The Huel Complete Protein Bar Formula Explained

The Huel Complete Protein Bar is a nutritionally complete snack that is high in protein with 20g* protein per 200 kcal bar. Each delicious bar is low in sugar and high fibre, contains the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and contains all 26 essential vitamins and minerals. The macronutrient breakdown is 25:30:40:5* (carbohydrate, fat, protein, fibre).

*Based on Banoffee flavour. Nutritional values may vary by flavour.

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

Huel Complete Protein Bar meets the UK and EU Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI), Reference Intake (RI) and Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for all macro- and micronutrients ^{[1, 2, 3]}. Compared to Huel v3.1 Bar, Huel Complete Protein Bar provides more protein and fewer carbs per bar.

Continue reading to find out more about Huel Complete Protein Bar.

The Huel Complete Protein Bar Formula Explained

• Huel Complete Protein Bar at a glance
• Huel Complete Protein Bar is 25:30:40:5* Macro Split
• Carbohydrate in Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Fats in Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Huel Complete Protein Bar is High-Protein
• Amino Acid Profile of the Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Huel Complete Protein Bar is High-fibre
• Vitamins and Minerals in the Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Summary – Huel Complete Protein Bar Provides Optimal Nutrition

Nutritional Information and Ingredients of Huel Bar

• Ingredients of Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Nutritional Profile of Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Cautions and Allergen Advice

Huel Complete Protein Bar at a glance

Huel Complete Protein Bar is 25:30:40:5* Macro Split

The principal macronutrients through which we obtain energy from food are carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre, and Huel Complete Protein Bar contains them at the ratio of 25:30:40:5* respectively; i.e. 25% of the energy comes from carbohydrate, 30% from fat, 40% from protein and 5% from fibre.

Amino acids are the most basic units of protein, and several amino acids are essential for life, with others being crucial for good health, so any diet has to contain a significant amount of protein.

There are also fatty acids that are essential for life and good health, such as omega-3s and omega-6s, so including sources of fat is crucial too.

Carbohydrates may not be essential per se, but they do have benefits in providing energy.

The ratios are different to that of Huel Powder because Complete Protein Bar constituents have to adhere together with a pleasant texture and flavour, so different ingredients have to be used.

Carbohydrate in Huel Complete Protein Bar

Huel Complete Protein Bar has been made to be lower carb compared to v3.1 bar, by roughly 40%. Thereby, unlike v3.1, Huel Complete Protein bars do not contain oats, the largest driver of carbs in v3.1 bars.

Although Huel Complete Protein Bar is relatively low in carbs, a small amount comes from a number of ingredients including the vegan chocolate coating in the form of sugar. That being said, Huel Complete Protein Bar is low-sugar with only 2.4g per bar*.

Fats in Huel Complete Protein Bar

The fats in Huel Complete Protein Bar provide 30% of the total energy and are made up from chocolate, peanut butter, flaxseed powder, sunflower oil and coconut oil.

Most of the fats in coconut oil are what are known as medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, and these are treated much like carbs by the body, i.e. they provide an energy-rich, sustained fuel and are perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles^[4]. But MCTs also have a longer shelf-life, compared to unsaturated fatty acids^[5].

There are two completely essential fatty acids (EFAs) that humans require: linoleic acid (LA – an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA – an omega-3)^[6]. By including flaxseed powder and sunflower oil, we’ve ensured Huel contains high amounts of both of these EFAs as well as other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. These two oils are also present to provide a functional benefit by binding the ingredients together.

Huel Complete Protein Bar is High-Protein

The RI for protein is around 50g per day, but this only covers our very basic needs and prevents protein deficiency^{[1, 2]}. The Western diet typically provides more^[7], and the Huel Complete Protein Bar does too, 20g* per bar to be exact. All essential amino acids are included in adequate amounts from two vegan protein sources: pea and brown rice protein, as well as protein from the peanut butter. This provides a good amount for optimal health as well as maintaining a healthy body. Furthermore, protein is more satiating (appetite suppressing) than other macronutrients^[8], and weʼve designed the Complete Protein Bar to stop unwanted hunger pangs.

