In the fast-paced and highly-competitive sports nutrition arena, a number of once-niche brands with small but loyal audiences have made the transition to mass-market products thanks to their perceived health, wellbeing and performance benefits.

Of the greatest success stories, greens powder AG1 and protein bar behemoth Grenade have blazed a trail for other specialist supplements to try to find a mainstream following, with Bulk Powders, Applied Nutrition, Huel, yfood and Nocco leading the charge.

Nocco, an acronym for No Carbs Company, is best known for its energy drinks that claim to have a health and performance edge over the global powerhouses in its market, including Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar.

Here’s what you need to know about Nocco to make the right decision for your training and hydration needs.

What is Nocco?

Nocco is a brand of functional beverages designed to support physical performance and recovery. It is renowned for its inclusion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are crucial for muscle repair and growth, and its range of vitamins, such as B6, B12 and D3. These drinks are marketed as sugar-free, making them a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Nocco’s product line primarily targets the fitness community, offering a convenient, on-the-go source of nutrients that are essential during and after workouts.

What’s in the Nocco product range?

Nocco makes functional beverage drinks and the core products are caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions, catering to those who prefer an extra stimulant boost and those who do not. Nocco is known for its innovative and adventurous flavour combinations which include Grand Sour, Blood Orange Limón Del Sol and Miami Strawberry. The company also periodically releases limited edition flavours to keep the product line fresh and exciting.

What’s in Nocco products

Nocco drinks contain a blend of BCAAs, essential vitamins and natural flavourings. The typical can contains a mix of leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which are BCAAs beneficial for muscle protein synthesis. Nocco drinks are sugar-free, using sweeteners such as sucralose to enhance taste without adding calories. The products are also fortified with vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin D, which support energy-yielding metabolism and immune system function.

Who should use Nocco products?

Nocco is formulated for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need quick, effective nutritional support to optimise performance and recovery. The inclusion of BCAAs and vitamins caters to those who engage in regular physical activity and require additional supplementation to maintain energy levels, support muscle repair and reduce fatigue. The company’s products are ideal for anyone from amateur gym-goers to professional athletes who want to maximise their physique or performance potential.

Are Nocco drinks tasty?

Flavour is a strong selling point for the brand and most varieties are popular for a refreshing and not overly sweet nature, which appeals to those who dislike the strong artificial taste typical of some energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster. The variety of flavours means that most people will find a product they enjoy.

Are Nocco drinks healthy?

Nocco is designed to be a healthy supplement when consumed as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. The sugar-free formula and inclusion of BCAAs and vitamins can provide significant benefits, particularly in supporting muscle recovery and reducing exercise-induced fatigue. However, as with any supplement, it is best used in moderation and should not replace whole foods, which provide a broader spectrum of nutrients.

How much do Nocco drinks cost?

The brand is positioned as a premium product and drinks are competitively priced within the functional beverage market with one can costing between £2.00 and £2.50, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s well worth shopping around online or checking out the company’s website to find special offers and promotions.

Who invented Nocco?

Nocco was developed by the Swedish health and wellness company Vitamin Well, which was founded in 2008. The company claims that the brand was created by a desire to fill a gap in the market for functional beverages specifically designed to support athletes and active individuals with scientifically-backed nutrition.