Huel Black Edition Meal Replacement Review (2024)

If you need a quick, convenient meal or need to supplement your calorie-burning fitness endeavors, the best meal replacements pack in high-quality carb, fat, and protein counts in one calorie-dense serving. Unfortunately, though, these supplements are oftentimes plagued by limited flavor varieties and bland taste … unless you’re looking at Huel Black Edition Meal Replacement. With nine tastes to choose from and no artificial sweeteners, GMOs, or animal byproducts, this tasty shake can fit seamlessly into a wide range of diets.

We’ve tested dozens of meal replacement powders and pre-made shakes over the years and feel that Huel’s Black Edition is one of the most flavorful picks on the market. The powder is also 100% plant-based making it a solid solution for vegan and vegetarian athletes. In this Huel Black Edition Meal Replacement review, we’ll dive deep into this supplement’s formulation and give insight into its real-world traits like taste and texture. For more information on how we test products for our round-ups and reviews, be sure to check out our BarBend supplement testing methodology page.

Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition is a completely plant-based meal replacement that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also choose from a wide variety of flavor options.

Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Main Takeaways

• Huel Black Edition is composed of plant-based ingredients, making it a great meal replacement option for vegan athletes or those abstaining from animal-based protein sources.
• We recommend using a countertop blender for mixing, as each serving calls for 17 fluid ounces of water and 90 grams of powder — that may be too much for even the best shaker bottle.
• Some flavor options are priced higher than others, so your order total may differ depending on your taste preferences.

Huel Black Edition Specs

While some of the best protein powders can deliver high protein counts, they rarely contain enough calories or other macronutrients to substitute a full meal. Huel Black Edition, on the other hand, contains 400 calories per serving, along with up to 41 grams of protein, up to 25 grams of carbohydrates, and up to 18 grams of healthy fats, depending on your flavor of choice.

“I really like how balanced the makeup is across the three macronutrients,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer. “While I typically like to see more carbs in meal replacement shakes, the 20 to 25 grams featured here still trumps the typical counts I’ve found in other popular options.”

A high-calorie protein powder may sound destined for muscle gain or bulking needs, but Huel Black Edition has also been a popular pick for those pursuing weight loss, too. We attribute this to the supplement’s convenience over whole-food meal options and its ability to keep you satiated and energized between snacks or bigger meals. Of course, you’ll still need to aim for a calorie deficit at the end of the day (aka using more energy than you consume) — the most efficient strategy for weight loss maintenance. (1)

This Huel powder is also 100% plant-based with no animal byproducts, GMOs, or artificial sweeteners. This can be excellent for athletes following a vegan diet or those looking for an animal-free or dairy-free supplement. Huel Black Edition does contain added sugars, though, so be sure to take your own sensitivities into question prior to purchase.

In terms of the packaging, each container has 17 servings, with each dosage measuring roughly 90 grams. This can pose a problem during mixing procedures, as you’ll need a vessel that can house that much powder in addition to the prescribed 17 fluid ounces of water. There are shaker cups big enough for such needs, but we’ve found that a countertop blender is best suited for the tasks.

Huel Black Edition is offered in nine different flavor varieties including an Unflavored & Unsweetened version that can be great for mixing into smoothies and other beverages. These nine options create one of the most robust flavor rosters we’ve found in the best mass gainer supplements, giving you more room to explore interesting tastes beyond your classic Chocolate and Vanilla (don’t worry, Huel offers those, too).

Finally, while Huel Black Edition does not contain any proprietary blends and Huel itself seems like a trustworthy brand, this meal replacement is not third-party tested. According to Aimee Gershberg, registered dietitian and our expert reviewer, “Since protein powders are technically dietary supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA, so there is no way to know for sure what a protein powder truly contains. It is best to look for a protein powder that is third-party tested.”

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition can be a nutritious option for plenty of athletes, but as is the case with everything from the best pre-workout supplements, to creatine, greens powders, and more, the fit can vary from one person to the next. Below are a few camps we think can benefit from Huel Black Edition, along with some groups that may favor a different meal replacement pick.

Recommended for:

• Individuals looking for a calorie-dense, dairy-free protein powder
• Athletes needing a meal replacement for convenient sustenance on the go
• People struggling to meet their daily caloric needs through whole-food sources

Not Recommended for:

• Athletes looking for an animal-based protein source
• Individuals with known allergies to tree nuts
• Budget-minded people not able or willing to pay the heightened cost per serving

Our Experience Using Huel Black Edition

Over the years, we’ve gotten hands-on with over 100 different protein powders, including dozens of meal replacement shakes. We used similar testing methodologies to analyze Huel Black Edition in such categories as taste, solubility, formulation, and more. We rated these results on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Ingredients and Formulation

This best vegan protein powder earns high remarks from our tester, a certified personal trainer, when it comes to its formulation. “I was really pleased with the balance of macronutrients, essential vitamins, and minerals,” they note. “Plus, the plant-based ingredients can be more accommodating for vegan athletes that may be averse to other meal replacements that sometimes rely on animal-based sources.”