Amino Acid Profile of the Huel Complete Protein Bar

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

The other 11 are:

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

Amino Acid Content of the Huel Complete Protein Bar*

*Based on Banoffee flavour. Nutritional values may vary by flavour.

• *WHO (2007) recommended daily amounts for essential amino acids for a 70kg adult
• **Combined total for methionine + cysteine
• ***Combined total for phenylalanine + tyrosine
• ****Figure includes asparagine
• *****Figure includes glutamine

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 (meats, fish, poultry, milk and eggs) are complete. Indeed, some proteins derived from plant foods (legumes, seeds, grains and vegetables) are often complete as well; examples include quinoa, buckwheat and soya. Many plant foods have insufficient amounts or one or more of the essential amino acids. Some are notably low, such as corn protein, which is low in lysine and isoleucine.

The protein in Huel Complete Protein Bars comes from pea protein (powder and nuggets), brown rice protein, peanut butter and some from the flaxseed. This ensures a good range of all amino acids and that there are sufficient amounts 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. These two sources ensure everything is covered whilst keeping Huel products vegan. Plus there’s additional protein from the peanut butter, which is reasonably high in the essential aminos.

Huel Complete Protein Bar is High-fibre

The fibre in Huel Complete Protein Bar is predominantly soluble and provides more fibre than most modern diets. The high-fibre content of Huel helps the gut function normally, supports the immune system and can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes ^[9-11].

As discussed above, using soluble fibre solutions is one method of binding the bar in production. Fibre acts like a sponge, so it’s important to consume lots of water during the day^[12].

Vitamins and Minerals in the Huel Complete Protein Bar

The bulk of the vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, in the Huel Complete Protein Bar are from natural ingredients. However, in order to meet the demands of a Western lifestyle, we’ve added a unique vitamin and mineral formula to provide, in most cases, more than 100% of the recommended amounts.

Since the UK Dietary Reference Values were compiled in 1991^[1], there have been numerous studies demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the RNI 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^[13-15], so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Complete Protein Bar formula. Benefits of consuming more vitamin C include a healthy immune system, healthy skin and antioxidant properties^[13-15], and it also helps the absorption of some minerals like iron and zincs^{[13, 16, 17]}.

Similarly for vitamin D, because it’s so important to health it has been included at 40% of the recommended daily value per bar^[18]. The type of vitamin D is vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, in a vegan-suitable form.

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 ingredients in the Huel Complete Protein Bar are a naturally rich source.

Choline is a conditionally essential vitamin, and although, strictly speaking, it can be synthesised in our bodies, it’s more efficient to obtain it from our diets^[19]. It’s of particular importance for postmenopausal women^{[20, 21]}. As Huel is all about optimum health, Complete Protein Bar is rich in choline.

Summary – Huel Complete Protein Bar Provides Optimal Nutrition

Huel Complete Protein Bars are a complete and balanced source of macronutrients and micronutrients, and as such they have a superior nutritional profile to most conventional diets. Unlike Huel Powder, they should not be used as your sole source of nutrition, but they are perfect as a nutritionally complete snack, and are the ideal addition to your Huel Powder diet.

Ingredients of Huel Complete Protein Bar

Peanut Butter

Pea Protein, Cocoa Coating (15%) (Cocoa Butter, Sweetener: Erythritol, Cocoa Mass, Inulin Fibre, Rice Flour, Emulsifier: Rapeseed Lecithin, Natural Flavouring, Salt), Brown Rice Protein, Chicory Fibre, Humectant: Glycerine, Peanut Paste (6.5%), Roasted Peanut Pieces (6.5%), Water, Ground Flaxseed, Micronutrient Blend*, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil (from Coconut), Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavourings, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin.

*Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin C (as L-Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7), Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E (as D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), Niacin (as Niacinamide), Vitamin A (as Retinyl Acetate), Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

Allergy advice: For allergens see ingredients in bold. May contain other nuts and mustard.

Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Salted Caramel

Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Cocoa Coating (15%) (Cocoa Butter, Sweetener: Erythritol, Cocoa Mass, Inulin Fibre, Rice Flour, Emulsifier: Rapeseed Lecithin, Natural Flavouring, Salt), Chicory Fibre, Humectant: Glycerine, Peanut Paste, Honeycomb Pieces (2.5%) (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Rice Starch, Raising Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate), Water, Natural Flavourings, Ground Flaxseed, Micronutrient Blend*, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil (from Coconut), Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt (0.2%).

*Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin C (as L-Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7), Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E (as D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), Niacin (as Niacinamide), Vitamin A (as Retinyl Acetate), Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

Allergy advice: For allergens see ingredients in bold. May contain other nuts and mustard.

Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Banoffee

Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Cocoa Coating (12.5%) (Cocoa Butter, Sweetener: Erythritol, Cocoa Mass, Inulin Fibre, Rice Flour, Emulsifier: Rapeseed Lecithin, Natural Flavouring, Salt), Chicory Fibre, Humectant: Glycerine, Peanut Paste, Honeycomb Pieces (3.2%) (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Rice Starch, Raising Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate), Water, Natural Flavourings, Ground Flaxseed, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin, Micronutrient Blend*, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil (from Coconut), Sunflower Oil, Dried Banana Pieces (0.3%).

*Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C (as L-Ascorbic Acid), Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7), Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E (as D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), Niacin (as Niacinamide), Vitamin A (as Retinyl Acetate), Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

Allergy advice: For allergens see ingredients in bold. May contain other nuts and mustard.

Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Raspberry

Pea Protein, Cocoa Coating (15%) (Cocoa Butter, Sweetener: Erythritol, Cocoa Mass, Inulin Fibre, Rice Flour, Emulsifier: Rapeseed Lecithin, Natural Flavouring, Salt), Brown Rice Protein, Chicory Fibre, Humectant: Glycerine, Peanut Paste, Water, Micronutrient Blend*, Ground Flaxseed, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin, Dried Raspberry Pieces (1.7%), Natural Flavourings, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil (from Coconut), Sunflower Oil.

*Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Maltodextrin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C (as L-Ascorbic Acid), Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7), Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E (as D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), Niacin (as Niacinamide), Vitamin A (as Retinyl Acetate), Plant-Derived Vitamin D3, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium D-Pantothenate), Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Calcium L-Methylfolate.

Allergy advice: For allergens see ingredients in bold. May contain other nuts and mustard.

Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.

We recommend one serving a day if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Nutritional Profile of Huel Complete Protein Bar

Peanut Butter

Serving size: Consume one to five bars per day, as desired

*Reference intake of an average adult (8400kJ/2000kcal)

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

**EU Nutrient Reference Values (NRV)

Salted Caramel

Serving size: Consume one to five bars per day, as desired

*Reference intake of an average adult (8400kJ/2000kcal)

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

**EU Nutrient Reference Values (NRV)

Banoffee

Serving size: Consume one to five bars per day, as desired

*Reference intake of an average adult (8400kJ/2000kcal)

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

**EU Nutrient Reference Values (NRV)

Raspberry

Serving size: Consume one to five bars per day, as desired

*Reference intake of an average adult (8400kJ/2000kcal)

Vitamins & Minerals

Additional Information

**EU Nutrient Reference Values (NRV)

Cautions and Allergen Advice

The Huel Complete Protein Bar is food; therefore it 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:

