PhenQ vs Huel: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

January 9, 2024 |

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In this article, we’ll compare Huel and PhenQ’s meal replacement options side by side to see which one is more efficacious.

Both are nutritious and high protein supplements, but PhenQ is low carb, has fat-burning properties, and suits more people with food allergies. On the other side, Huel offers vegan and highly fibrous meal shakes.

You would be curious about these formulations’ efficacy and safety before making them a part of your daily life.

To help you with this, we have provided a detailed comparison of both products in the following sections. Plus, we have added the views from their users to make the decision even easier.

So, keep reading till the end to find out all this information;

PhenQ vs. Huel – An Introduction

Huel

Huel family is a bunch of meal replacement supplements created to provide fulfilling meals that save time and, at the same time, supply the recommended daily amounts of nutrients.

Huel

This UK-based company was founded in 2015. Its recipe is formulated by registered nutritionists and promises to deliver all necessary nutrients.

Huel meal replacement contains a large proportion of proteins and low carbohydrate contents and is made from vegan ingredients only. Plus, it is also available in gluten-free versions.

Though the product is not created for weight management purposes, some people use it in weight loss regimes due to its low-carb/ high-protein recipe.

Its product range includes meal replacement powder, ready-to-drink shakes, and energy bars.

PhenQ

Whereas, PhenQ is a product of Wolfson Brands Limited (UK).

PhenQ shakes flavours

It supplies weight loss products like diet pills, and meal replacement shakes formulated to provide nutrition, satisfy your hunger and make weight management a lot easier.

But if you were to choose between the two, which one would you go for? Following are some factors that we took into consideration to make this process a lot less intimidating for you.

PhenQ vs. Huel – Which one is the more efficacious?

Firstly, let’s examine the efficacy of both these meal supplements for their nutritional value and fat-burning properties;

PhenQ’s Ingredients & Benefits

PhenQ powder offers 16g protein, a small amount of low glycemic carbs and MCT fats, a vegan blend of 13 vitamins/minerals, DigeZyme, and herbal extracts from Ashwagandha, Reishi Mushroom, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus membranaceus.

The best thing about these shakes is you need not worry if you have food allergies because these products are gluten-free and also come with a solution for other allergens like lactose and starches.

The ingredient which gives it an edge over the other supplement is the DigeZyme blend (a mixture of digestive enzymes to boost your gut ability).

It includes lipase, amylase, cellulase, protease, and lactase enzymes, which help properly digest and assimilate all nutrients. This ingredient especially helps those people with enzyme deficiency, like milk intolerant individuals.

 PhenQ Meal replacement

PhenQ meal shakes1
  • 1. Plenty of Protein

It contains heaps of protein in the form of whey protein, pea protein, hemp seed protein, and brown rice proteins. On the whole, this supplement provides 16g of protein with each scoop.

  • 2. Healthy Carbs

Its carb content is low, making it a good meal for losing weight.

And the carbohydrates it does have are low glycemic index carbs that slowly convert to glucose and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

These carbs are mostly derived from Carb10 (pea starch) and digest easily, thus, minimizing the GI side effects people complain of after using most other meal replacements.

Due to this, all flavors of PhenQ shakes are gluten-free.

  • 3. Coconut MCT oil

Being a complete meal replacement, PhenQ includes the healthy fats coming from coconut triglyceride oil.

Coconut MCT oil is heart-friendly and fulfills the body’s needs for fatty acid molecules without adding up to fat reserves that make you look chubby.

  • 4. Vitamins & Minerals

It also includes a vegan micronutrient blend containing 13 key vitamins and minerals that saves you from any nutritional deficiency when using meal shakes in place of whole solid meals. This gives it an edge over other bland protein powders.

Also, flaxseeds add fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids to your meals. Resultantly, you feel more satisfied, have a lesser appetite, and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems.

  • 5. Weight loss Solution

As the primary goal of PhenQ shakes is weight loss, it includes the metabolism-boosting ingredient- InnoSlim (a mixture of Panax and Astragalus). These ingredients speed up fat burning by activating AMPK.

AMPK is a fat-burning enzyme (think of it as the natural fat-melting machine of the body) that slows downs with age or minimal physical activity. But no worries, PhenQ shakes will help you reignite AMPK activity.

This pharmacological research journal published in 2013 confirms the efficacy of Panax ginseng on AMPK activity.

Due to this property, this ingredient is found effective in the treatment of diabetes type 2, metabolic diseases, and cancer.

