Clean energy + electrolytes in one bottle. No citric acid. No sugar spikes.
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New to Hammer and want a quick start? View our fuelling guidelines here
Looking for HEED Sachets? Find them here
HEED for cycling, running and 2-hour races
HEED is designed for athletes who want drinkable energy during cycling, running and endurance training. It is ideal for workouts and races lasting up to around 2–3 hours. For longer efforts, choose Perpetuem.
HEED is a practical choice for club rides, sportives, time trials, running sessions, gym work and shorter endurance races. Each serving provides calories plus electrolytes, so it works well when you want one bottle that supports both energy and hydration.
Why choose HEED?
- Ideal for cycling, running and endurance training
- Best suited to sessions and races up to around 2–3 hours
- Provides calories and electrolytes in one drink
- Light-tasting and easy to sip regularly
- A practical choice when plain water is not enough
- Best for: sessions under 3 hours
- For longer sessions over 3 hours use Perpetuem
- Start with: a sampler pack or endurance fuel kit
- Pair with: Bars / Gel if going over 2 hours
- Benefit: Beneficial for healthy teeth and gums
Why HEED is different from typical sports drinks
Most sports drinks are built around simple sugars and acidic flavouring agents. While these products may provide quick energy, they can also lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, crashes, and digestive discomfort during long workouts.
Unlike most commercial sports drinks, HEED uses complex carbohydrates, balanced electrolytes and natural flavours to support sustained performance and stable blood sugar.
Benefits of HEED Sports Drink
• Provides steady energy from complex carbohydrates
• Supports hydration with balanced electrolytes
• Citric acid free formula
• No refined sugars
• Light taste that is easy to drink during long workouts
• Designed specifically for endurance athletes
New to endurance fuelling? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Endurance Fuelling — covering what to eat before, during and after training, how many calories you need, and which products to start with.
How to use HEED during training
HEED is typically used during workouts lasting longer than one hour.
Before training → top up energy
Endurance sessions (1–2 hours): Mix one scoop of HEED with water and sip consistently during exercise.
Long endurance training (2+ hours): Use HEED regularly throughout the session and combine with additional electrolytes when necessary.
Individual needs may vary depending on body size, temperature and exercise intensity.
HEED vs typical sports drinks
| HEED | Sugary drinks |
| Sustained energy | Quick spike + crash |
| Easy digestion | Can cause stomach issues |
| Stable blood sugar | Energy rollercoaster |
| Endurance-focused | Short-term boost |
Ingredient breakdown
2.0 = Tapioca Maltodextrin – Less processed, NON-GMO, lower mono and disaccharide content, higher percentage of polysaccharide content, less sodium, and closer to neutral pH.
Classic = Corn Maltodextrin – A high-GI complex carbohydrate, ideal for fast-acting, long-lasting energy during exercise and for replenishing glycogen stores after exercise.
Xylitol – A natural sweetener found in fibrous fruits and vegetables. Promotes oral health as it does not ferment and support acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay. NOTE: Xylitol is believed to be unsafe for dogs; do not feed any xylitol-containing products to dogs.
Full-spectrum electrolyte profile – Sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and potassium help maintain performance during exercise and protect against muscle cramping.
L-Carnosine – Buffers lactic acid during exercise and offers antioxidant support.
Glycine – Aids muscle tissue repair, protects collagen in joints, and reduces joint pain. Also contributes a naturally sweet taste.
L-Tyrosine – Aids functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands, contributing to increased performance and decreased recovery time.
Manganese – Necessary for optimal muscle cell enzyme reactions and conversion of fatty acids and protein into energy.
Chromemate® chromium polynicotinate – Helps regulate blood sugar and plays a vital role in the synthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Follow our 5 Secrets to Successful Fuelling — Read here
FAQs
Is HEED a sports drink without citric acid?
Yes, HEED is formulated without citric acid, making it a useful choice for athletes looking for an alternative to many conventional sports drinks. Always check the current ingredient list before ordering if you have a specific sensitivity.
Is HEED good for cyclists?
Yes. HEED is a good option for cyclists who want calories and electrolytes in one bottle during training rides, sportives, time trials and shorter races — especially useful for rides lasting up to around 2–3 hours.
What is the difference between HEED and Perpetuem?
HEED is best suited to shorter workouts and races up to around 2–3 hours. Perpetuem is designed for longer endurance events where athletes need sustained fuel from carbohydrate, protein and healthy fat.
Should I use Hammer Gel or HEED?
Either — it’s your preference. Both are ideal for exercise up to 2–3 hours. Hammer Gel is best if you prefer drinking plain water for hydration. HEED is best if you prefer a flavoured drink rather than plain water during exercise.
How much HEED do I need per hour?
Most athletes around 90kg find that 1.5 to 1.75 scoops of HEED (165–192 calories) is an excellent amount per hour. This also provides the equivalent of approximately 1.5–2 Endurolytes capsules worth of electrolytes. In warmer weather, additional Endurolytes capsules are usually needed.
Can HEED be pre-mixed?
Yes. Pre-mixed HEED kept refrigerated will not lose potency for 24–36 hours. Give the bottle a shake before consuming as some minerals may settle.
Is HEED safe for young athletes?
Yes. HEED is a better choice than most sports drinks, which contain refined sugar, citric acid, and artificial sweeteners. HEED uses maltodextrin and natural sweeteners (xylitol and stevia) that are safe and beneficial for teeth and gums.
