The Huel Complete Protein Formula Explained

Huel Complete Protein is the world’s first nutritionally complete vegan protein powder that is high in protein with 20g per 110 cal serve, a source of fiber, sugar-free, and has all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. 

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

Huel Complete Protein meets the HHS and USDA's Dietary Guidelines and Daily Value (DV) requirements for all macro- and micronutrients for macro- and all micronutrients ^[1]. Unlike Powder v3.1 and Black Edition, which are both 400 cal meals, Complete Protein (110 cal) 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.

The Huel Complete Protein Formula Explained

• Huel Complete Protein is 11:10:76:3 Macro Split
• Huel Complete Protein is High-Protein – Hemp, Faba, and Peas
• Amino Acid Profile
• Huel Complete Protein is a Source of Fiber
• Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Complete Protein
• Huel Complete Protein in a nutshell

Nutritional Information and Ingredients of Huel Complete Protein

• Full List of Ingredients
• Full Nutritional Profile of Huel Complete Protein
• Huel Complete Protein Cautions and Allergen Advice

Shop Huel Complete Protein

Huel Complete Protein is 11:10:76:3 Macro Split

The principal macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fiber. Unlike Powder v3.1 and Black Edition, Complete Protein is not a meal – as such, we’ve set the ratio at 11:10:76:3 respectively; i.e only 11% of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 10% from fat, a whopping 76% from protein and 3% from fiber.

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 have incorporated additional essential fatty acids; omega-3 and omega-6, ensuring that it’s nutritionally complete.

Carbohydrates, however, are not essential per se. Although carbs do 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: Peas, Faba and Hemp

The Daily Reference Value (DRV) for protein is 50g 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 this 50g DRV 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. In order 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, pea, faba and hemp, and provides adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids. Typically, vegan protein powders are notorious for having a poor flavor profile; however, we’ve combined the more neutral-tasting hemp and pea proteins and layered them with faba protein which gives a smooth and creamy profile.

Hemp protein is nutrient-rich and is a fantastic source of certain micronutrients such as vitamin E, potassium and phosphorus and naturally contains two of the essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6). From a sustainability standpoint, hemp is top of the class.

The hemp plant can grow under a variety of agro-ecological conditions and grows relatively quickly which means it’s less environmentally degrading and is more efficient, helping to minimize its environmental impact ^[3]. Hemp is also naturally pest-resistant, and thereby requires little or no pesticide use, making it an environmentally friendly crop ^[4].

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

Figure 1: Essential Amino Acid profile of Huel Complete Protein v1.0

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)

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 (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 Protein Powder comes from three of the main ingredients: pea protein, hemp protein and faba protein. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts of the EAAs. Hemp 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 ^[5]. 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 ^[6]. Think of it as the ignition to a car engine. Huel Complete Protein has a total of 9g EAAs and 5g BCAAs per serve.

Figure 2: protein content and amino acid composition of Huel vs. other protein sources

Huel Complete Protein is a source of fiber

The fiber in Huel Complete Protein is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms. The fiber 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, in order 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 in the past 20 years demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the DV 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 ^[8-11], so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Complete Protein formula. 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 ^[9-12].

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 ^[13]. It’s of particular importance for postmenopausal women ^[14-15]. As Huel is all about optimum health, the inclusion of choline was felt to be fundamental.

Curcumin and Piperine

Curcumin is the bioactive component in the yellow spice turmeric, often used in curry dishes. Curcumin has been shown to have significantly positive effects in reducing post-exercise inflammation markers ^[16-17]. Curcumin is a polyphenol and many research studies have also shown that curcumin may have antioxidant effects ^[17-20].

Curcumin is absorbed poorly during digestion and as such is teamed up with piperine, derived from black pepper, to improve curcumin’s bioavailability ^[21], ensuring it can be efficiently absorbed. 

Probiotics

Huel Complete Protein contains the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria which, when consumed in adequate amounts, may have health benefits, particularly for gut health ^[22-24]. Each serving of Huel Complete Protein provides over 100 million probiotic spores.

Summary

Huel Complete Protein is the world’s first nutritionally complete plant-based protein powder. It contains 27 vitamins & minerals and contains more essential amino acids (EAAs) than the majority of protein powders. Unlike Powder v3.1 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 v1.0

Faba Pea Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Cocoa Powder, Natural Flavors, Hemp Seed Protein Powder, L-Leucine, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Potassium Chloride, Flaxseed Oil Powder, L-Methionine, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Carbonate, Curcumin (from Turmeric Extract), Starch, Sea Salt, Soluble Gluco Fiber Powder, Sucralose, L-Ascorbic Acid, Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, Lutein, D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Lycopene, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Piperine (from Black Pepper Extract), Calcium-D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium-L-Methylfolate, Chromium Picolinate.

