice flour and tapioca starch. Oats have been shown to have a low glycaemic index (GI); GI refers to the speed after which we ingest a carb source to the resulting rise in blood sugar, the higher the GI the quicker the carbohydrate-containing food is digested and absorbed[2]. The oat powder in Huel Ready-to-drink has been milled so finely that it’s readily soluble and also provides so much more than just carbohydrates: soluble fibre and many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients too. Brown rice flour provides carbs, protein and other nutrients. Tapioca starch is an ideal source of carbohydrate as it is soluble and works well with other ingredients.

Fat in Huel Ready-to-drink: Rapeseed, Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Coconut

The fat in Huel Ready-to-drink provides 43% of the total energy and is made up from rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil and sunflower lecithin to ensure that the essential fatty acids are included in optimum amounts with Huel Ready-to-drink being rich in monounsaturates, omega-3s and omega-6s. We’ve also included MCTs from coconut for a very good reason: MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are treated much like carbohydrates[3].

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 fats from rapeseed, flaxseed and sunflower, we’ve ensured Huel Ready-to-drink contains sufficient amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Huel Ready-to-drink is High-protein: Peas and Rice

The RDA for protein is 60g and 50g per day for adult men and women respectively[5], but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency[1, 5]. The Japanese diet typically provides more[6], and Huel Ready-to-drink does too. All essential amino acids are included in adequate amounts from vegan protein sources: pea protein, brown rice flour, oat powder and flaxseed. Each 500ml bottle of Huel Ready-to-drink provides 20g of high-quality protein. Furthermore, protein is more satiating (appetite suppressing) than other macronutrients[7].

Amino acid profile of Huel Ready-to-drink

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 for genetically and are subsequently involved in primary protein synthesis in animals. Of these 20, nine are essential as they cannot be synthesised from other amino acids.

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 chickpeas, black beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, cauliflower, quinoa, pistachios, turnip greens, black-eyed peas and soya. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts of 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 Ready-to-drink comes from four of the main ingredients: pea protein, oats, brown rice flour and flaxseed. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids. 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. Selecting different sources ensures everything is covered whilst keeping Huel Ready-to-drink vegan. Plus there’s additional protein from the oats – which are reasonably high in all essential aminos – and the flaxseed.

Amino Acid Content of Huel Ready-to-drink (based on Vanilla v1.0J)

Amino Acid (mg) per 100ml per 500ml serving RDA* % of RDA per serving
Tryptophan 44 222 280 79%
Threonine 145 723 1050 69%
Isoleucine 161 807 1400 58%
Leucine 332 1661 2730 61%
Lysine 146 729 2100 35%
Methionine 103 515 1050** 82%
Cysteine 69 346
Phenylalanine 212 1062 1750*** 120%
Tyrosine 207 1036
Valine 215 1076 1820 59%
Histidine 91 453 700 65%
Arginine 325 1626
Alanine 225 1126
Aspartic acid**** 335 1677
Glutamic acid***** 732 3658
Glycine 169 843
Proline 191 957
Serine 197 985
  • *WHO (2007) recommended daily amounts for essential amino acids for 70kg adult
  • **combined total for methionine + cysteine
  • ***combined total for phenylalaine + tyrosine
  • ****figure includes asparagine
  • *****figure includes glutamine

Fibre in Huel Ready-to-drink: Oats, Flaxseed, and Corn Fibre

Huel Ready-to-drink contains 6g of fibre per bottle. The fibre in Huel Ready-to-drink is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms all naturally supplied from oats, flaxseed and corn fibre. Fibre acts like a sponge, so it’s important to include lots of fluid in a fibre-rich diet[8]. As Huel Ready-to-drink is made with water, there’s plenty of fluid supplied, but we do recommend you also include plenty of water in your diet.

Vitamins and minerals in Huel Ready-to-drink

A bulk of the vitamins and minerals – also known as micronutrients – in Huel Ready-to-drink are from natural ingredients. However, in order to meet the demands of the Japanese lifestyle, we've added a unique vitamin and mineral formula to provide – in some cases – more than 100% of the recommended amounts.

This is to contribute to the maintenance of health in the general population. There has been some concern about phytic acid: a naturally occurring substance in some plant foods including oats and flaxseed. Phytic acid can chelate (bind) some minerals meaning that they’re less bioavailable[9]. As oats and flaxseed are fundamental ingredients in Huel Ready-to-drink, we've ensured the levels of some minerals, like iron and zinc, are higher, to accommodate any issues with phytic acid chelation. Furthermore, the high level of vitamin C in Huel Ready-to-drink will also further promote iron absorption[10].

Summary - Huel Ready-to-drink is a meal

As you can see, Huel Ready-to-drink provides superior nutrition compared to most conventional meals. Huel Ready-to-drink is a nutritious meal to be enjoyed at any time, or as an add-on improvement to your diet. Huel Ready-to-drink is perfect for when you are busy or on-the-go.