How do I measure one scoop of HEED without the scoop?
HEED 2.0: 1 level scoop (39cc) = 2 tbsp + 1¾ tsp
HEED Classic: 1 level scoop (60cc) = 4 tbsp + ½ tsp
Other useful products
Endurolytes Electrolyte Capsules
Hammer Gel Energy Gel
Perpetuem Endurance Fuel
Related guides
- How to fuel for an Olympic distance triathlon
- Electrolytes vs sports drinks — where to start
- Endurance nutrition — know your calories per hour
- Cycling hydration guide
Videos
Nutritional information
Ready to fuel your next session? Try HEED — backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
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Let customers speak for us
Extremely useful to use whilst cycling, removes the faff of opening gels whilst cycling and the solid bottle makes it easy to get in / out of jersey pockets.
Brilliant product - i use these in all my endurance events - some lasting up to 20 hours. These are great to ensure you get the required electrolytes without over hydrating.
Great service and the products are amazing, especially for endurance sports. I'm a big fan of the Endrolytes Electrolyte Caps. Their magnesium supplement and vitamin D are also very very good! I would highly recommend.
I’ve used Hammer products for around 6 years now & my favourite by a mile is the hammer Perpetuem, it’s fueled my last 100 mile ultra marathon not to mention multiple long distance triathlon's . It has 180calories per serving and it’s 34g of carbs & 5g of protein seems to work well . I’d strongly recommend for anyone who wants to take on ultra races as this fuel will support you when you need it most .
I started using Hammer Heed and Perpetuem 5 years ago and it's been such a game changer for my. Finding nutrition you can trust is so important for any athlete and I highly recommend Hammer Nutrition for any distance and any sport.
I couldnt race without hammer products. Heed is my favourite, such an amazing product. Paired with the gels it makes a great fueling recipe. Always fast shipping
Wonderful product for general Well being and Recovery. Great quick shipping.
Love all your products. I personally will concentrate on the perpetuum for my long swim(45km) as it feels like a meal every 4mins.
Thank you
great taste! great weight to calorie ratio! thanks
Great quality feel and easy to drink from whilst riding.
No plastic smells either.
Just need a few different colours?
Help me through a 70 miler. Would recommend 👌
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my delivery take and how much does it cost?
Orders placed before 2:00 PM (UK time) are dispatched the same working day. Standard delivery to mainland Great Britain takes 2–5 days at a flat rate of £3.50, or free on orders over £10.
Large tubs are automatically upgraded to DPD next-day delivery. Shipping to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Scottish Highlands costs £4.50, or free on orders over £80.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Because we process and dispatch orders quickly, we are usually unable to modify products, delivery methods, or addresses after submission.
To cancel an order, you must contact us on the same calendar day it was placed. If dispatch has already occurred, you can return the unused items within 14 days at your own shipping expense.
What is your returns policy if I change my mind?
You have 14 days from the day after delivery to cancel your order. Items must be unused, in their original packaging, and in resaleable condition. Important Step:
You must email us via the bottom of our Home Page first to obtain a Returns Authorisation Number and a free Royal Mail returns sticker; unauthorised returns cannot be processed.
Note that opened, sealed supplements cannot be returned for hygiene reasons.
What should I do if my order is damaged, faulty, or incorrect?
Check your parcel immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue, notify us within 48 hours of delivery via teh contact us at the bottom of our Home page.
Please include your order number, a description of the issue, and photos of the damaged items and packaging. We will provide a free replacement or full refund.
How long do refunds take to process?
Once your return is received, inspected, and approved, we process refunds back to your original payment method (card, PayPal, or bank transfer).
This typically takes place within 7 working days, and always within a maximum window of 30 days.
Are Hammer Nutrition products safe for drug-tested athletes?
Yes. Key products within our range—including Endurolytes (4ct/120ct), Endurolytes Extreme (3ct/120ct), Endurolytes Extreme Powder, and Endurolytes Fizz - are officially Informed Sport certified.
Additionally, our products are manufactured in strict ISO, GMP-compliant, and SQF Level 3 Certified facilities to ensure the highest standards of food safety and purity.
What do you use to flavour your sports nutrition products?
We use only premium ingredients with zero artificial flavours, artificial sweeteners, or chemical colorants.
Our natural flavours are extracted from real food sources (such as fruits, essential oils, and botanicals) in full compliance with FDA regulations.
They are entirely derived from non-allergenic materials and are formulated for a clean, subtle, non-sweet taste.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Estimated transit times are 2–5 days. If your parcel has not arrived within 5 days of placing your order, notify us immediately via our contact us at the bottom of our Home page.
We will launch an investigation with the carrier and provide updates or arrange a replacement where appropriate.
Do you accept backorders for out-of-stock items?
No, we do not accept backorders. If an item is currently unavailable, you can enter your email address in the "email me when back in stock" widget directly on the product page to receive an automated real-time notification the moment inventory is replenished.
Are your supplements suitable for specific dietary restrictions?
Our clean sports nutrition range is formulated to support optimal body function and is completely free from gluten, artificial preservatives, and artificial colorants.
If you have specific medical conditions or severe allergen concerns, we recommend checking the explicit ingredient panels or consulting a healthcare professional prior to consumption.