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

Strawberry v1.0

Pea Protein, Faba Pea Protein Isolate, Natural Flavors, Hemp Seed Protein Powder, L-Leucine, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Soluble Gluco Fiber Powder, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Phosphate, L-Methionine, Potassium Citrate, Radish and Carrot Extract (Color), Xanthan Gum, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Curcumin (from Turmeric Extract), Starch, Sucralose, Salt, L-Ascorbic Acid, Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, Lutein, D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Lycopene, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Piperine (from Black Pepper Extract), Calcium-D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium-L-Methylfolate, Chromium Picolinate.

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

Vanilla Caramel v1.0

Pea Protein, Faba Pea Protein Isolate, Natural Flavors, Hemp Seed Protein Powder, L-Leucine, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Soluble Gluco Fiber Powder, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Phosphate, L-Methionine, Potassium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Curcumin (from Turmeric Extract), Starch, Sucralose, Salt, L-Ascorbic Acid, Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, Lutein, D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Lycopene, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Piperine (from Black Pepper Extract), Calcium-D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium-L-Methylfolate, Chromium Picolinate.

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

Chocolate Fudge Brownie v2.0

Faba Bean Protein, Pea Protein, Cocoa Powder, Hemp Seed Protein, Natural Flavors, Micronutrient Blend*, Xanthan Gum, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Sea Salt, Sucralose.

*Micronutrient Blend: Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Cholecalciferol, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

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

Strawberry v2.0

Pea Protein, Faba Bean Protein, Hemp Seed Protein, Natural Flavors, Micronutrient Blend*, Soluble Vegetable Fiber (Chicory Root, Corn), Xanthan Gum, Radish and Carrot Extract (Color), Flaxseed Oil Powder, Sucralose.

*Micronutrient Blend: Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Cholecalciferol, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

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

Vanilla Fudge v2.0

Pea Protein, Faba Bean Protein, Hemp Seed Protein, Natural Flavors, Micronutrient Blend*, Soluble Vegetable Fiber (Chicory Root, Corn), Xanthan Gum, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Sucralose.

*Micronutrient Blend: Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Retinyl Acetate, Menaquinone-7, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Plant-Derived Cholecalciferol, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

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

Nutritional Profile of Huel Complete Protein

Chocolate Fudge Brownie v1.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

Strawberry v1.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

Vanilla Caramel v1.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

Chocolate Fudge Brownie v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Strawberry v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Vanilla Fudge v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Chocolate Fudge Brownie v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Additional Nutrition

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

Strawberry v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Additional Nutrition

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

Vanilla Fudge v2.0

Each tub contains 754g

Serving size: one scoop (29g) = one portion. 26 portions per tub.

Additional Nutrition

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice

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.
• Celiac 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.
• Inflammatory bowel disease - if you suffer from Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Proctitis, and are experiencing a flare-up, we advise caution with Huel Complete Protein. However, if you’re in remission, Huel Complete Protein may actually be beneficial.
• Pregnancy & lactation - One 110cal 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 4 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.

Huel Complete Protein is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).

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 clearly 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.

Further Reading

References

1. FDA. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 2016 [Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=101.9]. 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: 07/04/21 [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]
2. Rupasinghe HPV, et al. Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals. Molecules. 2020; 25(18):4078.
3. Ndathur; S, et al. Sustainable Protein Sources. Elsevier: London: United Kingdom; 2017.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Gorissen SHM, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018; 50(12):1685-95.
7. 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.
8. Combs J, et al. The Vitamins. 4th ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.
9. 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.
10. Institute LP. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 04/07/21. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C]
11. Administration USFaD. Nutrition Labeling of Food. 2018.
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13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Daily JW, et al. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016; 19(8):717-29.
16. Suhett LG, et al. Effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021; 61(6):946-58.
17. Biswas J, et al. Curcumin protects DNA damage in a chronically arsenic-exposed population of West Bengal. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2010; 29(6):513-24.
18. Sahebkar A, et al. Effect of curcuminoids on oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Functional Foods. 2015; 18:898-909.
19. Takahashi M, et al. Effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans. Int J Sports Med. 2014; 35(6):469-75.
20. Shoba G, et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998; 64(4):353-6.
21. Majeed M, et al. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study. Nutr J. 2016; 15:21.
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23. Nagpal R, et al. Human-origin probiotic cocktail increases short-chain fatty acid production via modulation of mice and human gut microbiome. Sci Rep. 2018; 8(1):12649