Best Huel Alternatives | Tastier and Healthier Shakes
Published August 4, 2023 · Updated October 14, 2026
22 min read
Huel is a great company with many awesome shakes. However, in my experience, they are not the tasitest meal replacement shakes. As such, I have always been looking for an alternative. That said, finding the best Huel alternatives can prove to be a challenging task.
There are many meal replacement powders in the market to claim to be better than Huel, but this is not always the case.
In fact, Huel offers a very appetizing array of Complete Foods, focused on nutritional quality and reasonable price. This has converted many into “Hueligans” or Huel aficionados.
However, due to its gritty texture, weaker flavors and “fart issues” Huel is not the ideal shake for everybody. In fact, many newcomers are put off by these problems.
That is why, whether you are looking for something tastier than Huel; or a shake with fewer carbs than Huel Powder; or a more budget option; this best Huel alternatives list will provide you with an answer.
Without further ado, let’s find out the perfect Huel alternative for you!
Huel alternative included in our original comparison
Vegan, soy-free, no artificial sweeteners, no stevia
Best-tasting chocolate shakes
No processed carbs
Great value/price
Click on the country flag to go to the appropriate section.
Rootana is our top everyday meal shake, with premium plant-based nutrition from oats, pea protein and golden flaxseed. Its carefully balanced nutritional profile combines protein, complex carbohydrates, fibre, essential fats, vitamins and minerals in a satisfying, convenient meal.
The clean ingredient list uses organic coconut sugar for subtle sweetness, with no stevia, sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame K or monk fruit. Our review found a mild, pleasantly oaty flavour and smooth texture, without the intense sweetness or lingering sweetener aftertaste of many meal shakes. It becomes creamier with milk or a milk alternative.
Vegan, soy-free, no artificial sweeteners, no stevia
One of the best-tasting chocolate shakes
No processed carbs
Great value/price
LyfeFuel Daily Essentials – Huel Comparison
Lower in calories, but richer in nutrients
Vegan, soy-free, no artificial ingredients
Better tasting
Good for weight loss
Best Huel Alternative in Europe/UK – Complete 360 Meal
Fully vegan (whey-based also available)
As little as £1/400kcal
Much better taste than Huel
Best 1 to 1 alternative to Huel
Best Huel Black Alternative (Low-Carb)
HLTH Code Complete
Keto-friendly
No artificial sweeteners, no soy
Fat burning formula
Best Huel Alternative for Weight Loss
Instant Knockout Complete
Designed by MMA athletes
Vegan, soy-free, with probiotics
35g of protein, high fiber, low sugar
Best Huel Alternative for Weight Loss EU/UK
Diet Extreme
Designed for sustained weight loss
Low calorie, high protein
Super delicious
Meet the Expert
I’m Enaut, the owner of Latestfuels. I dedicate my life to testing all the meal replacement shakes in the market.
Over the last three years, I’ve been lucky enough to convert my passion into my job. I strongly believe that meal replacements can help you improve your diet.
I hope you find your ideal shake here!
Best Huel Alternatives in Europe
In Europe, Huel is the biggest meal replacement brand. However, there are plenty of alternatives to Huel to choose from; making it hard to make a selection. This includes brands like Jimmyjoy, Queal, Mana and many more.
In fact, in Europe, you have the widest array of products: RTDs, powders, organic shakes, keto meal replacements, bars, and more. Thus, depending on what your preferences are or what your goal is, the ideal Huel alternative will differ.
Taking all that into account, I have tried to compile a varied set of Huel alternatives.
However, let me give you a quick overview first:
Best Huel Powder Alternative
Complete 360 Meal Vegan
Best Huel Alternative for Weight Loss
Diet Meal Extreme
Best Huel RTD Alternative
YFood or Mana (Vegan)
Best Huel Hot & Savoury Alternative
Plenny Pots
Best Huel Bar Alternative
Plenny Bars
Best Huel Complete Protein Substitute
Wondershake
Diet Extreme – Best Huel Alternative for Weight Loss
Taste
95%
Texture
90%
Nutrition
95%
Price
85%
Overall
91%
Pros
Designed for rapid weight loss
207kcal, 24g of protein, low in fats, low in sugars
Active ingredients to help weight loss: CLA, glucomannan…
15 awesome flavors: try Digestive Biscuit
99% positive in 233 user reviews
Cons
Not gluten-free
Whey version tastes better than vegan
Protein Works is an amazing company specialised in nutritional supplements, and they have the best Huel alternative for weight loss: Diet Extreme.