Ingredients of Huel Ready-to-drink

Vanilla v1.0J

Pea protein, tapioca maltodextrin, oatmeal powder, vegetable oil, coarsely ground flaxseed, medium-chain fatty acid oil powder, water-soluble dietary fibre, brown rice powder, kelp powder, vitamin K2-containing oil powder/fragrance, citric acid K, K chloride, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), calcium carbonate, VC, thickener (gellan gum), Mg oxide, sweetener (sucralose), antioxidant (VE), VA, niacin, V.D, calcium pantothenate, V .B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, folic acid.

The seaweed used in this product is harvested from sea areas where shrimp and crabs live.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Berry v1.0J

Pea protein, tapioca starch, vegetable oil, oatmeal powder, coarsely ground flaxseed, medium-chain fatty acid oil powder, water-soluble dietary fibre, brown rice powder, kelp powder, vitamin K2-containing oil powder/fragrance, red beet pigment , carotene pigment, potassium citric acid, potassium chloride, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), calcium carbonate, VC, thickener (gellan gum), magnesium oxide, sweetener (sucralose), antioxidant (VE), VA, niacin, V.D. , Ca Pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, Folic Acid.

The seaweed used in this product is harvested from sea areas where shrimp and crabs live.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Chocolate v1.0J

Pea protein, tapioca starch, oatmeal powder, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, coarsely ground flaxseed, water-soluble dietary fibre, medium-chain fatty acid oil powder, brown rice powder, salt, kelp powder, vitamin K2-containing oil powder / flavouring, potassium citric acid, potassium chloride, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), calcium carbonate, VC, thickener (gellan gum), magnesium oxide, sweetener (sucralose), antioxidant (VE), VA, niacin, VD, Ca Pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, Folic Acid.

The seaweed used in this product is harvested from sea areas where shrimp and crabs live.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Banana v1.0J

Pea Protein, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Vegetable Oil, Oat Flour, Ground Flaxseed, Soluble Dietary Fibre, Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder, Brown Rice Flour, Kelp Powder, Vitamin K2 Containing Fat Powder/Flavouring (Banana Derived), Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Emulsifier, Calcium Carbonate, Turmeric Colour, Vitamin C, Thickener (Gellan Gum), Magnesium Oxide, Sweetener (Sucralose), Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Vitamin A, Niacin, Vitamin D, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid.

The seaweed used in this product has been taken from waters inhabited by shrimps and crabs.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Nutritional Profile of Huel Ready-to-drink

Vanilla v1.0J

Each box contains 12 x 500ml bottles

Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Energy 400kcal 18%
Fat 19g 31%
saturated fatty acids 3.9g 24%
n-3 Fatty Acids 2.1g 105%
n-6 Fatty Acids 4.1g 46%
trans fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
Carbohydrate 40g 13%
available carbohydrate 34g
sugar content 4.3g
Fibre 6g 32%
Protein 20g 25%
Sodium 276 mg 10%
(Salt Equivalent 0.7g 9%)

Berry v1.0J

Each box contains 12 x 500ml bottles

Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Energy 400kcal 18%
Fat 19g 31%
saturated fatty acids 3.9g 24%
n-3 Fatty Acids 2.1g 105%
n-6 Fatty Acids 4.0g 44%
trans fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
Carbohydrate 40g 12%
available carbohydrate 34g
sugar content 4.6g
Fibre 6g 32%
Protein 20g 25%
Sodium 278 mg 10%
(Salt Equivalent 0.7g 9%)

Chocolate v1.0J

Each box contains 12 x 500ml bottles

Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Energy 400kcal 18%
Fat 19g 31%
saturated fatty acids 4.8g 30%
n-3 Fatty Acids 2.0g 100%
n-6 Fatty Acids 3.8g 42%
trans fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
Carbohydrate 41g 13%
available carbohydrate 32g
sugar content 3.0g
Fibre 8.2g 43%
Protein 20g 25%
Sodium 359 mg 12%
(Salt Equivalent 0.90g 12%)

Banana v1.0J

Each box contains 12 x 500ml bottles

Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Energy 400kcal 18%
Fat 19g 31%
saturated fatty acids 4g 25%
n-3 Fatty Acids 2.2g
n-6 Fatty Acids 3.6g
trans fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
Carbohydrate 40g 13%
available carbohydrate 33g
sugar content 2g
Fibre 8g 42%
Protein 20g 25%
(Salt Equivalent 0.4g 10%)

Huel Ready-to-drink Vitamins & Minerals

Vanilla v1.0J

Vitamins
& Minerals
Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Zinc 2.2mg 25%
Potassium 940mg 34%
Calcium 260mg 38%
Chromium 8μg 80%
Selenium 11μg 39%
Iron 5.0mg 74%
Copper 0.2mg 22%
Magnesium 84mg 26%
Manganese 0.8mg 21%
Molybdenum 10μg 40%
Iodine 30μg 23%
Phosphorus 280mg 31%
Niacin 3.2mg 25%
Pantothenic Acid 1.2mg 25%
Biotin 10μg 20%
Vitamin A 180μg 23%
Vitamin B1 0.30mg 25%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg 21%
Vitamin B6 0.30mg 23%
Vitamin B12 0.80mg 33%
Vitamin C 60mg 60%
Vitamin D 5.0μg 91%
Vitamin E 3.0mg 48%
Vitamin K 34μg 23%
Folic Acid 80μg 33%

