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If you run, cycle, lift weights, or just love a long weekend hike, picking the right sports or energy drink can make the difference between a sluggish session and a personal best. These drinks replace fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat, give a carb boost that fuels working muscles, and sometimes deliver a wake-up shot of caffeine when you need it most. Think of them as portable pit stops for your body — a sip can be like swapping a worn tire for a fresh one mid-race.
RunningXpert is one of the specialist stores that makes it easy to find performance-focused nutrition. Specialist shops like this curate products trusted by runners and endurance athletes, such as electrolyte powders, energy drink mixes, and chewable tablets. These retailers tend to stock proven brands and varieties geared specifically toward distance athletes, so you’re not just buying a drink — you’re getting advice and product choices tailored to running.
Specialist stores often pair product selection with targeted advice. They’ll recommend a lower-sugar electrolyte for a hot 10-mile run or a carb-rich energy powder for a long ride. You benefit from experience — it’s like having a coach in your shopping cart.
Whether you prefer powders you mix yourself or effervescent tablets for quick top-ups, the UK market offers options that fit every taste and training goal. Below are some standout products commonly stocked by RunningXpert and other reputable UK sellers, with sizes shown in imperial units so you can easily compare:
This popular electrolyte powder is sold in portions that are ideal for endurance workouts. The container that many fans choose weighs about 1.1 pounds (roughly 17.6 ounces), offering a balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes for sustained energy and hydration. Blackcurrant is a classic UK flavour — tangy and familiar — and SiS has a trusted track record among marathoners and cyclists.
For those chasing long-distance fuel, this lemon-flavoured energy powder comes in a large tub of around 3.3 pounds (about 52.9 ounces). It’s designed to deliver steady carbohydrate energy over extended sessions and is often aimed at ultrarunners or cyclists who want to stock up without frequent re-purchasing. The lemon flavour keeps it refreshing during long, sweaty miles.
Tablets are the ultimate convenience: toss one into a bottle, wait for it to dissolve, and you’ve got electrolyte support without the fuss of scoops and measuring. A pack is lightweight for race-day stashes and is a popular choice for those who prefer simplicity on the go. Berry is a crowd-pleaser that masks the slightly medicinal taste some electrolyte products can have.
High5 Zero tablets are widely available and come in several refreshing flavours, including Apple Raspberry and Pink Grapefruit. They’re sugar-free options that replace salts and minerals lost during intense sessions without adding a carb load, so they’re great for shorter, high-intensity workouts or when you need to hydrate without calories piling up.
A smaller container of energy powder, around 11.6 ounces, is perfect for trialing a flavour or taking a compact tub to a training camp. This berry-flavoured powder provides a solid carb boost and is often used by athletes who want a quick energy solution without full-size tubs.
Travel-friendly and ideal for testing flavours, a six-serving pack lets you try Citrus and Forest Berry mixes without committing to a whole tub. These single-serve options are a clever way to experiment with texture and taste, or to stash in a race bag for multiple events.
Beyond specialist retailers, a range of mainstream and online stores carry these products. Each has strengths depending on what you value: selection, price, speed, or expertise.
These cycling- and running-focused online retailers stock a broad mix of energy powders, gels, and tablets. They often bundle nutrition with kit deals and run frequent promotions, which is great if you want to save on bulk purchases or pair drink mixes with new bottles or packs.
Myprotein carries its own range of sports drink mixes and frequently offers large promotional discounts. These stores are ideal if you want straightforward bulk buys or brand-specific sales, especially for powder nutrition beyond just energy drinks.
If convenience and fast delivery are your priorities, these high-street and marketplace options usually have plenty of brands in stock. Amazon tends to have the broadest range, while Boots and Superdrug might be better for quick, local pick-ups in a pinch.
Not every sport drink fits every session. Think of drinks like tools in a toolbox: you wouldn’t use a hammer to tighten a screw. Here’s how to pick the right one for your activity and goals.
For a gym session or sprint intervals, plain water often does the job. If you sweat heavily or want a mental pick-me-up, a sugar-free electrolyte tablet like High5 Zero could be perfect — hydrates without adding unnecessary carbs.
Energy drink powders with a moderate carb content work well here. They give quick fuel while helping maintain electrolyte balance. SiS GO Energy and High5 energy powders are popular choices for runners hitting tempo runs or mid-distance rides.
For marathons, long rides, or multi-hour hikes, plan for sustained carbs and regular electrolyte replacement. Larger tubs such as the Nduranz lemon powder are great for long training cycles and events when you’ll need multiple servings.
Flavour and mouthfeel can make or break race-day nutrition. Some powders leave a syrupy film, others are light and crisp; some flavours taste amazing in training but become sickly on the 18th mile. That's why sample packs like the Neversecond C30 are invaluable — they let you trial options before committing to larger tubs. Also, try products during training to see how your stomach tolerates the carb blend and caffeine level under stress.
Sports and energy drinks vary widely in caffeine and sugar. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or competing in a sport with strict anti-doping rules, always check ingredients. Caffeine can boost alertness and perceived effort, but too much may cause jitters or upset your stomach. Look for transparent labeling and brands that disclose caffeine per serving so you can manage intake safely.
Buying in bulk usually reduces cost per serving, but only if you’ll use the product before it loses its freshness. Specialist stores sometimes bundle nutrition with gear discounts, while larger retailers offer flash sales. Don’t chase the cheapest price alone: factor in flavour you’ll actually drink, shipping costs, and potential returns if a product doesn’t suit you.
Compare serving sizes and price per serving rather than tub weight alone. Try single-serve packs before buying a large tub. Look out for multi-buy offers during key racing seasons when many brands discount energy products.
As athletes, many of us care about the planet we train on. Look for brands using recyclable tubs or offering powder refills to cut single-use plastic. Tablets typically have less packaging per serving than bottles, but check the brand’s recycling guidance and local curbside rules to minimize waste.
Race morning shouldn’t be a chemistry experiment. Here’s a straightforward plan: the day before, hydrate well and eat a carb-focused dinner. On race morning, consume a tried-and-tested breakfast and, 15–30 minutes before the start, have a small serving of your usual energy drink or gel to top up glycogen. For races longer than 90 minutes, plan to take a carb drink or gel every 30 to 45 minutes, and add electrolyte tablets on hot days to replace lost salts.
1) Never try a new drink on race day. 2) Keep bottles labelled and pre-mixed for longer runs to avoid guessing. 3) Practice sipping frequency during training — what seems frequent at rest feels different under effort. 4) Use products from trusted brands that publish nutrition facts and serving recommendations.
Picking the best sports or energy drink in the UK comes down to matching the product to your activity, flavour preference, and tolerance. Specialist retailers like RunningXpert make it easier to find performance-focused options, while broader retailers give convenience and variety. Test flavours and formats in training, compare price per serving, and be mindful of caffeine and sugar contents. Do this, and you’ll find a go-to mix that helps you train harder, recover faster, and enjoy every mile.
| Sports & Energy Drinks | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Sis Go Hydro Electrolyte Tablets - Lemon Flavour For Optimal Hydration During Running | £ 5,95 | |
| Sis Go Hydro Strawberry Lime Energy Tabs - Hydration Boost For Runners | £ 5,95 |
