Huel Vs Athletic Greens: Which Is Better?

If you’re on the hunt for a convenient, nutrient-packed greens powder, check out this comparison of two of the best on the market: Huel and Athletic Greens,

When it comes to picking products, programs, and services for your health, it’s important to weigh all of your options before investing in something. You don’t want to spend loads of money without knowing what it can or might do to your body.

As a dietitian, I act as an unbiased voice to help you learn all you need to know. That way, you can choose the best product for you based on ingredients, benefits, perks, cost, and more.

At a Glance

While both Huel and Athletic Greens offer many nutritional benefits, each product has their own key features and specific purposes. After reviewing those factors, I recommend Athletic Greens out of the two options.

While Huel may be a good option for those looking for more diversity and micronutrients in their diets, Athletic Greens offers that and then some. 

With its high probiotic count, NSF for Sport certification, and high nutrient density, AG1 comes out on top – even if it’s a little more expensive.

Keep scrolling to learn even more.

Quick Facts: Face To Face Comparison

	Huel Daily Greens	Athletic Greens
Major Health Claims	Claims benefits for: Brain Immunity Energy Muscle Heart Hair, Skin, & Nails Digestion Joints & Bones Sleep Stress	Promotes Gut Health Supports Immunity Boosts Energy Helps Recovery
Dietary Preferences	Gluten-free, Non-GMO, No animal byproducts, artificial sweeteners or colorings, Vegan	Dairy-free, Wheat-free, Gluten-free, Corn-free, Lactose-free, Sucrose-free, Egg-free, Peanut-free, and Vegan
Ingredient Count	91	75
Probiotic Count	N/A	7.2 Billion CFU
Calories per Serving	50	50 Calories per scoop
Macronutrient Count per serving	8g Carbohydrate, 3g Protein, 1g Fat	6g Carbohydrate, 2g Protein, No fat listed
Net Carbs Per Serving	6g	4g
Serving Recommendations	Drink Huel Daily Greens once a day, first thing in the morning with your breakfast,	Take one scoop (12g) per day with 8-10 ounces of water first thing in the morning.
Price Per Serving	$1.50 – $1.89	$3.30 – $3.63
Certifications	Third-party tested	NSF Certified for Sport Third-party tested by NSF Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Introductions

What is Huel?

Huel Daily Greens is a greens powder that is designed to offer essential micronutrients and antioxidants for daily health and well-being. Huel notes that their blend is made of 91 vitamins, minerals, and ingredients to offer 147 health benefits. 

Please note that in this article, we’re reviewing Huel Daily Greens, a product similar to Athletic Greens. However, Huel is a company that makes many products, including protein powders, meal replacement shakes, and ready-to-drink shakes. So, don’t get confused with the other products!

What is Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens, now sold as AG1, is a powdered superfood supplement that has 75 ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Athletic Greens changed their name to AG1 in recent years to better capture the ingredients of their primary product. 

AG1 is more than just greens for athletes. It’s a comprehensive daily dose of nutrition that offers benefits in Athletic Green’s five crucial areas of health: energy, immunity, gut health, hormonal and neural support, and healthy aging.

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Standout Features

Huel

• 91 vitamins, minerals, and ingredients
• As little as $1.50 per serving
• Freebies with first purchase

Athletic Greens

• 75 superfood ingredients
• 7.2 billion CFU probiotics 
• NSF Certified for Sport
• Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities
• Travel packs available

Huel Overview

Huel was founded in 2015 by Julian Hearn with the mission to make “nutritionally complete, convenient, affordable food with minimal impact on animals and the environment.”

Huel stands for “Human Fuel”, meaning each of their products is nutritionally complete for the human body. 

As mentioned above, Huel creates many products and is mostly known for its macronutrient balanced protein powders and meal replacement shakes. However, their daily greens are meant to offer a daily dose of micronutrients (without many carbs, protein, or fat) for use alongside the other products. 

Main Benefits

• Can Support Immunity: Huel Daily Greens contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that play key roles in the immune system. 

For example, vitamin C helps to enhance immune function and ward off infection while vitamin E and selenium repel toxins that make us sick.

• May Improve Heart Health: Ingredients in Huel like flaxseed and chia seeds contain omega-3s, which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and improved cardiovascular function. 

Other nutrients like fiber, magnesium, and potassium can also support heart health.

• Might Benefit Hair, Skin, & Nails: Biotin, zinc, and vitamin E are nutrients in Huel that are associated with maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails by promoting cellular regeneration and elasticity. 

