Top 5 Recovery Drinks for Runners in 2025
Recovery is an essential part of every runner’s routine. A proper recovery drink replenishes glycogen stores, hydrates, and aids in muscle repair, setting you up for your next run. Here’s our list of the top five recovery drinks for runners in 2025. Please bear in mind we aren’t nutritionists or dieticians, this is purely our top picks. If you need proper health advice or support with your diet, please consult a healthcare profesh.
1. GU Roctane Recovery Drink Mix
Why We Love It: This drink is packed with a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and essential electrolytes. Designed to be gentle on the stomach, it’s an excellent choice for runners who want rapid recovery without feeling bloated. It also contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to help reduce muscle soreness and enhance recovery.
Key Ingredients: 20g protein, 30g carbs, sodium, and potassium.
Best Flavour: Chocolate Smoothie.
Buy It Online: GU Roctane Recovery Drink Mix – Amazon
2. Tailwind Rebuild Recovery
Why We Love It: Tailwind’s Rebuild formula is vegan, gluten-free, and uses non-GMO ingredients. It’s a clean recovery drink that’s great for sensitive stomachs. Its unique combination of complete protein and essential amino acids ensures your muscles get exactly what they need to recover effectively.
Key Ingredients: Plant-based protein, amino acids, and carbohydrates.
Best Flavor: Vanilla.
Buy It Online: Tailwind Rebuild Recovery – Official Website
3. Nuun Recover
Why We Love It: Known for their hydration tablets, Nuun also offers a recovery formula that’s easy to mix and packed with BCAAs and electrolytes. It’s perfect for on-the-go recovery and helps reduce muscle fatigue while rehydrating effectively after a long run.
Key Ingredients: 6g plant protein, electrolytes, and BCAAs.
Best Flavor: Blackberry Lemonade.
Buy It Online: Nuun Recover – Amazon
4. Skratch Labs Recovery Drink Mix
Why We Love It: Skratch Labs focuses on using real food ingredients, making this a tasty and wholesome option. It’s excellent for post run muscle recovery and rehydration. The inclusion of real cane sugar and cocoa ensures a natural and satisfying taste without artificial sweeteners.
Key Ingredients: Whey protein, cane sugar, and cocoa.
Best Flavor: Chocolate.
Buy It Online: Skratch Labs Recovery Drink Mix – REI
5. Maurten Drink Mix 320
Why We Love It: While primarily known as a fuel during runs, Maurten’s high calorie drink mix is also a great option post run for replenishing glycogen stores quickly. Its hydrogel technology ensures efficient absorption, making it easier on your digestive system while delivering maximum energy.
Key Ingredients: Maltodextrin, fructose, and sodium.
Best Flavor: Neutral.
Buy It Online: Maurten Drink Mix 320 – Running Warehouse
Conclusion
Choosing the right recovery drink can make a big difference in how your body bounces back after a run. Whether you prefer a plant based option like Tailwind or a protein packed classic like GU Roctane, there’s something on this list for everyone. Try one (or all) of these to see which works best for your recovery routine!
Do you have a favourite recovery drink that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments!
