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Registered dietitiansWeight lossSports & athleticsPediatricPregnancyPrenatal & postpartumRenalDiabetesPCOSGI & gut healthCancerExplore All SpecialtiesWith Huel’s Daily Greens growing in popularity, more of my clients are asking if it’s something they should be taking. As a dietitian, I take this question seriously. While greens powders can make an impact on our health, not all of them can help meet your individual needs. And, if I’m honest, some are poor choices altogether.
So how does Huel Daily Greens stack up when it comes to greens powders? This article will delve into Huel’s intricacies: from ingredients and benefits to price and quality. Use this information to help make informed choices about whether Huel Daily Greens will help meet your specific goals.
See how AG1 stacks up against the competition
Huel Key Features
- What is Huel? Huel Daily Greens is a superfood powder that provides 91 ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, greens, adaptogens, and probiotics.
- How should you use Huel? Huel recommends taking one scoop of their greens daily, mixing with 8 to 10 ounces of water in a bottle and shaking for 10 seconds for optimal blending.
- How much does Huel Greens cost? A one-time 30-serving purchase costs $56.50, while becoming a monthly subscriber will lower the cost to $45.
- What are the alleged health benefits? Huel claims that their Daily Greens provides 146 health benefits. These include cognitive function, immune and digestive support, and benefits for hair, skin, and nails.
- What does it taste like? Huel Daily Greens comes in three flavors, Watermelon, Lemon & Ginger, and Original which has a hint of apple and pineapple. Huel is sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract.
- Is Huel safe for everyone? Huel should not be taken by children and should only be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women after consulting their physician.
- Are there better alternatives? While Huel may be a good choice for some people, it may not meet the needs of others. Live it Up Super Greens is an excellent alternative as it contains ingredients with more effective dosing and may be appropriate for a wider range of individuals. Bloom Greens & Superfoods is another affordable Huel alternative.
Huel Overview
Huel stands for Human Fuel and was started in 2015 to provide “nutritionally complete, convenient, affordable food”. This British company not only produces Daily Greens, but also other supplements, from meal replacement powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes to protein bars and energy drinks.
Huel Positives
- Most ingredients are organic
- No artificial sweeteners or added sugar
- Third-party tested and GMP-certified
- Vegan and gluten-free
Huel Drawbacks
- No digestive enzymes
- Very few ingredients with effective doses
- Low dose of probiotics
- Contains additives silicon dioxide, guar gum, and tapioca starch
- Added vitamins and minerals
My Overall Thoughts on Huel
Huel captured my attention as I began sorting through its ingredients and benefits. I can tell the company had big aspirations for this greens powder! While it has a few positives (I love that it uses mostly organic ingredients), some things about this product give me pause as a dietitian.
Too many health claims. The first one I noticed is that it claims to have over 146 benefits. In my profession, any product claiming that many benefits should be looked at with a skeptical eye.
These benefits are not directly linked to the product but are extrapolated using studies on the individual ingredients. However, they only occur if the product contains an effective dose of the specific ingredient. This brings me to my next hesitation.
Likely not effectively dosed ingredients. There are 91 ingredients packed into a small 8-gram scoop. This is a big indicator that there may not be many (if any) ingredients that are effectively dosed.
For example, while the product does contain adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, studies indicate that this plant is only beneficial when taken in doses of around 500mg per day. Yet the entire “Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex” in Huel, which I should point out contains 12 ingredients, is a total volume of 171mg.
Includes additives. My final qualm comes from the list of “other ingredients.” With tapioca starch, guar gum, and silicon dioxide, we’re looking at a product that relies on several food additives to maintain its texture and consistency.
Ingredient Analysis
There are quite a few ingredients Huel packs into their Daily Greens. To get a good overview of Huel’s contents, I’ll be discussing each blend individually.
![Huel Supplement Facts](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626655ea8f0a3bcd55186754/67a39ab958566816d53cba68_Huel_supplementfacts.jpg)
Added vitamins and minerals
While this is not an official blend, Huel Daily Greens contains 26 added vitamins and minerals. With the exception of 9 of these, which provide more than 100% DV, all others impart 20% or less of your recommended daily intake.
