Huel Black Edition Powder

Plant-based protein that's notably good for a legume but still less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins, meaning more grams are needed to deliver the same usable amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Naturally low in methionine, so it does not stand alone as a complete protein and is typically blended with rice. Pea crops are also well-documented soil accumulators of lead and cadmium — the suspected primary contamination route in this product.

Plant protein commonly paired with pea to round out the amino acid profile. On its own, brown rice protein is naturally low in lysine and less bioavailable than whey, so a larger gram dose is required to deliver the same usable amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Brown rice is also the most well-documented arsenic accumulator in the food supply — the suspected source of arsenic detected here.

Whole-food source of omega-3 ALA, lignans, and fiber. A genuinely beneficial inclusion.

Gluten-free starch used as a carb component. High glycemic index but inherent to the meal-replacement category.

Spray-dried sunflower oil with maltodextrin/starch carriers. Sunflower oil is high in inflammatory omega-6 linoleic acid and is heavily refined; spray-drying further oxidizes the fat. Sunflower crops can also accumulate cadmium — a possible co-source of the 9.21 mcg cadmium detected here.

Coconut-derived MCTs that are rapidly absorbed for energy. Carrier maltodextrin is a minor concern but the MCT itself is a genuinely beneficial fat source.

Proprietary flavor blend; can hide dozens of synthetic aroma chemicals and phthalate carriers under FDA trade-secret rules.

Less-refined sugar with a lower glycemic index than table sugar but still added sugar. Reasonable choice over corn syrup or HFCS.

Plant-fermentation-derived thickener; inert and safe at typical concentrations.

Natural zero-calorie sweetener from the stevia leaf. No significant health concerns, but Scout treats all stevia forms as neutral — neither penalized nor counted as a beneficial ingredient.

Source of EGCG and other catechin antioxidants; supports metabolism and oxidative defense.

Fermented tea source providing minor probiotic and polyphenol content.

Heat-stable, shelf-stable probiotic strain that survives the digestive tract; supports gut health.

Synthetic and mineral-source micronutrient fortification covering 26 essential vitamins and minerals; reasonable for a meal-replacement designed to supply daily requirements.