The Best Running Nutrition of 2025

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise and is a great way to stay fit and healthy. In order to get the most out of your runs, it is important to fuel your body with the right nutrition. There are many different options available to help keep you energized and hydrated during your workouts. In this article, we will look at the best running nutrition products, including the best gels, chews, and drink mixes.

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health, especially for athletes and active individuals. Proper hydration can help regulate body temperature, transport nutrients throughout the body, and improve athletic performance.

When it comes to hydration, not all beverages are created equal. While water is always going to be a fine option, athletes can greatly benefit from a more complex hydration mix that contains electrolytes and carbohydrates to help replace the fluids and nutrients lost during intense exercise. One of the best options for a comprehensive hydration mix is offered by Skratch Labs, a company dedicated to producing high-quality sports nutrition products. Their hydration mix contains a precise blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to replenish electrolytes lost in sweat, while also providing a balanced source of carbohydrates to fuel endurance exercise. Skratch Labs hydration mix is easy to digest, with a subtle, natural flavor that doesn't overwhelm the palate. For athletes looking to optimize their hydration and performance, Skratch Labs hydration mix is an excellent choice.

Gels are a popular source of energy for runners and endurance athletes looking to fuel their bodies during long-distance races and training sessions. GU Energy Labs offers a wide range of energy gels to meet the needs of athletes at all levels. One of the most notable aspects of GU Energy Labs gels is their wide selection of tasty flavors. From classics like Chocolate Outrage and Vanilla Bean to more adventurous options like Campfire S'Mores and Salted Watermelon, there's a gel flavor to suit every taste. More importantly, GU Energy Labs gels are formulated with a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a beginner training for your first race, GU Energy Labs gels are a tasty and effective way to fuel your endurance exercise.

Running with a sensitive stomach can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right nutrition to fuel your workouts without causing gastrointestinal distress. Maurten is a Swedish sports nutrition company that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, science-based products designed to enhance athletic performance, including gels, drink mixes, and bars that are gentle on sensitive stomachs. Maurten's gels and drink mixes are unique in that they are made with a patented hydrogel technology that encapsulates the carbohydrates, preventing them from causing digestive issues. Unlike other nutrition options that can cause bloating, cramping, or nausea, Maurten's nutrition products are formulated to be easy to digest, even during intense exercise. They also have a relatively low sweetness level, which can be beneficial for those who may find overly sweet gels hard to tolerate. Overall, if you're a runner with a sensitive stomach looking for a reliable source of easy energy, Maruten's products are tough to beat.

Spring Energy is a one-of-a-kind sports nutrition company that specializes in producing real food-based energy gels for athletes. Unlike many conventional gels, which can be highly processed and contain artificial ingredients, Spring Energy gels are made with natural, whole food ingredients that are easy to digest and provide sustained energy. Each gel is formulated with a carefully balanced blend of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, along with functional ingredients like electrolytes, caffeine, and antioxidants to enhance athletic performance. What sets Spring Energy gels apart is their commitment to using only the highest quality, minimally processed ingredients, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and spices. Some of their most popular flavors include Canaberry, Long Haul, and Power Rush, each with a distinct taste and nutrient profile to meet the needs of different athletes. For runners looking for a real food-based gel that provides sustained energy without digestive distress, Spring Energy gels will not disappoint.

Jelly Belly Sport Beans are a unique sports nutrition product designed to provide energy and nutrients in a fun and tasty way. These jelly beans are marketed as a "fun alternative" to traditional sports nutrition products and are especially popular among runners who have a sweet tooth. What sets Sport Beans apart is their delicious candy-like taste, which comes in a variety of fruit flavors like Watermelon, Lemon-Lime, and Berry. These jelly beans are made with a blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and vitamins, making them a good source of quick energy during a workout. The beans are also free from high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, which is a plus for health-conscious athletes. While they may not be the most sophisticated sports nutrition product on the market, Sport Beans are perfect for runners who love candy and want a sweet and easy way to fuel their workouts.

Clif Shot Blok Energy Chews are a popular sports nutrition product among runners, and for good reason. These chewy, bite-sized blocks are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, and provide a convenient and tasty way to fuel during long runs and races. Each block contains a blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and essential vitamins and minerals, which work together to provide quick energy and support hydration and recovery. Clif Blok Energy Chews have a soft, chewy texture, which is easy to digest. They're also packed in a way that makes it quick and efficient to get calories on the go. The chews come in a variety of great flavors, including favorites like Black Cherry, Orange, and Strawberry. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a beginner runner, Clif Blok Energy Chews are an excellent choice for on-the-go energy and nutrition during training and racing.

Honey Stinger Waffles are a delicious energy product gaining popularity among runners and endurance athletes. These waffles are made with organic ingredients, including honey, wheat flour, and a blend of essential vitamins and minerals. They have a light and crispy texture and come in a variety of flavors, including favorites like Salted Caramel, Chocolate, and Vanilla. One of the unique aspects of Honey Stinger Waffles is that they can be eaten as a snack or a pre-workout meal, making them a versatile and convenient choice for runners. They are also easy to digest, which is a plus for athletes who struggle with digestive issues during exercise. Honey Stinger Waffles provide a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making them an excellent source of sustained energy during long runs and races. For runners who want a tasty and convenient alternative to traditional sports nutrition products, Honey Stinger Waffles are a great pick.

Hammer Recoverite is a high-quality recovery drink that is specifically designed for endurance athletes. This product is made with a unique blend of carbohydrates and proteins, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, to promote rapid recovery and help athletes bounce back faster after intense workouts. What makes Hammer Recoverite special is its 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein, which is designed to optimize glycogen replenishment and muscle recovery. This ratio has been shown to be highly effective in promoting muscle repair and reducing muscle soreness, making Hammer Recoverite an ideal choice for runners who want to recover quickly and get back to training. The drink also contains a blend of antioxidants to reduce inflammation and support immune function, which is important for athletes who are putting their bodies under stress. Overall, Hammer Recoverite is a vital part of any endurance athlete's training plan, especially runners who want to improve their performance and reduce their recovery time.