• Could Improve Digestion: Fiber-rich ingredients in Huel like oats and flax promote healthy digestion by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Probiotics in Huel also help this growth and can balance the gut microbiome. 

• May Support Healthy Muscles, Joints, & Bones: There is some plant-based protein in Huel, which may help with muscle building, maintenance, and repair. 

Meanwhile, minerals like calcium and magnesium support bone health and can even prevent conditions like osteoporosis. 

• Can Improve Brain and Mental Health: DHA from omega-3s in Huel are associated with improved cognitive function, while vitamins B6 and B12 can support memory, energy, and mood regulation. 

Pros

• 91 vitamins, minerals, and ingredients
• Some organic ingredients
• Freebies like a t-shirt and water bottle with first purchase
• Cheaper than other other greens on the market
• Includes some nutrients that AG1 is missing 

Cons

• Proprietary blend
• Probiotic count not listed
• Contains nuts in the form of coconut
• Cross-contamination with milk possible 

Athletic Greens Overview

Athletic Greens is a company founded in 2009 by Chris Ashenden after a long struggle with gut health. He set out to create a comprehensive nutrition blend that supported the gut and energy in just one dose. 

The primary product, now called AG1, has become one of the most popular greens supplements on the market due to its positive reviews and good reputation.

Main Benefits

• Can Boost Energy: Many vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens in AG1 can support energy production. 

B vitamins, for example, are involved in energy metabolism. Adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha have been traditionally used to enhance energy and combat fatigue. 

• May Improve Recovery: Antioxidants in Athletic Greens can aid in post-exercise recovery- so much so that it is certified by the NSF for sport. Vitamin C and E specifically can reduce exercise-induced stress and promote faster recovery. 

Other ingredients like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce soreness.

• Might Aid Digestion: AG1 contains digestive enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase that can assist with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. 

When paired with 7.2 billion CFU of probiotics and prebiotic fibers, this powder can help balance your gut microbiome and improve digestion. 

• Can Support Immunity: Vitamin C, zinc, and selenium in AG1 are known for their immune-supporting properties. Vitamin C and zinc can support the production of immune cells while selenium acts as an antioxidant to support immune system regulation. 

• May Promote Cognitive Health: B vitamins, lion’s mane mushroom, and Bacopa monnieri are all ingredients in Athletic Greens that may improve cognition. 

Lion’s mane and Bacopa monnieri especially have been shown to support improved memory, focus, and cognitive performance. 

Pros

• Comprehensive list of 75 ingredients
• Keto and paleo-friendly
• Option to purchase 30 travel packs
• Some organic ingredients
• Third-party tested by NSF
• Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities
• Offer supplementary products to fill nutrient gaps

Cons

• Proprietary blend
• Organic ingredients not specified on the label

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s compare the ingredients in each of these supplements.

Huel

Huel boasts an impressive count of 91 ingredients, which means lots of diverse nutrients. However, that large number of ingredients can also raise questions about the nutrient density of each component. 

The more ingredients in one scoop, the less volume and nutrition from each. 

Huel breaks these ingredients down into six blends: 

• Protein and superfood blend
• Organic greens blend
• Organic superfruit blend
• Organic adaptogen & super mushroom complex
• Organic botanical blend
• Probiotics 

These are proprietary blends, which can limit transparency. However, Huel does contain some ingredients that AG1 does not, including omega-3 and omega-6, vitamin D, and iron. 

One thing I like about Huel is they label which of their ingredients are organic, even if they aren’t all organic.

Lastly, it’s important to be aware that Huel Daily Greens contain nut allergens from coconut and may have a potential for cross-contamination with milk during processing. 

