The Best Running Supplements In 2025

As we all look to make 2025 the best year yet for our health and running performance, I’m here to share the running supplements and nutrition that I personally use on a day to day basis, on extremely tough training days, and during race days.

If you’re new to Trail & Kale, you can learn more about me here – I believe it’s very important to know who you’re getting advice from nowadays.

The world of running continues to evolve with new training methods, gear advancements, and yes, even nutritional science and therefore, supplements. Still, one thing remains consistent: the importance of fueling your body correctly. Even a well-rounded diet can leave gaps in the nutrients you need to push harder and recover faster. That’s where supplements come in.

From my own experience, the right mix of daily vitamins, targeted fatty acids, and on-the-run fueling can help maintain energy levels, reduce recovery time, and bolster your immune system over the long term.

I’ve noticed how this has affected my training, with less time feeling sore after harder workouts, fewer nagging colds during peak mileage, and more steady energy during races. These are benefits that lead to overall consistency in training – the most important factor in order to make a real difference when you’re chasing down your goals.

Below, I’m highlighting the best running supplements that have earned a regular spot in my routine and most of which I have been using for over 2 years consistently. I’ll also share quick scientific insights, personal anecdotes, and links to my detailed reviews so you can decide if these products fit your own training needs.

AG1 for foundational health

I’m starting with AG1 because I believe it lays a solid foundation for general health which helps keep me feeling energetic and ready to train. I have been drinking AG1 daily for years; it’s a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens that help support immunity and gut health.

According to one study, adaptogens have been associated with reducing stress hormone levels and helping maintain endurance during high-intensity activities.

When I first started using AG1, many years ago, upon checking my health data from my Garmin running watch, I noticed more consistent energy levels on early-morning runs. I share more details on this daily greens powder supplement in my detailed AG1 review.

Fatty15 for cellular health, inflammation management

Building on the solid foundation that AG1 gives me is Fatty15. This daily supplement is a specialized fatty acid capsule that I use to bolster metabolic and cognitive support – both of which can suffer when mileage ramps up.

A paper published in 2021 suggests certain fatty acids may play a role in cellular health and inflammation management.

During a tough training cycle for a mountainous 50K (UTMB Kodiak Ultramarathons), I felt my recovery improved when I added Fatty15 to my routine, which let me maintain intensity without feeling constantly run-down. Witnessing these results convinced me to keep taking Fatty15.

You can read more about my experience with this C:15 supplement in my detailed Fatty15 review.

DryWater & SaltStick Caps for rapid hydration, electrolytes, cramp prevention

Hydration is more than just water; we lose electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) during exercise, which are essential for nerve function and muscle contractions.

DryWater is my go-to electrolyte mix right now, I use it during long runs, peloton rides, and after intense runs. SaltStick Caps are great to have on really long training runs and ultramarathons because they’re so small to pack, and very easy to consume and you end up feeling the results in around 5 minutes.

In my experience, they are convenient to take with you on race days when mixing powders into soft flasks can take extra time. I talk about how I’ve used both in my best electrolyte supplements roundup.

Learn more about both of these products in my DryWater review, and SaltStick Caps review.

Maurten Nutrition Gel 100 for fueling on the run

I use Maurten Nutrition Gel 100 as a reliable carbohydrate source that’s gentle on my stomach during long training runs, and trail / ultramarathon races. Their hydrogel formula stabilizes energy release by encapsulating carbs in a biopolymer matrix, a concept supported by some research on carbohydrate absorption.

When I use these gels (which taste really nice and have an easy-to-eat consistency), I don’t get GI issues and definitely have a more stable energy supply without sudden spikes. If you’re curious about these or other options, see my best running gels roundup for additional comparisons.

Maurten Drink Mix 160 for fuelling AND hydrating on the run

Sometimes, I prefer an all-in-one solution rather than juggling separate gels and electrolyte capsules but only on long efforts of lower intensity. Maurten Drink Mix 160 provides a balance of carbohydrates and key electrolytes in a unique hydrogel format.

I don’t recommend mixing in other electrolytes with this mix as Maurten has dialled this mix in to work with the fuel side of the product.

If you’re a heavy sweater or need more effective electrolytes for more intense efforts, I recommend separating electrolytes from fuel. That means taking salt tablets or a dedicated electrolyte mix, and eating gels instead – this allows you to dial in your fuel/electrolyte/hydration intake more precisely for your personal requirements; this is how I usually fuel myself.

In my recent 15-mile training run, I noticed fewer mid-run dips and a smoother digestion process than with some other mixes. I go into more detail about it in my Maurten Drink Mix review.

LyfeFuel Performance Shake for recovery

Protein is a key component in muscle repair, especially after hill training, speed sessions, or long runs.

I like LyfeFuel Performance Shake for its straightforward ingredients that don’t weigh me down post-run. It blends well with water and offers enough protein to help me feel recovered for the next workout. You can read more about how I use it in my LyfeFuel review.

There are other good plant based protein powders available, read my best protein powders for runners roundup to learn about them all.

Each of these supplements serves a specific purpose in my training / racing plan, and for both road and trail running.

Over the years, I’ve noticed tangible benefits in recovery, energy stability, and overall well-being, which is why I still rely on them today – because if I’m unable to consistently train and perform, it would be terrible for business as a professional running shoe reviewer.

If you want deeper insight or more options, explore my detailed reviews of each product and check out the related roundups for each supplement category.

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Always consider consulting a medical professional before adding a new supplement to your regimen, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or specific performance goals.