While I prefer to see a greens powder with micronutrients naturally derived from the plants in the formula, I’m relieved that Huel is not supplying megadoses of these nutrients.
Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend
As the largest of Huel’s blends, this collection of plants has the typical greens you’d find in a superfood powder. It contains the blue-green algae organic spirulina and organic chlorella, as well as organic calciferous marine algae, all of which are nutritional powerhouses.
Daily Greens also contains more common vegetables, such as organic broccoli sprouts, organic carrot root, organic black garlic, organic basil leaf, organic artichoke leaf, organic spinach leaf, and organic kale leaf. All of these are certainly rich in nutrition and antioxidants.
Curiously, this blend also includes organic green tea extract, organic green coffee bean extract, and organic mate leaf extract; yet Huel states that Daily Greens contains undetectable levels of caffeine. This may go back to the fact that such an over-stuffed greens powder may not contain effective dosing of its ingredients.
Plant-Based Protein and Superfood Blend
I was impressed to see a blend focusing on protein and fiber. When consuming enough, both of these macronutrients can bring more balance to a snack or meal and help us feel more satisfied. With organic pea fiber, organic pea protein, organic chia seeds, organic sprouted quinoa, Faba bean protein, flaxseed, and organic gluten-free oats, this blend could be quite nutrient-dense.
The only drawback is that even though these ingredients could impart the benefits of fiber and protein, they don’t seem to. The supplement facts panel states that Daily Greens contains only 1 gram of fiber and less than 1 gram of protein.
As a comparison, Live it Up Super Greens does not add in extra protein or fiber, but provides 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, all naturally derived from its effectively dosed plant ingredients.
Organic Superfruit Blend
The title says it all; this blend contains 14 fruits. From more common fruits like organic tomato fruit, organic blueberry fruit, organic raspberry fruit, organic apple fruit, and organic strawberry fruit, to ones we may not eat as often like organic tart cherry, organic acerola fruit extract, organic lemon peel, organic coconut nectar, organic bilberry fruit, and organic elderberry, Huel put together quite an array of colorful produce.
Fruits can provide antioxidants not found as abundant in green vegetables. These complex compounds help protect the body from damaging free radicals. The more antioxidants and phytonutrients in your diet, the greater the possible benefits.
Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex
Adaptogen supplementation is growing in popularity, as these plants are thought to help the body better manage internal and external stress levels. Huel Daily Greens contains quite a few adaptogens, including organic Ashwagandha root, organic Rhodiola root extract, organic lemon balm leaf, organic maca tuber, organic shiitake mushroom, organic red ginseng, organic cordyceps militaris mushroom, organic maitake mushroom, organic marshmallow root, and organic reishi mushroom.
While many people take adaptogen supplements for the long term, they are not well studied. In fact, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are generally not recommended for use longer than 12 weeks at a time. The good news is that these may not be in a high enough dose to be as concerned about a time frame for taking them.
Organic Botanical Blend
This is an intriguing blend with a variety of plants, including organic echinacea, organic cinnamon bark, organic hawthorn flowering top, organic dandelion root, organic burdock root, and organic hibiscus flower extract. While these seven plants likely make up just a sprinkle within Daily Greens, it’s a nice addition.
Both the extract of hawthorn flowers and lemongrass leaf have been used for centuries as herbal remedies. These plants are packed with antioxidants and have been linked with anti-inflammatory effects and digestive wellness.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and other organisms that may produce health benefits when consumed. Huel Daily Greens contains two strains of probiotics: Bacillus coagulans and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These strains have been studied for quite some time and are both considered to be beneficial.
While Huel does a good job including probiotics when other greens powders may not, there are only 125 million CFU (colony forming units), which is well below the recommended dose.
Huel’s Health Claims
Vegetables and fruit are some of the most nutritious foods we can eat, and the more we have, the more benefits we may experience. While research is still needed, since greens powders contain whole vegetables, fruit, and other ingredients, it is likely they may confer similar benefits.
