Boulder: The Natural Products Capital
Boulder has long been known as the epicenter of the natural and organic foods industry. Many of the country's most recognized natural brands were founded or incubated here, supported by investors, food scientists, and a health-conscious population. Combine that with world-class endurance athletes training at altitude, and Boulder has become a proving ground for sports nutrition.
Today's athletes look for clean ingredients, science-backed formulas, and transparent sourcing. The following ten brands are especially popular among Boulder runners, cyclists, climbers, and triathletes.
1. Skratch Labs
Skratch Labs was founded in Boulder by a sports scientist who worked with professional cycling teams. Its hydration mixes, recovery drinks, and energy chews use real ingredients and are formulated for actual sweat losses. Skratch is a staple on Boulder group rides and long trail runs.
2. Honey Stinger
Honey Stinger, a Colorado brand, uses honey as the foundation for its energy gels, chews, and waffles. Its natural, easily digestible fuel is popular with endurance athletes who want quick carbohydrates without artificial ingredients.
3. Justin's
Justin's was born in Boulder and helped popularize squeeze packs of nut butter as portable fuel. Athletes appreciate the healthy fats and protein for long efforts, hikes, and post-workout snacks.
4. Bobo's
Bobo's is a Boulder-based brand making baked oat bars and bites with simple, wholesome ingredients. Its hearty bars are a favorite pre-workout or trail snack for athletes seeking sustained energy.
5. Purely Elizabeth
Purely Elizabeth, founded in Boulder, creates granolas, oatmeal, and pancake mixes featuring superfood ingredients such as ancient grains and seeds. Its products support balanced nutrition for active lifestyles.
6. Lärabar
Lärabar began in Colorado with a simple concept: fruit and nut bars with minimal ingredients. Its clean labels and portability make it a common choice for hikers and climbers heading into the mountains.
7. Thorne
Thorne produces research-backed supplements, including many products certified for sport. Its focus on quality testing and purity makes it trusted by professional athletes and teams, and it is widely used by Boulder's elite training community.
8. Momentous
Momentous offers performance supplements such as protein, creatine, and recovery formulas that are third-party tested for banned substances. Its collaboration with sports scientists and performance coaches appeals to serious athletes.
9. Maurten
Maurten pioneered hydrogel technology in sports fuel, helping athletes consume high amounts of carbohydrates with reduced gut distress. Its drink mixes and gels have become popular among marathoners and ultra runners in Boulder.
10. Garden of Life
Garden of Life offers plant-based protein powders, vitamins, and probiotics with organic and non-GMO certifications. Its Sport line is certified for sport, making it a strong option for plant-forward athletes.
How to Choose Sports Supplements
Look for third-party certifications such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport, especially if you compete in tested events. Read labels carefully, avoid proprietary blends that obscure dosages, and choose products aligned with your dietary preferences.
Altitude affects hydration and energy needs. Boulder athletes often require more fluids and electrolytes than they expect, particularly in dry summer conditions. Consulting a registered sports dietitian can help tailor fueling strategies to training goals.
Industry Trends
Real-food fueling, personalized hydration, plant-based protein, gut health, and sustainable packaging are major trends. Boulder's natural foods ecosystem continues to launch innovative brands that blend clean eating with performance science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need supplements if I eat a balanced diet?
Many recreational athletes can meet their needs through whole foods. However, endurance athletes training for long durations often benefit from convenient carbohydrate sources, electrolytes, and protein to support performance and recovery. Supplements should complement, not replace, a nutritious diet.
How should I hydrate at altitude?
The air in Boulder is dry, and breathing rates increase at elevation, both of which increase fluid losses. Drink consistently throughout the day, add electrolytes during long or hot sessions, and monitor thirst and urine color as simple hydration indicators.
What does Certified for Sport mean?
Certification programs test supplements for banned substances and verify that products contain what their labels claim. Athletes who compete in drug-tested events should choose certified products to minimize risk.
Are natural energy products as effective as traditional gels?
Many athletes perform very well on real-food based products like honey, rice cakes, and oat bars. The key is consuming enough carbohydrates per hour and practicing your fueling strategy in training before race day.
Should I talk to a professional?
Consulting a registered sports dietitian or healthcare provider is wise before starting new supplements, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications. Boulder has many sports dietitians familiar with endurance and altitude training.
Conclusion
Boulder's influence on sports nutrition is undeniable. From homegrown pioneers like Skratch Labs and Justin's to science-driven brands like Thorne and Maurten, these ten supplement and fueling brands help athletes train harder, recover faster, and perform their best at altitude and beyond.