Herbalife vs Huel: Which Meal Replacement Shake Is Right for You?

Herbalife Formula 1 and Huel are both meal replacement powders, but they are built differently. Formula 1 is a lighter meal (about 220 kcal with semi-skimmed milk) designed to replace one or two meals within a calorie-controlled diet, with personal support from a Herbalife Member. Huel is a larger, vegan, complete meal made with water, typically around 400 kcal per serving. If your goal is weight management with a structured plan, Formula 1 usually fits better; if you want a vegan, filling meal to save time, Huel is the more obvious choice.

Herbalife vs Huel at a glance

	Herbalife Formula 1	Huel Powder
Main use	Weight management and quick balanced meals	Convenient complete meals
Serving	26g powder + 250ml semi-skimmed milk	Powder + water
Energy per serving	About 220 kcal (with milk)	Typically around 400 kcal
Protein per serving	About 18g (with milk)	Higher, as the serving is larger
Vegan	No (contains milk); vegan options exist in the wider range	Yes
Flavours	9 flavours in the UK plus Free From and Savoury	Several flavours
How you buy	From a Herbalife Independent Member, with advice included	Online direct from the brand

Figures are indicative: always check the current labels of both products.

Which is better for weight loss?

For weight loss, what matters most is the total calories you eat over the day. Because a Formula 1 shake is smaller, it is easier to fit two of them into an energy-restricted diet and still have a proper dinner. Substituting two of the main daily meals of an energy-restricted diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss. Huel servings are larger and more filling, which suits people who want a full meal rather than a lighter one.

See our step-by-step Herbalife weight loss day for how Formula 1 is used in practice.

Which tastes better?

Taste is personal. Formula 1 is made with milk, so it tends to taste like a milkshake; Huel, made with water, has a thicker, oatier texture. If you have never tried Formula 1, Vanilla Cream is the safest first flavour. See all options in our Formula 1 flavours guide.

Which is cheaper?

A Formula 1 shake costs roughly £1.43 in powder (a £29.99 tub gives about 21 servings) plus 250ml of milk. Huel's cost per meal depends on the product and subscription. Compare the price per serving and remember that a smaller Formula 1 serving is not the same amount of food as a full Huel meal.

Is there a vegan Herbalife option?

Standard Formula 1 contains milk. For plant-based protein look at Tri Blend Select or Vegan Protein Drink Mix, and make Formula 1 Free From with a plant drink if you avoid lactose.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use both?

You can, but there is little reason to: pick the one whose serving size and taste suit your routine.

Do I need a Herbalife Member to buy Formula 1?

Genuine Herbalife is only sold through Independent Members, such as HerbalPlus. Buying from a member means you also get advice on how to use the products.

HerbalPlus is an official Herbalife Independent Member. Huel is a trademark of its respective owner and is mentioned here only for comparison.