5 Best Huel Alternatives & Competitors (Healthier, Tastier, Cheaper)

January 10, 2024 |

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Although Huel is one of the best and biggest meal replacement brands in the market, it may not be suitable for everyone due to artificial flavors, gut-disturbing ingredients, not-so-affordable prices, and so on.

Therefore, other meal replacements like Huel are gaining popularity due to their convenient yet healthy approach to optimal nutrition. But we all know that choosing among a plethora of options can be quite challenging.

Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best alternatives to Huel to make the decision-making process less daunting for you. So, keep reading to know all about the ingredients’ efficacy, cost, and possible side effects of these Huel food alternatives.

Key Highlights:

5 Best Huel Alternatives

1. PhenQ – Overall Best Meal Replacement Shake

Overall Best

PhenQ Shakes

Plant-based meal replacement shakes containing incredible ingredients that not only satiate, invigorate, and refuel but may also aid in weight loss.

PhenQ Meal Replacement Shake Key Benefits

  • Helps You Maintain Healthy Weight

PhenQ meal replacement shake stands on the top of my best Huel alternative list since each serving contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 16g of plant-based protein, 13g of essential fats, and other vital elements that can aid in calorie restriction, hunger suppression, and stabilized bowel movement.

Another exceptional ingredient of this product is InnoSlim, a patent component, a mixture of herbal extracts that promote healthy weight loss by regulating the AMPK enzyme.

Plus, with PhenQ shakes, weight loss no longer requires killing your taste buds as it comes in delicious flavors like strawberry and cream, chocolate brownie, and vanilla ice cream. (I’d go for the chocolate one any day)

  • Improves Physical And Mental Well-Being

This delicious shake has some unique and powerful ingredients, like Ashwagandha and Reishi mushroom extract.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha is a classic Asian herb that helps grow muscle strength, improve brain health, and reduce stress levels.

On the other hand, 100g of Reishi mushroom extract is a superb functional adaptogen that boosts energy levels, relieves exhaustion, and improves calorie intake and blood sugar levels.

Pros

  • Curbs appetite and increases fat burning.
  • Manufactured in an FDA-approved facility.
  • Comes in three flavors.
  • Vegan and vegetarian.
  • Keto-friendly and contains very little sugar.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Only available on their official website.
  • Not suitable for children.
  • Expensive Huel alternative.

3. HLTH Code – Complete Meal Replacement Shake

HLTH Code Shake

Formulated by a metabolic scientist – A perfectly balanced blend of micro & macro-nutrients, plus digestive enzymes and probiotics.

HLTH Key Benefits

  • Boosts Physical Health

It is a meal replacement powder with balanced protein, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, minerals, essential vitamins, and fiber content.

The shake is formulated using a unique 1:1 ratio of healthy fats and animal protein available only in the most nutritious meals, such as eggs.

This one-to-one ratio has been shown to benefit cardiovascular health, insulin levels, and hypertension, among other things. What’s more, is that it allows you to choose between delicious flavors like Macadamia and vanilla.

  • Incorporates Complete Sources Of Protein.

Moreover, in contrast to other brands, the HLTH Code predominantly comprises of 27 g animal-based protein combination composed of grass-fed collagen, egg whites, and whey protein.

Animal protein is more suitable for human metabolism than plant-based protein, as humans developed consuming animals as their main source of protein.

  • Aids the Digestive Process

Besides that, this all-in-one meal replacement shake offers a solid nutritional profile and incorporates digestive enzymes, minerals, probiotics, and vitamins.

The addition of enzymes may aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and some carbohydrates, like lactose.

Pros

  • No artificial sweeteners or flavors.
  • Free from soy or gluten.
  • Supports keto diet.
  • Non-GMO.
  • Smooth, creamy flavor and texture.
  • Manufactured in cGMP and FDA-compliant facilities.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Not Vegan.
  • Contains whey protein concentrate.
  • Everyone may not like stevia taste.
  • Contains eggs, coconut oil, and dairy allergens.

2. The Protein Works – Complete 360 Meal

Protein Works 360 Meal

A balanced meal with an ideal ratio of proteins, fats, and fiber, making it a great alternative to food like Huel.

Complete 360 Meal Key Benefits

  • Available As A Complete Nutriment

Complete 360 Meal provides a balanced, protein-rich diet that your body requires for optimal health. Therefore, it can serve great as a quick alternative to regular lunch/dinner, without weighing you down on essential nutrients.

It contains 25 most critical nutrients, including 30 grams of protein, which is a blend of pea, rice, and hemp protein to deliver a great amino acid profile.  Additionally, it contains beneficial fats from avocado and flaxseed, including omega-3, as well as vital vitamins and minerals.

The best part about Protein Works is that it offers so many flavors to choose from. They have vanilla creme, banana smooth, caramel macchiato, millionaire’s shortbread, strawberries and cream, and chocolate silk, making it a delicious meal replacement alternative.

