Finding the right fuel for training and race day can feel like a second job. You spend hours researching gels, hydration mixes, and recovery products—only to realize you can’t test a single serving before committing to a 24-pack. Then come the shipping costs, waiting, and uncertainty about what actually works for your body.
Performance athletes need stores that make fueling simple — offering variety, fast delivery, and expert support.
Below, we’ve ranked the top 5 nutrition stores where endurance athletes, triathletes, runners, and cyclists can shop for sports nutrition, supplements and gear.
The Top Nutrition Stores for Performance Athletes
| Rank | Store | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Feed | Variety & Expert Support | 300+ brands, single servings, free nutrition coaching |
| 2 | Hammer Nutrition | Proven Endurance Nutrition | Subscription discounts, trusted formulas, educational content |
| 3 | GU Energy | Direct Brand Access | Original gels, activity-based organization, sample packs |
| 4 | TrainingPeaks Marketplace | Data-Driven Athletes | App integration, personalized recommendations |
| 5 | REI | Outdoor-Driven Athletes | Membership rewards, local pickup, multi-product shopping |
1. The Feed: Built for Athletes Who Want Options
The Feed operates differently from typical sports nutrition retailers. It carries over 300 brands — including more than 15 exclusive to North America — and lets athletes buy single servings instead of committing to full boxes. That means you can test gels or chews before race season without wasting money.
One feature that solves a real problem is single-serving purchases. You can buy individual gels or chews instead of committing to full boxes. This lets you test products during training before stocking up for race season. Many athletes have wasted money on bulk purchases of products that caused stomach issues mid-race. The Feed removes that risk.
The platform partnered with USA Triathlon in 2024, giving members an $80 credit to spend on the site. This partnership also extends to the USA Triathlon high-performance team, supporting their 2024 Olympic and Paralympic preparation. Taylor Knibb, the 2x Ironman 70.3 World Champion, uses The Feed as her exclusive nutrition sponsor. She favors Science in Sport Isotonic Gels, which The Feed sells exclusively for North America.
Key Advantages:
- Over 300 brands available
- Single-serving purchases for easy testing
- Free nutrition coaching via chat (20-second average response time)
- Feed 1st Membership ($99/year) for free shipping on all orders
- Exclusive partnerships (USA Triathlon, Taylor Knibb sponsorship)
- Advanced fulfillment system with 73 Autopicker robots for fast delivery
Feature Comparison
| Feature | The Feed | Typical Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Single-serving options | Yes | Rarely |
| Free nutrition coaching | Yes | No |
| Exclusive brands | 15+ | 0–2 |
| Total brands | 300+ | 20–50 |
| Chat response time | 20 seconds | Varies |
Why it ranks #1: The Feed solves the biggest pain points for athletes—testing, variety, and personal support.
2. Hammer Nutrition: Endurance Heritage Since 1993
Founded in 1993, Hammer Nutrition has decades of proven results in endurance fueling, though the information naturally centers on their own products. Athletes looking for unbiased comparisons will need to look elsewhere.
Why Athletes Choose It:
- Specializes solely in endurance performance
- Subscription program for discounts and flexible reordering
- Educational resources on fueling and recovery
- Supports athletes seeking trusted, consistent products
Trade-offs:
- Limited brand variety—Hammer only sells its own line
- Comparisons to competitors require shopping elsewhere
Best for: Athletes who already trust Hammer’s formulas and want a reliable, single-brand source.
3. GU Energy: Direct from the Source
GU has produced energy gels since 1991 and remains one of the most recognized endurance brands.
Advantages:
- Full product line available on their site
- Bundles and limited-edition flavors found only direct
- Products organized by activity type and duration
- Offers sample packs (though limited quantity)
Limitations:
- Limited product variety (GU products only)
- Free shipping threshold may exclude small sample orders
Best for: Runners and cyclists who prefer GU’s line and want exclusive flavors.
4. TrainingPeaks Marketplace: Data Meets Nutrition
TrainingPeaks integrates nutrition purchases with training data, creating a seamless experience for data-driven athletes.
Advantages:
- Personalized product recommendations based on training load
- Integrates with your TrainingPeaks account
- Convenient for managing workouts and nutrition together
- Prices generally match retail stores
Best for:Â Athletes already using TrainingPeaks who want to keep everything in one ecosystem.5. REI: Outdoor Gear with Nutrition on the Side
REI’s nutrition offering complements its outdoor and adventure gear focus.
Advantages:
- Stocks brands like Clif, Skratch Labs, and GU
- REI Co-op membership gives 10% annual dividend
- In-store pickup for same-day access
- Trusted return policy (opened nutrition may not qualify)
Limitations:
- Limited product selection per location
- Staff knowledge varies; not specialized in endurance nutrition
Best for:Â Outdoor enthusiasts who already shop at REI and want to bundle nutrition with equipment.
Choosing the Right Store for You
Different stores serve different needs:
- Try-and-test shoppers: The Feed for variety and expert help.
- Loyal to one brand: Hammer Nutrition or GU Energy.
- Data-focused athletes: TrainingPeaks Marketplace.
- Hybrid adventurers: REI.
Training and racing demand enough mental energy without adding complicated purchasing decisions. The right store helps you fuel smarter, save time, and perform better.
