Real food. Backed by science.

We may look like we’re having fun, but we take performance and health seriously.

Yanaa was born from a study with the University of Caen, involving 592 athletes (Mauvieux et al. 2024).

Here is what we found:

  • YANAA ASTRONAUT FACE PALM

    77% of athletes think sports nutrition is disgusting.

  • 78% of athletes believe that current sports nutrition is unhealthy.

  • 75% of athletes prefer savoury foods.

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Microbiome Cheers Agriculture Micronutrients Energy Psychology Taste
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For us, food is a whole world in itself.

Because we are human beings, not machines.

Because we are human beings, not machines.

We need real food, not fuel.

We need real food, not fuel.

We call it "Gastronomie Sportive"

We call it "Gastronomie Sportive"

and the science agrees.

and the science agrees.

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Pros eat real food

Top-level athletes, guided by nutritionists and private chefs, don’t rely on astronauts’ powders. They go for real, digestible ingredients, sourced with common sense.

Anouck cooks for world champion cyclists, using high-quality produce and meals they genuinely enjoy, and always balances macro- and micronutrients with care.

Take it with a pinch of salt

Some brands promise the moon. We prefer to stay honest, open, and transparent about what’s in our food, how we make it, what it can do, and what it can’t.

We’re always sharing our journey on social media, so if you're curious, come along for the ride!

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FAQs

What is the “Food First” philosophy in sports nutrition?

The “Food First” philosophy means prioritizing real, whole foods over supplements or processed products to meet an athlete’s nutritional needs. Sports nutrition experts recommend that athletes get most of their nutrients from natural foods, using supplements only when there is a validated specific need (Maughan et al., 2018). This approach provides a solid nutritional foundation through real foods, supporting both health and performance in a balanced, science-backed way.

What are ultra-processed sports nutrition products?

These are highly processed sports products - such as energy bars, gels, or drink powders - often high in refined sugars and additives (Srour et al., 2020). While convenient, they contain very little fiber or micronutrients compared to real foods. In short, these ultra-processed sugary gels, bars, and mixes lack the nutritional benefits of natural foods.

Why do ultra-processed products harm athletes’ health?

Because of their poor nutritional quality and their links to various long-term health risks. Regular consumption of these sugar-rich, nutrient-poor products is associated with:

  • Metabolic disorders: Higher risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues in heavy consumers (Srour et al., 2020).
  • Cardiovascular diseases: Increased incidence of heart disease and stroke in diets high in ultra-processed products (Srour et al., 2019).
  • Certain cancers: Frequent consumption is also linked to higher cancer risk (Fiolet et al., 2018).

In short, these sugary, low-nutrient products promote inflammation and chronic illness over time, making them detrimental to athletic health (Elizabeth et al., 2020).

What are the benefits of real food for athletes?

A diet based on real food has many advantages over processed products:

  • Nutrient density: Natural foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) provide carbs, proteins, fiber, and a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals that support health and metabolism.
  • Stable energy: Whole foods provide complex carbs and fiber, leading to sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes and crashes caused by sugary gels.
  • Reduced inflammation: Diets focused on unprocessed foods help reduce chronic inflammation, improving recovery and long-term health (Elizabeth et al., 2020).
  • Maintained performance: Real foods can perform just as well as synthetic products. For example, one study found that cyclists who ate bananas performed just as well as those who drank a typical sports drink (Nieman et al., 2012).
Can athletes perform as well with whole foods as with supplements?

Yes. Studies show that real food can support athletic performance just as effectively as industrial sports products. In a 75 km cycling trial, riders who ate bananas performed just as well as those who drank a carbohydrate-rich sports drink (Nieman et al., 2012). Natural foods provided comparable energy and recovery, proving that performance doesn’t suffer when prioritising natural sources.

Can energy gels and sports drinks cause digestive issues?

Yes. Consuming large amounts of fast-absorbing sugars - like those in sugary gels and energy drinks - can cause gastrointestinal distress during exercise (de Oliveira & Burini, 2014). Overreliance on ultra-processed products may also disrupt the gut microbiome and increase intestinal permeability, promoting inflammation and long-term digestive problems (Zinöcker & Lindseth, 2018). Athletes often report better digestive tolerance when eating more naturally and fiber-rich foods during training and races.

Do sports drinks and gels damage teeth?

Yes. Frequent use of sugary sports gels and drinks raises the risk of cavities and enamel erosion. One survey found that around 63.5% of elite athletes had dental decay, largely because sugary drinks feed acid-producing bacteria and reduce saliva’s protective role (Needleman et al., 2018).

Do ultra-processed foods cause inflammation and slow recovery?

Yes. Diets rich in ultra-processed products tend to increase chronic inflammation. Studies have shown that people who consume a lot of these foods have significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers (like C-reactive protein and certain cytokines) (Elizabeth et al., 2020). This systemic inflammation can hinder muscle recovery and increase the risk of injury or illness over time. In contrast, whole-food diets tend to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Do ultra-processed sports products increase risk of diabetes and heart disease?

Yes. High consumption of ultra-processed foods is strongly linked to chronic diseases. For example, a large French cohort study (~105,000 people) showed that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a ~15% higher risk of type 2 diabetes (Srour et al., 2020). Another large study found a ~12% increase in cardiovascular disease risk (Srour et al., 2019).

Should supplements be eliminated with the “Food First” approach?

Not necessarily. “Food First” doesn’t mean “food only” (Maughan et al., 2018). Whole foods should be the foundation of an athlete’s diet, but certain supplements can be helpful in specific, validated cases. The key is to use them strategically — only to meet particular needs.

What natural alternatives exist to energy gels and bars?

Many athletes use “real” options to replace industrial sports snacks: ripe bananas, dates, homemade rice cakes, small savory sandwiches, or diluted juice with a pinch of salt. These alternatives are digestible, nutrient-rich, and even used by professional cycling teams.

Do elite athletes follow a “Food First” approach?

Yes, many do. Athletes like Chris Froome, Zach Bitter, and Kilian Jornet rely on natural foods. Even pro teams have adopted real-food strategies - for example, on the Tour de France, many cyclists now eat fresh items (like rice cakes and sandwiches) during stages instead of relying solely on processed products.