As many of us start setting goals for the new year, whether that’s fueling more consistently or trying something new, as coaches we decided to have the team start testing some of the newer options on the market.
In recent years, we’ve loved seeing how many more runners are finally getting onboard with fueling well for performance. Of course we know that often means needing to try a number of things to find the option that works for your gut. But that experimenting is important!!
If you’re needing some refreshers:
- Best Running Gels
- Marathon Fueling Strategy
- Understanding Gel Labeling (what do all those claims mean)
- Is Sugar Bad for Runners (how your body really uses gels)
New Running Fuels
With so many fueling options available now, it’s important to remember that what works for one runner might not work for another, and that’s okay. Try different fueling and nutrition options out during your runs to see what your body likes.
Our team tested a handful of brands that aren’t the usual brands you may see on social media.
We hope this month’s round-up helps you discover a new fuel to try, maybe even one that might just become your new favorite!
Is there something you’ve tried below or in past round-ups? We’d love to hear your feedback as well!
Näak Boost Energy Gel
I tried the Näak Boost Gel (Neutral 25) before a workout and during a 12-mile run. The neutral flavor is mildly sweet without being overpowering, which helps avoid flavor fatigue, and it sat well in my stomach even during harder efforts.
The jelly-like texture isn’t overly thick, making it easy to take down in just 3–4 sips while running.
Like most gels, the 25 g of carbohydrates provides a reliable boost to help keep energy steady during long runs and tough workouts, and I appreciate that it’s made with simple sugar sources like agave powder, dehydrated tapioca syrup, and dextrose—different from many gels on the market.
With 113 mg of sodium, it’s a solid, easy-to-tolerate fueling option I’d recommend to runners looking for something simple and effective.
- Available in two flavors
- 27g of carbs per serving
- Purchase a box of 12 or single servings
- Available from Fuelgoods.com starting at $3.75
-Cortney, Registered Dietitian and Gear Tester
Nurri 30g Strawberry Milkshake
Nurri 30g strawberry milkshake is an ultra-filtered milkshake with 30g of protein per can.
The ultra-filtered refers to the removal of most of the lactose and some water from the milk, while concentrating its protein, calcium and nutrients.
This also reduces the sugar content and results in a smoother, creamier texture. The end product is richer in protein, lower in sugar, and more nutrient-dense than regular milk, making it a great choice when looking for a healthier dairy option. This is also what makes the product “lactose-free”.
In addition, the ultra-filtered milk protein makes it easy to drink at any time of the day, avoiding stomach issues!
- Available in 3 flavors
- Gluten-free, made with ultra-filtered milk, which makes it lactose-free and easier on digestion.
- 0g protein, 1g sugar per serving
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $24.70
Gnarly Whey Protein
Gnarly Whey stands out among other whey protein powders for its fuller, richer taste. The fuller texture comes from the healthy fats and omega-3s that are added to it.
It’s noticeably less chalky than plant-based options, and while it mixes fine with water, I loved it best blended with milk (oat, cow’s, or almond all worked great). I used Gnarly Whey post-run for recovery.
The combination of high-quality grass-fed protein plus 12 grams of carbs made it an easy way to support recovery right after hard workouts.
I can’t say I noticed significant changes in digestion personally, but the added probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes are a big plus, especially for athletes who struggle with typical whey proteins.
What truly sets this product apart for me as both a coach and a dietitian is the quality and integrity behind it. I will not recommend any supplement that isn’t third-party tested, so the NSF Certification was a non-negotiable.
The third-party testing is a big reason why I trusted it enough to use it myself and share it with clients. Knowing it’s grass-fed, free of antibiotics and rBGH, and tested for banned substances gives it a level of reliability that many protein powders lack.
Overall, I loved the blend of gut-supportive probiotics with a clean, delicious, high-quality whey. I think you will appreciate that it’s not just a protein powder, but it’s a well-rounded recovery supplement that actually aligns with what runners and active people need after a workout.
- Available in 2 flavors
- Box of 10 packets or a canister with 20 servings
- 25g of protein and 12g of carbs per serving
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $39.50
-Cortney, Registered Dietitian and Gear Tester
Gnarly Hydrate- Raspberry
I tried the Raspberry flavor of Gnarly’s Hydrate Electrolyte Powder, and while the taste is good and refreshing, it leans a bit sweeter than I personally prefer.
It’s sweetened with both cane sugar and stevia, and although I appreciate the inclusion of real sugar, the taste of stevia isn’t my favorite. One scoop mixed into 16 ounces of water makes an easy-to-drink option for daily hydration.
With 250 mg sodium, 100 mg potassium, and 80 mg magnesium, it has a gentler electrolyte profile than many other brands (for example, LMNT’s 1000 mg sodium per packet), making it better suited for rehydration throughout the day rather than during long or intense workouts where sweat losses are higher.
I used it before and after a run, and it sat very well in my stomach. 
Overall, I like that Gnarly uses a more moderate electrolyte ratio and a small amount of sugar, which helps with electrolyte absorption without overloading the gut.