This was one of the diet meal shakes I used in the original comparison, with a low-calorie, high-fibre and high-protein formulation. Rootana is our current overall meal shake recommendation.
It also has CLA, MCTs, Konjac glucomannan, green tea extract and acetyl-L-carnitine. These are very common supplements used for weight loss, as they reduce appetite and help you control your cravings.
Nevertheless, the shakes are nutritionally well-rounded and suitable for everybody. Particularly, it might be interesting for people looking for high-quality protein snack after their workout.
The other aspect that I love about Diet Extreme is the array of flavors they offer. It is not only quantity, but also quality, with some of the best tasting meal shakes that I’ve tried. I love Chocolate Digestive.
Start today!
These shakes are also available in a plant-based formula: Vegan Meal Replacement!
Diet Extreme Customer Reviews
98% rating from 908 reviews
Highlights: Taste, weight loss, quality
I’m not one for reviews but honestly this product is amazing!They are slightly higher in price than others in the market but you pay for quality.
Key Facts
Macros (C/P/F): 39/46/15
Kcal: 207kcal
Protein (g): 24g – from soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein
Sugars (g): 1.0g
Allergens: Milk, Soy, Oats, Gluten
Profile: Low fat-high protein
Best Flavour: Chocolate Digestive
Flavours: Banana Smooth Sundae, Butterscotch Ripple, Caramel Latte, Cheeky Choc Coconut, Choc Hazelnut Heaven, Choc Mint Brownie, Choc Peanut Cookie, Chocolate Silk, Cookies & Cream, Dark Choc Raspberry, Millionaire’s Shortbread, Chocolate Digestive, Salted Caramel Bandit, Strawberries N’ Cream, Tiramisu Italiano, Vanilla Creme Crush, Digestive Biscuit, and White Choc Peanut Sundae.
Rootana – Best Huel Black Alternative
Taste
90%
Texture
90%
Nutrition
95%
Price
90%
Overall
91%
Pros
Great for gut microbiome
No artificial sweeteners or stevia; sweetened with sugar
Plant-based, no processed carbs
Value for money
Superb taste, clean aftertaste
Dark Cacao is delicious
Cons
Not gluten-free
Could include probiotics
Rootana is a newcomer to meal replacement shakes, but it has left an incredibly positive impression on me.
In fact, I think that Rootana shakes are the ideal Huel Black alternative, since they are also free of artificial sweeteners.
Recently, this has become increasingly important for me, as artificial sweeteners might be harmful to your gut microbiome according to the latest research. And the gut microbiome controls aspects like mood, intestinal flow or even energy levels, I like to make sure I’m taking care of it.
For that, Rootana is ideal. A fully plant-based meal replacement shake dairy-free, soy-free and without any GMO ingredients.
On top of that, the Cacao is delicious, and although the Vanilla flavour could do with an extra kick, I do like the clean taste without dealing with the sweetener aftertaste some meal replacements leave in my mouth.
I usually use vanilla when I want to blend with fruits or even with a little bit of cinnamon.
While Huel Powder might be economically more affordable and nutritionally slightly better; YFood RTDs are much better tasting and convenient. The texture the RTDs achieve is unparalleled by powder mixes, much smoother and silkier.
Despite the fact that Huel offers its own RTD, I prefer YFood’s milkshake-like taste and the extra protein that it packs. The German brand also has more flavours available: Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, Berries, Coconut and Banana. It is also cheaper (in Europe) than Huel Ready to Drink.
You can buy 500ml (500kcal) and 330ml (330kcal) bottles for as low as €2.14/400kcal. Start with a starter pack and get hooked to YFood.