Similarly, Astragalus is associated with fat burning and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Note:PhenQ also has a special powerful appetite suppressant pill that can help you lose weight by reducing your hunger cravings – totally seperate from the meal shake. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and appetite. The PhenQ appetite suppressant pill can also help to boost your metabolism and burn more calories, making it an effective weight loss tool.

PhenQ bottle tablet
PhenQ appetite suppressant pill

Huel’s Ingredients & Benefits

Huel products differ from each other for a few ingredients.

However, their main composition is the same, including Oat flour, pea proteins, brown rice protein, flaxseed, tapioca flour, cherry powder, sunflower oil powder, and a micronutrient blend.

Meal replacement

Huel Powder
  • 1. No Whey Protein

As these products are both high-protein as well as plant-based, hence, there is no whey protein. Instead, the protein content comes from pea powder, brown rice, and hemp seeds.

These proteins are rich in branched and iron substituted amino acids that make muscles stronger and also take care of heart health.

  • 2. Diabetes-friendly

The carb content of these meal replacement shakes is provided mostly by oat flour and tapioca flour. These sources contribute starchy low glycemic carbs, thus, making the Huel a safe option for diabetics.

  • 3. High in Fiber

A great thing about Huel is the high fiber content it provides with each meal. This fiber comes from oats and flaxseeds and keeps you “full” for a long time without adding to the calorie count.

Plus, flaxseeds also add the benefits of omega 3, taking care of your heart health.

  • 4. Healthy Fats

Moreover, the Huel supplement contains necessary fat molecules coming from coconut triglyceride powder and sunflower oil. These good fats are required for the renovation of the cell membrane and proper nervous system functioning.

  • 5. Micronutrients

To make these shakes equivalent to whole meals, the company has added a micronutrient blend containing various vitamins and minerals to fulfill the need for trace elements in body metabolism.

  • 6. Weight loss solution

Primarily, Huel has not been formulated keeping weight loss in mind. That is why its recipe specifies a high-calorie meal.

Overall, the carbohydrate content of Huel shakes is relatively higher than PhenQ meal replacement, and their recommended serving size is also larger.

Plus, Huel products do not have metabolism-boosting components like InnoSlim.

All in all, Huel formulations have some weight-reducing properties due to high-protein and good fat contents, but these are less effective for shedding unwanted pounds, as seen in comparison.

PhenQ vs Huel – Which is Safer? (side effects)

So, both meal replacement shakes promise huge benefits and are very easy to make and take but are these meal shakes safe as well?

Apparently, both of these products offer good nutritional value, and one serving provides the energy and nutrients you would get from a regular full meal.

Nonetheless, it is not recommended to replace all meals with supplementary shakes as you may develop some micronutrient deficiencies in the long run.

Also, you wouldn’t want to miss the taste and texture of real food altogether.

Thus, the middle way is to replace only one or a maximum of two meals per day with replacement shakes and have the regular solid food for the third one.

As for the ingredient safety level and associated side effects, the following are the details for both meal shakes;

  • PhenQ’s safety & side effects

PhenQ is manufactured in FDA-approved facilities, and the safety level of all its ingredients is also proven by scientific research.

Although it is a high-protein supplement and also contains a bulk of whey components, it usually does not bother people with slow digestion and milk intolerance. The reason is that the DigeZyme blend is added to its formulation.

Thus, it provides not only effective nutrients but also the enzymes our body needs to absorb and utilize those nutrients.

Nonetheless, some users have reported mild digestive unrest for the first few days of using the meal replacement. But this effect automatically faded away in less than a week.

We can say that it was likely due to the sudden dietary change these people made in their diet when switching from regular meals to high-protein shakes.

  • Huel’s safety & Side effects

Huel recipes are formulated by a team of trained nutritionists and dietitians, and all constituents are proven safe and healthy for human health.

But still, many users complain of gut unrest, diarrhea, dry lips, and other similar side effects after they start using these supplements instead of normal meals.

This is mostly because the human body takes some time to adjust to dietary changes.

For diarrhea, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems, the blame usually goes to the high amount of protein and fiber.

Also, these supplements do not contain an enzymatic blend to aid in the digestion of the meal content.

However, most of these side effects disappear after some time as your gut becomes accustomed to these shakes.

Read also: Complete Huel negative side effects

PhenQ vs. Huel Cost – Which is more expensive?

  • PhenQ price

PhenQ meal shakes are available in three flavors (Rich chocolate, Vanilla bean ice cream, and Strawberries & Cream) that can be bought from its official website.