![Huel Health Benefits](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626655ea8f0a3bcd55186754/67a39ae790270e633f03cd48_Huel_claims4.jpg)
Huel likely provides benefits, though I’m highly skeptical that the product offers over 140. Making big claims such as this is quite misleading to consumers, especially considering effective dosing may be lacking in this formula.
With that said, let’s take a look at four specific claims to see if they stand up.
Digestive Support
Huel Daily Greens only contains 125 million CFU probiotics, no digestive enzymes, and only 1 gram of fiber. There are a few ingredients that may be beneficial for our gut, such as organic ginger root and organic spirulina, but they may not be effectively dosed.
From my perspective as a dietitian, Huel may not live up to its claim of being good for digestive support.
Immunity
Because Huel has added vitamins and minerals, it may help support our immune function. The immune system relies on specific micronutrients to work appropriately, including vitamins A, C, D, and E as well as minerals zinc, selenium, and iron. Huel adds all of these in varying amounts.
Brain and Energy Support
According to Huel, the iron in their formula supports normal cognitive function. Huel adds 5.5mg of iron from ferrous gluconate, or 33% of our recommended daily intake.
While this form of iron is bioavailable and usually well tolerated, several foods interfere with how much your body can absorb. Foods that contain phytates, such as whole grains, cereals, and nuts; foods that contain polyphenols, such as tea and coffee; and calcium-rich foods may all reduce how much iron you can absorb. If you’re looking to ensure the body takes in all iron, it may be best to take Huel on an empty stomach and wait to eat for 2 to 3 hours.
In terms of energy, Huel states that the biotin in their product “contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.” The great news is that they do not add synthetic biotin, it is one of the few naturally occurring vitamins in their product and is derived from chlorella, providing 7.5mcg or about 25% of your daily recommended intake.
This is true, and biotin does help in the process of energy production and even energy storage within the cell. While energy production relies on many more vitamins and minerals, this product may help support your energy production with its biotin content.
Healthy Aging
Nutritionally, one of the most important factors in healthy aging is ensuring your diet is full of nutrient-rich foods, including lots of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats while avoiding too much sodium, added sugars, and highly processed foods.
Huel supplements your diet with extra plants, helping to enrich your diet with these powerhouse foods. However, Huel alone will not provide all the nutrients and plants you need for healthy aging. So while it will help you along the path to healthy aging, avoid relying on it solely.
Pricing and Discounts
Huel Daily Greens is slightly above the average cost of a typical greens powder.
- One-time purchase, 30 servings: $56.50 ($1.88 per serving)
- Monthly subscription, 30 servings: $45.00 ($1.50 per serving)
Initial purchase perks: Receive a free branded shirt and bottle.
Shipping: Free for orders over $65. Shipping costs $9 for orders below this amount.
30-day money-back guarantee: Only on first-time orders and only for orders up to $115. After the first order, refunds are only granted for products that are unopened and unused.
Price comparison
Live it Up Super Greens
- One-time purchase: $59.99 ($1.99 per serving)
- Monthly subscription: $39.99 ($1.33 per serving)
- Free shipping on all orders
AG1
- One-time purchase: $99 ($3.30 per serving)
- Monthly subscription: $79 ($2.63 per serving)
- Shipping is $9 on all orders
Bloom Greens & Superfoods
- One-time purchase: $34.99 ($1.16 per serving)
- Monthly subscription: $31.49 ($1.05 per serving)
- Free shipping for monthly subscribers or for orders over $50.
Customer Testimonials
Reviews are mixed when it comes to Huel Daily Greens.
Taste and Texture
Interestingly, many people enjoy other Huel products, but customer reviews indicate that their Daily Greens doesn’t always seem to be as appealing. While some people truly enjoy it, others aren’t fans, often saying that they don't enjoy the organic stevia leaf extract.
“I bought the clean greens pouch. It has sweeteners added to the ingredients, apart from not agreeing to that, the sweet taste is horrible.” (Carolina)
“Great products with great flavor choices. I didn’t care for the daily greens, but the Huel essentials and the superfood blend are terrific.” (M. Johnson)
When it comes to texture, some customers find that it mixes well with little issue, while other customer reviews find it to be gritty and sandy.
