Meal replacement supplements have been on the rise in recent years. Unlike a regular protein shake, they are designed to provide complete nutrition in one meal. In this post we are going to compare MyProtein Whole Fuel vs Huel to decide which is best.
A meal replacement shake is usually made up of protein, carbohydrates , fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. Theres a few different forms on the market but the most popular is usually shakes.
It’s important to understand why meal replacement shakes are so popular, particularly for those looking to lose weight. One of the biggest barriers to a healthy diet is often the time it takes to prep and prepare a healthy meal. Its often easier for us to grab something quick like processed food. Meal replacement shakes provide us a healthy meal that is also quick and convenient.
The Brands
MyProtein
MyProtein is a UK based sports supplement producer based in cheshire, UK. The leading nutrition brand was founded in 2004 and has gone on to be Europes Number 1. Their huge range includes Protein powders, vitamins, pre-workout supplements, clothing and much more.
I like to think of MyProtein as a one stop place for all my supplement needs. MyProtein is also hugely popular on social media, their profiles are often filled with influencers recommending their products.
Everything at MyProtein is produced in-house, reducing costs that can be passed on to us as the consumer. I often find MyProtein is very competitive on price and there are regular promotions on their website, allowing further discounts.
MyProtein is part of The Hut Group, a large consortium of online brands, all based out of their Manchester Airport base.
Huel
Huel (short for “Human-fuel”) is not featured as often on this website. However that does not mean they should be ignored, they just don’t have such a variety as some larger supplement brands.
The Huel brand is focused around their one product, meal replacement supplements. The supplement is available in different forms including powder, bars and drinks. We always prefer powder supplements for their cost savings & convenience. Huel is based in the UK and has already sold over 50 million units, with 70% of its customers being Male.
Huel was launched in 2014 by Julian Hearn. The aim was to provide the recommended daily allowances of nutrients in a vegan and environmentally friendly product. It was only in 2016 that Huel started shipping outside of the UK and the brand is now available worldwide.
The Huel brand is aimed at those with busy lives who are looking for a nutritionally complete and convenient meal replacement. In recent years their product range has increased, including a ‘Black Edition’ and a range of Huel accessories.
The Supplements
MyProtein Whole Fuel Blend
The Whole Fuel supplement is a nutritionally rich formula containing protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Whole fuel uses a blend of their vegan protein instead of the popular whey protein. The vegan protein is sourced from both pea protein (23%) and brown rice protein (6%). Pea protein makes a great choice for many diets due to being vegan friendly and hypoallergenic. It is easy digesting and a great source of iron.
There are also essential vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin C and Calcium. The vitamin A keeps your immune system strong and also supports bone health. While vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can also help support the bodies defences.
Adding Calcium is fairly popular in vegan diets to help maintain strong bones. There is also a range of added minerals including Zinc, magnesium and potassium. Overall, Whole food has a complete and well-rounded make up of both vitamins and minerals.
A serving size is 3 scoops, which is 100g. Each serving contains 423 calories which should be plenty to keep you feeling full after consumption. There is 40g of protein in each serving. This high quantity of protein is important if you are planning on hitting the gym while on a meal replacement diet to promote muscle growth. It also provides a great choice for a post-workout recovery shake.
There is also 40g of carbohydrates to keep you fuelled and ensure you are able to sustain your energy levels throughout the day.
Huel
Huel is a nutritionally complete meal replacement that also contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and more.
The macro-nutrient breakdown in Huel is designed around a split of 37:30:30:3. This means 37% is carbs, 30% fats, 30% protein and 3% fibre.
Just like with Whole Fuel, the protein inside of Huel is made up of peas and rice. All the essential acids required are included from both protein sources. There is also further protein from the oat powder. Protein works well to suppress the appetite as it keeps us feeling fuller for longer.
The average intake of protein from a 2000 calorie Huel diet is 148g. This is plenty for both keeping you feeling full and also promoting muscle growth. Remember, a whey protein shake after the gym usually contains around 20g of protein. Ensuring we get enough vitamins and minerals when following a meal replacement diet is essential.
The unique blend inside Huel is designed to meet 100% of our requirements. This includes vitamin C for its antioxidant properties, as well as promoting a healthy immune system. There is also added choline. The Calcium promotes healthy bones. Furthermore, theres also probiotics and kombucha. You may have seen probiotics in yoghurt adverts.
They are the ‘good’ bacteria which can improve our gut health. Kombucha also provides added vitamin B and is produced from SCOBY that is fermented. This wide range of nutritional benefits in Huel show that its much more than just a protein shake and really is a full meal replacement supplement.
The Flavours
MyProtein Whole fuel Blend
One thing I always love about MyProtein is their huge variety of great tasting flavours. With their vegan proteins though I am less of a fan. I often find they require more liquid to make them taste okay. With Whole fuel there is a choice of two flavours to choose from. there is Chocolate, Natural Vanilla and Natural Vanilla & Raspberry.
