What is Huel?
According to the official website, Huel is “a nutritionally complete powdered food that contains all the proteins, carbs, and fats you need, plus at least 100% of the European Union’s Daily Recommended Amounts of all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.” This meal replacement drink is registered dietician and nutritionist approved, and is 100% vegan, so has low environmental impact.
Fuel not food
Within the Wholegrain Digital team, Huel has increasingly become the go-to option for some for busy days, with one of our developers, Stephen, saying that it is “The future of human fuel consumption.”
I asked the team what made them try it and responses included:
“Social media marketing and the fact that it’s endorsed so well by athletes.”
“I saw a few of my colleagues using it so I thought I would give it a go.”
“I believe current food production is unsustainable and often immoral along with the fact I just do not have enough time or desire to prepare proper meals.”
“It’s cheaper than a meal if I had bought it from the shops. I think it works out around £1.45 per shake/meal.”
Everyone cited convenience as a major factor in their decision to use Huel, with the fact that it’s packed full of protein as a bonus for sporty types and anyone wanting to manage their calorie intake.
But how does it taste?
This it seems, is a matter of, well, taste! Only one Wholegrain Huel user said they actually liked it as it comes, and everyone said that it is better with added flavour, whether that be the flavour packets it comes with (chocolate is highly recommended!) or naturally sweet ingredients such as bananas, yogurt and cinnamon. Using a blender is a must, and Project Manager Tyron recommended making sure the water is as cold as possible as a top taste tip, with Designer Gaurav adding that he always adds ice as his water is never cold enough.
The future of human fuel consumption?
Only time will tell whether Stephen’s prediction of Huel as representing the future will come to be but for now, it’s definitely a convenient healthy choice for – as Project Manager Sam says:
“Busy people, sporty people and people who want to be sure that their nutritional food supplements are ethically sourced and relied on by professional athletes!”
The final word goes to our MD Tom, who says:
“I’ve always been a skeptic of meal replacement shakes and advocate eating fresh whole foods where possible, but I increasingly think that products like Huel have an important place in our modern, busy lives. Not only can it reduce the risk of people skipping meals, but as a 100% plant based, nutritionally balanced product, Huel is probably one the most eco-friendly and healthy things a person could eat.“
So Huel gets the Wholegrain seal of approval!
Have you tried Huel? What did you think?