Head to head · Meal Replacements & Shakes
Huel Black Edition vs Premier Protein 30g High Protein Shake
Huel scores higher overall (8.1 vs 7.6 out of 10), mainly on efficacy, quality & purity and transparency. Premier Protein still leads on value and experience.
Updated September 2026 from our full reviews · How we score
A complete vegan meal powder with 40 g protein, 11 g fiber and 27 vitamins and minerals per 400-calorie serving; fully disclosed, but the taste is divisive.
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Amazon's best-selling protein shake: 30 g of milk protein for 160 calories at about $2 a shake, but too light to replace a full meal on its own.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links — it never affects our scores. How we make money
The short answer
Choose Huel if…
- People replacing one or two meals a day with a high-protein option
- Vegans and those avoiding soy, lactose or gluten
- Shoppers who want every nutrient amount disclosed
- You care most about efficacy, quality & purity, transparency
Choose Premier Protein if…
- Adding 30 g of protein to a light breakfast or lunch
- Budget shoppers who want a grab-and-go shake
- Low-carb and low-sugar eaters
- You care most about value, experience
Side by side
| Black Edition | 30g High Protein Shake | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.1 / 10 | 7.6 / 10 |
| Efficacy (30%) | 8.7 | 7.4 |
| Quality & Purity (25%) | 7.8 | 6.5 |
| Value (20%) | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| Experience (15%) | 7.0 | 8.4 |
| Transparency (10%) | 9.2 | 7.5 |
| Form | Powder | Ready to drink |
| Serving | 90 g (about 2 scoops)17 servings per container | 1 shake (11 fl oz carton or 11.5 fl oz bottle)12 servings per container |
| Price per serving | $3.53 | See retailer |
| Testing & certifications | Third-party tested | None verified |
| Dietary | Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Non-GMO | Gluten-free, Keto-friendly |
| Key ingredients |
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|
| Flavors | 8 (Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana…) | 8 (Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel…) |
| Creator video reviews | 4 | 5 |
Pros and cons
Black Edition
- 40 g plant protein and 11 g fiber per 400-calorie serving
- Complete nutrition panel and ingredient list published for every flavor
- Only 3 g added sugar; sweetened with stevia
- Around $3.53 per meal one-time, less on subscription
- Brand reports routine third-party testing for heavy metals and pesticides
- Taste and thick texture are frequent complaints
- Contains green tea extract and cocoa, so a small amount of caffeine
- No product-level certification such as NSF for Sport
- High potassium and phosphorus per serving may not suit everyone
30g High Protein Shake
- 30 g of complete milk protein for 160 calories
- About $2 per shake in an Amazon 12-pack
- 1 g sugar and 0 g added sugar, 3-4 g carbohydrate
- 24 vitamins and minerals, including 50% DV calcium
- Full nutrition panel and ingredients published for every flavor
- Only 160 calories and 0-2 g fiber, so not a complete meal
- No third-party certification such as NSF Certified for Sport
- Co-manufacturer recalls in 2022 (Class I, specific 11 oz cartons) and 2023 (Class II, a limited-edition flavor)
- Sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium; contains carrageenan
Our verdicts
Black Edition
Huel Black Edition is one of the most complete and transparent meal powders you can buy, with 40 g of protein, real fiber and a full disclosed panel at a reasonable price per meal. Its weak spot is drinkability, not nutrition, so buy a single bag or variety box before committing to a subscription.
Full review
30g High Protein Shake
Premier Protein is one of the cheapest and best-liked ways to add 30 g of protein to your day. As a meal replacement it falls short, since 160 calories with almost no carbohydrate, fat or fiber is a snack rather than a meal, so pair it with real food. The lack of third-party certification and co-manufacturer recalls in 2022 and 2023 keep its quality score in check.
Full review
What creators say
Questions people ask
Is Huel better than Premier Protein?
Who should choose Huel over Premier Protein?
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