Huel Ready to Drink vs Black Edition (2026 UK Review): Which One Should You Choose?
Huel drinks are everywhere in the UK — in offices, gyms, supermarkets, and online — and for many people they’ve become a genuine alternative to skipping meals or grabbing poor-quality food on busy days.
But once you start looking into Huel, one question comes up immediately:
Should you choose Huel Ready to Drink or Huel Black Edition?
They look similar, cost similar amounts, and both claim to be “nutritionally complete” — but they are designed for very different people.
This 2026 UK review and comparison breaks down the real differences, including who each version actually works best for, the downsides no one talks about, and how to choose the right one for your lifestyle.
Quick Verdict (Straight Answer)
Choose Huel Ready to Drink if you want a true meal replacement with balanced carbs, fats, and protein for everyday use.
Choose Huel Black Edition if you want higher protein, lower carbs, and better support for training or body-composition goals.
Neither is “better” overall — the right choice depends on how active you are and how you use it.
I’ve Compared Both — Here’s the Real Difference
The biggest difference between these two Huel drinks isn’t branding or flavours — it’s how they feel when you actually use them.
Ready to Drink feels like a proper meal. It’s more filling for non-gym days, keeps energy stable, and works better as breakfast or lunch.
Black Edition feels more like a high-protein nutrition shake. It’s lighter in carbs, easier to fit around training, and suits people focused on protein intake.
If you’ve ever tried a meal replacement that left you hungry an hour later, this distinction matters.
What Is Huel Ready to Drink?
Huel Ready to Drink is the original bottled meal replacement designed for everyday nutrition. Each 500ml bottle delivers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, and micronutrients — making it suitable as a full meal.
Key Features
20g plant-based protein per bottle
Balanced carbs and fats for steady energy
26 essential vitamins and minerals
Low sugar, gluten-free, and vegan
Ready instantly — no prep or blending
Nutrition Snapshot (per 500ml bottle)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 19g
Salt: 0.9g
Best For
Busy workdays
Breakfast or lunch replacement
Office jobs and travel
People who want nutrition without tracking macros
Downsides to Be Aware Of
Protein may be low for serious gym-goers
Liquid meals don’t suit everyone long-term
Not ideal for bulking or muscle gain alone
What Is Huel Ready to Drink Black Edition?
Huel Black Edition is the higher-protein, lower-carb version of the drink. It’s designed for people who train regularly, want tighter macro control, or prefer lower carbohydrate intake.
Key Features
35g plant-based protein per bottle
Very low carbohydrate content
Low sugar and gluten-free
Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fats
Full vitamin and mineral profile
Nutrition Snapshot (per 500ml bottle)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 5.8g
Fat: 17g
Salt: 0.9g
Best For
Gym-goers and active lifestyles
Higher-protein diets
Weight-control or lower-carb approaches
Post-workout meal replacement
Downsides to Be Aware Of
Low carbs may feel flat for endurance training
Less filling for people used to carb-based meals
Not ideal as an all-day meal replacement
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ready to Drink | Black Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20g | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 5.8g |
| Fat | 19g | 17g |
| Calories | ~400 kcal | ~400 kcal |
| Vitamins & Minerals | 26 essentials | 26 essentials |
| Best Use | Everyday meals | Fitness & protein focus |
Can Huel Drinks Replace a Full Meal?
Yes — both versions are nutritionally complete and can replace a full meal.
They provide:
Protein, carbs, and fats
Fibre for digestion and fullness
A full micronutrient profile
Most people use Huel drinks to replace 1 meal per day, not every meal — which is where they work best.
Common Use Cases
Breakfast on the go
Lunch at work
Post-gym meal (Black Edition)
Occasional calorie-controlled meals
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Huel Ready to Drink if you:
Want balanced, everyday nutrition
Don’t train intensely
Prefer steady energy and fullness
Choose Huel Black Edition if you:
Train regularly
Want higher protein intake
Prefer lower carbs
Use it around workouts
If you’re unsure, many people start with Ready to Drink and move to Black Edition once training becomes more consistent.
Where to Buy Huel Drinks in the UK
At Muscle Products Store, you’ll find:
Authentic UK stock
Fast UK delivery (next-day available before 3pm)
Multiple flavours and Black Edition options
👉 Huel Ready to Drink
👉 Huel Black Edition
Helpful Guides You May Also Like
If you’re building a complete nutrition setup, these guides pair well with Huel:
Final Expert Verdict
Huel drinks aren’t a gimmick — they’re one of the most practical nutrition solutions available in the UK.
Ready to Drink works best as a true meal replacement
Black Edition works best for fitness-focused users
Choose based on how you live and train, not hype.
