Does Huel Have Probiotics? (good for gut health?)

For this article, I skimmed through Huel’s official website and some scientific publications to answer which of their products have probiotics and other gut-friendly ingredients.

The popularity of the Huel meals around the world is evident from the fact that more than 50 million Huel meals are sold in 80+ countries.

And since what you eat may either make you or break you, it is important to know the impact of these products on gut health.

Gladly, some Huel supplements contain the spores of the probiotic bacteria B. coagulans which are the most resistant to environmental stresses and will impart the same benefits if you consume them either after 11 months or during the first month of the expiry date.

Furthermore, its plant-based protein and additional ingredients contribute some phytonutrients and antioxidants to the formula, which increase the ratio of the beneficial bacteria to the pathogenic ones in the gut.

If this sounds promising enough, keep reading and check out my review on 2 of Huel’s most gut-healthy products that are worth trying out!

What Probiotics Does Huel Have?

The Huel protein powders have only one probiotic strain that is Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856.

The reason for choosing B. coagulans is that since it produces endospores so, it may remain viable in different storage conditions and enhance the shelf life of the product to up to 12 months. Also, the US FDA has also given this strain the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in plant protein products.

Another plus point is that Huel incorporates 1-2 billion probiotic spores per serving which falls within the FDA’s recommended limit of 2 billion CFU per serving.

This range also coincides with the probiotic effectiveness threshold provided by the NIH in different conditions.

Is Huel Good For Gut Health?

Yes, apart from good bacteria, Huel also contains pre-biotics and some other ingredients that promote gut health.

Below, I have reviewed Huel’s nutrition facts and picked out some stomach friends in them.

Probiotics

As mentioned above, some Huel powders contain the bacteria B. coagulans which has been assessed in multiple studies for its benefit for human health.

For instance, in a recent 2020 review, scientists scrutinized clinical trials to conclude the probiotic effect of B. coagulans on the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and metabolism.

They reported that the B. coagulans spores could resist the stomach acid and effectively transit into the large intestines where the nutrient-rich environment and a less acidic pH favor their germination.

Hence, they establish and integrate themselves in the microbiome here and work together with other commensals to increase the efficiency of the digestion process and increase nutrient absorption and availability. And since our gut is the first line of defense against diseases, therefore, studies have also found that B. coagulans may reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

Similarly, in 2016, Majeed et al. performed a study that showed that the specific strain of B coagulans MTCC 5856 might significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting and normalize the stool frequency as well.

Prebiotics

The Huel powders are well-known for their alternative macro-split, which derives 3% energy from fiber.

Thus, it incorporates both soluble and insoluble fiber obtained from sources like ground flax seeds, oats, tapioca flour, brown rice, or pea protein.

The best part is that Huel powders offer a dietary fiber content that has been proven effective in imparting significant health benefits.

Now look at this comparison for proof, the USDA guidelines for daily consumption of dietary fiber is 28 g per 2000 calories diet, and correspondingly, different Huel powders provide a fiber content that ranges between 33 g to 42 g per 2000 calories every day.

In addition to this, scientific evidence also verifies that high fiber consumption may positively impact gut health.

Studies reported that it strengthens the protective layer of the stomach by stimulating mucous release, which prevents pathogen invasions.

Other experimental findings suggest that soluble fiber nourishes the gut microbiome, especially the beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium genus, and reduces the population of the pathogenic Enterobacteria genus.

Antioxidants And Phytonutrients

The plant-based Huel powders are a great source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which may remodel the gut microbiota to improve health. 

In some Huel products, these antioxidants may be derived from plant protein or oat powder, and in others, these may be contributed by green tea extract. 

Here, green tea extract is a rich source of catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has antioxidant and polyphenol activity.

An example of the antioxidant’s gut benefit can be found in a recent 2020 review which referenced research that showed that these compounds might modulate the composition and functionality of the colon microbiota by stimulating the proliferation of beneficial Lactic acid bacteria such as L. plantarum, B. breve, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, etc.

Additionally, it referred to studies that reported that polyphenols have a phenol group that is toxic to pathogenic bacteria in the gut.

Huel Probiotics Containing Products

Now, if you are looking for some probiotics containing  Huel products, then according to the Huel staff the Huel powder version 3.0 and Black Edition is what you need to buy.

But wait, since you are going to invest in them, a better awareness of the product is essential, isn’t it?

So, here is a brief run down over their beneficial ingredients and how they contribute to gut wellness.

1. Huel Black Edition 

If you are a bit too weight conscious and are focused on gaining healthy mass, then Huel black edition is perfect for you.

The high protein content (40%) of this supplement makes it a satiating meal replacement, and the other energy-dense macronutrients like fat (40%) will keep you brimming with energy.

And it is also rich in phytonutrients and micronutrients that may prevent deficiencies and supports the efficient functioning of your body systems.

Furthermore, it has the probiotic B. coagulans, which, as explained above, improves the digestibility and absorbance of nutrients.

Cost

For a one-time delivery, you can order a minimum of two bags, and each of them contains 17 meals. This lends you a discount and free shipping and will cost you $2.78 per meal.

Pros

• Contains low-glycemic carbohydrates, all essential amino acids, 27 essential micronutrients, coconut oil MCTs, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• No cholesterol or trans fats.
• May have 193-205 million CFU of B. coagulans.
• Free from Gluten (no oats), soy, GMOs, and lactose allergens.
• Less than 5% sugar content.
• Suitable for people with diabetes type 1 and 2.
• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened bags.

Cons

• May contain tree nut allergens (coconut).
• Some flavors have maltodextrin.

2. Huel Powder Version 3.0

If you want a ready-prepared meal that offers a balanced source of macronutrients and fills you up on the micros as well, then the Huel version 3.0 is the product for you.

The combination of the oats beta glucan fiber prebiotic and the B. coagulans probiotic boosts and protects your digestive system and overall health.

Plus, it is low on unneeded additives like sugar which is your gut’s worst enemy.

Cost

For one time purchase, you can order a minimum of two bags which will be delivered to your doorstep free of cost. As each pouch has 17 meals, so this comes out to be $2.21 per meal. 

Pros

• Contains high-quality carbohydrates, 27 essential micronutrients, and Branched-chain amino acids.
• Contains 120- 197 million CFU of B. coagulans.
• Plant-based and diabetic-friendly.
• Offers some gluten-free flavors.
• Offers both sweetened and unsweetened versions.
• Contains coconut oil MCTs, 0mega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Contains less than 1% sugars.
• Soy and GMOs free.
• Contains zero cholesterol.
• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened pouches.

Cons

• May irritate people with nut allergies.
• Some flavors are not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts – Yes, Huel Products Have Probiotics.

The black and white Huel powders do contain probiotic spores from B. coagulans. And gladly, this probiotic strain has an established body of scientific evidence to back its use for promoting digestion, preventing constipation, and enhancing overall gut health.

Moreover, it may also support the immune function, which reduces the susceptibility to infection.

And apart from this, these probiotics containing Huel powder also have prebiotic fiber and antioxidants that feed the good bacteria in the gut and reduce the number of bad ones.