Hey Hueligans! Some of you will know me as substitute Tim over the last few years, but for those who donāt know me - Iām Cam and Iām part of the Customer Insights team at Huelā¦ meaning I see and collate everything you all say.
Iāve been pondering something latelyā¦ with all the buzz around our Black Edition and Essential, Iām curious: what keeps you hooked on our classic Huel Powder (currently v3.1)?
Letās make it quick and sweet:
What made you choose Huel Powder initially over Black Edition & Essential?
What keeps you coming back for more?
Your insights are gold! Canāt wait to hear what you think. Thanks!
Hi Cam, I have used the white version for quite a few years now. I have tried most flavours of black and I could not get to grips with the taste. I have a few open bags of black lurking at the back of my cupboard, probably long out of date.
I have tried both the essentials but they play havoc with my tummy. and I cant drink them on their own. The taste is ok though.
I was always a coffee powder v3.0 lover but the new version with caramel does not hit the mark with me. Hence why I purchased essentials to mix them together with v3.1
I am awaiting patiently for the rtds to come back in stock as they are a handy go to.
I buy it because itās the mainstream range aimed at the mainstream person. Black edition was released as there is a demand for a higher protein lower carb version which better fits some peoples lifestyles, and essential was released to offer a cheaper product with some ingredients removed, but I stick with v3.1 because itās the mainstream product.
I also stick with it because Iāve been buying the original flavour and adding cacao powder to it since I began with Huel. Apart from U/U, all of the other flavours are too strong to be able to flavour it yourself, which was one of the original selling points of Huel, but this has been somewhat lost with the amount of new flavours released and loss of the link to the recipes section on the main site.
Werenāt around when I started with Huel. Iāve tried Essential and it seems weaker to me whereas Black Edition (for the two Iāve tried) seem better. Iāll stick with the standard as I already like it.
Huel Powder contains what I consider a better macronutrient profile for regular use ā Iād only use Huel Black to explicitly increase my protein intake in one area of my diet to make up for a deficiency elsewhere, and honestly if Iām not getting enough protein elsewhere in my diet thatās probably a sign (for me) that Iām not eating well.
Huel Powder provides me a better baseline of vitamins and minerals than Huel Essential, especially Omega-3 and lutein/zeaxanthin.
What made you choose Huel Powder initially over Black Edition & Essential?
I considered Essential, but apparently itās lacking in its nutrition (relative to 3.1) and flavour choice is limited, not always in the mood for vanilla and couldnāt stomach chocolate at the times I drink Huel (first thing). The price looks great but itās not that much cheaper reallyā¦ canāt get 3 bags for the price of 2 Powder 3.1ās ā¦ might as well spend the small difference for the latest / most optimal powder.
I donāt buy Black because I see it as some kind of fitness oriented / protein product (is that right?) and Iām not looking to bulk or build muscle as such. I did just sink some serious money into a pro level rowing machine so I might give it a try, and replace one of my three monthly order bags of 3.1 as one. To try it and see if it delivers more energy useful for workouts. But other than that it seems pricey.
What keeps you coming back for more?
I had long time difficulty with eating enough and often enough, often feeling sick after I did eat. Especially when out and about or doing things, Iād usually avoid eating to avoid feeling sick. Huel solved that for me. I find it easier to sip slowly even when Iām out or working or with people - keeping me energy filled and ticking all the nutrition boxes that other quick fixes donāt have. Easier to digest. Not having to spend too much time thinking about buying it in, managing expiry dates, cooking it, cooking it right (worry is gone of cooking meat not correctly for example). I have it for breakfast and lunch daily. If I can add more to it like a bread roll I will. A scoop of H&S maybe sometimes. Oat Latteās in between. Last 3 months Iāve been mostly Huel (2/3rds 3.1 Powder), Iāve had so much more success with my diet, mood and energy. So much I can now finally buy that rower, and keep fit (with energy control - previously I never really ate enough to have excess calories to burn). Now an extra shake can give me another 400 just to burn. This is all why I keep coming back.
Again I wish it was cheaper, so I could buy more and fit in more. I have to admit, any serious price hikes and Iād have to consider alternative brands. But Iām faithful you will keep it reasonably priced. It does deliver big bang for buck which is how I justify it so far.
v3.1 for 3+ shakes daily, for the macro balance.
BE for 1-2 shakes daily with a vegan diet, for the protein.
Essential for occasional snacking, for the price.
I mainly buy 3.1 because itās the one that better fits my macros desire. I donāt have any reasons to reduce carbs and I feel 3.1 is sold as a more premium version of Essential (plus I like the Unsweetened version)
I use Huel Powder as 90% of my calorie intake. Most days itās 100%. I always thought we needed carbs for optimal nutrition, thatās why I prefer 3.1 rather than Black.
If you have a different evidence, I donāt discard switching to Black, but I always thought Huel recommended to eat carbs for optimal nutrition.
I was always a classic white powder guy (canāt be bothered to rephrase that ā¦ )
I switched to Black Edition because I thought the extra protein would fill me up more so I could eat slightly less (I use Huel to curb weight gain rather than put the pounds on), plus didnāt enjoy the bitty texture of the classic white when I shook it up - Black Edition is a smoother blend.
I love them all. Finances set the mark. If Iām having a poor month, itās essentials. Also what is available for sale elsewhere (eBay). Never let a good powder go to waste (that reads so wrong).
I used to buy the classic but once I tried Black and experienced that my stomach liked it better and that it kept me satisfied longer I didnāt look back.
Iām actually about to go the other way - have been a Black user since I started using Huel but having had a short break Iāve just restarted my subscription but with White original. The reason? Salted Caramel. The Black version of it doesnāt quite hit the spot, but up until earlier this year it didnāt matter as I could buy Black vanilla and a Salted Caramel flavour boost pack. But my hoard of these ran out back in the summerā¦ and therefore so did my subscription.
Iāve returning now but am ādowngradingā to White as the flavour is a really important part of keeping me motivated. And the White bag version of salted caramel is immense.
So yeah, this isnāt a reply about nutrition, but just an insight as to my reasons for downgrading. I know the flavour boosts probably werenāt profitable, but they were what enabled you to upsell me to Black.
and I cant drink them on their own. The taste is ok though.
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