I’ve run three marathons — not exactly an eye-popping number by long-distance standards. But as I get older (and apparently lean into the classic 40-something male runner trope), the idea of tackling an ultra keeps creeping into my mind. Training is obviously a big part of that — and I’m slowly getting there — but every ultra-running friend I’ve talked to says the same thing: fueling matters just as much, if not more.
I’ve always done the occasional gel and electrolyte mix, but stepping into the ultra world seems to require a whole new level of planning and precision.
With this in mind, it’s the perfect time to explore fueling options from Näak.
First things first — Näak stands for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometers.
Just like yours truly, Näak got its start in Canada. The founders were members of Team Canada’s triathlon squad, and their mission grew out of the same mindset that drives so many of us in the PNW running scene: desiring long-lasting energy from high-quality, sustainable ingredients.
They began by crafting their own energy bars, and the rest, as they say, is history. Näak points out that GI issues are one of the leading causes of DNFs in ultrarunning (which checks out, honestly), so developing fuel that’s easy on the stomach and environmentally conscious has been at the core of their work ever since.
They have a variety of options now in their fueling arsenal:
Unsure what to buy, consider checking out one of their packs.
Gels
Näak offers a few different gel options to fit different palates — two flavored varieties (Salted Maple — a true Canadian flavor eh? — and Chocolate), along with a neutral option. To me, the neutral flavor tastes like [insert your comparison here, e.g. “lightly sweet oatmeal water” or “mild honey”].
I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, but I know plenty of runners who prefer something less sugary mid-run. So it’s great that Näak provides a more neutral, fuel-first choice. That said, even the neutral version still carries a touch of sweetness in its jelly-like texture.
Each gel packs 25g of carbohydrates and 185mg of electrolytes, offering a solid dose of energy and hydration support for those long efforts.
Bars
Everyone loves having a good bar stashed away for those moments when a gel just isn’t enough. But as we all know, not all bars are created equal. Näak keeps things simple and approachable with four flavors — Peanut Butter & Chocolate and Berries & Nuts for the classic crowd, plus Caramel Macchiato and Mocha for those who want a caffeinated kick.
Nutritionally, they’re all pretty similar, featuring 7g of sustainable, high-quality, non-GMO protein. The caffeinated versions include 65mg of caffeine, 29g of carbs, and 480mg of electrolytes, while the non-caffeinated options come in with 27g of carbs and 445mg of electrolytes — close enough that you can mix and match depending on your needs (or your mood).
Drink Mixes
Gels and bars are great, but when it comes to hydration and fueling, liquid nutrition might just be the OG. Näak’s drink mixes cover the bases with some solid core flavors — think Lime and Watermelon — alongside some more adventurous options like Pineapple Ginseng and Peach Apricot. There’s even a Neutral flavor for those who prefer to keep things simple.
And get this — Näak also makes a “Salty Soup” flavor. I’ll admit, my first reaction was skepticism (and an “ew” face). But then I thought about it in the context of something like an overnight relay or a 24-hour race — and it started to sound pretty genius. The idea of sipping a warm, savory, salty broth for hydration instead of another sweet drink? That actually sounds incredible.
Näak’s drink mixes come in large resealable bags or individual packets, and each serving delivers around 250 calories, packed with carbs, electrolytes, BCAAs, and 8g of protein — a powerhouse combo to keep endurance athletes fueled and steady through long efforts.
Boost Energy
Earlier this year, Näak launched its newest line — Boost Energy — a scientifically crafted collection designed for serious endurance efforts. The formula delivers high carbs with a precise 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio for quick energy and efficient hydration, all wrapped up in a low-sweetness, neutral flavor that makes it easier to fuel when the weather or terrain turns tough.
For runners looking to dial in their fueling, Näak offers the Marathon Pack ($76), which includes six Boost gels, two single-serving Boost Drink Mix packets, one 15-serving bag of Drink Mix, and a 500ml (17oz) HydraPak flask. Boost comes in both a Drink Mix (60g carbs, 400mg electrolytes) and a Gel (25g carbs, 185mg electrolytes), giving athletes flexible options to fuel their efforts from start to finish.
Näak has clearly put a lot of thought into fueling for endurance athletes — from gels and bars to drink mixes and even salty soup. Their focus on sustainability, balanced nutrition, and performance-driven fueling makes them a great option for runners looking to go the distance — whether that’s 26.2 miles or far beyond.
In addition to these items, Näak also has recovery options, as well as other gear.
