Our mission at Body Freedom relies on support from readers like you. We fairly compensate our expert writers and conduct thorough product evaluations monthly, incurring significant costs. To keep our information accessible to all, we instead receive referral fees from select companies mentioned on our site. Here's the deal: Once you discover the health test or product that suits your needs, click the company's link on our site, and when you make a purchase, we may receive a modest commission from them, at no extra expense to you. We're also Amazon Associates, earning from qualifying purchases through our website links. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, as our research team actively seeks them out. While we can't guarantee lower prices every time, we assure you they'll never be higher.
We uphold editorial integrity.
Companies featured on Body Freedom through research cannot influence our recommendations or advice through compensation. Our guidance is firmly rooted in countless hours of diligent research. Moreover, we purchase all reviewed products ourselves and decline freebies. Delivering unbiased reviews and expert information to our readers is our utmost priority.
Body Freedom is independent and reader-supported. We have the highest editorial standards. Learn More
Jennifer Pang, Ph.D.
Biomedical Research Writer
Jennifer Pang is the Director of Science Outreach, previously working with the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research. She holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology, focusing on tuberculosis drug therapies, and is active in diversity initiatives, arts, and community events like the March for Science Seattle.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy, balanced meals can be a challenge. Enter meal replacement shakes—designed to offer nutritionally complete sustenance in a convenient, grab-and-go format. Two industry titans, Huel and Soylent, have garnered legions of fans, each promising to revolutionize the way you eat. In this comprehensive review, we’ve meticulously tested both brands—sampling powders, ready-to-drink options, and even blending our own recipes. Our multi-disciplinary team of product testers, nutrition experts, and culinary enthusiasts has spent hundreds of hours comparing taste, texture, nutritional quality, cost, convenience, and sustainability. The verdict? While Soylent boasts certain advantages in taste and affordability, Huel ultimately wins with its superior nutritional profile, ingredient quality, and broader product range.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a balanced alternative to fast food, our analysis below will help you decide which meal replacement best suits your lifestyle. Let’s dive into the details behind the battle of the shakes.
Brand Overviews
Huel
Founded in 2014 by Julian Hearn and James Collier, Huel has quickly become synonymous with nutritionally complete, plant-based meals. Using a blend of oats, pea protein, flaxseed, and natural vitamins and minerals, Huel prides itself on offering balanced macronutrients and a commitment to sustainability. Its product range is extensive—from powdered meal replacements and ready-to-drink bottles to hot & savory meals and even snack bars. Huel’s ethos is clear: to provide clean, convenient nutrition while minimizing environmental impact.
Superior nutrient balance with whole-food ingredients
Greater variety of products (powders, RTD, hot & savory, bars)
Eco-friendly, sustainable packaging
Responsive customer service and customizable bundles
Slightly higher price per meal
Thicker texture that may require blending adjustments
Purchase minimums can be a barrier for first-time buyers
Did You Know? Huel’s products deliver 26–27 essential vitamins and minerals derived largely from whole food sources,1 making them a favorite among the eco-conscious and health-savvy.
Soylent
Launched in the US by software engineer Rob Rhinehart, Soylent emerged with a mission to simplify nutrition. Emphasizing affordability and convenience, Soylent’s formulations primarily rely on soy protein isolate, maltodextrin, and canola oil. The product lineup features both powdered mixes and ready-to-drink options—designed for users who want a quick, hassle-free nutritional fix. While Soylent’s minimalist ingredient list and lower price point appeal to many, its more processed formulation and reliance on soy have drawn some criticism from those seeking a “cleaner” alternative.
Key Fact: Soylent typically costs about 20% less per serving than many competitors,2 making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Detailed Comparison by Criteria
1. Taste & Texture
When it comes to meal replacements, taste and texture are critical—after all, even the healthiest shake won’t be consumed if it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste or mouthfeel.
Taste:
Soylent offers a smoother, milkshake-like consistency with a more neutral flavor profile. Many testers appreciated its subtle sweetness (thanks to allulose) that hints at familiar chocolate milk or vanilla latte notes.
Huel, by contrast, boasts a robust, earthy flavor derived from its whole-food ingredients. While this can be an acquired taste, especially in its powdered form, creative users have found that blending Huel with almond milk or adding fresh fruit can transform it into a delicious smoothie.
Texture:
Soylent tends to be thinner and more liquid, making it ideal for those on the move. Its RTD (ready-to-drink) options deliver a consistently smooth texture that doesn’t clump or become pasty even after sitting for a few hours.
Huel’s texture, influenced by its higher fiber content from oats and flaxseed, is noticeably thicker and sometimes grainy. Some testers found that it resembled a hearty milkshake or even a light porridge when not mixed with enough liquid.