• Allergens – peanuts are present in every flavour of Huel Complete Protein Bar.
• May contain allergens – Huel Complete Protein Bars may contain other nuts and mustard.
• Diabetes mellitus – the Huel Bar is suitable for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. As with all food, if you’re using medication to help control your diabetes, you should structure your intake of Huel appropriately.
• Inborn errors of metabolism – if you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you must consult your doctor or specialist clinician before consuming Huel Bars.
• Inflammatory bowel disease – if you suffer from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or proctitis, due to the high fibre content, we suggest caution when consuming Huel Bars as symptoms vary considerably between individuals. Try one bar per day for a few days and assess symptoms before increasing your intake. If you are experiencing a flare-up, we advise you not to consume them.
• Pregnancy and lactation – All Huel products are fine to have during pregnancy, but should be limited to one serving per day as there are different nutritional requirements during this period.
• Children – Huel Bars are not suitable for children under three years of age. However, older children may include them as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other foods, but Huel Bars should not be their sole source of nutrition as they have different nutritional requirements to adults; for more information see our Beginner’s Guide to Nutrition.
• Huel & Huel Bars are not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).

Why does the Complete Protein Bar include peanuts?

The inclusion of peanut butter in our Complete Protein Bar was largely a textural and taste decision. Peanut butter is also a source of protein and monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) or omega-9 fats. Having more of these fats as a proportion of our total fat intake may help to reduce our blood LDL levels (bad cholesterol), whilst keeping our HDL levels (good cholesterol) high^{[22, 23]}, reducing the risk of heart disease^{[24, 25]}.

Medication Interactions

Huel Bars are fine to consume if you’re using most medication. Although there are no obvious reasons why Huel Bars should be an issue, 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 100% 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 and ingredients lists in line with current UK and EU food safety guidelines.

However, we recognise that individuals can have allergens 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

1. COMA. 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. Rep Health Soc Subj (Lond).1991; 41:1-210.
2. Food and Drink Europe. Guidance on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011. 2013. [Available from: https://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/uploads/publications_documents/FDE_Guidance_WEB.pdf].
3. British Nutrition Foundation. Nutrition Requirements 2019. [Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/attachments/article/907/Nutrition%20Requirements_Revised%20Oct%202017.pdf].
4. Marten B, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374-82.
5. Lal J.J., et al. Coconut Palm. In: Caballero B, editor. Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition). Oxford: Academic Press; 2003.
6. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. Essential Fatty Acids. Date Accessed: 17/10/19. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids].
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9. Gill SK, et al. Dietary fibre in gastrointestinal health and disease. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2021; 18(2):101-16.
10. Reynolds A, et al. Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Lancet. 2019; 393(10170):434-45.
11. Gibb RD, et al. Psyllium fiber improves glycemic control proportional to loss of glycemic control: a meta-analysis of data in euglycemic subjects, patients at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and patients being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015; 102(6):1604-14.
12. Gallaher D. Dietary Fiber. Washington D.C.: ILSI Press; 2006.
13. Vitamin C: is supplementation necessary for optimal health? J Altern Complement Med. 2008; 14(10):1291-8.
14. Combs J, Gerald F. The Vitamins. 4 ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.
15. Carr AC, et al. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 69(6):1086-107.
16. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 13/10/21. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C].
17. Siegenberg D, et al. Ascorbic acid prevents the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of polyphenols and phytates on nonheme-iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991; 53(2):537-41.
18. SACN. Vitamin D and Health. Crown Copyright; 2016.
19. Zeisel SH, et al. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health. Nutr Rev. 2009; 67(11):615-23.
20. Fischer LM, et al. Dietary choline requirements of women: effects of estrogen and genetic variation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010; 92(5):1113-9.
21. Fischer LM, et al. Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85(5):1275-85.
22. Grundy SM. Comparison of monounsaturated fatty acids and carbohydrates for lowering plasma cholesterol. N Engl J Med. 1986; 314(12):745-8.
23. Ginsberg HN, et al. Reduction of plasma cholesterol levels in normal men on an American Heart Association Step 1 diet or a Step 1 diet with added monounsaturated fat. N Engl J Med. 1990; 322(9):574-9.
24. Kris-Etherton PM, et al. High-monounsaturated fatty acid diets lower both plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70(6):1009-15.
25. Katan MB, et al. Should a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet be recommended for everyone? Beyond low-fat diets. N Engl J Med. 1997; 337(8):563-6; discussion 6-7.