Much better taste, sweeter and stronger flavours – easier to like
Affordable – £1.2/400kcal
Vegan, no soy
Cons
Best prices in the UK
Whey based one is not as good
Complete 360 Meal was one of my favourite shakes in the original test. Rootana is our current overall meal shake recommendation.
I love its taste and texture; as well as, the nutritional profile with 30g of protein – just what I need to fuel my workouts.
In fact, Complete 360 Meal does not use soy (like Huel), but a blend of pea, rice, and hemp protein to provide you with an excellent amino acid profile. It also includes healthy fats from avocado and flaxseed.
Furthermore, it comes with probiotics and ashwagandha; both of which help me feel more energized.
Nonetheless, the main strength of Complete 360 is its taste (and texture). Personally, I adore Double Chocolate Milk; but both Vanilla Creme and Cookies N’ Cream are great, too. With the addition of new flavours like Cookies ‘n’ Cream, TPW has made sure you can never get bored!
Thus, I think that C360 meal is a great Huel alternative: cheap, tasty, high in protein, and equally nutritious!
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 45/30/25
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 30g – from pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, hemp protein
Sugars (g): 1.0g
Allergens: Oats, Gluten
Profile: Low fat-high protein
Flavours: Banana Smooth, Double Chocolate Milk, Vanilla Creme, Cookies ‘n’ Cream, Strawberries ‘n’ Cream, and Choc Mint Brownie.
Best Flavour: Cookies ‘n’ Cream.
Vitaline – Best Organic Alternative to Huel
Pros
High quality ingredients and organic
Available in bottles and pouches
Very natural taste
Cons
Only one flavour is vegan
Taste is more natural, but might feel weak
Vitaline is a French meal replacement manufacturer that puts special emphasis on the quality and origin of the ingredients. As such, they have one of the best organic meal shakes in Europe.
This is showcased by the “Made in France” badge and the top scores that every shakes achieves in Nutriscore (a system to value the nutritional quality of food). Most of the ingredients they use are from French agriculture.
Besides the quality, Vitaline shakes also have a very peculiar and natural taste. Unlike other shakes on the list, these are the closest to “food smoothies”. Plus, you will be able to opt between savoury and sweet flavours: Cacao, Almond, Carrot, Tomato (Vegan) and Forest Fruits.
Regarding the cost of the shakes, it is slightly more expensive than Huel; but cheaper than other premium shakes like Ambronite or Feed. Organic. Furthermore, you will be able to get bulk discounts.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 43/18/19
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 18g – from milk isolate
Sugars (g): 5.5g
Allergens: Milk*,
Profile: Organic, Natural
Best Flavour: Almond
Flavours: Almond, Cocoa, Tomato (Vegan), Red Fruits, Carrot, Mushroom, and Green Vegetables.
Best Huel Alternatives in the US
Find out what the best Huel alternatives in the US are below. There’s plenty to choose from!
But first a quick overview (all of these are explained in more detail below):
Rootana: current US Original label, 102 g serving, checked October 14, 2026. Other products: original comparison figures.
We’ve already covered why Rootana is a fantastic alternative to Huel 3.1 above, but let’s go over the main points again.
Rootana makes vegan shakes without soy that are also free of artificial sweeteners. Considering the recent findings on how artificial sweeteners interact with the gut microbiome and the potential negatives, this is certainly a big plus.
Besides, Rootana offers a shake made with oats and no processed carbohydrates (like tapioca). It does have more sugar than Huel, but that’s because they use organic coconut sugar to add sweetness to the mix.
The other highlight is that while it has fewer flavors than Huel, Dark Chocolate is 10x better than Huel Chocolate. In fact, it’s one of the best-tasting meal replacement shakes.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 46/21/33
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 21g – from pea protein
Sugars (g): 12.0g
Allergens: Gluten
Profile: Vegan, free of artificial sweeteners
Best Flavour: Dark Chocolate
Flavours: Original, Dark Chocolate, and Vanilla.
Lyfefuel Daily Essentials – Huel Comparison
Pros
US company that produces wholefood, nutrient based shakes
Tons more nutrients, and only 110kcal
Vitamins and minerals balanced for long term health and supplying nutrients that are often missing in vegan diets
Includes probiotics, green superfoods, and digestive enzymes
Cons
More expensive than Huel
Only 2 flavors
Low in fats
Lyfefuel is one of the whole food-based shakes compared here.
