Peer-Reviewed Proof

Is Huel Healthy?

In collaboration with our independent researchers at Aelius Biotech, experts in conducting human research trials, we put Huel to the test in a scientific trial.

See the science
An image of Julian Hearn, the founder of Huel, with his arms crossed and smiling.
  • SCIENTIFICALLY TESTED
  • 22 BIOMARKERS TRACKED
  • REAL PEOPLE, REAL RESULTS
  • 4-WEEK TRIAL
  • INDEPENDENTLY RESEARCHED
  • NUTRITION THAT WORKS

Study Snapshot

20

Adults

4

Weeks

100%

Huel Users

22

Biomarkers

Measuring what matters

We analysed 22 key biomarkers from participants' blood samples to evaluate the impact of consuming only Huel (original Powder) on micronutrient status, dietary intake, and broader health markers.

Read the full paper here
  • Haemoglobin

    Haemoglobin

  • Sodium

    Sodium

  • Calcium

    Calcium

  • HbA1c

    HbA1c

  • Total Cholesterol

    Total Cholesterol

  • HDL

    HDL

  • Non-HDL cholesterol

    Non-HDL cholesterol

  • Iron

    Iron

  • Vitamin A

    Vitamin A

  • Vitamin D

    Vitamin D

  • Vitamin E

    Vitamin E

  • Vitamin C

    Vitamin C

  • Folate

    Folate

  • Vitamin B12

    Vitamin B12

  • Choline

    Choline

  • Magnesium

    Magnesium

  • Potassium

    Potassium

  • Zinc

    Zinc

  • Copper

    Copper

  • Manganese

    Manganese

  • Selenium

    Selenium

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone

    Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Inside the study

Huel is a nutrition brand that makes convenient, plant-based foods and drinks designed to support a balanced lifestyle. Many of our products — such as Huel Powders, Hot & Savoury meals, and Ready-to-drink meals — are nutritionally complete, meaning they provide the right balance of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, fibre, and 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

We also offer products that support specific goals, including Daily Greens vitamin drinks, functional energy drinks, and high-protein snack bars. All Huel products are built on the same principle: smart, convenient nutrition made for real life.

Body composition

Four weeks on Huel led to significant changes in key measures linked to body composition and metabolic health.

In a four-week controlled study where Huel was the sole source of nutrition, participants saw an average 6% reduction in BMI.

At the start of the study, 63% of participants had a BMI above the healthy range.

While BMI isn’t a perfect measure of body fat, as muscle mass can influence it, it remains a useful indicator for most people.

Micronutrient wins

Four weeks on Huel led to significant improvements in key micronutrient levels. Here’s what changed:

Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly after four weeks of Huel v3.1 Powder.

One participant who began the study with a B12 deficiency reached healthy levels by week five. This improvement is especially positive for people following a plant-based diet, as vitamin B12 is typically found in animal products.

Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly from week 0 to week 5, rising by 18% (375.9 → 443.8 pmol/L). Huel v3.1 Powder provides 32% NRV per 100g serving.

Russ Cook - The Hardest Geezer - sitting on a bench in a black tracksuit, opening a shaker of Huel

The verdict: Huel is healthy.

Our clinical study shows that four weeks on Huel can lead to meaningful improvements in nutrient status, body composition, and key markers linked to long-term health.

  • Improved micronutrient status
  • Positive changes in body composition
  • Improved metabolic health markers
  • Nutritionally complete, plant-based food
Learn more

The Board Shaping Huel's Future

The Huel Science Advisory Board is a team of leading experts in nutrition and health, ensuring every Huel product is grounded in the latest scientific research. They help us stay ahead of nutrition trends, drive innovation, and ensure our products deliver real, measurable health benefits.


  • Headshot of Dr Kristen Holmes

    Dr. Kristen Holmes

  • Headshot of Dr Idrees Mughal

    Dr. Idrees Mughal

  • Headshot of James Collier

    James Collier

Build your complete nutrition lineup

Here are some Huel favorites we think you'll love

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    Daily Greens

    Supergreens powder

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    23 kcal per serve

    From £45

    / £1.50 per serving

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    Hot & Savoury Meal PacksHot & Savoury Meal Packs
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    400 kcal per meal

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    / £2.80 per meal

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The science doesn’t stop here

How Huel fits into real life

Huel isn’t designed to be your only source of food. So how does it impact health when eaten twice a day, or even just twice a week, alongside a regular diet? That’s the kind of real-world research we’re exploring next.

The research continues

Nutrition science is constantly evolving, and so are we. We're always reviewing the latest research to understand how Huel can best support your health, and we'll keep sharing what we find.

Why participants ate less

Participants were told to eat enough Huel to maintain weight, but most naturally ate less. This calorie drop likely influenced weight changes. Future research will clarify how much was due to Huel itself versus simply reduced intake.

References

  1. Wilcox MD CP, Stanforth KJ, Williams R, Brownlee IA and Pearson JP , . A Pilot Pre and Post 4 Week Intervention Evaluating the Effect of a Proprietary, Powdered, Plant Based Food on Micronutrient Status, Dietary Intake, and Markers of Health in a Healthy Adult Population. frontiers. 2022.
  2. Baumgartner S, et al. Effects of a Plant Sterol or Stanol Enriched Mixed Meal on Postprandial Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Subjects. PloS one. 2016; 11:e0160396.
  3. Bierenbaum ML, et al. Reducing atherogenic risk in hyperlipemic humans with flax seed supplementation: a preliminary report. J Am Coll Nutr. 1993; 12(5):501-4.
  4. Hanamura T, et al. Antihyperglycemic effect of polyphenols from Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2006; 70(8):1813-20.
  5. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. Journal of investigative medicine. 2011; 59(6):881-6.
  6. Gregory J. Anderson GDM. Iron Physiology and Pathophysiology in Humans. Humana Totowa, NJ: Springer; 2012.
  7. Beck E. Essentials in Human Nutrition. edition t, (eds). 2012.
  8. Hallberg L. Iron requirements and bioavailability of dietary iron. Experientia Suppl. 1983; 44:223-44.
  9. Minihane AM RG. Iron absorption and the iron-binding and anti-oxidant properties of phytic acid. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2002; 37:741-8.
  10. Lane DJ, et al. The active role of vitamin C in mammalian iron metabolism: much more than just enhanced iron absorption! Free Radic Biol Med. 2014; 75:69-83.
  11. Teucher B, et al. Enhancers of iron absorption: ascorbic acid and other organic acids. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2004; 74(6):403-19.
  12. Park J, et al. Waist Circumference as a Marker of Obesity Is More Predictive of Coronary Artery Calcification than Body Mass Index in Apparently Healthy Korean Adults: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2016; 31(4):559-66.
  13. Borruel S, et al. Surrogate markers of visceral adiposity in young adults: waist circumference and body mass index are more accurate than waist hip ratio, model of adipose distribution and visceral adiposity index. PLoS One. 2014; 9(12):e114112.
  14. Alberti KG, et al. The metabolic syndrome--a new worldwide definition. Lancet. 2005; 366(9491):1059-62.
  15. Reeder BA, et al. The association of cardiovascular disease risk factors with abdominal obesity in Canada. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group. Cmaj. 1997; 157 Suppl 1:S39-45.
  16. Ruiz-Castell M, et al. Estimated visceral adiposity is associated with risk of cardiometabolic conditions in a population-based study. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11(1):9121.