  • Has A Gut-friendly Formulation

It contains eight meticulously sourced natural ingredients, including premium oats, a unique tri-protein blend, flaxseed, avocado oil, MCTs extracted directly from coconuts, and ashwagandha. It also contains probiotics to support healthy gut flora—because, healthy gut -> healthy mind, and healthy mind -> health body!

Pros

  • 100% vegan.
  • Carefully selected plant-based food ingredients.
  • Soy-free, lactose-free.
  • Palm oil-free (low environmental impact)
  • 30 seconds preparation time.
  • Comes in six exciting flavors.
  • Cheaper Huel alternative.

Cons

  • Contains allergen (coconut, dairy, gluten)

4. QUEAL – Ready Instant Oats

Queal Instant Oats

Perfect breakfast replacement meals loaded with good fats and healthy protein, delivering an energizing kick for a vibrant start to your day.

Quel Key Benefits

  • Offers Optimal Quantity Of Macronutrients

Explicitly talking about their Ready Instant oats as a meal replacement, its primary audience is the people put off by the idea of protein shakes and liquid meals – Usually taken in breakfast, it provides daily essential nutrients to your body.

It includes 400 kcal, 26 grams of protein, 42.6 grams of carbohydrates, 12.3 grams of fat, and all the necessary micronutrients. Moreover, you can gulp in these nutrients in a delicious berry good or tropical today flavor.

  • Protects Heart Health

Ready Instant oats also contain 28% fat. The primary sources are oat flour and a vegetable oil blend of sunflower and linseed oils.

This ensures that each serving contains omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids is 1:1, which is optimal for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and ultimately contributes to a healthier lifestyle..

  • Keeps You Satiated For Longer

The most notable aspect is it improves your protein intake, as breakfast is typically a meal in which we under-consume protein. Moreover, they employ pea and brown rice protein in this product.

The yellow pea is a unique protein source since it is high in essential amino acids and low in methionine, so it is combined with rice protein, which contains a high concentration of this amino acid. This protein content will help you avoid midday hunger pangs.

Pros

  • Vegan-friendly.
  • Easily digestible.
  • Recyclable packaging.
  • Environment-friendly product.
  • A cheap alternative to regular oats.

Cons

  • Contains gluten and soy.
  • High sugar content.

5. Soylent Meal Replacement Shakes

Soylent Shakes

A meal replacement product that simplifies nutrition while remaining an affordable and effective Huel competitor. It is one of the cheapest options among Huel-like products. 

Soylent Key Benefits

  • Maintains Proper Functioning Of Body Systems

Each scoop of Soylent Powder has 20 g of soy protein isolate, 41 grams of carbs, 20 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber, and 26 vitamins and minerals.

It contains 39 Essential Nutrients in the form of 28 vitamins and minerals, 9 amino acids, and 2 healthy fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for comprehensive daily nutrition, antioxidant protection, immunological support, and heart health.

  • Easily Digestible

Soylent powder makes use of soy to increase its digestibility and makes it suitable for those with sensitive stomachs. Soy is efficiently ingested by the body and produces proteins with few resources.

Additionally, its texture contributes to creating an ideal flavor profile for the meal replacement.

  • Causes Steady Increase In Blood Sugar Levels

Furthermore, its meal shakes are composed of Isomaltulose, a simple carbohydrate consisting of glucose and fructose sugars.

Isomaltulose, commonly known as sucrose, is frequently used in the meal replacement industry as a substitute for ordinary refined sugar, which causes blood sugar levels to rise far more slowly than normal sugar does.

Soylent meal replacement shakes are available in three forms: Soylent drink, Soylent powder, and Soylent café. Among these, the Soylent drink is a good Huel ready-to-drink alternative. 

Pros

  • Contains numerous essential nutrients.
  • Available in cacao and original flavor.
  • Widely available.
  • Cheaper alternative to Huel.

Cons

  • Contains soy and GMOs. High in sugar.
  • Not suitable for weight loss and may contribute to weight gain..

Final Thoughts – What’re the Best Huel Alternatives (USA, Canada, Australia & India)

What is better than Huel, you ask? Here are five products similar to Huel that you should add to your list. 

All of these are readily available alternatives to Huel.

Moreover, among these, the Soylent and Complete 360 meal are cheap alternatives to Huel.

If you want to lose weight without weighing down on essential nutrients for the sake of restricting your calorie intake, choose PhenQ or HLTH meal shakes.

I personally consider PhenQ better than Huel among the many options out there, as in my experience, it not only was more effective but also never caused me awful farts that one of my fellows experienced while trying Huel, among other side effects.

PhenQ meal shakes1

However, before you make a purchase, seek an expert’s advice if you have any underlying medical condition or you are on any specific medication.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

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