This US-based brand makes meal replacement shakes differently: they provide you with nutrients that Americans are lacking, and not those which they have in excess (calories).
As such, Daily Essentials shake only has 110 calories per serving, but still 18g of plant-based protein. Plus, tons of added superfoods (kale, blueberries, cranberries, grapeseed, pomegranate…) will provide you with a clean nutrient boost (antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, skin care agents and more). Many of the vitamins and minerals are provided in excess to ensure your body is able to absorb them.
If you are comparing alternatives to Huel, Rootana is our current top recommendation. The LYFEfuel section below records our original findings.
Yes, LyfeFuel Daily Essentials is more expensive than Huel.
Rootana is our current top Huel alternative.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 10/65/25*
Kcal: 110kcal*
Protein (g): 18g – from yellow Canadian pea and organic brown rice
Sugars (g): 3.0g
Allergens:
Profile: Natural, low calorie, high in protein
Best Flavour: Chocolate
Flavours: Chocolate, and Vanilla.
Instant Complete – Best for Weight Loss (Men)
Pros
Plant-based, high in protein and perfect to fuel your day
35g of protein per shake, 13g of fibre, 1g of sugar
Includes probiotics
Better tasting than Huel
Good for weight loss and keeping lean body mass
Cons
Only 1 flavour
New brand
Instant Knockout is a fairly new meal replacement brand, but it has started with a bang. A very high protein meal replacement designed for active people and those looking to lose weight.
For me, I love the fact that each serving provides me with 35g of protein (pea and rice protein), 13g of fiber and almost no sugar. This makes the shake have really low GI and keeps me energized and full for hours without having to suffer a sugar crash.
Basically, it has the upsides that Huel Powder has, but with one big advantage: the shakes are tastier than Huel. I think Instant Complete Chocolate is much better than Huel’s chocolate shake for instance.
Plus, they also offer a bundle with CUT, their thermogenic booster. If you are looking to lose weight, this might help you quench your hunger and burn some extra calories. You can buy them in a bundle for 25% off, and start getting ready for summer.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 31/35/29
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 35g – from pea and rice protein
Sugars (g): 3.0g
Allergens:
Profile: High protein, weight-loss
Best Flavour: Vanilla
Flavours: Vanilla.
HLTH Complete Meal – Best Huel Black Alternative
Pros
Low carb; 4g of net carbs
Much smoother, sweeter and better tasting than Huel
Good for weight loss and fat burn
US made with US ingredients
Cons
More expensive
Not vegan
For those looking for a low-carb alternative to Huel Black, HLTH Code Complete meal is the right fit for you. With only 4g of net carbs, and 27g of protein; it is a much better tasting alternative.
The US-based company has a unique formula with 1:1 fat to protein ratio that helps with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, they add digestive enzymes, probiotics and other active ingredients to help you digest the shake. In fact, this is one of the most comfortable shakes to drink and does not hurt your stomach after.
Plus, the 2 flavors that they offer, Chocolate Macadamia, and Creamy Vanilla are simply awesome.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 12/27/61
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 27g – from whey protein isolate, collagen, egg whites
Sugars (g): 2.0g
Allergens: Milk
Profile: Keto
Best Flavour: Chocolate Macadamia
Flavours: Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla.
Good For: Low carb, better tasting alternative to Huel Black.
Ka’Chava – Huel Superfood Blend Alternative
Pros
US company that produces real food based shakes
Incredible taste; one of our favourites
Includes probiotics, superfood blend, all essential nutrients and more
No artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavours, no gluten
Plant-based, and soy free
Cons
More expensive than Huel
Smaller servings
Ka’chava has always been the premium US-based shake. They have been working on their plant-based formula for years now, and the improvements they’ve made along the way can be noticed.
For me, it is the perfect blend of superb nutrition and amazing taste. For a shake that’s made of so many different ingredients (70+ superfoods), it has no business tasting this good.
