Since 2023 Näak Nutrition has been the Official On Course Sports Nutrition and Sports Hydration Supplier of the UTMB World Series and UTMB Mont-Blanc. It was founded in 2016 in Canada by two friends, Will and Minh, who trained together for triathlons and ultras. Little known in the UK, it has only been available to buy here over the last year or so.
In pursuit of making improved nutrition for endurance events, they also wanted to make a difference to their environmental impact. To do this, they changed their diet by using sustainable proteins such as pea and soya proteins.
“Our partnership with UTMB® reflects our commitment to bring the most efficient and sustainable fuel to the global trail running community.”
Naak Nutrition are the only products offered during UTMB events, and this has caught some runners out, who were rightly cautious about ingesting an entirely new product to them during a race.
Did you know…. The word Naak is an acronym “Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometers”.
I was sent and tested the following variety of products:
1. Näak Berries and nuts Energy Bar
The Berries & Nuts flavour delivers a nice balance between sweet and nutty and I really liked it. The dried berries (like cranberries and blueberries) add a natural sweetness with a bit of tartness, while the nuts provide a crunchy contrast. The texture is on the chewier side, which is great for those who prefer a more substantial bite over a crumbly or dry bar.
The bar offers 7g of pea and soya protein; 200+ calories to keep energy levels steady and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
It’s dairy-free and made with natural ingredients, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
This bar kept me going without the sugar crash you get from some energy snacks; it digests well and doesn’t feel heavy, making it ideal for pre-workout fuel or mid-activity refuelling.
Shop on X Miles for Näak Energy Bar with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
2. Näak Mocha Energy Bar
The Mocha Bar has a bold, rich coffee flavour balanced with a hint of sweetness and you don’t notice the caffeine at all. It’s not overly sugary thank goodness and it’s soft and chewy with a slightly crunchy texture, making it easy to eat.
The macronutrient profile provides sustained energy, with good amounts of protein (7g) (plant-based or cricket protein options), carbs (22g), and fat (7g). It’s easy on the stomach and doesn’t cause bloating, making it a great snack at any time of the day to give you a real boost in energy.
Shop on X Miles for Näak Mocha Energy Bar with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
2. Näak Watermelon Drink Mix
This is delicious; refreshing and not overly sweet, with a natural watermelon flavour that quenches your thirst without leaving a sticky feeling in the mouth.
The amount of power in all the drink mixes is slightly more than I’m used to, but a good shake and it dissolves quickly and evenly in water, with no gritty residue.
This drink mix is loaded with electrolytes and carbs (55g for 72g sachet), helping maintain hydration and energy levels during those long runs. It’s ideal for hot or humid conditions where electrolyte balance is critical.
Shop on X Miles for Näak Watermelon Drink Mix with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
3. Näak Waffles
These are genius! You could have offered me one of these from Costa Coffee or Starbucks and I wouldn’t have known the difference.
Lightly sweetened with a soft, buttery flavour, they’re great for those who prefer lighter solid food that isn’t overly intense. Available in various flavours, they are satisfying without being too heavy. Thin and crispy on the outside but chewy and moist on the inside, they’re very easy to eat on the go (no choking on crumbs – essential!)
Shop on X Miles for Näak Waffles with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
4. Näak Caffeine Gel
Smooth, slightly sweet with a subtle caffeine kick. Unlike many gels, it doesn’t have a synthetic or overly bitter aftertaste.The gel is smooth and easy to swallow, with no stickiness or need for excessive water.
The caffeine provides a noticeable energy boost without jitters, while the carbs help sustain energy levels.
Shop on X Miles for Näak Caffeine Gel with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
5. Näak Salted Soup Drink Mix
I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to try this mix cold. The Salted Soup Drink Mix is an innovative option, offering a savoury alternative to the typically sweet hydration products on the market. Trying a powder soup cold wasn’t appealing, and wasn’t in the position of testing it 50 miles down in an ultra when I imaged it would be very needed, but I eventually plucked up the courage to take it with me on a run.
I was very pleasantly surprised. The Salted Soup Drink Mix delivers a flavour reminiscent of light vegetable or broth-based soups and although I think it would be delicious hot, it was perfectly palatable cold. There’s no doubt when you are craving something savoury and salty, this will be a fantastic boost to your taste buds. It’s a refreshing break from the overly sweet drinks and gels typically used during endurance activities.
Packed with electrolytes and sodium, the soup addresses the need for salt replacement during long workouts or races. The carbs provide a steady energy release, while the salt helps combat dehydration and cramping. It’s ideal for long endurance sessions, especially in cooler conditions or when your palate is fatigued from sweet flavours.
Shop on X Miles for Näak Salted Soup Drink Mix with 5% Discount using “RunUltra” code.
Conclusion
Näak’s products are thoughtfully crafted for endurance athletes, focusing on performance, sustainability, and taste. I do particularly like their sustainable approach. Each product excels in its category, providing reliable energy without upsetting your stomach, with a couple of stand out products, such as the wafter. Whether you’re training for an ultra or exploring trails, Näak offers a well-rounded range to keep you fuelled.
Kate Allen is Editor and owner of RunUltra. An experienced ultra runner (retired) and now a Mountain Leader, she loves nothing more than running and stomping around the hills of the Lake District, Peak District and her new home, the Yorkshire Dales and Moors with her dog Mac.
Have you tried Näak Nutrition? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.
We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. Each product is tested thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown. Some links in this review are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we might earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks for your support!