List of Ingredients

• Plant-Based Protein and Superfood Blend, 8934mg
  • Tapioca Starch, Organic Gluten-Free Oats, Pea Fiber, Organic Pea Protein, Flaxseed Organic Mung Bean Protein, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Sprouted Quinoa
• Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend, 2594mg
  • Organic Chlorella, Organic Spirulina, Organic Broccoli, Organic Broccoli Sprouts, Organic Carrot, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Organic Nettle Aerial Part, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract, Organic Sweet Fennel Fruit, Organic Artichoke Leaf, Organic Basil Leaf, Organic Black Garlic, Organic Green Coffee Bean Extract, Organic Mate Leaf Extract, Organic Calciferous Marine Algae (Aquamin F)
• Organic Superfruit Blend, 508mg
  • Organic Tomato, Organic Coconut Nectar, Organic Apple, Organic Lemon Peel, Organic Acerola Fruit Extract, Organic Red Grape Vine Leaf, Organic Small Plantain Leaf, Or anic Bilberry, Organic Strawberry, Organic Raspberry, Organic Blueberry, Organic Tart Cherry, Organic Elderberry, Organic Cranberry
• Organic Adaptogen and Super Mushroom Complex 173mg
  • Organic Ashwagandha Root, Organic Rhodiola Root Extract, Organic Siberian Ginseng Root, Organic Lemon Balm Leaf, Organic Marshmallow Root, Organic Maca Tuber, Organic White Ginseng Root, Organic Red Ginseng Root, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Maitake Mushroom, Organic Shiitake Mushroom, Organic Reishi Mushroom, Organic Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom
• Organic Botanical Blend, 122mg
  • Organic Cinnamon Bark, Organic Burdock Root, Organic Dandelion Root, Organic Echinacea Aerial Part, Organic Hawthorn Flowering Top, Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract, Organic Lemongrass Leaf
• Probiotics, 3mg
  • Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, Bifidobacterium Bifidum 100B
• Other Ingredients
  • Natural Flavors, Sunflower Lecithin, Guar Gum, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract
• Vitamins & Minerals
  • Vitamin A (as retinyl acetate), 925mcg, 103%
  • Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), 425mg, 472%
  • Vitamin D (as ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol), 46.3mcg, 232%
  • Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol), 21 mg, 140%
  • Vitamin K (as menaquinone-7), 132mcg, 110%
  • Thiamin (Vitamin B1) (from quinoa), 0.2mg, 17%
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (from quinoa), 0.3mg, 23%
  • Niacin (as niacinamide), 21mg, 131%
  • Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride), 3.1 mg, 182%
  • Folate (as I-methylfolate calcium), 703mca (DFE), 176%
  • Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin), 5.6mcg, 233%
  • Biotin (from chlorella), 10mcg, 33%
  • Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate), 5.2mg, 104%
  • Choline (from chlorella), 23 mg, 4%
  • Calcium (as calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate), 130mg, 10%
  • Iron (as ferrous gluconate), 5.5mg, 31%
  • Phosphorus (as dipotassium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate) 133mg, 11%
  • lodine (as potassium iodide), 44mcg, 29%
  • Magnesium (as magnesium oxide), 43mg, 10%
  • Zinc (as zinc oxide), 16mg, 145%
  • Selenium (as selenium yeast), 28mcg, 51%
  • Copper (from flaxseed), 0.1 mg, 11%
  • Manganese (from oats), 0.4mg, 17%
  • Chromium (as chromium picolinate), 38mcg, 109%
  • Molybdenum (from pea), 7.0mcg, 16%
  • Potassium (as dipotassium phosphate, potassium citrate), 480mg, 10%
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids, 0.5g
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids, 0.5g

Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens presents a robust lineup of 75 superfood ingredients and 7.2 Billion CFU of probiotics. 

Similar to Huel, AG1 splits its ingredients into separate blends, with a total of four categories. These include: 

• Raw superfood complex
• Extracts, herbs, & antioxidants
• Digestive enzyme & super mushroom complex
• Probiotics 

There are definitely some similarities even in the titles there.

While Huel does offer a couple of nutrients that Athletic Greens does not, AG1 offers the option to pair the original blend with Vitamin D3 + K2 and an omega-3s supplement. 

These products would help fill any nutrient gaps and ensure that the serving is very nutrient-dense. 

Athletic Greens also utlizies proprietary blends in their formula. While their website states some ingredients are organic, they don’t specify which ones on the ingredient label. Both of these factors can lead to a lack of transparency of ingredient specifics. 

