The Huel Hot & Savoury Formula Explained

Huel Hot & Savoury is a nutritionally complete food that’s high in protein, fibre and essential fats, and supplies phytonutrients and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, it contains no lactose or any animal products, and no GMOs.

Huel Hot & Savoury meets the UK and EU Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNI), Reference Intakes (RI) and Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for all macro- and micronutrients [1,2,3]. It provides a sustained source of energy and has a wealth of other nutritional benefits.

There are three types of Huel Hot & Savoury:

• Grains - e.g. Thai Green Curry and Mexican Chilli
• Pasta - e.g. Bolognese and Chick’n & Mushroom
• Noodles - e.g. Katsu Curry and Fiery Chick’n

Whilst the nutrition varies between the three, the basic principles of nutrition that are explained throughout this article apply. 

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Hot & Savoury.

Quick Links

• Carbohydrate in Huel Hot & Savoury
• Fat in Huel Hot & Savoury
• Huel Hot & Savoury is High-Protein
• Huel Hot & Savoury is a Source of Fibre
• Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Hot & Savoury
• Phytonutrients in Huel Hot & Savoury
• Ingredients and Nutritional Profile of Huel Hot & Savoury
• Huel Hot & Savoury Cautions and Allergen Advice
  

Carbohydrate in Huel Hot & Savoury

The carbs in Huel Hot & Savoury are mainly provided by the brown rice, pasta and noodles. However, a number of the other ingredients also contribute to the carb content and this differs between the varieties. We’ve chosen these carb sources as they’re ideal for a tasty meal and, in combination with the other ingredients, allow for a slow release of energy[4].

Fat in Huel Hot & Savoury

The fats in Huel Hot & Savoury are principally provided by flaxseed and sunflower oil to ensure that essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are in optimal ratios. We’ve included medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut in some of the flavours. MCTs are treated much like carbs, i.e. they provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel and are perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles[5]. In short, MCTs from coconut are a healthy and efficient source of energy.

Huel Hot & Savoury is High-Protein

The RI for protein is 50g per day, but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency[1,2,3]. The Western diet typically provides more[6], and Huel Hot & Savoury does too. All essential amino acids are included in adequate amounts from vegan protein sources. Most of the protein in Huel Hot & Savoury is supplied by pea protein, with a significant amount provided by the brown rice, pasta and protein noodles, with smaller amounts coming from several of the other ingredients depending on the variety. A reference intake of 2,000 calories would supply 120-125g protein (varies depending on the flavour). This provides ample protein for good health as well as building and maintaining muscle mass. Furthermore, protein is more satiating (filling) than other macronutrients[7].

Amino Acid Profile of Huel Hot & Savoury

Protein is made up of amino acids. There are over 500 amino acids in nature, 20 of which are known as the standard amino acids, as these are the ones that are coded for genetically and are subsequently involved in primary protein synthesis in animals. Of these 20, nine are essential as they cannot be synthesised from other amino acids.

The nine essential amino acids are:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

The other 11 are:

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic acid
• Cysteine
• Glutamine
• Glutamic acid
• Glycine
• Proline
• Serine
• Tyrosine

All protein sources are not equal: some are classed as ‘complete proteins’ and some are not. A complete protein is one that contains sufficient quantities of all nine essential amino acids. Generally, proteins derived from animal foods are complete. Indeed, some proteins derived from plant foods are often complete as well; examples include, buckwheat and soya. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or one or more of the essential amino acids.

Rice protein is high in the sulphur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, plus it contains good amounts of all the others, but is very low in lysine. Pea protein is low in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine. Combining ingredients ensures everything is covered whilst keeping Huel Hot & Savoury plant-based.

Huel Hot & Savoury is a Source of Fibre

The fibre in Huel Hot & Savoury is a mixture of soluble and insoluble forms and is naturally supplied by the brown rice, pasta, pulses and vegetables. The fibre content helps to ensure the formation of normal, solid stools, keeping everything running smoothly in healthy individuals[8].

Fibre acts like a sponge, so make sure to consume plenty of water when using Huel  Hot & Savoury[9]. The Huel Hot & Savoury formula supports a healthy digestive system.

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Hot & Savoury

A bulk of the vitamins and minerals – also known as micronutrients – in Huel Hot & Savoury are from natural ingredients. There have been numerous studies demonstrating that, for certain micronutrients, levels higher than the daily reference intakes (RIs) may have beneficial effects to health.

For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low[10,11,12], so we've reflected this in the Huel Hot & Savoury formula. Benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy immune system, healthy skin and antioxidant properties[10,12,13].

With some of the trace elements, the levels are far higher than the recommended amounts. This is because we only need tiny amounts of them, but the natural ingredients in Huel Hot & Savoury are a rich source.

Choline is a conditionally essential B vitamin, and although it can, strictly speaking, be synthesised in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets[14]. It’s of particular importance post menopause[15,16]. As Huel Hot & Savoury are all about optimum health, having a high amount of choline was felt to be fundamental.

Phytonutrients in Huel Hot & Savoury

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods which, whilst not essential, may exhibit some health benefits like disease risk prevention. Junk food diets are often deficient in phytonutrients, and thus consumers miss out on invaluable health benefits and antioxidant effects.

