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Disclaimer: all nutritional information was correct for the time of writing this article, May 2026. All nutritional labels can be viewed on Huel’s website.

If you’re curious about any Huel products, you can use my Huel discount code SARAHCBLOGGER for £10 off on their website (new customers only, orders over £45).

Woman sitting by a river under a stone bridge, holding a branded Huel bottle, enjoying nature.

In this post:

Introduction – What is Huel?

Huel is a nutritionally complete meal shake designed to provide an ideal balance of protein, carbs, essential fats, fibre, and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. When browsing their shop, you’ll see several options like Gluten-Free, Professional, Essential, and the Daily A-Z Vitamins. For this post, I’ll be focusing on the two I use most: the standard Huel Powder (v3.1) and the Huel Black Edition.

Similarities Between Huel Black and Huel Powder

Nutritional Completeness: Both provide a 100% nutritionally complete profile, including all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.
Convenient Formats: Both options are available as a mix-at-home powder or a grab-and-go Ready-to-drink (RTD) bottle.
Calorie Control: Each serving is designed to be 400 calories, making it simple to manage your intake regardless of which version you choose.
Dietary Flexibility: Both ranges offer gluten-free options, and both are entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Purchase Options: You can buy either product through a flexible subscription (for a discount) or as a one-time purchase.

Differences Between Huel Black and Huel Powder

[AD] Huel Black Edition Vs Huel Powder – A Comparison [Which is Better for Me? + Huel Discount Code] — Huel Black

Macronutrient Split: The most significant difference is the protein-to-carb ratio. Black Edition contains 40g protein / 15g carbs / 18g fat while Huel powder contains 30g protein / 39g carbs / 12g fat (macros can vary slightly depending on the flavour however).
Primary Ingredients: Standard Huel Powder is oat-based, giving it a classic texture. Black Edition is oat-free, using ingredients like pea protein, ground flaxseed, tapioca starch, and brown rice protein.
Sweetening Agents: The standard Powder is sweetened with a small amount of sucralose. In contrast, Black Edition uses natural sweeteners, specifically Stevia (again, this is flavour-specific so always check ingredients).
Price Point: Black Edition carries a slightly higher price per meal.

My Personal Opinions and Preferences

As a lover of strength training, I often feel torn between the two. I love that Huel Black has that extra protein boost—it’s exactly what I look for to support my recovery after a heavy session. However, I’m a big fan of the nutritional profile of the standard Powder too. I find I still need a decent amount of carbs in my diet to support my training.

Taste and Texture

In terms of taste, I personally prefer Huel Powder. I love the “oatiness” of the formula and find it really helps blunt my sugar cravings. In my opinion, Huel Black tastes much more like a traditional protein shake; you can really taste the richness of the cocoa in the chocolate flavour. The standard Powder, by contrast, feels more like a creamy, oaty meal.

The Verdict

I don’t think I’m the person who needs to pay the extra for Huel Black every single time, but I can definitely see why it’s a favourite for those who prioritise low-carb living or high-protein muscle building. If I’m in a phase where I’m focusing heavily on strength goals, I’ll opt for Black Edition because it serves a dual purpose: a fast, light lunch and a protein supplement all in one.

Both are fantastic, convenient ways to get high-quality nutrition. If you’re still unsure, I’d recommend trying a bag of each to see which suits your lifestyle best! Everyone’s body, energy levels and training routines are different so it’s always useful to try out different things.

If you’re curious about any Huel products, you can use my Huel discount code SARAHCBLOGGER for £10 off on their website (new customers only, orders over £45).