Discover the history of Näak ’s maple syrup: a repurposed resource.

If there is one rule in ultra-trail running, it’s this: endurance is not just about your legs—it’s also about what’s on your plate. The energy you consume drives your performance, and at Näak, we’ve made this a founding principle.

From kilometer zero, we have been committed to combining two core values: performance and a positive impact on the environment. This approach pushes us to rethink every ingredient in our products, seeking more sustainable alternatives without compromising nutritional efficiency.

In our pursuit of sustainability—and without forgetting where we come from, Québec—we found a natural, local, high-performance, and sustainable ingredient: maple syrup.

But not just any maple syrup. At Näak, we have chosen to incorporate upcycled maple syrup—a resource that might have been underutilized but now finds new life in our Ultra Energy™ gels and Ultra Energy™ purees.

A second life in Näak Ultra Energy™ products

Every spring, in the sugar maple forests of Québec, the maple syrup harvest follows a well-established cycle. Grade A syrup, obtained solely by concentrating maple sap, is limpid, uniform in color, and free of sediment. Its pure maple flavor makes it the perfect choice for drizzling over your crêpes and pancakes.

But at the end of the sugaring season, maple trees produce a different kind of syrup: darker, richer in carbohydrates, and packed with intense flavors. While this transformation-grade syrup is high quality, it falls outside the standard for bottled retail sales. Where others see a byproduct, we see a valuable resource—a natural and efficient fuel for ultra-endurance.

That’s why this upcycled maple syrup is a perfect fit for our Ultra Energy™ gels and Ultra Energy™ purees.

To ensure optimal quality, each batch of syrup is tested by the ACER Center, an independent organization that monitors its purity and nutritional properties. From tree to athlete, every drop of Näak maple syrup is carefully selected.

Maple Syrup: Energy for Performance

When the miles add up and fatigue sets in, every source of energy matters. With its natural balance of glucose and fructose, maple syrup provides a stable and sustained energy release, helping to maintain effort without exhaustion or sudden blood sugar crashes.

But that’s not all—it’s also rich in essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for muscle function, cramp prevention, and hydration.

Its rapid absorption and easy digestion make it an ideal fuel, avoiding the discomfort often caused by industrial sugars. This unique combination of benefits makes maple syrup the key ingredient in Ultra Energy™ gels, delivering a natural and effective supply for long-lasting endurance.

Maple Syrup: A Sustainable Energy

Québec is the world’s heart of maple syrup production, accounting for 73% of the global supply, thanks to more than 11,000 passionate maple farmers. Every spring, nature works its magic: over 50 million taps are made in maple trees to collect this golden nectar, a symbol of ancestral craftsmanship.

But did you know that this tradition is also a powerful ecological force? Québec’s maple forests capture 770,000 kg of CO₂ each year, actively helping to reduce our carbon footprint. And unlike other crops, the more syrup we harvest, the healthier the trees become!

By incorporating this ingredient into our products, Näak is committed to a local and sustainable approach. Our Ultra Energy™ gels contain 37% maple syrup, while our purees include 15%, extending their impact far beyond nutrition. Every purchase contributes to the preservation of Québec’s maple forests. For every 50 Ultra Energy™ gels or 120 Ultra Energy™ purees sold, one tree is preserved.

In 2024, this represents 4,862 trees protected—thanks to you. A concrete example that proves it is possible to combine nutrition, performance, and environmental commitment.