Active Australians are adding shakes, electrolytes and gels
Functional nutrition products are moving into the mainstream for active Australians, according to new MyFitnessPal research released in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday 21 July 2026.
The MyFitnessPal survey covered 1,011 Australians. It found 42% of active Australians consider changing their nutrition to increase fitness performance.
Before or after training, 23% pointed to performance goals as a key influence on food choices. Another 12% named convenience.
Meanwhile, 23% said increasing energy levels was the main reason for changing nutrition to improve fitness performance.
To support those goals, 67% of Australians surveyed reported intentionally increasing protein intake. Another 41% reported increasing carbohydrates.
Many respondents used functional products to reach those targets. Protein shakes led at 32%, followed by electrolyte drinks at 26% and energy gels at 18%.
By contrast, 9% of respondents relied on whole foods to meet the increased intake linked to training.
MyFitnessPal survey of 1,011 Australians
Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador Michaela Sparrow said the findings showed a more deliberate approach to performance nutrition among active Australians.
“More Australians are becoming aware of the role nutrition plays in supporting energy, endurance and overall performance, and we’re seeing functional nutrition products become a more common part of active lifestyles,” Sparrow said.
However, Sparrow also said whole foods remain an important base for health and performance nutrition. She said functional products work best as part of a balanced and varied diet.
The survey results reflect that mix. Australians reported using shakes, electrolyte drinks and gels, while whole foods still featured in their nutrition habits.
Sparrow said the body needs a broad range of nutrients to perform at its best. She added that tools such as the MyFitnessPal app can help people track intake, monitor habits and make choices based on personal health and fitness goals.
MyFitnessPal was founded in 2005.
According to MyFitnessPal, the platform supports nearly 1 million people in reaching nutrition and fitness goals each year. It also reports a community of more than 280 million members across more than 120 countries.
The app allows members to track food, create personalised and goal-driven meal plans, record exercise activity and log weight. MyFitnessPal also says its platform includes a food database of more than 20 million foods and access to more than 2,000 recipes.
Following the 21 July 2026 release, MyFitnessPal directed readers to www.myfitnesspal.com and to free app downloads through the App Store and Google Play.