Huel Hot & Savoury’s fundamental ingredients are plant-based foods, which are already phytonutrient-rich. Additionally, we've also included some extra phytonutrients to optimise the Huel Hot & Savoury formula and to complement the antioxidant activity of nutrients like vitamins C and E and selenium.

Polyphenols in Huel Hot & Savoury have antioxidant activity. Huel Hot & Savoury's beneficial phytonutrients include:

• Betalains: antioxidant polyphenols found in quinoa that also help with the function of antioxidant systems in the body[17,18].
• Ferulic acid: from quinoa and brown rice, a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent[19,20].
• Lutein: from the flaxseed powder and we've also added additional lutein in our vitamin and mineral blend. Although not essential, there is concern that diets low in lutein may lead to macular degeneration of the eye in the elderly, as lutein is involved in eye pigment development[21,22]. Lutein is also an antioxidant.
• Zeaxanthin: another antioxidant, this has been added as it also has a role in long-term eye health[21].
• Lycopene: added as it's a potent antioxidant[23].
• Other carotenoids are also present from the quinoa as well as tomato-based ingredients.

Several minor polyphenols that are naturally present from the pulses and vegetables[24].

Ingredients of Huel Hot & Savoury

Huel Hot & Savoury Cautions and Allergen Advice

Huel Huel & Savoury is suitable for people with most conditions. However, as some conditions require dietary intervention, like with any food, please heed the notes below for the following conditions:

• Diabetes mellitus: For those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please review the carbohydrate, sugar and other nutrition facts for Hot & Savoury to see if it is suitable for your needs.
• Inborn errors of metabolism: if you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you should consult your doctor or specialist clinician before using Huel Hot & Savoury.
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Huel Hot & Savoury can be included during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but should be limited to one serving per day as there are different nutritional requirements during this period.
• Children: Huel Hot & Savoury is not suitable for children under 4 years of age. However, older children may include Huel Hot & Savoury as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other foods; Huel Hot & Savoury should not be their sole source of nutrition as they have different nutritional requirements to adults. For more information, see our Children, Adolescents and Huel article.
• Eating disorders: Huel Hot & Savoury may be consumed by individuals with eating disorders as a useful source of complete nutrition if it is an appropriate fit for their current meal plan. However, we recommend that individuals with eating disorders only use Huel Hot & Savory after discussing it with their doctor or relevant clinician.
• IBS, IBD and related conditions: Huel Hot & Savoury is not low-FODMAP.
• Phenylketonuria: Huel Hot & Savoury is not suitable for those who suffer from PKU.
• Medication: There may be specific drug-nutrient interactions relating to a particular medicine you're using, so we recommend you read the drug information provided with your prescription, and if you have any further concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

Allergen Advice

All Huel products are vegan. We thoroughly assess our ingredients and the processes we use to make Huel and whenever we identify potential routes of allergen contamination we will first take steps to eliminate the possibility of any contamination of our product. However, where it is not possible to remove the risk we will clearly highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging in line with current UK and EU food safety guidelines.

However, we recognise that individuals can have allergies to any protein in any ingredient therefore if you have a specific allergy that is outside of the remit above, please contact us directly and we will do our best to guide you on which products are suitable.

References

• Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report of the Panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. Reports on health and social subjects. 1991; 41:1-210.
• Food Drink Europe. Guidance on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers 2013. Date Accessed: 13/02/25. [Available from: https://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/resource/guidance-on-the-provision-of-food-information-to-consumers/].
• England PH. Government Dietary Recommendations. In: Health Do, editor. 2016.
• Atkinson FS, et al. International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values: 2008. Diabetes Care. 2008; 31(12):2281.
• Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
• Cordain L, et al. Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 81(2):341-54.
• Weigle DS, et al. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 82(1):41-8.
• Gallaher D. Dietary Fiber. Washington, D.C: ILSI Press; 2006.
• Anderson JW, et al. Health benefits of dietary fiber. Nutrition Reviews. 2009; 67(4):188-205.
• Deruelle F, et al. Vitamin C: is supplementation necessary for optimal health? Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, NY). 2008; 14(10):1291-8.
• Combs J, et al. The Vitamins. 4th ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.
• Hathcock JN, et al. Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 81(4):736-45.
• Institute LP. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 13/02/25. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C].
• Zeisel SH, et al. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009; 67(11):615-23.
• Fischer LM, et al. Dietary choline requirements of women: effects of estrogen and genetic variation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2010; 92(5):1113-9.
• Fischer LM, et al. Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007; 85(5):1275-85.
• Tang Y, et al. Phytochemicals in quinoa and amaranth grains and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential health beneficial effects: a review. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017; 61(7).
• Miguel MG. Betalains in Some Species of the Amaranthaceae Family: A Review. Antioxidants. 2018; 7(4).
• Adom KK, et al. Antioxidant activity of grains. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002; 50(21):6182-7.
• Ravichanthiran K, et al. Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018; 7(6):71.
• Semba RD, et al. Are lutein and zeaxanthin conditionally essential nutrients for eye health? Medical hypotheses. 2003; 61(4):465-72.
• Richer S, et al. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial). Optometry (St Louis, Mo). 2004; 75(4):216-30.
• Institute LP. Oregon State University. Carotenoids. Date Accessed: 13/02/25. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids]
• Ganesan K, et al. Polyphenol-Rich Dry Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Their Health Benefits. International journal of molecular sciences. 2017; 18(11):2331.