The Huel Black Edition Formula Explained

Huel Black Edition is a nutritionally complete powdered food that is high in protein and fibre, reduced carbohydrate, low in sugar and salt, rich in phytonutrients, with an alternative macro split of 19:39:40:2 (carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre) and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, it contains no lactose or any animal products, no soy, and no GMO.

Huel Black Edition meets Japanese nutrient regulations, providing fewer carbs, higher protein and an alternative macronutritional ratio for those who are looking for something different to Huel Powder v3.0.

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Black Edition.

The Huel Black Edition Formula Explained

• Huel Black Edition is 19:39:40:2 Macro Split
• Huel Black Edition has reduced Carbohydrate
• Fat in Huel Black Edition: Flaxseed, Sunflower and Coconut
• Huel Black Edition is High-protein: Peas and Rice
• Huel Black Edition is High-fibre
• Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Black Edition
• Phytonutrients in Huel Black Edition

Nutritional Information and Ingredients of Huel Black Edition

• Full List of Ingredients
• Full Nutritional Profile of Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition is 19:39:40:2 Macro Split

The principle macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre, and in Huel Black Edition we’ve set them at the ratio of 19:39:40:2 respectively; i.e. just 19% of the energy comes from carbohydrate, while 39% comes from fat, 40% from protein and 2% from fibre.

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.

There are also fatty acids that are essential for life and good health, so including sources of fat is crucial too.

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.

Carbohydrate in Huel Black Edition

The carbohydrate content of Huel Black Edition provides an alternative product for those who desire a different carb intake for a meal. Tapioca is a starch that comes from the roots of the cassava plant and we’ve used this as the primary carbohydrate source as it also provides a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. As Huel Black Edition contains no artificial sweeteners, we’ve used a small amount of organic coconut sugar to compliment the natural sweetener stevia to deliver a subtle sweet taste. The inclusion of organic coconut sugar is at a low level and a serving of Huel Black Edition is low in sugar.

Fat in Huel Black Edition: Flaxseed, Sunflower and Coconut

The fats in Huel Black Edition provide 39% of the total energy and are mainly derived from flaxseed oil and sunflower seeds to ensure that polyunsaturated fatty acids are included in optimum amounts. We’ve also included coconut for very good reasons: the fats in coconut are known as medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, and these are treated much like carbohydrates^[2].

Essential nutrients can not be made by the body so must be obtained from the diet. 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)^[3]. Using a blend of flaxseed and sunflower oil powder, we’ve ensured Huel Black Edition contains sufficient amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

Huel Black Edition is High-protein: Peas and Rice

The RDA for protein is 60g and 50g per day for adult men and women respectively^[4], but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency^[1,4]. Huel Black Edition is high in protein for those who desire a higher intake of protein for some meals. All essential amino acids are included in adequate amounts from two vegan protein sources: pea and brown rice protein. Based on an average 2,000-calorie intake, you’ll be consuming 200g of protein per day from Huel Black Edition. This is an adequate amount for maintaining a healthy body. Furthermore, protein is more satiating than other macronutrients^[5].

Amino Acid Profile of Huel Black Edition

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.

The nine essential amino acids are:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

The other 11 are:

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic acid
• Cysteine
• Glutamine
• Glutamic acid
• Glycine
• Proline
• Serine
• Tyrosine

Amino Acid Content of Huel Black Edition (based on v1.0 Vanilla - amounts will differ slightly for other flavours)

• *WHO (2007) recommended daily amounts for essential amino acids for a 70kg adult
• **Combined total for methionine + cysteine
• ***Combined total for phenylalanine + tyrosine
• ****Figure includes asparagine
• *****Figure includes glutamine

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 (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 chickpeas, black beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, cauliflower, quinoa, pistachios, turnip greens, black-eyed peas and soya. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or 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 Black Edition comes from three of the main ingredients: pea protein, brown rice protein and flaxseed. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids. Rice protein 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. This is why we selected these two sources, ensuring everything was covered whilst keeping Huel Black Edition vegan. Plus there’s additional protein from the flaxseed.

Huel Black Edition is High-fibre

The fibre in Huel Black Edition is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms all naturally supplied from the food ingredients, mainly from flaxseed, and provides more than most modern solid diets. The high-fibre content of Huel Black Edition helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools in healthy users.

Fibre acts like a sponge, so it’s important to consume lots of water when using Huel Black Edition^[6].

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Black Edition

A bulk of the vitamins and minerals – also known as micronutrients – in Huel Black Edition 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 per 2000kcal while still remaining within safe upper limits.

