SlimFast vs Huel vs Protein Works Diet Meal 360: which is best for weight loss?
Three of the UK's best-selling meal shakes compared on calories, protein and fibre, and which ones actually meet the rules for a weight-loss meal replacement.
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SlimFast, Huel and The Protein Works are three of the best-known meal shakes on Amazon UK. They look similar on the shelf, but only some of them meet the rules for a weight-loss meal replacement.
The rule that matters
In the UK, a shake can only claim to help weight loss if it's a meal replacement for weight control. That means it provides 200 to 250 calories per meal, with set amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals.
If it meets the rules, the approved claim is: replacing two daily meals of a calorie-controlled diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss.
Side by side
| Per serving | SlimFast | Protein Works Diet Meal 360 Platinum | Huel Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made with | 250 ml skimmed milk | water | water |
| Calories | about 225 to 229 | about 216 | about 400 |
| Protein | about 14 to 15 g | up to 25 g | 30 g |
| Fibre | check pack | up to 5 g | from about 8 g |
| Sold as a meal replacement | Yes | Yes | No, a complete meal |
Figures vary by flavour. Check the pack.
What this means
- Protein Works Diet Meal 360 gives the most protein within the meal-replacement calorie range. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass, which matters while you're losing weight.
- SlimFast is within the range when made with skimmed milk, but has the least protein.
- Huel is a filling, complete meal, but a full serving is too many calories to count as a weight-loss meal replacement. It may suit you better once you're maintaining your weight.
Our picks
Best for: The most protein within meal-replacement calories
The Protein Works Diet Meal 360 Platinum
About 216 calories with up to 25 g protein and up to 5 g fibre per serving, made with water.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Best for: A familiar, widely available option
SlimFast Meal Replacement Shake Powder
About 225 to 229 calories per shake when made with 250 ml skimmed milk, and sold as a meal replacement.
Worth knowing: Lower in protein than the others, at about 14 to 15 g per shake.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)Best for: A filling complete meal for weight maintenance
Huel Powder
Vegan and nutritionally complete, with 30 g protein in a 400-calorie serving.
Worth knowing: A full serving is above the 200 to 250 calorie meal-replacement range.
See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in new tab)The short version
- For weight loss, choose a shake sold as a meal replacement, with 200 to 250 calories per serving.
- Most protein in that range: Protein Works Diet Meal 360.
- Huel is a complete meal, not a diet meal, at a full serving.
- To compare value, divide the pack price by the number of servings.
Common questions
Which is the best value?
We don't show prices, because they change daily. To compare, divide the price of the pack by the number of servings it makes. Remember SlimFast also needs milk, which adds to the cost.
How many shakes a day should I have?
The approved weight-loss claim is for replacing two meals a day as part of a calorie-controlled diet, with one normal, balanced meal. Replacing every meal should only be done under medical supervision.
Is SlimFast made with semi-skimmed milk higher in calories?
Yes. The label figures assume skimmed milk. Semi-skimmed or whole milk adds calories and fat, so the shake may go above the 250-calorie limit.
Sources we checked
- SlimFast Meal Replacement Shake Powder Chocolate 375g: nutrition (Sainsbury's (retailer label listing))
- Diet Meal 360 (The Protein Works)
- What people ask about Huel (Huel)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1413: meal replacement health claims (UK version) (legislation.gov.uk)
- Amazon UK Best Sellers: Diet Shakes (Amazon)
This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified clinician about your own health, especially before starting a supplement or if symptoms are new, severe or worrying.
Got a question about this, or a claim you want checked? Ask us.
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