The Birth of Näak: A Sustainable Vision
Näak was born in Canada with a radical idea: to create the most efficient and sustainable fuel for endurance sports. The founders, Minh and Will, were not just friends; they were athletes who understood the importance of nutrition in performance. They noticed that traditional sports nutrition products were often too sweet and led to energy crashes. This realization sparked their journey to develop a product that would not only enhance performance but also be kind to the environment. They named their company Näak, which stands for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometers.
Sustainable Ingredients: The Heart of Näak
At the core of Näak’s philosophy is the use of sustainable ingredients. The company has pioneered the use of cricket powder, which is one of the most sustainable protein sources available. Cricket farming requires significantly less land and water compared to traditional livestock farming. By choosing cricket and plant-based proteins, Näak is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. This commitment to sustainability is not just a marketing strategy; it is a fundamental part of their mission to protect the planet.
Community Engagement: Making a Positive Impact
Näak believes that every purchase creates positive change. They are dedicated to giving back to the communities that support them. This includes donating a portion of their revenues to reforestation projects and supporting initiatives that promote climate and social justice. By partnering with organizations like veritree and Footprints, Näak is actively working to restore ecosystems and empower communities. Their athletes are not just representatives of the brand; they are ambassadors for change, inspiring others to join the movement towards sustainability.
Addressing Athlete Needs: A Focus on Performance
Gastrointestinal issues are a common problem for endurance athletes, often leading to DNFs (Did Not Finish) in races. Näak’s products are designed to address these challenges. With a focus on a balanced 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, their Ultra Energy™ products provide long-lasting energy without the crash. The inclusion of electrolytes and BCAAs helps athletes stay hydrated and reduce muscle fatigue. By understanding the unique needs of endurance athletes, Näak is creating products that truly make a difference.
The Future of Sustainable Nutrition
Näak is not resting on its laurels. The company has set ambitious goals for the future, including achieving 100% sustainable packaging by 2025 and increasing the use of upcycled ingredients. They are committed to continuous improvement and transparency, regularly updating their community on their progress. As they strive to increase their B Corp score, Näak is setting a standard for what it means to be a responsible and sustainable company in the sports nutrition industry.
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
To learn more about Näak and their commitment to sustainability, visit their website.
What Näak actually does
Näak is a Montreal sports nutrition company founded in 2016, making energy bars, gels, drink mixes and recovery protein powders for endurance athletes, with a flagship Ultra Energy bar formulated using cricket powder alongside plant-based protein.
Where the products show up
- Ultra-endurance racing: official fueling partner for more than 35 UTMB World Series events.
- Retail distribution: sold through more than 300 retailers across North America, Europe and Asia.
Trusted by
Näak’s product lines, ULTRA, BOOST and RECOVERY, are developed through its in-house NäakLab formulation team and used by sponsored endurance athletes including Courtney Dauwalter, Mathieu Blanchard and Marianne Hogan.
Proof, not just claims
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
Näak supports SDG 2 (zero hunger) by building its flagship product around cricket powder, a far more resource-efficient protein source than conventional livestock, positioning insect-based nutrition as a mainstream option for endurance athletes rather than a niche product.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Näak based, and who uses it?
Näak is based in Montreal, Canada. Its products are sold through more than 300 retailers worldwide and used as the official fuel for more than 35 UTMB World Series ultra-endurance events.
Which SDG does Näak support, and how?
SDG 2 (zero hunger): its flagship energy bar is built around cricket powder, a protein source requiring far fewer resources than conventional livestock, paired with plant-based protein options.
How is Näak verified as a sustainability project?
Näak is a Certified B Corporation with a published B Impact score of 90.2.
Looking for similar agriculture and food projects?
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