Huel vs Soylent – Which is Better Nutritionally?

Which is better for you, Huel or Soylent?

Many people are asking this question as they become more interested in healthy eating.

Both of these products are marketed as meal replacements, but there are some key differences between them.

In this blog post, we will compare these two well-known meal-replacement manufacturing companies-  Huel and Soylent to help you decide which one is best for you.

Both the companies claim to offer nutritionally complete, convenient, and affordable products that could be a perfect solution for someone looking to get their diet on a healthy track.

However, your confusion as a consumer is valid since you’d want to invest in possibly the best brand.

Say no more because this article aims to clear all your ambiguities and acquaint you with the information that will help you make the right choice.

Based on ingredient details, efficacy, possible side effects, pricing, and customer feedback, I will make a detailed comparison between Huel and Soylent. Consequently, you will know which brand to choose by the end of this article.

So, let’s dive in.

Huel vs Soylent – A Brief Rundown

Let’s take a brief look at the background of these two companies before we get on to the detailed comparison section:

What is Huel?

Formulated by a licensed nutritionist and approved by multiple certified dieticians, Huel offers a package of plant-based ingredients and high-quality techniques.

Huel was founded by Julian Hearn in June 2015. The company was born with the sole mission to provide nutritionally complete, affordable, easy to prepare, and environmentally friendly products.

In today’s busy world, not many people have their nutrition intake in check and rely on unhealthy foods.

So, Huel promises to deliver all the essential macronutrients your body needs with convenient meal replacements, powders, and premade drinks.

Huel also offers energy bars and nutritional snacks – another decent option for time-starved folks.

Their products are low in sugar, lactose-free, and offer gluten-free versions, making them suitable for vegan fellas.

What is Soylent?

Soylent was an idea brainstormed by some talented software engineers who decided to make nutritionally complete food accessible and affordable for everyone.

The brand has achieved remarkable success over time and has come a long way since 2013.

Soylent’s motto is not very different from Huel’s. It also promises to deliver nutrient-rich, sustainable and affordable supplements for you.

Their products fuel you with all essential nutrients and are quick to prepare, just like Huel.

Powered by plant oils and plant-based protein, Soylent offers vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free products. Furthermore, team Soylent is also quite mindful of genuine health concerns, eliminating the risks of contaminants.

But, it does contain allergens and synthetic sweeteners.

Huel and Soylent – Which One’s Better?

Now is the time to jump onto the comparison of both companies and evaluate which one is worth giving a shot. So, let’s get into it.

Ingredients

• Huel

Huel is a nutritionally complete food made from top-tier plant-based ingredients, such as pea protein, oats, ground flaxseed, sunflower oil, brown rice protein, MCTs from coconut, etc.

It offers a wide range of products, including powders, premade shakes, and energy bars that boost one’s physical performance.

One of Huel’s primary ingredients is pea protein, which is an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Research suggests that combined with dedicated training, pea protein can help heaps with muscle growth.

Then, oats are Huel’s main source of carbs. Being a rich fiber source, this ingredient can promote feelings of fullness and control your appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Next, we have brown rice protein, which can help you fulfill your protein needs while sticking to your dietary goals.

Apart from all macronutrients, our bodies also need essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6.

Another study suggests that these essential fatty acids help healthily maintain your body.

Moreover, they can lower the risk of neurologic disorders, cancer, and arthritis.

Therefore, Huel incorporates both sources of fatty acids, combining flaxseed and sunflower oil powder.

Together, all these elements can work wonders and help you achieve your fitness goals, whether you want to optimize your nutritional intake, gain strength, or drop some pounds.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to combine these supplements with proper exercise to accelerate the results.

• Soylent

Like Huel, Soylent offers meal replacement shakes, powders, and bars to fulfill your dietary needs.

Its products supply vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and slow-burning carbs to keep your system going.

Soy protein isolate, high oleic sunflower oil, isomaltulose, and canola oil are the main ingredients of Soylent products.

However, one vital thing to consider is the sugar content before analyzing these elements.

If you look at the nutritional facts of Soylent drinks and powders, you will learn that each product contains roughly 9-15 grams of sugar content.

This amount of total sugar is questionable in the sense that WHO recommends reducing added sugar to less than 5% of total daily energy consumption.

Furthermore, you can also spot mentions of natural and artificial flavors in the nutrition sheet.

Coming to ingredients, Soylent contains soy protein isolate. It is a soybean-derived plant-based protein. Although it is well-tolerated and easily digestible, it is not suitable for people with soy allergies.

Next is high oleic sunflower oil, which is a source of fat. Although we still lack adequate science-based evidence, this oil’s use is considered to help with heart disease.

Isomaltulose is a slow-release carbohydrate composed of fructose and glucose. Due to low glycemic index properties, it supports a gradual and durable rise in blood glucose levels.

All in all, Soylent features ingredients that may have health benefits.

However, its ingredient content lacks high-quality components and healthy plant-based elements, which are actually beneficial for your health.