List of Ingredients

• Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex, 7,388 mg
  • Spirulina, lecithin, apple powder, inulin, wheat grass juice powder, alfalfa, chlorella, barley leaf, broccoli flower, papaya, pineapple, bilberry fruit extract, grape seed extract, green tea leaf extract, licorice root, lycium berry extract, ginger rhizome, slippery elm, kelp
• Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants, 2,732 mg
  • Alkaline pea protein isolate, citrus bioflavonoids extract, artichoke leaf extract, citric acid, rhodiola root, eleuthero root, milk thistle seed, R, S alpha-lipoic acid, ashwagandha, dandelion, hawthorn berry, beta-glucans, policosanol, coenzyme Q-10, stevia, vitamin K2
• Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex, 154 mg
  • Astragalus root, bromelain, burdock root, reishi mushroom, shitake mushroom
• Probiotics 7.2 billion CFUs, 38 mg
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus UALz-01, Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10
• 21 Vitamins and Minerals
  • Vitamin A: 555mcg, 62% DV
  • Vitamin C: 420mg, 467% DV
  • Vitamin E: 83mg, 553% DV
  • Thiamin: 3mg, 250% DV
  • Riboflavin: 2mg, 154% DV
  • Niacin: 20mg NE, 125% DV
  • Vitamin B6: 3mg, 176% DV
  • Folate: 680mc DFE, 170% DV
  • Vitamin B12: 22mcg, 917% DV
  • Biotin: 22mcg, 1110% DV
  • Pantothenic acid: 4mg, 80% DV
  • Calcium: 118mg, 9% DV
  • Phosphorus: 130mg, 10% DV
  • Magnesium: 26mg, 6% DV
  • Zinc: 15mg, 136% DV
  • Selenium: 20mcg, 36% DV
  • Copper: 195 mcg, 22% DV
  • Manganese: 400mcg, 17% DV
  • Chromium: 25 mcg, 71% DV
  • Sodium: 45mg, 2% DV
  • Potassium: 300mg, 6% DV

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Taste Test

You can’t forget about flavor. If there’s one thing that’s going to keep you from taking a daily supplement, it’ll be the taste.

Huel Taste 

Huel aims to deliver a refreshing taste, describing itself as a crisp apple and pineapple flavor infused with hints of lime and mint. 

However, customer reviews are mixed. While some enjoy the taste, others mention a prominent flavor of greens and mushrooms. 

Bear in mind that taste preferences can vary greatly and individual palates may respond differently.

Athletic Greens Taste

Athletic Greens is described as a refreshing, tropical vanilla pineapple flavor. 

Many repeat customers specifically appreciate the flavor, calling it one of their favorite parts of the product. 

However, with all greens products there will be some differing opinions about the taste and texture.

Some report a variation in flavor from product to product, which Athletic Greens explains that it is due to “the weather conditions or even where [the ingredients or live probiotics] are sourced, much in the same way the taste of wine is influenced by the terroir of the vineyard.”

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Pricing Comparison

Now for the cost comparison:

Huel

• Price
  • $56.50 for a one-time purchase of Huel Daily Greens (30 serving)
  • Sign up for the flexible plan and get monthly greens for $45
• Price Per Serving
  • $1.89 per serving without a subscription
  • $1.55 per serving with a subscription
• Container Size
  • 450 g per container

Athletic Greens

• Price
  • $99 USD for a one-time purchase of one container of Athletic Greens (30 servings)
  • $109 for a one-time purchase of 30 packets
  • The monthly subscription to Athletic Greens will cost $79 per container or $89 for 30 travel packs per month
• Price Per Serving
  • $3.30 per serving without a subscription
  • $2.63 per serving with a subscription
• Container Size
  • 12.7 oz per container
  • 12g per single-serving travel pack

Comparison of Side Effects and Safety

Huel states that the Daily Greens are not suitable for use during pregnancy or for nursing mothers due to high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. 

Athletic Greens also states those that are pregnant and breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before using. 

While Huel doesn’t report any specific side effects, some users have reported nausea and vomiting after taking the drink. 

Some users report bloating or digestive issues with AG1, which they advise is from high concentrations of probiotics. It can take the body some time to adjust, so it’s recommended to reduce the dose and gradually work your way up. 

Huel vs Athletic Greens: Which Is the Best Option?

So which is best?

Well, Huel’s main focus is on antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They claim to offer 147 benefits, which is a lot, but that’s a bit of a red flag to me. 

With all of those ingredients and the volume, the benefits of each dwindle. 

Meanwhile, Athletic Greens still offers a diverse range of nutrients, but has more streamlined benefits.  

Why We Think AG1 Is the Better Option

After looking at both products’ key factors, benefits, ingredients, taste, and prices, I recommend Athletic Greens. 

With its high probiotic count, NSF for Sport certification, and high nutrient density, AG1 comes out on top, despite its higher price tag.

AG1 also offers travel packs, is made in GMP-certified facilities, and lacks many common allergens. 

Final Thoughts on Huel vs Athletic Greens 

In the end, these are both still great products. If it makes more sense for your budget to go with Huel, I would recommend it.

Keep in mind that neither of these products can replace a good, well-balanced diet filled with fruit and vegetables. Focus on that aspect of your diet first.

Then, check out greens products like Athletic Greens here to fill any nutrient gaps.

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