5 Huel Side Effects (No Horror Stories Found)

Huel is made up of plant-based ingredients, so it’s generally considered safe for most people.

Correspondingly, Its Trustpilot rating is also excellent (4.3), which backs its safety and effectiveness. Nonetheless, there are some users who have experienced side effects of Huel ingredients.

While there are numerous better Huel alternatives in the market – I can personally vouch for the PhenQ shakes, as our team has tested them and didn’t notice much of the side effects as reported by Huel Users.

Keep reading to find out the complete list of Huel side effects and what you can do to avoid them. 

5 Huel Side Effects to Consider Before Trying It

Most Huel side effects may not be that damaging to health but rather embarrassing. Well, damage to the reputation still hurts, doesn’t it? The high fiber and sweeteners in Huel are to blame as they may not be very gut-friendly for everyone.

1. Excessive Gas Formation Due To High Fiber Content

Users complain of excessive flatulence and foul-smelling farts that linger in the atmosphere for much longer.

One Reddit user explained them as smelling as ‘bad eggs and peas.’

The majority on the internet agree that Huel making you gassy is the worst side effect due to the embarrassment that it brings. But for some people, this symptom may ease off at varying periods, like within a month or the initial one or two weeks of consumption.

However, you can’t be too sure as for others; it is a persistent con that comes with the Huel diet.

The excessive flatulence may be linked to the high fiber content of Huel, and this Hueler considers spraying coconut oil on the Huel meal as a solution to this problem as it aids digestion.

2. Sugar And Fiber May Upset Your Digestion

Digestive issues have to be the most widely reported side effect of Huel.

I scrolled through their website and Reddit just to find out that nearly every other Huel user has experienced some stomach problem after shifting to Huel, mostly after replacing two meals with it.

Among these Huel side effects, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, gagging, and bloating are some to name. This side effect may be due to the high fiber content, which varies between 124-143% of the recommended daily intake.

Probiotics and sweeteners like stevia and sucralose might be another cause, too. Or it could be merely because of the body adjusting to the high protein and macronutrient content of Huel powders.

3. Bulk Of Nutrients May Cause Acid Reflux/Heartburn

Heartburn or acid reflux is also one of the Huel complaints.

Acid reflux/ heartburn may be linked to the raw oats, high fiber, protein, or fat content of Huel products, but I can’t be sure.

People manifesting this side effect on consuming the chocolate flavor makes sense, as chocolate might trigger acid reflux. But others who are using gluten-free, vanilla-sweetened, or unsweetened powders have also reported getting similar symptoms.

Decreasing the number of scoops in Huel shakes has not helped users, and everyone on the website agreed that from what they have worked out, Huel seems to be the only cause based on their experience.

However, for some people, Huel shakes have improved symptoms of GERD, so this is an overall strange phenomenon that needs more research to trace out the actual triggers.

If you want to continue taking Huel, some users have recommended making the Huel shakes thinner and watery or taking omeprazole to relieve the symptoms. Otherwise, the symptoms seemed to subside for people who gave up on it.

4. Sugar Content May Trigger Headaches

Another side effect reported is ‘headaches’, which users define as sharp splitting, nauseous, and migraine-like, typically starting within 10 to 30 minutes of Huel consumption.

Users have found relief in discontinuing Huel, and retaking it triggers the pain, so Huel does not seem to be causing it.

The reason could be sensitivity to specific ingredients, such as the artificial sugar sucralose, as reported in this case report.

But then again, to pinpoint the exact cause, researchers need to look into the mystery.

5. Allergens May Cause Rash and Skin Problems

Some Huel users on Reddit have reported skin rashes with Huel consumption. However, research is needed to find the link between eczema relapse and Huel use.

Users suspect gluten or sweeteners to be the culprits, which may rightly be so, as this report serves as evidence of the potential of plant-derived stevia to cause atopic eczema.

But no matter what the case, only comparative trials can confirm the facts.

Is Huel Healthy Long-term?

It’s certainly possible to use Huel as a sole source of nutrition, and people have done so successfully for extended periods of time.

That said, it’s not necessarily the healthiest way to go about things in the long run, in my opinion.

The problem with depending on Huel (or any meal replacement shake/powder) as your sole source of nutrition is that you’re missing out on important nutrients that you can only get from whole foods. Things like fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals are essential for good health, but they’re not present in Huel (or other similar products).

This means that if you’re relying on Huel year-round, you could be putting your health at risk. Plus, the side effects that come with these supplements too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Effects of Huel

Does Huel give you diarrhea?

Yes, multiple Huel ingredients have the potential to cause diarrhea. For instance, its high protein, probiotics, and fiber content may cause loose stools while your gut is adjusting to them. Additionally, sucralose intolerant individuals may get diarrhea from Huel-sweetened versions.

Does Huel make you fart?

Yes, the gut bacteria digest the fiber in Huel and produce gas as a by-product. Therefore, if you are not used to consuming high fiber, it may make you fart more.

Does Huel cause constipation?

Yes, the fiber (soluble and insoluble) in Huel may sometimes make you constipated if not paired with adequate water intake. The reason is that the insoluble fiber passes down undigested and adds volume to stool, helping it move along more easily.

However, excess insoluble fiber can make stool too bulky and cause blockages. Similarly, the soluble fiber absorbs water to form a gel that eases its passage through the intestine. But, if you are dehydrated, it may cause constipation instead.

Does Huel give you gas?

Yes, the fermentation of prebiotic fiber in the colon may lead to excessive gas production.

Does Huel cause bloating?

Yes, if you are not used to high fiber intake, the Huel fiber may cause excessive gas formation and make you feel bloated.

Is Huel good for IBS?

Yes, the Huel Powder v3.1 and Black Edition Huel contain low FODMAP ingredients; hence, it is unlikely to trigger IBS; real Huel users also confirm this from experience on Reddit.

Is Huel low fodmap?

Yes, all the ingredients in Huel Powder v3.1 and Black Edition Huel are low FODMAP.

Does Huel make you constipated?

Yes, the fiber in Huel may make you constipated if not taken with enough water.

Does Huel Make You Gain Weight?

Quitting the Huel diet and returning to the usual meals may make you regain weight. Moreover, if you intentionally want to put on some pounds, consuming the Huel diet in a calorie surplus may serve the purpose.

Final Verdict

To sum it up, the Huel meal replacement products are not associated with severe side effects, and their safety is also backed by the nutritionists’ approval.

Nonetheless, some general side effects associated with Huel consumption are heartburn, headache, and digestive issues. 

Users have also experienced the off-putting aspect of Huel black, which is an unquenchable thirst and the taste that stays in the mouth.

For some, these seem to subside eventually, and discontinuing Huel brought relief for all. To be on the safe side, you should avoid Huel if you suspect that its high protein, soybean oil, and high fiber content may cause problems.

Moreover, if you have underlying medical conditions but want to turn to the Huel diet for convenience or weight loss, you should consult a medical expert or a nutritionist beforehand.