Pro Tip: To improve Huel’s texture, blend the powder with almond milk and throw in a handful of berries or a banana. This not only enhances the flavor but also smooths out the consistency.
Nutritional balance is paramount in meal replacements. Our analysis looked at calorie content, macronutrient ratios, vitamin/mineral composition, and the source of these nutrients.
Macronutrients:
Huel offers a more balanced macronutrient profile. For example, its powdered meal replacement typically delivers around 400 calories per serving with a higher protein content (up to 30–40g in certain editions) and substantial fiber from oats and flaxseed. Its fats are derived from natural sources like coconut (providing beneficial medium-chain triglycerides) and sunflower oil,3 contributing to a balanced omega-3:omega-6 ratio.
Soylent usually provides 400 calories per serving as well, but with a slightly lower protein content (around 20g) and a higher proportion of fat from canola oil and maltodextrin as its carbohydrate source. The reliance on soy and more processed ingredients means that while it covers 100% of the daily vitamin and mineral requirements, these nutrients are added in a synthetic form.
Ingredient Quality:
Huel’s commitment to whole-food ingredients means that many of its nutrients are naturally occurring, leading to improved bioavailability. This translates into better digestion and absorption, especially for vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E, which are provided in their more bioactive forms.
Soylent, while nutritionally complete, relies more heavily on processed ingredients and has a less diverse micronutrient profile. Some nutrition experts express concerns over the long-term reliance on soy protein, particularly for those with allergies or hormonal sensitivities.4
Expert Quote: “Huel’s nutrient matrix, derived mainly from whole food sources, provides a more balanced and bioavailable profile5 compared to the more synthetic approach of Soylent,” explains Dr. Andrea Matthews, a nutrition specialist and medical reviewer on our team.
Table 2. Nutritional Comparison per 400-Calorie Serving
Cost is a key factor for many users, and while Soylent is often seen as the budget-friendly option, the overall value must be weighed against nutritional quality and product range.
Price Comparison:
Soylent typically comes in at a lower price point, with powdered meals costing approximately $1.66–$1.91 per meal and RTD bottles around $3.25.
Huel tends to be a bit more expensive, with powders averaging $2.21–$2.50 per meal and RTD options around $4.00–$4.42. However, many users find that Huel’s superior ingredient quality and nutritional benefits justify the extra expense.
Value Consideration:
While Soylent wins on affordability, Huel’s focus on whole-food ingredients, a wider array of product options (including hot & savory meals and protein bars), and higher protein content provide excellent overall value.
Both brands offer subscription and bundle discounts, though Huel’s customizable bundles help mitigate its higher upfront cost.
Key Fact: Soylent may save you money per serving, but Huel’s comprehensive nutrition and product variety deliver greater long-term value.
Convenience is a major draw for meal replacements. Both brands have their strengths, though their approaches differ.
Ease of Preparation:
Soylent shines with its ready-to-drink (RTD) options that require no mixing and are portable, making them ideal for busy mornings or on-the-go nutrition. Its powdered mix is straightforward but geared more towards quick preparation without fuss.
Huel offers an extensive product range—from powders to hot & savory meals—which caters to different preferences and meal situations. However, Huel powders can sometimes require extra blending (or added ingredients like almond milk or fruit) to improve taste and consistency. Huel’s live customer support chat also enhances the user experience when questions arise.
Shelf Life & Portability:
Soylent’s RTD bottles are engineered to maintain consistency for longer periods, even when refrigerated.
Huel’s powders and ready-to-drink options offer versatility but come with purchase minimums that can be a hurdle for first-time buyers.
Pro Tip: For those new to meal replacements, try Huel’s starter bundle to experiment with mixing your shakes. Use a high-speed blender to achieve a smooth consistency, and consider pre-portioning your powder into portable shaker bottles.
5. Sustainability & Ethical Considerations
Both brands highlight sustainability, but their approaches differ in nuance.
Environmental Impact:
Huel is committed to eco-friendly practices—using plant-based ingredients, sustainable packaging, and ethically sourced raw materials. Its focus on whole foods means fewer synthetic additives, and its production process is designed to minimize waste.
Soylent also promotes environmental efficiency through its streamlined production and lower cost, yet its reliance on processed soy protein and maltodextrin raises questions for some eco-conscious consumers.
Ethical Sourcing & Packaging:
Huel’s packaging is designed to be minimal and recyclable, with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon footprint.
Soylent offers practical packaging but tends to be less innovative in terms of sustainability compared to Huel.
Key Fact: Huel’s plant-based formulation and sustainable practices make it a standout choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Expert & Tester Insights
Our review isn’t just theoretical—we conducted over 300 hours of hands-on testing, sampling every product variation from powders to RTD drinks. Here are some of the insights we gathered:
Tester Insight: “Mixing Huel with a bit of almond milk and fresh berries transforms its earthy flavor into a delicious, smoothie-like treat,” noted one long-term user.
