Huel Expands Product Line with High-Protein Ramen After Danone Acquisition
Huel, a plant-based nutrition brand recently acquired by Danone, has introduced a new line of high-protein ramen as part of its Hot and Savoury range. This marks one of the brand's first product launches since the acquisition. Each serving of the ramen provides 25g of complete plant protein, 3.8g of fiber, and 220 calories, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
The new ramen is currently available in three flavors in the UK: classic chicken, spicy Thai, and sweet chilli, with a katsu curry flavor to follow. The company plans a European rollout soon, with future availability in the US also on the agenda.
The noodles are crafted from a blend of wheat gluten, pea protein, buckwheat, and konjac flours, complemented by a sauce and a mix of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and vitamins B12 and D. The combination of plant proteins ensures a complete amino acid profile, addressing common nutritional concerns in vegan diets.
Mark Lee, Huel's junior brand experience and community manager, highlighted the product's potential to fill a niche for convenient, healthy meals. The ramen development also aims to resolve the texture issues previously encountered with Huel’s Hot and Savoury product line.
The launch aligns with increasing consumer interest in high-protein and high-fiber foods, as revealed by a Danone survey indicating that 45% of British consumers are seeking foods with added nutritional benefits. This trend is influenced by online dietary trends and a rise in the use of weight-loss medications that prioritize protein intake.
Additionally, Huel will introduce a ramen variant under its Black Edition label at Tesco, which will feature an Asian-style beef noodle flavor boasting 40g of protein and 358 calories per serving.
The introduction of this product comes amid a resurgence of plant-based food interest in the UK, as evidenced by a near-1% increase in chilled vegan food demand in recent Nielsen analysis. Major retailers like Lidl and Tesco have reported significant growth in plant-based food sales, reflecting a broader trend towards alternative protein sources.