Speaking of the protein content, Huel Black Edition utilizes both brown rice protein and pea protein to create its 40-gram serving. This, in turn, makes this powder a complete protein with a more comprehensive amino acid profile. Consuming a complete protein option can be helpful for individuals following a plant-based diet who otherwise may struggle to consume the correct amounts of BCAAs and essential amino acids through their regular diet. (2)

We also enjoyed the formulation given its clean makeup. Huel Black Edition is listed as gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial sweeteners. That said, this makeup does include added sugars as well as tree nuts in the form of coconut (the FDA classifies them as tree nuts for the purposes of food labeling). Those allergic to tree nuts may want to steer clear of this meal replacement as we haven’t found a flavor option that forgoes the inclusion of coconut.

While the above facts are all promising and positive, we did rate the formulation at a conservative 3.5 out of 5. “I recommended this score as I feel the carb counts are still a little low to classify this as a premium meal replacement,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer. “That said, it’s a far more balanced composition than I’ve seen in other powders.”

[Related: Are Meal Replacements Healthy?]

Taste

It can be difficult to hit your daily protein intake when your supplement of choice isn’t, well, tasty. We’ve seen this happen more than we’d like to admit with meal replacement shakes, too. Huel Black Edition, on the other hand, is closer to our list of best-tasting protein powders thanks to its sweet yet not sugary profile and nine available flavor options.

According to our tester, who rates the taste at 5 out of 5, “I actually looked forward to drinking this in the morning. It was sweet, for sure, but not tooth-rotting. Plus, the thicker consistency almost gives it a smoothie-like sensation. I’m very pleased and will likely continue turning to this powder as my go-to meal replacement.”

The variety of flavors are also noteworthy with this powder. While other meal replacements typically stick to, on average, between five and six options, Huel Black Edition is available in nine. This can be great for those wanting to avoid any flavor fatigue after regular use. Be mindful, though, that some flavors are more expensive than others. For example, we’ve noticed that Cookies & Cream and Cinnamon Roll containers cost roughly $58 while the rest of the roster is available for $53.

Solubility

When thinking of the pros and cons of meal replacement shakes, one often gets ignored — mixability. Given the large serving sizes (and required liquid) blending these powders into a smooth consistency can be a real struggle at times. Thankfully, our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes that Huel Black Edition mixed well within their shaker cup, albeit with some extra effort.

“I was able to break down the powdery clumps with a few harsh shakes,” they say, “But I was happy with the consistency and texture of the protein shake itself. It’s thicker than your typical protein powder, but when the serving size is two large scoops, I sort of expected that.”

We rate the solubility at 4.5 out of 5 given Huel Black Edition’s ability to be mixed in a shaker bottle, but we do still recommend using a countertop blender when possible. Not only can this kitchen appliance keep your supplement blending protocols from turning into a full-fledged arm workout, but blenders are often large enough to better accommodate the 90 grams of powder and 17 fluid ounces of water.

[Related: How to Clean Your Protein Shaker Bottle]

Standard shaker bottles typically have enough room for 20 fluid ounces of liquid, meaning the 17 fluid ounces needed for these shakes leave little room for the powder to rest before blending. Unless you want to carefully balance your powder atop the water before you begin to shake, you’ll need a larger vessel.

Editor’s Note: The brand also offers Huel Ready to Drink shakes that eliminate the need for excessive mixing. However, these protein shakes are more expensive than their powdered counterpart and come in fewer available flavors.

Price Per Serving

Given the nutrients, essential vitamins, and high protein and calorie counts, meal replacement shakes are often some of the most expensive protein powders on the market. The average cost, according to our research, equates to roughly $4.04 per serving. Huel Black Edition is lower than this median cost, but the prices that start at roughly $3.12 are still expensive when compared to, say, the best whey isolates.

We rated the price per serving at 3 out of 5, too, given that you only have one container size option meaning there are no possibilities to buy in bulk for a lower cost. That said, we can’t deny that Huel Black Edition is more affordable than other meal replacement shakes we’ve seen, including a few of the most popular profiles on the market (more on those later).

Third-Party Testing

Huel scores a 2 out of 5 for third-party testing because, well, the product is not third-party tested. Yes, we’ve highlighted the potential health benefits of this meal replacement powder and feel as if the label is transparent enough for most needs, but there is something particularly assuring about a product that carries these certification credentials. It can be especially important for strength athletes, too, who need to abide by governing agencies and steer clear of any potentially banned substances within their supplements.