Final Verdict: Containing all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, carbohydrates, high protein, and fiber content, Huel makes sure to offer all the nutrients your body needs to function properly.

Approved by registered dietitians, its formula promotes durable health benefits with comparatively safer and healthier ingredients.

Clearly, we have to give it to Huel.

Soylent vs Huel – Taste, and Texture

• Huel

Let’s start with Huel Complete Protein, a high-protein meal replacement powder.

I believe people have their individual preferences when it comes to a shake’s texture.

However, if you add 330ml of water with one scoop of powder, it comes off pretty thick and non-chalky.

In fact, it actually feels like a palatable milkshake. You can set the texture by adding more or less water/milk.

This product comes in a handful of flavors, and all of them have an evident sweet taste. Again, you can manage the taste by adding extra water or milk.

Another product is Huel Powder. Despite containing artificial sweeteners, its taste is bland and far from delicious. Plus, the texture is grainy too.

Huel also offers protein bars, which are fantastic snacks to handle your cravings between meals. They are edible and easily chewable. However, you won’t feel much of a taste.

• Soylent

Soylent’s catalog offers premade drinks, powders, and bars. The brand has gone through a transformation after receiving criticism.

And many people are in love with the newly optimized versions.

Some people felt that earlier versions were awfully sweet, which has been significantly toned down now. The newer drinks have a mildly sweet vibe with a minute hint of its specific flavor.

Having a neutral taste, I reckon this kind of taste might be a bit bothersome for someone who never has had a nutritional supplement before.

However, if you are someone who is here for the taste and want to make it pleasant, you can get creative by adding chocolate or peanut butter powder.

Texture-wise, complete meal drinks have a thicker texture as compared to complete protein, which is fantastic.

Next is Soylent Meal Replacement Powder, which is a notably better taste than any protein powder.

I have seen people talking about their gag-worthy supplement experiences. Luckily, the case is different here. Plus, the texture is smooth and mildly thick.

Soylent’s bars have a decent vibe as well. They are easily chewable and have a smooth texture.

The taste is not as sweet as a regular candy or chocolate. However, it does not feel like eating an artificial bar as well.

Final Verdict: Since Soylent has significantly improved its taste and texture game, its products taste better than Huel’s.

Product Variety and Flavors

Huel: Huel offers a range of products, including Black Edition Powder, Ready-to-drink, Huel Hot & Savory (an instant meal), Huel Complete Protein (a high-protein snack), Huel Powder v3.0, Huel Complete Protein Bar, and Huel Bar v3.1.

We will look into the flavor opinions of some of their best-selling products.

• Black Edition comes in six flavors: chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, banana, coffee caramel, peanut butter, and strawberry shortcake. It also comes in an unflavored/unsweetened version, which you can take if that is what you prefer.
• Ready-made drinks offer vanilla, salted caramel, strawberry shortcake, cinnamon roll, iced coffee caramel, chocolate, berry, and banana flavors.
• Huel Hot & Savory is a quick-to-make meal, available in various mouth-watering flavors.
  • If you like spicy meals, the spicey Indian curry version would be perfect.
  • If you want to keep it moderate, your options can be Mexican chili and Thai green curry. And they also have non-spicy versions like sweet & sour, tomato & herb, yellow coconut curry, and mac & cheese.
• Huel Complete Protein– a high-protein snack, available in chocolate fudge brownie, vanilla caramel, strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, salted caramel, and unflavored version.

Soylent: When it comes to flavors, Soylent’s variety is a bit limited if you compare it to Huel’s. Yet,

• Soylent has premade drinks in various flavors, including creamy chocolate, cafe mocha, mint chocolate, cafe chai, vanilla, banana, strawberry.
• Soylent complete meal powder is available in the cacao version, which gives a pleasant taste with a hint of chocolate. Another powdered flavor is the original version. Both these versions come in travel-friendly packs as well.
• Then, we have Soylent squared bars, available in two glorious flavors of peanut butter and chocolate brownie.

Final Verdict: Huel is an open winner for being more diverse and offering multiple exciting options.

Huel vs Soylent – Possible Side Effects

• Huel

Indigestion has to be the most commonly reported Huel side effect.

Although there are rare cases of this problem as Huel’s products are made from high-quality ingredients, it is one thing some people have experienced.

Some customers complained of stomach upset, gas, and bloating issues, which could be caused due to sensitivities toward certain ingredients.

If you have a specific food allergy or a chronic illness, consult your dietician before opting for Huel or any dietary supplement.

• Soylent

People have reported similar side effects after consuming Soylent’s drinks, such as bloating and gas issues.

Soylent products lack insoluble fiber, which could cause infrequent bowel movements.

Final Verdict: When it comes to generating a negative health impact, both Huel and Soylent are somewhat on the same boat.

Although the chances to face side effects are rare, there’s still a possibility. Therefore, always check the ingredient facts before opting for a supplement.

Even better, consult your nutritionist for professional advice.

Lab testing

• Huel

According to Huel’s official website, all products are manufactured under strict supervision.

The website has plenty of informational articles that can take you through their production process.