The NSF certification is a big confidence booster for me — third-party testing ensures that what’s on the label is truly in the product, which matters for athletes who want transparency and quality. Even though the sweetness was stronger than I typically sip on all day, I think many people would enjoy the flavor.
I’d recommend this to anyone who sweats and wants a reliable, clean, everyday hydration option rather than a high-sodium/high-carb performance drink.
- Available in 6 flavors
- 250 mg sodium, 100 mg potassium, and 80 mg magnesium per serving
- Can be purchased in a 14 oz bag or single-serving packets
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $29
-Cortney, Registered Dietitian and Gear Tester
Tailwind Nutrition Rapid Hydration
As a sports dietitian, I’m always trying different fuel and hydration products, and I was stoked to spend a couple of weeks testing out the new Tailwind Rapid Hydration.
Unlike Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel line, Rapid Hydration is an electrolyte mix, not a sports drink.
While it does contain some carbs – 12 grams – these are intended mainly to support sodium absorption and aren’t enough to fuel a run on their own.
Rapid Hydration is best used to meet daily electrolyte needs (which are probably higher than usual in the summer heat) or to supplement a lower-sodium sports drink during exercise.
Rapid Hydration strikes that just-right Goldilocks balance – not too sweet, not too salty… just right.
- Available in 5 flavors, or a combo pack
- Grab some at Tailwindnutrition.com starting at $19
- Use code TREADLIGHTLY20 for a discount on your purchase!
–Alyssa, Gear Tester
Skratch Labs Energy Chews
Skratch Energy Chews have gained a loyal following among runners for their simplicity and natural approach to fueling workouts. Made from real fruit ingredients and free from artificial additives, Skratch chews are easy on the stomach, allowing for quick digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
The clean and refreshing flavors, such as Raspberry and Matcha Green Tea, make these chews a delightful treat during intense training sessions. Skratch Energy Chews provide the energy you need without any unnecessary fillers, making them a reliable choice for runners focused on quality nutrition.
- Available in 5 flavors, one of which includes caffeine
- 19g of carbs per serving (5 pieces)
- Get your favorite flavor or try a a few out through Skratchlabs.com
- Code AMANDARUN20 will get you 20% off your purchase
-Amanda
Precision Fuel PF30 Chews
This will probably be a newer brand for some runners, but it’s been around for a while in the multisport world.
The chews have a high carb-to-weight ratio, so they’re super lightweight to carry, especially on those longer runs. They do not contain any electrolytes so you want to make sure you’re pairing hydration with them.
The chews aren’t sticky and they’re easy to chew. Think of them like a tinier marshmallow and the original flavor has a mild neutral taste.
- Serving Size: 2 chews (1 package)
- Flavors: Original, Mint & Lemon
- Grab them in a bag of 15 or 30 from Amazon.com starting at $43
-Stacey
Maurten Gel 160
Maurten’s gels stand out in the sports gel market because they are unflavored. This is ideal for runners who want the convenience of a small energy packet but find flavored gels overly sugary or artificially flavored.
The 160 gel is their higher carb option and takes some getting used to. It’s a bigger packet compared to the Gel 100, which means there’s a lot of gel to eat while you’re running. Use your longer runs and workouts to get used to eating as you’re running. And for your body to get used to taking in 40grams of carbs per packet!
They have a distinctly different consistency, which may appeal to some as a more pleasant texture that is simpler to swallow. These gels are made from a mix of fructose and glucose combined with water and electrolytes, which Maurten refers to as ‘hydrogel’.
This hydrogel is highly absorbent and does not dissolve in water. It is less taxing on the stomach and is better tolerated by those who suffer from GI issues.
- Serving size: 1 gel is 40 grams of carbs
- Flavor: unflavored
- Available from Fuelgoods.com starting at $5.40 a gel
Crank Energy Gels
High carb in a regular size package, sign me up!! At 37 grams of carbohydrates, it also means you can easily use 1 gel per hour and drink something like Skratch for the remaining carbohydrates.
Interestingly, these are also low in sugar! Sugar is generally inexpensive and thus the easiest ingredient to add to gels. So they use more complex carbs and have only 7 grams of sugar.
If you’re a heavy sweater, it has 230mg of sodium, which might be too high for others. But remember, we need sodium while running to help with water absorption from the gut.
- Serving size: 1 gel is 37 grams of carbs
- Flavors: raspberry, watermelon, strawberry, tropical, mountain rush, cherry
- Available from Cranksports.com for $60 for a 24 pack
Is there a nutrition or fueling you’ve been dying to know about or gear you’d love to see us to try? You know the drill: drop a note below, and we’ll be happy to get the team on it if we can!
Looking for more nutrition reviews and info?
- Is Sugar Bad for Runners? What You Need to Know from a Registered Dietitian
- 13 Best Running Gels: From Taste to Ingredients
- Decoding Your Running Gel: What Those Labels Really Mean
Best Winter Running Gear: We Tested 100+ Items in All the Weather
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