It costs $2.99 per meal when you buy one bag, but the price reduces to $2.56 per meal when you buy two or more bags. Each of these packs provides seven nutrient-rich meals. PhenQ provides free shipping for all orders as well.

Plus, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results.

  • Huel Price

Huel offers different product lines of meal shakes, which come in different flavors, textures, and prices. These can be bought from the online store of the company.

You can also sign up for a subscription plan to avail discounted prices, but you would need to buy 2 or 3 bags at a minimum for each purchase. So, your package would start at $65 to $85

Huel Black Edition is available in cookies & cream, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon roll, banana, salted caramel, coffee caramel, strawberry shortcake, unflavoured & unsweetened, and peanut butter flavor.

  • Subscription cost: $2.62 per meal
  • One-time purchase: $2.78 per meal
Huel Black Edition

Huel Hot & Savory is a meal supplement for people who love spicy meals and also want something solid to eat.

This product line includes a variety of spicy, semi-crushed servings, which end up in thick soup or curry texture as the final product.

It has eight flavors, including mac & cheese, cajun pasta, Mexican chili, Thai green curry, yellow coconut curry, spicy Indian curry, tomato & herb, and sweet & sour.

  • Subscription cost: $3.76 per meal
  • One-time purchase: $4.17 per meal

Huel Powder v3.0 is offered in original oats, cinnamon roll, vanilla, chocolate, Caffè Latte, berry, salted caramel, banana, peanut butter, and unflavoured & unsweetened flavors.

  • Subscription cost: $2.21 per meal
  • One-time purchase: $2.45 per meal

Huel Complete Protein is the lowest-priced meal replacement from Huel. Its flavors include chocolate fudge brownie, vanilla caramel, strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, and unflavoured & unsweetened.

  • Subscription cost: $1.19 per meal
  • One-time purchase: $1.32 per meal

Huel Gluten-free v3.0 comes in original oats, cinnamon roll, salted caramel, vanilla, chocolate, banana, berry, Caffè Latte, and unflavoured & unsweetened flavors.

  • Subscription cost: $2.38 per meal
  • One-time purchase: $2.65 per meal

PhenQ vs. Huel – Which is more reputable?

As for any product, the final verdict comes from the real consumers; following, we are mentioning views from meal shake users about phenQ and Huel.

  • PhenQ’s User Reviews

When it comes to customer satisfaction, PhenQ has a good score because most of its users reported that the supplement helped them get good food even when in a hurry, burn fats, and lose excessive weight.

A 30-year-old lady said that she replaced her lunch with a PhenQ shake, and it’s working wonders for her as she got 10 lbs down. She also fined it yummy to drink phenQ powder by mixing it with her coffee.

A girl of 25 said that she was skeptical about the efficacy of meal shakes because she has tried many, and none of them worked.

However, she was amazed by the results of PhenQ as just after a few weeks, she noticed a visible reduction in her waistline. Also, she felt more energy and lesser appetite than before.

Another user told how he used to stop by restaurants on his way to work to get a snack and coffee, but now he takes PhenQ chocolate shakes with him on the go. It not only saves him time but also provides him with a delicious meal.

  • Huel’s User Reviews

Huel is also very popular among people who are diet conscious but want a time-saving solution for meal preparation due to their busy schedules.

A middle-aged woman called this supplement a perfect diet for an active family who’s always pressed for time.

She said she feeds her whole family through these easy-to-make breakfast shakes, and they also love the taste and texture.

A young lady left positive feedback for the product calling Huel a great meal replacement because it gives her all the nutrients and tastes good.

A man told in a Facebook community group how Huel is helping him lead a healthy life.

He said that he has been using the meal shake for breakfast and lunch and exercises daily. This routine is helping him get all the nutrients and stay fit.

Final Takeaway – What do we recommend?

Meal replacement shakes offer many benefits in today’s busy life because they save you time and energy and take care of your nutritional needs very well.

But it can be a confusing task to choose the right meal replacement.

As discussed above, PhenQ and Huel shakes are both well-reputed formulas based on natural and healthy ingredients.

If you eat only vegan and are looking for a meal replacement with a good amount of carbs, Huel is the supplement for you.

But if you are looking for a meal replacement that saves you time and helps you get rid of stubborn body fats and look smart, we recommend you to opt for PhenQ.

This supplement is also more suitable for people with food allergies and enzyme deficiencies.

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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