There has been some concern about phytic acid: a naturally occurring substance in some seeds including flaxseed. Phytic acid can chelate (bind) some minerals meaning that they’re less bioavailable^[7]. As flaxseed is a large contributor to the nutrition of Huel Black Edition, we've ensured that there are adequate levels of some minerals, like iron and zinc, to accommodate any issues with phytic acid chelation. Furthermore, the high level of vitamin C in Huel Powder will also further promote iron absorption^[8].

Phytonutrients in Huel Black Edition

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods which, whilst not essential, may maintain the health of healthy individuals. The fundamental ingredients in Huel Black Edition are plant-based foods, which are already phytonutrient-rich. We've also added some additional phytonutrients to optimise the Huel formula such as lycopene and zeaxanthin. Furthermore, green tea extract has been included as it’s rich in catechins especially epigallocatechin gallate.

Probiotics and Kombucha

Huel Powder 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^[10-12].

Kombucha is a fermented product that is made using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha provides B-vitamins which are produced when the SCOBY breaks down the sugars present^[13].

Summary - Huel Black Edition is Food

Huel Black Edition can be consumed as an individual meal or even as a between-meal snack. In this way, it can be an add-on improvement to your diet to provide nutritional support.

Ingredients of Huel Black Edition

Coffee Caramel v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Linseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Coconut sugar, Soluble dietary fibre, Coffee powder, Tapioca Flavouring, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (starch), K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (starch). A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, Folic acid, V.C, Marigold colour, V.A, niacin, V.D, pantothenic acid Ca, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.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.

Salted Caramel v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Linseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Coconut shuka, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Coconut shuka, Soluble dietary fibre, Cocoa powder, Salt, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Bacillus subtilis natto extract/flavour, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (stevia extract). Sweetener (stevia extract), V.C, Marigold dye, V.A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.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.

Vanilla v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Flaxseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Coconut sugar, Soluble dietary fibre, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Natto extract/ Flavouring, Citric acid K, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Carbonated K, Soluble dietary fibre, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Bacillus subtilis natto extract/flavour, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (stevia extract), V C, Marigold colour, V.A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.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.

Chocolate v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Linseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Cocoa powder, Brown rice protein, Coconut sugar, Tapioca starch, Salt, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Natto extract/flavour, Citric acid K, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), Chocolate flavour, Coconut sugar, Tapioca starch, Salt, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Bacillus subtilis natto extract/ Flavour, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (starch). A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, folic acid, V.C, marigold colour, V.A, niacin, V.D, pantothenic acid Ca, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.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.

Unflavoured & Unsweetened v1.1J

Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil Powder, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Coconut Milk Powder, Brown Rice Protein, Tapioca Starch, Soluble Dietary Fibre, Green Tea Extract, Kelp Powder, Natto Bacterium Extract Powder / Potassium Citrate, Stabiliser (Xanthan), Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C, Marigold Colour, 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.

Strawberries & Cream v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Linseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Soluble dietary fibre, Coconut, Coconut sugar, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Bacillus natto extract/flavour, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan gum), K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (starch). A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.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.

Banana v1.1J

Pea protein, Sunflower oil powder, Linseed oil powder, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Coconut shuka, Coconut milk powder, Brown rice protein, Tapioca starch, Coconut shuka, Medium chain fatty acid oil powder, Soluble dietary fibre, Green tea extract, Kelp powder, Bacillus natto extract/flavour, K citrate, Stabiliser (xanthan) K chloride, Ca carbonate, Sweetener (stevia extract), V.C, Marigold colour, V.A, niacin, V.D, Ca pantothenate, V.B6, V.B2, V.B1, V.B12, folic acid, V.B12, V.B12, V.B12. V.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 Black Edition

Coffee Caramel v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Salted Caramel v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Vanilla v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.62kg

Serving size: 95g x 5 meals per day

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Chocolate v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Unflavoured & Unsweetened v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Strawberries & Cream v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

Banana v1.1J

Each bag contains 1.5kg

Serving size: 88g x 5 meals per day

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

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

**Huel is nutritionally complete per 2000kcal and the Japanese nutrition guidelines are per 2200kcal.

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. Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
2. Institute LP. Oregon State University Essential Fatty Acids. Date Accessed: 19/11/25. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids]
3. MHLW. Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015). Tokyo, Japan 2018.
4. 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. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2005; 82(1):41-8.
5. Gallaher D. Dietary Fiber. Washington, D.C: ILSI Press; 2006.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Leitzmann C. Characteristics and Health Benefits of Phytochemicals. Forsch Komplementmed. 2016; 23(2):69-74.
9. 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.
10. Hemarajata P, et al. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2013; 6(1):39-51.
11. 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
12. Jayabalan R, et al. A Review on Kombucha Tea—Microbiology, Composition, Fermentation, Beneficial Effects, Toxicity, and Tea Fungus. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2014; 13(4):538-50