It would have been great to see some more flavours here, particularly as MyProtein offer such big choice of flavours across their other products. The flavour choices are still good and mean you are not always stuck with the same flavour.
Huel
The choice of flavours from Huel is a lot better. there are over 14 flavours available including coffee, chocolate, banana & vanilla. When consuming the same meal replacement shakes everyday, the same flavour can soon start to get to you. With such a big choice of flavours available you can easily separate them out for different meals during the day.
There is also an unflavoured version available. Usually I would not recommend unflavoured, but with meal replacements, theres always the option to add some of your own ingredients to mix it up. For example using it in a fruit smoothie.
Another great inclusion is the option for gluten-free flavours. If you have gluten intolerance this is a nice benefit and certain to win some points.
The Price
MyProtein Whole Fuel Blend
Whole Fuel is available as a 1kg pouch for £16.49 or a 2.5kg pouch for £29.99. If you are using this as a meal replacement supplement everyday, theres not much use in buying the smaller 1kg pouch as you will only get 10 100g meals out of it. The 2.5kg bag should provide 25 meals, working out at roughly £1.20 per meal . This is good value and a lot less than if you were buying meals everyday e.g. at work.
With MyProtein there are always regular offers on the website. Its not very often that you will need to pay the full price. Before you purchase, see their homepage for any latest promotions.
Huel
Huel comes in 1.75kg bags and can be purchased directly from the Huel website. Each bag starts at £25 but there is a cost saving for purchasing multiples.
On the Huel website there is a minimum purchase of two bags and so the minimum order value is £50. If you are using these daily though, 2 bags is not much of an issue. When purchasing 2 bags it works out at £1.47 per meal, which is more than MyProtein. However there are savings when purchasing higher quantities e.g. 4 bags works out at £1.37 per meal.
There is also the option to subscribe and save 10%. If you are planning on using Huel for an extended period, this is a great idea to maximise the cost savings.
The Conclusion
Winner: Huel
Overall, It’s a difficult decision to compare MyProtein Whole Fuel vs Huel.
Both MyProtein Whole Fuel and Huel make great options for meal replacement supplements.
If you are already a MyProtein regular customer and also looking for the lowest cost, whole fuel is the way to go. It can be easily attached to your next order and provides the lowest cost option.
However, overall Huel stands out slightly as the best meal replacement supplement. Firstly the choice of flavours is far better. Its important if going to be consuming regularly, theres a lot to pick from. Huel has a great selection available and anyone should be able to find a flavour they like. Theres also an unflavoured version which is a nice option to add your own sweeteners.
The gluten-free option also provides another benefit, as well as the additional vitamins and minerals, including probiotics.
Despite costing slightly more, there is the option to save on Huel products by placing orders for bigger quantities. If you can afford to purchase more at the start, you will be able to save in the long-run.
Benefits of using meal replacement supplements
There are many reasons you may choose to use a meal replacement shake.
What is a meal replacement shake?
The idea of a meal replacement shake is to act as a food substitute. They are used to replace solid foods and come in shake form i.e. a powder that is mixed with water to create a shake. They can come in a variety of different flavours and sizes. Their contents may also different depending on where they are being targeted. Some are specifically aimed at those on cutting diets or looking to lose weight.
How are they different to whey protein shakes?
As well as often being vegan, there are some key differences. Protein shakes are only high in protein, with roughly 20g per serving. Apart from this there is not much else in them apart from small amounts of carbohydrates and fats. Protein shakes are usually used as well as meals and so taken at different times e.g. after a workout for maximum benefit. They are also used mainly to boost your protein consumption above and beyond the amount you currently get in your diet.
Meal replacement shakes contain more carbohydrates and fats, they are also full of vitamins and minerals. This makes them more suited as food substitutes.
They may help speed up weight loss
The benefit with Meal replacement shakes is that they often help you feel full, while consuming less calories. Feeling fuller encourages you to snack less and speed up weight loss.
Furthermore, they can help you avoid unhealthy food[1]. Many people have bad diets because it’s convenient and also the time it would take to maintain a healthy balanced diet. If your in a rush your more than likely going to grab something quick and easy to consume.
Shakes are a great choice here because they are both convenient and also nutritious. Therefore a great option to maintain a good diet.
They may provide more nutrition than your usual diet
Meal replacement shakes such as MyProtein Whole Fuel and Huel are designed to contain a lot of the important vitamins and minerals that your body needs. For dieters, it can often be hard to get all these when you are trying to cut back the calories. As well as this, if your current diet is poor and lacking nutrients, shakes may increase the amount you get from your diet.
Each supplement contains a different amount of vitamins and minerals so its important to take the time to fully understand the contents of each one and the make-up of their nutritional value.
We hope you enjoyed our comparison of MyProtein Whole Fuel vs Huel meal replacement shakes. Let us know in the comments which one is you’re favourite and why.
