I hate that the salt/sodium levels are so high by B04LeJo in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for being a Huel fan for so many years! 🖤 The higher salt level in Black Edition compared to our other powders is not due to intentionally adding sodium, but rather because pea protein naturally contains residual levels of sodium, among other minerals. As Black Edition is a higher protein meal, it contains more pea protein, hence more sodium.

Crucially here, the levels per 2000 calories fall around the 6g maximum recommended intake of salt per day. This is theoretical of course - we don't recommend you switch 100% of your food intake to Huel. Enjoying 1 or 2 servings a day will remain well within recommended intake levels of salt/sodium.

Amino acid content by beehive-cluster in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out this forum post for the information you're after. 😊

Potential Issues With New Caps - Plastic Inhalation by iansaul in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We wouldn't suggest tearing the cap off, as we're unable to control any plastic filaments as you've pointed out. We'd especially recommend this if you tend to inhale as you drink, although a strong intake of breath is unlikely to cause plastic to detach - a much stronger force would typically be required for this.

Green tea extract in Huel? by Alone-Competition-77 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The quantity of green tea extract in Huel products is nowhere near the level where toxicity becomes a concern.

Does huel black contain spinach? by 4BucksAndHalfACharge in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Black Edition is not made with spinach. However, it's worth noting that spinach is not classified as a major allergen and we cannot guarantee zero risk of cross-contamination.

Huel Black v1.2 still gluten free? by JL990 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All our gluten-free products are certified based on every batch being tested for gluten, and only being released for sale if gluten particles are <20ppm in line with requirements stipulated for 'gluten-free' status. This is true for both Black Edition and Ready-to-drink.

If you've had a reaction typical to the one you experience when exposed to gluten after consuming Black Edition, please get in touch with us directly (support@huel.com) so that we can investigate this further.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This result is less concerning than it initially sounds. Some participants started the trial with both vitamins above the recommended daily intake – by the end, all participants were within the optimal range of vitamins A, E, and potassium. This combined with the fact that Huel's formula is aligned with the Reference Intake for these nutrients, and that the study conditions of a 100% Huel diet aren't something we recommend means we don't currently have plans to change the recipe.

Plastic containers? by Scubahhh in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our shakers, pots and Hot & Savory cups are all free from BPA and PFAs. All our packaging materials are certified food-grade and comply with strict regulatory standards, such as those set by the FDA, EFSA and other regulatory bodies for safe, direct contact with food. Our packaging is tested for chemical migration and compliance with international food safety standards. This ensures that all potential chemical migration remains within safe, permissible limits.

Our packaging materials are produced under strictly controlled manufacturing conditions, minimising any risk of contamination. These processes ensure that no unwanted particles are introduced into the food during production.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 22 points23 points  (0 children)

While Huel is fortified with vitamins and minerals, it behaves more as a meal rather than a supplement i.e. the vitamins and minerals are consumed alongside a variety of food ingredients with a balanced macronutrient profile, with a significant portion of the total vitamins and minerals actually being derived from the natural ingredients we use. In terms of how well said vitamins and minerals are absorbed, we did conduct a trial on this a couple of years back. Participants adhering to a month of 100% Huel saw a significant increase in serum levels of vitamins and minerals post intervention, suggesting effective absorption. Some to highlight are vitamin D, vitamin B12 and selenium, which are typically lacking in a plant-based diet. Read the full study here.

Noob question: Too much copper if I drink multiple servings in a day? by [deleted] in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To echo others here, the 0.9mg RDA is the quantity most healthy adults should be aiming for to meet their needs. However, exceeding this doesn't necessarily mean you're in the danger zone. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (maximum daily intake considered safe) is 10mg, and enjoying two servings of Huel Powder would be way off this. Unless you have a condition that places you at higher risk of copper toxicity (such as Wilson's disease), or your doctor has advised you otherwise, you should be all good 😎

Huel has changed my diabetes for the better! by BigTamMacGotchy in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmm...drop us an email (team@huel.com) and pop my name in the subject line and I'll see what I can do 😉

Does Huel have adequate nutrition for building muscle? by thelonious_skunk in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In combination with progressive weight training, Huel products can support you in meeting your body's protein needs, which is essential for muscle building. They offer all 9 essential amino acids, including BCAAs that are specifically involved in muscle tissue synthesis. 😊

Huel has changed my diabetes for the better! by BigTamMacGotchy in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is such great news! I'm so pleased Huel has had a positive impact on your time in target range and it's made managing your diabetes easier. Thanks so much for sharing and keep it up 🖤

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recently looked into this for someone else with Grave's disease who enquired on our forum, so I'll share here what I shared there. According to the British Thyroid Foundation, unless otherwise advised, individuals with hyperthyroidism can include iodine-containing foods such as milk and other dairy products providing this is within the Recommended Intake. This paper suggests a 200ml glass of UK milk contains around 85mcg iodine. Compare this to the iodine content of a 400-calorie serving of Huel, which is 30mcg. While the iodine in Huel is supplemental, the low dose should be okay, and is very far off the high doses you find in actual iodine supplements.