When trying to make an ultra-healthy and natural shake, many companies struggle with all the colliding flavors, but Ka’chava delivers excellent-tasting drinks. I truly enjoy having my Ka’chava meals, and I’m always looking forward to the next.
Besides, it offers a nutritionally magnificent product. Tons of nutrients, all from natural sources, with plenty of protein and fiber.
Unfortunately, it has 2 major drawbacks compared with Huel. One is the price. The other is that the servings are smaller, thus, if you are looking for bigger meals you might need to add some plant-based milk or an extra scoop.
Personally, it’s worth it for me, but if you are looking for cheaper alternatives to Huel, see the options I list below.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 31/41/26
Kcal: 240kcal
Protein (g): 25g – from yellow pea protein, organic whole grain brown rice, sacha ichi, amaranth, quinoa
Sugars (g): 6.0g
Allergens: Coconut
Profile: Natural, organic
Best Flavour: Chocolate
Flavours: Chocolate, Coconut Acai, Chai, Vanilla, and Matcha.
Plenny Shake – Most Affordable
Pros
Up to 7 flavours available
Better taste than Huel
2 different powder formulas, 1 RTD and 3 different bars
Starter pack
Cons
Ship from Europe, thus availability will depend on stock
Low protein content
Contains soy
Plenny Shake is the perfect alternative to Huel, because it shines where Huel fails: flavour options, texture and taste. Furthermore, it is more affordable than Huel, starting at $1.45/400kcal meal.
Regarding the flavour options, the following are available: Neutral, Coffee, Vanilla, Banana, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Mango. In my experience, Chocolate and Vanilla are the best. Coffee is a little weak and the fruity flavours are OK, but not great.
Besides Plenny Shake, you will be able to enjoy Plenny Drink (RTD), and Plenny Bars. These last are some of the best bars you can buy.
8 flavours available, including 3 caffeinated options
Super convenient and available in stores
Smoother and tastier than Huel
Beginner friendly
Cons
Contains soy
More processed ingredients, some of which might be GMO
Low fiber content
Soylent is the most well-known US brand; with very popular powders and ready-to-drink products. While the powder is cheaper, and a more direct alternative to Huel Powder; I think Soylent Drink is tastier and the better product.
I like Soylent Drink (and Soylent Cafe) better because they offer more flavours than Soylent powder. Plus, the texture is smoother and the meals taste better. In fact, the texture and taste are two areas in which both products are vastly superior to Huel Powder.
All Soylent products are vegan, soy-based and contain GMO ingredients. While they will provide you with all the nutrients your body requires, for some the increased levels of processed ingredients might be an issue.
Price-wise, Soylent is very similar to Huel, although the RTD version of Soylent is cheaper.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 35/19/46
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 19g – from soy protein isolate
Sugars (g): 1.0g
Allergens: Soy
Profile: Pro-GMO, low carb
Best Flavour: Original
Flavours: Original, Chocolate, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Cafe Chai and Cafe Mocha.
Orgain – Best Organic Huel Alternative
Pros
Organic, no soy, gluten free
Available in RTD and powder format
Includes greens, organic ingredients and probiotics
Only 220kcal per serving and 16g of protein
Cons
Only 2 flavours available
Low in potassium and phosphorus
Orgain is the American specialist in organic meal replacements. As such, they have both powder and RTD shakes that provide you with clean and powerful nutrition.
In fact, most Orgain shakes are a nutritional bomb, with over 14 plant-based ingredients and superfoods. They are a great way to get your essential nutrition, plus the antioxidants and other phytonutrients.
The ready-to-drinks are my favourite because they offer a smoother, better-mixed solution to the powder. Both Smooth Chocolate and Vanilla are great; although the plant-based versions are not as tasty as the whey-based ones.
One negative about some of the Orgain shakes is that they are higher in sugar than Huel.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 50/25/25
Kcal: 220kcal
Protein (g): 16g – from organic pea protein, organic chia seeds
If you are looking to switch from Huel into a ketogenic diet, Sated Naturally Sweetened will be the ideal option for you. While I strongly recommend reading on keto diets before starting on Sated; this shake will make it easier and more balanced.
