Why is Black Edition Ready-to-Drink Vanilla classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The drink mixes refined plant proteins, isolated fibers, vegetable oils, a vitamin‑mineral blend and several functional ingredients that have been extracted, isolated or synthesized; such processing steps place it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category. Its additives are lecithin from sunflower (E322) used as an emulsifier, gellan gum (E418) as a thickener, and steviol glycosides (E960a) as a natural‑origin sweetener.

How does the sugar and salt content in this drink affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 1.16 g of sugars per 100 g, the beverage contributes minimally to total carbohydrate intake, which is favorable for blood‑glucose control, while its 0.147 g of salt per 100 g is far below the typical threshold for hypertension risk; however, individuals must consider the total daily intake from all sources.

Is this product suitable for vegan, gluten-free or other strict dietary regimes, and are there any allergens to watch for?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived, and the product does not contain gluten, dairy or animal ingredients, making it compatible with vegan, gluten‑free and dairy‑free diets; the only disclosed allergen warning is a possible trace of mustard, which could affect mustard‑allergic consumers.

Huel • 500 ml

Black Edition Ready-to-Drink Vanilla

Composite Foods

Product Insights

Black Edition Ready-to-Drink Vanilla is a 500 ml ready-to-drink meal replacement marketed by Huel and classified as a composite one-dish meal (PNNSS groups: Composite foods, One-dish meals). Per 100 g it provides 80 kcal, 7 g protein, 3.4 g fat (including 1.16 g saturated fat), 1.16 g sugars, 0.147 g salt and 1.2 g fiber, offering high protein with low sugar and salt but a moderate fat level. The product is ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains additives such as sunflower-derived lecithin (E322), gellan gum (E418) and stevia glycosides (E960a), and the label notes a possible mustard trace, which may be relevant for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables3.1 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average meal-replacement drinks, this formula contains substantially less sugar (1.16 g vs 3.57 g), fat (3.4 g vs 5.94 g), saturated fat (1.16 g vs 1.94 g), salt (0.147 g vs 3.55 g) and calories (80 kcal vs 174.6 kcal), while delivering a similar amount of protein (7 g vs 7.16 g).

Ingredients

Wasser, Erbsenprotein, Fababohnen-Protein, Tapiokastärke, Rapsöl, Kokosmilchpulver, gemahlene Leinsamen, Kokosnektar, Lösliche Pflanzliche Ballaststoffe (Chicorée, Mais), Vitamin-und Mineralstoff-Zubereitung (Mineralstoffe (Kalium, Calcium, Magnesium, Kupfer, Zink, Jod, Chrom), Vitamine (C, K, E, A, Niacin, D, B12, Pantothensäure, Biotin, B6, B2, B1, Folat)), Cholin, natürliche Aromen, Leinölpulver, Hanfsamenprotein, mittelkettige Triglyceride (aus Kokosnuss), Emulgator: Lecithine (Sonnenblume), Grüntee-Extrakt, Süßungsmittel: Steviolglycoside aus Stevia, % Verdickungsmittel: Gellan. Hinweis für Allergiker: Kann Senf enthalten.

84%

35%

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