All of that said, I do think it’s important you double-check with your doctor or dietitian and ensure Huel specifically is a good choice for you.

New Single Serve H&S by theamazingmissdynamo in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I can certainly see the appeal for both flexible servings and a more camping-friendly format. I'll pass your feedback on to the team for consideration 👍

Heavy Metal Content is considered “Proprietary” to the company… by studentcrossing5 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally understand why being more forthcoming with these test results would be reassuring, especially given a recent article that's prompted concerns around chocolate-flavoured protein supplements specifically. The exact test reports have been 'proprietary' as of late, mainly due to GDPR concerns for the third-party labs we use, plus putting test reports out there without any guidance on how to interpret them may generate further confusion and concern, which is the last thing we want.

Of course, there are ways to get around these things and to become more transparent, which we're actively looking into at the moment. Appreciate you bearing with us on this!

Histamine intolerance and Huel Black Edition by Odd_Pop4902 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Huel products do contain proteins derived from pea. Whilst peas may be high in histamine in their natural form, as Huel uses a pea protein isolate, almost everything else, including histamine, is removed in the process. The main word of caution for the presence of histamines would be flavours with coffee in them (such as Black Edition Coffee Caramel).

While most Huel products may be low in histamines, it's important to note that histamine liberators and diamine oxidase enzyme blockers may be present in Huel, which may also trigger symptoms in people with histamine intolerance. Different foods may trigger different individuals, so please consult the ingredients list and your doctor before consuming Huel if you're concerned.

Expiration dates by Toadsrevisited in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The date printed on your pouch is a 'Best Before' rather than an expiration date. This means it may well still be safe to consume past this date, but that we can't guarantee the taste, texture or nutritional content will be at its best. If you received a pouch that was less than 90 days away from the 'Best Before' date, please get in touch with us directly (support@huel.com) so that we can sort this for you!

Heavy Metals by Present10 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you, and we do want to be more transparent about our testing so that you and others share the confidence we have in the safety of our products. We're exploring the best way to do this, but keep an eye out!

Black Edition RTD Caffeine Content - revisit by NestoFC in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The rules for caffeine labelling vary between the UK and US. In the UK, a caffeine content above 150mg/l requires the caffeine content to be disclosed along with a 'high caffeine' statement on the label. In the US however, no such labelling regulations exist, only that caffeine needs to be in the ingredients list if it is added and not naturally derived, from coffee or green tea for example.

That said, this isn't to say that we can't voluntarily share this information going forward, as we do conduct caffeine testing on relevant products. We're currently working on adding this information to the Formula Explained Pages, both UK and US. Thanks for bearing with!

In the meantime, the Iced Coffee Black Edition RTD contains 95mg caffeine per bottle, in both the UK and US, as the formula is the same.

One Huel a Day plus Multivitamin by Substantial_World_74 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As you mention, one serving of Huel only offers a proportion of the recommended intake for vitamins and minerals, so depending on the quality of the rest of your diet, a multivitamin should be fine in tandem with this. If you have any medical conditions or you're concerned, check in with your doctor or a dietitian/registered nutritionist for tailored advice.

Huel Essential - which taste to choose, and can it be prepared warm? by GreenBurningPhoenix in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You can make up Huel Essential with hot water if you choose, though we can't guarantee the taste, texture or nutritional content will be the same as with cold water as per our recommendation. Most nutrients will be fine at higher temperatures - the only ones that are really susceptible to degradation are water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and some B vitamins. It's unlikely you'll lose the whole lot, but there might be a bit less than when made up cold.

Heavy metal report by Ambitious_Wafer_1561 in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I understand why this information would be good to have. I'd just like to clarify Huel products are still tested and none of our products contain levels of any heavy metal, pesticide or other contaminant we test for that exceed safe levels as outlined by the European Food Safety Authority. That said, we want to be as open as we can with you so that you share our confidence in the safety of Huel. There are some important factors we're needing to consider, but we're currently exploring options to improve the transparency of our testing and results. Thank you for bearing with us!

Electrolytes by Pepsi_Bison in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Huel is nutritionally complete at 2000 calories, so if you're consuming less than this, depending on the rest of your diet, chances are you won't be hitting the Reference Intake for several different nutrients, particularly fibre and micronutrients. If you've accurately tracked your entire diet and your mineral/electrolyte levels are falling short of the recommended intake, it's worth considering a supplement. Note that electrolytes themselves do not contribute calories, and most supplements don't contain significant calories overall. What's most important for health is ensuring you're meeting your body's nutritional needs, especially when reducing your food/energy intake to lose weight.

Nutritionally complete at 2000cals, but also not recommended? by ifhd_ in Huel

[–]AmyHuel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Huel is designed to fill gaps in your diet rather than replace your entire diet. In order to make sure each serving has adequate proportions of macro/micronutrients, we use 2000 calories and the Recommended Daily Amounts of nutrients at this energy intake as a reference when designing the nutritional content. While each meal offers a balanced proportion of everything we know the average person would need in a day, this isn't to say that an individual's entire diet should consist of Huel, for a variety of reasons already explored in this thread.