“… It also doesn't dissolve as well as described, and I would shake it for a while before I drank it. You can get used to that. What I wasn't prepared for, and maybe I should have been (who knows?), was how gassy it leaves you…” (Shanahan)
“It tastes very good for a green drink, especially considering all of the ingredients. It did not clump at all when mixing, and I did not use the recommended method. I simply put it in a glass and stirred with a spoon.” (Anon)
Reported Results
Even with mixed reviews on taste, Huel customers report feeling more energy and less fatigued after using Daily Greens.
“Huel Greens is really disgusting but makes you feel much better... Maybe with [a] smoothie I could have made it better.” (Michael)
“Daily Greens: 5 stars overall. Very pleased with this one, already bought two packs and will buy more. I drink it at breakfast, and I feel overall more energetic and less sleepy during the mornings.” (Elena)
Weighing In: Is Huel Worth It?
Huel Daily Greens provides an array of added vitamins and minerals and quite a collection of over 90 ingredients including greens, blue-green algae, and adaptogens. While many people may find this greens powder to be the right choice for them and their individual needs, I believe Huel falls short.
Other blends may be a better choice for customers looking for a greens supplement with more effective dosing, more probiotics and digestive enzymes, more protein and fiber, and a better taste. Huel’s use of fillers, stevia, and synthetic vitamins plus their lofty 146 health claims ultimately lead me to suggest other greens powders on the market.
As a dietitian, I must also add that a greens drink is not a replacement for eating whole vegetables, fruits, and plants in your daily diet. For health and longevity, make sure that your diet is full of whole foods, including a balance of colorful produce, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more? Take a look at the most common questions I’ve been asked about Huel and other green powders.
How healthy is Huel Daily Greens?
Huel Daily Greens provides more than 20 added vitamins and minerals along with many greens, adaptogens, and a small amount of probiotics. For some, this may be adequate as a multivitamin and may also help boost plant intake. For others, this may not have effective enough doses of superfoods to make a difference in how they feel. Everyone is an individual and will react differently to each greens powder depending on their nutrient needs.
Is it OK to have Huel every day?
Yes, Huel Daily Greens was created to be a daily-use supplement. Always be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before starting a new daily supplement to ensure it is the right decision for you and your health goals.
Is drinking daily greens good for you?
Since very few people in the U.S. meet the daily recommended amount of vegetables and fruit, a greens powder can help close the plant and nutrient gaps left in the diet. Some greens powders, like Live it Up Super Greens or AG1, provide enough micronutrients to help enhance diets better than others, so be sure to check the supplement fact panel to ensure the green powder is the best choice for you.
Note that while a greens supplement can help you get more plants, the most effective way to impact your health is by upping your fresh vegetable and fruit intake.
What are the side effects of Huel Daily Greens?
While most people do not complain of side effects when taking Huel Daily Greens, some people have reported gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. While these symptoms sometimes reduce with time as the body gets used to a new greens formula, some have found the side effects so severe that they choose to stop taking the supplement. If you start experiencing symptoms, the company recommends discontinuing its use and contacting your healthcare professional.
Huel states this on their packaging: “Warning: Huel Daily Greens contains a large number of ingredients, some of which you may never have tried and your body may not be familiar with. If you start experiencing any adverse side effects, please discontinue use. Consult with your physician or health care professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have any medical conditions before using. Keep out of reach of children.”
What are the negatives of a greens powder?
Greens powders are a great way to enhance your daily nutrient and antioxidant intake. The best greens powders provide several benefits, including energy and digestive support, as well as several vitamins and minerals. Still, if someone relies only on a greens powder as their source of nutrients without a varied diet including whole produce, they may not get the full benefits.
However, depending on the ingredients and the individual, some people may experience gas or bloating. Though rare, some greens powder side effects or allergic reactions may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking medication or have any concerns.
Resources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chlorella-spirulina
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6016687/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1466856422000595
- https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/adaptogens.asp
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-rhodiola-rosea-take-to-work#side-effects
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9498108/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619305675
- https://internationalprobiotics.org/home/probiotic-dosage-what-is-adequate/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01970-5
- https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition-and-immunity/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019700/
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/greens-powder-are-there-health-benefits