The reason for this is the fact that they bring the oil together with the powder. Thus, you will have all you need to prepare your shakes; and you will not need to worry about anything.
Besides that, they have a great selection of flavours available, as well as the option to choose from shakes without artificial sweeteners or with. My personal favourite is the chocolate flavour, which is also available in ready to drink format.
Key Stats:
Macros (C/P/F): 3/18/79
Kcal: 400kcal
Protein (g): 18g – from milk protein isolate
Sugars (g): 0g
Allergens: Milk
Profile: Keto
Best Flavour: Chocolate
Flavours: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peaches & Cream.
Other Huel Alternatives In Europe
There are multiple other brands that unfortunately have not made the list. Saturo, YFood Powder, Purition, Genesis Food, Satislent… The list goes on and on.
In fact, some of the products that I mention above are great alternatives to other Huel products. For instance, Feed. Bars are much better tasting that Huel bars, as covered on the best bars list:
On the other hand, while I was positively surprised by Huel Ready to Drink, I think Saturo offers a much more affordable vegan RTD with many more flavours to choose from.
Huel Alternatives in the UK
If you live in the UK, the situation is slightly different.
Because Huel is a British brand, they offer the best deals (in terms of price and delivery) in their home country.
As such, I have made an special selection with the best meal replacements available in the UK. I feel that this list will be a better approximation to Huel alternatives in the UK.
Best Huel Alternatives in Canada
The Canadian situation is a funny one, since Huel Powder is actually produced in Canada; even though it cannot be sold there. In fact, up until recently, neither Soylent nor Huel were selling their products in here. Fact that was just only recently changed, when Soylent announced that they were coming back to Canada.
Nevertheless, here are the best Huel alternatives available in Canada:
Product Name
Price
Reason
Buy Now
Athlete Fuel
CAD$2.08
Best Vegan
Try Now
Ambronite
CAD$5.90
Best Natural
25% OFF
Soylent Drink
CAD$ 4.75
Best RTD
In the Soylent vs Huel match up, I think the Huel’s powder is better, but Soylent’s RTDs are smoother and taste better.
Even though, I suspect that people looking for this query are aware of what Huel offers, I wanted to give a brief overview, just in case.
Currently, Huel is available worldwide, but primarily focuses in the US, Europe and some parts of Asia (Japan, China etc. have specific shops). On the contrary, Australia and New Zeeland are left on the side.
It is a compilation of the best products that I have tried over the years. These products are great alternatives to Huel either because they offer nutritionally diverse meals; different formats or cheaper shakes.
Are there any Keto alternatives to Huel?
Yes, and I mention a few here (Sated in the US and KetoGenesis in Europe). However, I recommend checking the best Keto shakes piece for more info.
Is Huel better than the rest?
No, while Huel is a very good brand with great products; some of the shakes that I mention here taste better than Huel powder, or have better texture.
Where does Huel ship to?
Huel ships worlwide with a few exceptions (Canada).
Is there any solid or “chewable” Huel alternative?
Yes, there are great options for those looking for bars or other solid complete food. In the US, I would recommend Vite Ramen or Plenny Bars. In Europe, I would look for Feed. Bars, Plenny Bars…
Final Thoughts – Best Huel Alternatives
Huel has become an incredibly successful brand; selling more than 100 million meals since its inception. In fact, Huel Powder might be the most popular Complete Food product worldwide. Consequently, it is the biggest meal replacement brand; and its success has very solid foundations.
However, this does not mean it is perfect or that it will be for everybody. Very common complaints about it include taste and texture; two key points when sampling food.
As such, some of the brands that I mention here have much better-tasting shakes than Huel does. Others, just suit a different diet (organic, keto, paleo); that Huel simply does not offer.
Therefore, if you don’t like Huel or simply doesn’t fit you, I think this list will help you to open your mind to a new set of opportunities.
Summary:
Best Huel Alternative – Rootana Real Food Shakes
Editor’s Choice – Rootana Real Food Shake
Best Huel Black Alternative – HLTH Code
Best Alternative to Huel for Weight Loss –> Instant Complete (US) or Diet Extreme
Best Value Huel Alternative (UK) –> Complete 360 Meal