Additional Information

Per bottle (500ml)
Chloride 460mg
Choline 110mg
Monounsaturated fatty acid 6.8g
Polyunsaturated fatty acid 7.1g
Medium chain fatty acid 2.8g

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

Berry v1.0J

Vitamins
& Minerals
Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Zinc 2.2mg 25%
Potassium 940mg 34%
Calcium 260mg 38%
Chromium 8μg 80%
Selenium 11μg 39%
Iron 5.0mg 74%
Copper 0.20mg 22%
Magnesium 84mg 26%
Manganese 0.80mg 21%
Molybdenum 10μg 40%
Iodine 30μg 23%
Phosphorus 280mg 31%
Niacin 3.2mg 25%
Pantothenic Acid 1.2mg 25%
Biotin 10μg 20%
Vitamin A 180μg 23%
Vitamin B1 0.30mg 25%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg 21%
Vitamin B6 0.30mg 23%
Vitamin B12 0.80mg 33%
Vitamin C 60mg 60%
Vitamin D 5.0μg 91%
Vitamin E 3.0mg 48%
Vitamin K 34μg 23%
Folic Acid 80μg 33%

Additional Information

Per bottle (500ml)
Chloride 460mg
Choline 110mg
Monounsaturated fatty acid 6.6g
Polyunsaturated fatty acid 7.2g
Medium chain fatty acid 2.8g

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

Chocolate v1.0J

Vitamins
& Minerals
Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Zinc 2.2mg 25%
Potassium 940mg 34%
Calcium 260mg 38%
Chromium 8μg 80%
Selenium 11μg 39%
Iron 5.0mg 74%
Copper 0.20mg 22%
Magnesium 84mg 26%
Manganese 0.8mg 21%
Molybdenum 10μg 40%
Iodine 30μg 23%
Phosphorus 300mg 33%
Niacin 3.2mg 25%
Pantothenic Acid 1.2mg 25%
Biotin 10μg 20%
Vitamin A 180μg 23%
Vitamin B1 0.30mg 25%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg 21%
Vitamin B6 0.30mg 23%
Vitamin B12 0.80mg 33%
Vitamin C 60mg 60%
Vitamin D 5.0μg 91%
Vitamin E 3.0mg 48%
Vitamin K 34μg 23%
Folic Acid 80μg 33%

Additional Information

Per bottle (500ml)
Chloride 460mg
Choline 110mg
Monounsaturated fatty acid 6.2g
Polyunsaturated fatty acid 6.6g
Medium chain fatty acid 2.8g

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

Banana v1.0J

Vitamins
& Minerals
Per Bottle
(500ml)
%DRI*
(per 500ml Bottle)
Zinc 2.3mg 26%
Potassium 940mg 34%
Calcium 260mg 38%
Chromium 8μg 80%
Selenium 11μg 39%
Iron 5.2mg 76%
Copper 0.2mg 22%
Magnesium 84mg 26%
Manganese 0.8mg 21%
Molybdenum 10μg 40%
Iodine 30μg 23%
Phosphorus 300mg 33%
Niacin 3mg 23%
Pantothenic Acid 1.2mg 25%
Biotin 10μg 20%
Vitamin A 180μg 23%
Vitamin B1 0.30mg 25%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg 21%
Vitamin B6 0.30mg 23%
Vitamin B12 0.80mg 33%
Vitamin C 60mg 60%
Vitamin D 7.0μg 127%
Vitamin E 3.0mg 48%
Vitamin K 35μg 23%
Folic Acid 80μg 33%

Additional Information

Per bottle (500ml)
Chloride 460mg
Choline 110mg
Monounsaturated fatty acid 8.0g
Polyunsaturated fatty acid 6.0g
Medium chain fatty acid 3.6g

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

Huel Ready-to-drink 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.

However, we recognise that individuals can have allergens 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.

References

  1. Foster-Powell K, et al. International table of glycemic index and glycemic load values: 2002. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002; 76(1):5-56.
  2. Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. Int Dairy J. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
  3. Institute LP. Oregon State University Essential Fatty Acids. Date Accessed: 19/07/25. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids]
  4. MHLW. Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015). Tokyo, Japan. 2018.
  5. Saito A, et al. The trends in total energy, macronutrients and sodium intake among Japanese: findings from the 1995-2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Br J Nutr. 2018; 120(4):424-34.
  6. 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. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005; 82(1):41-8.
  7. Gallaher D. Dietary Fiber. Washington, D.C: ILSI Press; 2006.
  8. Schlemmer U, et al. Phytate in foods and significance for humans: Food sources, intake, processing, bioavailability, protective role and analysis. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2009; 53:S330-S75.
  9. Teucher B, et al. Enhancers of iron absorption: Ascorbic acid and other organic acids. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. 2004; 74(6):403-19.