Lots of good points raised here, apologies for not seeing this thread. As you’ve mentioned we did used to do samples.
For a long time we offered a one-shot sample of 100g for £4, but we consistently got reports and feedback in surveys that it was horrible, lumpy etc. People were putting it in a glass and mixing with a fork, accidentally using warm water or simply not liking the Vanilla flavour. These are not good experiences and not what Huel is at it’s best. We know you need cold water, a good shaker and the knowledge that you can add your own flavours, our flavours, mix half vanilla and half UU and that it just takes some experimentation.
We even did for a shorter period of time as a test a £5 bundle that included 3 x 100g sachets, plus a shaker. But still these reports came in - it simply didn’t work.
I think it comes down to the fact the main benefit of Huel is incredible nutritional value which isn’t a tangible experience, or certainly isn’t in the short term, whereas taste and texture are and can so easily put people off something that could be so great for them.
If you don’t like the taste, it doesn’t really matter - you can change it to your liking.
If you don’t like the texture, it doesn’t really matter - you can change it to your liking.
Hope that explains our reasoning, I know it doesn’t solve the problem you’re having. I can only assure you that Huel is so, so worth it. If it doesn’t work out? Heck, there’s thousands of Huelers here who would love to help 