Expert Tip:“For those concerned about soy-related allergens or hormonal sensitivities, Huel’s pea protein blend is a safer bet than Soylent’s soy protein isolate,”6 advises nutritionist Dr. Andrea Matthews.
User Feedback: Many users appreciate Soylent’s convenience and consistent texture, but a significant number found that Huel’s richer nutrient profile and broader product range outweighed its slightly thicker consistency.
Pro Tip: Mix & Match Strategy: Try blending a small amount of Soylent with Huel to achieve the best of both worlds: the smoothness of Soylent with the nutritional punch of Huel.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
After thorough testing and expert analysis, our verdict is clear: Huel stands out as the overall winner in the meal replacement category for 2025. While Soylent offers undeniable benefits in taste, affordability, and convenience—particularly with its ready-to-drink options—Huel’s superior nutritional profile, higher protein content, and commitment to whole-food ingredients give it the edge for those who value long-term health and sustainability.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a meal replacement that offers both robust nutrition and flexibility, Huel is our top pick. However, if budget and convenience are your primary concerns, Soylent remains an excellent alternative.
Try Huel Now and experience the next generation of complete, plant-based nutrition. Or if you prefer affordability and convenience, Explore Soylent today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Huel vegan?
Yes, all Huel products are 100% vegan and plant-based.
How does Soylent taste compared to Huel?
Soylent generally offers a smoother, milkshake-like consistency with a more neutral taste, while Huel has a richer, earthier flavor that can be enhanced with added ingredients.
Which is more cost-effective?
Soylent is typically cheaper per meal, but Huel’s nutritional benefits and product variety offer greater overall value.
Can I mix Huel with other ingredients?
Absolutely! Many users blend Huel with almond milk, fruits, or even a small amount of Soylent to improve texture and flavor.
How sustainable are these products?
Both brands are committed to sustainability, but Huel leads with its eco-friendly packaging and emphasis on whole-food ingredients.
Conclusion
Meal replacements are an innovative solution for busy lifestyles, offering a convenient, nutritionally complete option when time is scarce. While both Huel and Soylent have their merits, our thorough testing and analysis reveal that Huel’s commitment to quality ingredients, superior nutrient bioavailability, and versatile product range make it the best overall choice for long-term health.
Experiment with these products and choose the one that best fits your dietary needs and lifestyle. Your journey to convenient, balanced nutrition starts here!
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts vigilantly monitor the domain of health and wellness, promptly refreshing our articles with the latest discoveries. Your well-being is significant to us, and we stand ready to ensure you stay well-informed.
April 11, 2025
Current Version
April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
Written By Jennifer Pang, Ph.D. Edited By Suzanne Briggs Medically Reviewed By Dr Emma Thomas, MPH, PhD Copy Edited By David Lopez-Kopp
April 11, 2025
At Body Freedom, we rely solely on top-tier sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to bolster the veracity of our content. Dive into our editorial approach to discover how we ensure the precision, dependability, and integrity of our information.
Wilcox, M. D., Chater, P. I., Stanforth, K. J., Williams, R., Brownlee, I. A., & Pearson, J. P. (2022). A pilot pre and post 4 week intervention evaluating the effect of a proprietary, powdered, plant based food on micronutrient status, dietary intake, and markers of health in a healthy adult population. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.945622 ↩︎
Van ‘t Hooft, R., Behne, W., Pitinov, S., Dudas, F., & Hulsink, W. (2016). Should Queal outsource its production? Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526427595 ↩︎
Duranova, H., Kuzelova, L., Fialkova, V., Simora, V., Kovacikova, E., Joanidis, P., Borotova, P., Straka, D., Hoskin, R. T., Moncada, M., Medeiros, F. G. M. de, & Gabriny, L. (2024). Coconut-sourced MCT oil: its potential health benefits beyond traditional coconut oil. Phytochemistry Reviews, 24, 659–700. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-024-09876-1 ↩︎
Friedman, M., & Brandon, D. L. (2001). Nutritional and health benefits of soy proteins. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49(3), Article. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0011234 ↩︎
Hernández-Álvarez, A. J., Nosworthy, M. G., & Mondor, M. (2022). Amino acid profile and bioavailability of plant-based protein-rich products. In Plant Protein Foods (pp. 343–379). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83554-2_15 ↩︎
Zhao, H., Shen, C., Wu, Z., Zhang, Z., & Xu, C. (2020). Comparison of wheat, soybean, rice, and pea protein properties for effective applications in food products. Journal of Food Biochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13157 ↩︎
