Why is Black Edition: Chocolate classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is made from isolated pea and rice proteins, refined oils, powdered flavors and a micronutrient blend, all of which are industrially extracted and recombined, meeting the criteria for an ultra‑processed NOVA 4 food. Its additive list includes xanthan gum (E415) as a stabiliser, lutein (E161b) for colour, and two steviol glycoside sweeteners (E960a and E960c) derived from stevia.

How does the sugar and fat content in this meal replacement affect individuals following a diabetic or low‑fat diet?

At 4.4 g of sugars per 100 g, the product contributes a modest amount of carbohydrate that will raise blood glucose less sharply than high‑sugar foods, but the 19 g of total fat (3.7 g saturated) adds significant calories and may be unsuitable for strict low‑fat regimens; diabetics should monitor overall carbohydrate intake and consider the high fat load in their total daily plan.

Is this product suitable for strict vegan and gluten‑free diets, and does it contain any common allergens?

Yes, the formulation contains only plant‑derived ingredients and is certified vegan and gluten‑free. The only potential allergen is pea protein, a legume, which can trigger reactions in people with legume sensitivities, but no dairy, soy, nuts or egg ingredients are present.

Huel • 1.53 kg

Black Edition: Chocolate

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Black Edition: Chocolate is a vegan, gluten‑free meal replacement powder from Huel, classified as a composite one‑dish meal. It provides 44 g of protein, 11 g of fiber and 438 kcal per 100 g, but also contains 19 g of fat (including 3.7 g saturated), 1.2 g of salt and 4.4 g of sugars, placing it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category with a non‑applicable Nutri‑Score. While it supplies a broad micronutrient blend and omega‑3 fatty acids, the high fat and salt levels and presence of four additives (including xanthan gum and steviol glycosides) may be concerns for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal438 kcal

Fat19 g

Saturated Fat3.7 g

Monounsaturated Fat4.3 g

Polyunsaturated Fat10 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical meal replacements, this product has markedly higher fat (19 g vs 5.9 g), higher saturated fat (3.7 g vs 1.9 g) and slightly more sugars (4.4 g vs 3.6 g), while its salt content is lower than the average.

Ingredients

Pea Protein, Ground Flaxseed, Brown Rice Protein, Tapioca Starch, Cocoa Powder (7%), Sunflower Oil Powder, Coconut Sugar, Natural Flavourings, Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Calcium, lodine), Vitamins (C, E, K, Niacin, A, D, Pantothenic Acid, B12, B6, B2, B1, Folate), Lutein), Medium-Chain Triglyceride Powder (from Coconut), Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum, Sea Salt, Sweetener: Enzymatically Produced Steviol Glycosides, Steviol Glycosides from Stevia, Green Tea Extract, Bacillus Coagulans.

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