What to Consider Before Buying Huel Black Edition

Whether looking at meal replacements to help you lose weight, gain muscle, or just maintain a sense of well-being in between whole-food dishes, there are a few factors to consider prior to purchase. Below are some of our recommendation considerations when shopping for a high-quality meal replacement shake such as Huel Black Edition.

• Macronutrient Profile: You’ll need to seek out a meal replacement shake that offers reasonable protein, carb, and fat counts as they relate to your fitness goals and interests. For example, if you’re looking for a keto-friendly or low-carb option, make sure that your meal replacement works with your macros accumulated through whole foods to maintain your desired intake.
• Dietary Restrictions: If you need to be mindful of personal sensitivities to specific ingredients like dairy or tree nuts, it’s always advised to read through listed ingredients and available warnings. Meal replacements can be convenient solutions, but they shouldn’t compromise your well-being in the process.
• Taste and Solubility: You should look forward to enjoying your meal replacement, so we recommend seeking out powders with appealing flavors. Like the best protein bars, it can also be wise to look for supplements with a smooth consistency and mouthfeel. This latter note can be difficult to determine through a screen, though, so be sure to check out any available reviews of the product prior to purchase.
• Price: Always ensure that your meal replacement of choice won’t throw off your budget. After all, the best supplements for you are always the ones that you can afford comfortably.

Huel Black Edition Vs. Competitors

Naturally, Huel Black Edition is not the lone meal replacement powder available to consumers. Below, we’ve outlined the key specs for two highly comparable options — Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal and HLTH Code Complete Meal.

Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal Replacement is another plant-based meal replacement made up of over 85 superfood ingredients. This all-in-one instant meal also features a probiotic blend to aid in digestion as well as an adaptogen blend to help with cognitive function.

Huel Black Edition is a more wallet-friendly option, though, as Ka’Chava’s cost per serving comes in at $4.66. Plus, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer, notes, “I’d like to see fewer proprietary blends across the ingredients list. I’m a fan of the superfood inclusions, but understanding the exact dosages can go a long way in ensuring just how nutritious this meal replacement is.”

As one of the best meal replacements for weight loss, HLTH Code’s Complete Meal features comparable calorie and protein counts across its formulation to Huel Black Edition. This meal replacement also uses no added sugar and instead gets its sweetness from monk fruit extract and stevia. That said, the price is still higher than the Huel offering, and you only have two flavor options to choose from.

Places to Buy Huel Black Edition

Huel Black Edition is available online directly from the brand’s retail site as a one-time purchase or through Huel’s “Subscribe & Save” service that cuts the price per serving down to $2.50. Plus, Huel offers a free t-shirt and shaker bottle for first-time buyers. You can also find Huel Black Edition on Amazon with similar “Subscribe & Save” services.

Customer Experience and Brand Reputation

Huel — a portmanteau of Human and Fuel — is a supplement brand specializing in, as the brand puts it, “Nutritionally complete, convenient, affordable food with minimal impact on animals and the environment.” Huel products include high-protein meal replacement shakes, greens powders, nutrition bars, and even “Hot and Savoury” instant meals.

According to reviews from trustpilot.com, Huel Black Edition has earned a 4.2 out of 5 rating based on over 19,000 customer comments. “Exceeded my expectations,” notes one positive response. “I actually feel satiated after only half a serving, and knowing I’m getting quality nutrition gives me such peace of mind.”

[Related: Best Protein Powders on Amazon]

To reach the brand with any inquiries, you can utilize the Live Chat feature at the lower right corner of the Huel website. Huel is also reachable via email at support@huel.com and phone at (619)-648-3086. US office hours are 9AM to 5PM ET, Monday through Friday.

Our Final Verdict on Huel Black Edition

Huel’s Black Edition Meal Replacement can be a great option for those wanting extra calories to round out their daily nutrition regimen, especially those who struggle to consume all their macronutrients through whole foods alone. The plant-based makeup is also inviting to vegan people, and the array of available flavors is one of the best assortments we’ve found in meal replacement shakes.

While meal replacement powders and shakes can be helpful in a pinch, you shouldn’t solely live on meal replacement shakes. A proper diet, regardless of your fitness goals, should be a well-rounded conglomerate of whole-food sources and supplements, alike. That said, if you do need a high-quality meal replacement to get you to your wellness aspirations, we feel Huel Black Edition can be worth your time and money.

Huel Black Edition Meal Replacement FAQs

References

1. Kim, J. Y. (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 30(1), 20–31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8017325/
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 13). What’s a complete protein and should you care? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-i-need-to-worry-about-eating-complete-proteins