Huel also ensures that it does testing of its products and inspects all the ingredients before use.

However, I have not been able to locate lab results or medical reports alongside their products, which are required to back up the brand’s claims.

• Soylent

In the past, Soylent has found itself in hot waters after the allegations of making people ill through its products.

Since then, the brand has come a long way and has reformulated many of its products.

Despite the claims of science-backed elements and ultra-fine methodologies, their products contain allergens and artificial sweeteners.

You can find all the nutritional information on the website. However, a third-party lab approval report is missing.

Final Verdict: It is good to know that brands care about transparency and quality.

However, a little bit more clinical proof would be highly appreciated.

Both the brands have nutritionist’s nods. However, professional independent lab results of their products would be preferred.

Cost

Huel:

• Huel Ready-to-drink starts from $4.21 per bottle. Each box comes with 12 bottles, which makes up $50.50 per box.
• A Huel Complete Protein tub contains 26 portions, which is $1.25 per serving and $32.50 per tub.
• Next, Huel Complete Protein Bar is avaialble for $3.13 per bar and $37.50 per box.

Soylent:

• Soylent complete meal pre-made drinks are available for $3.50 per bottle.
• Soylent powder is available for $1.91 per meal. This product comes as seven pouches per case.
• Soylent Squared Bars, each package contains 24 squares. And it is $1.04 per square.

Final Verdict: Soylent clearly wins the battle as the most pocket-friendly brand.

Customer Satisfaction

• Huel

The majority suggests Huel has the best nutritional value while comparing both brands.

Now, everyone has their preferences regarding taste, texture, and pricing. Most consumers appreciate Huel due to its top-tier ingredient content.

Other aspects have mixed viewpoints. Some people praised the texture of Huel shakes. Others complained that the shakes are difficult to blend due to their thick texture.

However, users had the same opinion regarding the taste of its shake. They said the taste is bland and feels like a typical protein powder.

• Soylent

Soylent is popular among customers due to its pleasant taste.

However, people had some other differences regarding its ingredient content. For instance, Soylent contains a significant amount of sugar in its products, which is problematic for some.

Some people complained of stomach issues, gas, and constipation after the first few uses of Soylent, which does not happen very often but is worth considering.

Final Verdict: Simply put, Huel is more nutritious and healthy. It makes you feel fuller and aid in achieving your fitness goals.

Meanwhile, Soylent is better in taste and texture. It is also a budget-friendly purchase. Hence, the customer gets to decide the winner brand according to their own requirements.

FAQs on Huel and Soylent Comparison

Are Soylent and Huel the same?

Based on nutritional facts, ingredient content, and potential health benefits, Huel and Soylent are not similar.

However, both brands have a similar ideology regarding healthy food, environmentally friendly, and time-saving supplements.

Both brands believe that nutrient-rich meals should be accessible to everyone on the go. Therefore, their products are convenient and quick to prepare.

Is Huel actually good?

As a nutritionally balanced meal, Huel is fantastic.

It contains all of the essential nutrients and can help you stay energized throughout the day, suppress your appetite, build muscle, and aid in weight management.

Its health benefits are guaranteed and long-term because it is made up of plant-based ingredients. So, yes, Huel is actually good.

Can you live off of Soylent?

Whether you decide to live off Huel, Soylent, or other brands, relying on a meal replacement/nutritional supplement is no way to go.

These techniques might help you drop some pounds if that is what you are trying to achieve. However, starving yourself and replacing all your meals with Soylent is not recommended at all.

The only way to obtain long-term outcomes is to combine your supplements with a healthy diet and regular exercise. And soon, you will see your body responding in a wholesome way.

Does Soylent cause diarrhea?

Several people experience stomach problems after their initial supplement intakes. Most of them experience gas, bloating, and constipation.

However, you can also go through diarrhea if you have a certain food allergy. Reduce the supplement intake after observing diarrhea symptoms and get in touch with your doctor.

Why did Canada ban Soylent?

As I mentioned earlier in this article that Soylent includes sucralose, an artificial sweetener. Hence, Soylent is banned in Canada as the country does not approve of this ingredient in dietary supplements.

Is Huel actually nutritious?

Yes, Huel is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available.

Nutritionally, Huel snacks and meals are also well balanced, providing an appropriate combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.

Unlike other so-called “healthy” foods that are often laden with sugar, additives, or unhealthy fats, Huel provides all the nutrition your body needs without any of the harmful extras. In fact, Huel has even been endorsed by several leading health professionals as a healthy source of food and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

What’s better Soylent or Huel?

Soylent and Huel are both meal replacements that provide all the nutrients your body needs. They have a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences that you should consider before making a decision about which one to buy.

I will give the final verdict based on nutritional value. And for that reason, Huel is an evident winner.

With a balanced macronutrient profile, vitamins, minerals, plant-based protein, fiber, essential carbs, and fats, Huel can help legit fuel your body with strength and enhance your physical performance.

Hence, if you are in the nutrition game for the long run and want sustainable results, Huel deserves a fair shot.