When it comes to finding a nutritious protein shake that fits into your busy lifestyle, Huel, Core Power, and Ripple are all popular options with unique benefits.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for post-workout recovery, a health-conscious professional on the go, or someone who needs a protein boost, each of these drinks has its merits. But how do they stack up against each other?
Let’s dive into a comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
The one that covers all my nutritional needs…Huel
I’m going to start with the one that impressed me the most: Huel Black Edition Ready-to-Drink. It’s a nutritionally complete, plant-based meal.
Each bottle offers 400 calories packed with all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, plus 35 grams of protein—more than five eggs’ worth—and a balanced mix of fiber, fats, and phytonutrients. Its low glycemic index supports sustained energy, making it ideal for long days and intense workouts. It also offers a whopping 151 health benefits, supporting muscle function, immunity, and more. It’s literally a meal in a bottle!
Huel also wins extra points for having no artificial colorings, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavorings, and for being gluten free.
Fairlife’s Core Power and Ripple’s Protein Shake are solid but don’t quite measure up. Core Power has 230 calories and 26 grams of protein per bottle, mainly for post-workout recovery. Ripple is similar (but plant-based), offering 200 calories and 20 grams of protein. While both are good, neither matches Huel’s comprehensive nutritional profile.
The one that tastes amazing…Huel
When you’re relying on a drink for regular meals, the flavor really matters. Ripple and Core Power are often praised for their chocolate milk-like flavor, which is easy to love. But achieving great taste with lower nutritional value is simpler.
Huel Black Edition’s chocolate and vanilla flavors stand out for their smooth, well-balanced taste with a mild, pleasant aftertaste. The impressive part? Huel manages this flavor with only 5 grams of sugar per serving, compared to 26 grams in Core Power and 9 grams in Ripple. Huel is not just healthier, it’s also delicious.
The lowest cost shake…Ripple
Price is one thing; value is another. Ripple leads as the most affordable option—a 12-pack costs $33.99 ($2.80 per drink). Core Power is $40.68 for a 12-pack ($3.39 per drink). Huel Black Edition Ready-to-Drink is $58 for a 12-pack ($4.83 per meal).
While Huel is the priciest, it’s also the only product here designed as a complete meal replacement. To get a bit more savings, you can subscribe and get 20% off each order – plus you can also edit or cancel your subscription anytime with no fees.
So, while Ripple wins on cost, Huel offers a greater value.
The allergen-friendly option…Huel or Ripple
For specific dietary needs, both Huel and Ripple have your back. Huel Black Edition Ready-to-Drink is plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. Ripple, too.
Core Power contains dairy, which isn’t just a dealbreaker for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet—it’s also a downside for folks like me who try to limit dairy for my skin and other health considerations.
The most sustainable option…Huel
Sustainability is a growing priority for me and nearly everyone I know, and Huel has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. The B-corp company uses recycled materials in packaging and offsets its carbon emissions by optimizing shipping processes, reducing unnecessary transport distances, and more. They’re also GMO free and free of animal byproducts, which is a huge plus for me.
Ripple also emphasizes sustainability, using peas as their source of protein, which require less water and fewer resources than dairy. Fairlife has made efforts in this area too, but the dairy industry’s environmental impact is significant. If sustainability is your priority, Huel is the standout option.
Bottom line: Huel has it all
After comparing these three options, it’s clear that while Core Power and Ripple have strengths, Huel Black Edition Ready-to-Drink is the top choice for a nutritionally complete, convenient, and environmentally friendly meal replacement.
It meets all your dietary needs, tastes great, and supports your active lifestyle. Try Huel now!
