# Free-From Meal Supplements Huel's Ready-to-Drink Meal Replacements are Rich in Plant Protein By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-12-03 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ready-to-drink-meal-replacement References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/4010-new-on-the-shelves#1) & [huel](https://huel.com/products/huel-ready-to-drink) Huel, which previously introduced meal-supplementing products in a powdered format, is now introducing two ready-to-drink meal replacements in berry and vanilla flavors. According to Huel, the drinkable meal replacements contain "all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and phytonutrients" and are packed with 20 grams of [plant-based protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almondmilk-protein-shakes). The time-saving, nutrient-dense products are vegan-friendly and are useful for sustaining one's energy throughout the day, thanks to low-GI, slow-release carbohydrates. Some of the ingredients that go into the making of the products include [oats, tapioca starch, pea protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fazer-aito), brown rice flour and flaxseed. Huel's ready-to-drink meal replacements are free from GMO ingredients, soya, gluten, and animal products. The brand's bottles are 100% recyclable and are made with 25% recycled plastic, as part of its commitment to increase the use of recycled plastic and bioplastic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Free-from Meal Supplements:** Expanding market for meal replacements that are free from GMO ingredients, soya, gluten, and animal products, making healthy eating more accessible for various dietary needs. - **Plant-based Protein:** Growing demand for plant-based protein sources as consumers seek vegan-friendly alternatives to traditional sources like whey protein, creating opportunities for innovative plant-based products. - **Sustainable Packaging:** Increasing focus on sustainable packaging solutions, such as using recycled plastic and bioplastics, to reduce environmental impact and meet consumer demands for eco-friendly products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** Food industry players can disrupt the market by introducing new free-from meal supplements that cater to various dietary needs and offer convenient, nutritious alternatives to traditional meals. - **Health and Wellness:** Companies in the health and wellness industry can capitalize on the plant-based protein trend by developing innovative, vegan-friendly products that provide essential nutrients and promote a healthy lifestyle. - **Packaging:** Packaging companies have the potential to disrupt the market by offering sustainable packaging solutions, such as using recycled plastic and bioplastics, to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [High-Protein Meal Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meal-powder.md) - [Plant-Based Powder Meal Replacements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complete-meal-plant-based-powder.md) - [Complete Meal Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arla-protein-food-to-go.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Formulas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allinone-meal-replacement.md) - [Plant-Based Meal Replacements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperri.md) - [Dairy-Based Meal Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complete-meal-to-go.md) - [Plant-Based Ready-To-Drink Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-readytodrink-shakes.md) - [Refreshing Pea Protein Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nowhey.md) - [Grab-and-Go Plant Protein Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/notmilk-high-protein.md)