Summer Hydration & Snacking Trends for Gym Owners
Keep Your Gym Stocked with the Right Fuel for Warmer Months
As summer hits the UK and a heat-wave is predicted for the next week, gym-goers are training harder, sweating more, and also looking for smart, refreshing ways to refuel that don't involve filling up their bottle at the tap.
Whether you run an independent gym or manage a franchise (like Snap Fitness or Anytime Fitness), understanding this season’s hydration and snacking trends can help you increase revenue and boost member satisfaction.
At Nutrivend, we specialise in sports nutrition vending and wholesale supply to gyms across the UK. Here’s what’s trending this summer, and how to stock up accordingly.
Top Summer Trends in Sports Nutrition:
1. Hydration is King
Increased heat means increased demand for hydration. But it’s not just water people want.
- Electrolyte drinks (e.g. Lucozade Sport, WOW Hydrate) are flying off the shelves.
- Low-sugar options are gaining ground with calorie-conscious customers.
- Functional waters with added vitamins, minerals or nootropics are growing in popularity - think Actiph Water or Vitamin Well)
Tip for Gym Owners: Make sure your vending machines or fridges are fully stocked with chilled, functional hydration options. Want to go a step further? Place them near high-traffic zones like entrance areas and squat racks.
2. High-Protein Snacks Still Dominate
Even during hot weather, members are looking for convenient high-protein snacks post-workout or on-the-go. However, their preferences shift slightly in the summer.
- Lighter textures like protein wafers and yoghurts are in demand.
- Fruity flavours (think berry, tropical, lemon) win out over heavier chocolate-based bars.
- Protein Water offers a hydrating and light alternative to shakes. Applied Nutrition or Myprotein both offer great protein water options.
Tip for Gym Owners: Offer variety. Bars, balls, cookies, crisps, puddings - every gym-goer has a favourite format. Use a mix of bestsellers and emerging products to test what works for your demographic.
3. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Shakes Are Peaking
Nobody wants to mix powders after a tough workout in the heat. RTDs like Grenade Protein Shakes, Barebells, or Nutramino are popular right now for:
- Convenience – no shaker, no mess.
- Refreshment – ideal for post-cardio cool-downs.
- Flavour innovation – from creamy vanilla to watermelon ice.
Tip for Gym Owners: RTDs are ideal vending products. No staff time required. They’re high margin, shelf-stable, and highly visible. Try highlighting these in your member email updates or story content.
4. Impulse Buys & “Little Treats” Are Back
Summer means feel-good vibes. A growing number of gym users are looking for that little reward after a tough session. Something that feels indulgent, without derailing their macros.
- Low-cal treats (like Barebells soft protein bars) are top sellers.
- Vitamin-infused snacks and gummies are trending with busy lunchtime users.
- Vegan & gut-friendly products are growing in popularity with a wider demographic.
Tip for Gym Owners: Vending visibility matters. Put colourful, on-trend products at eye level. Limited editions or “member favourites” tags can nudge indecisive buyers.
How Gym Owners Can Take Advantage of These Trends
Whether you run a 24/7 franchise or an independent functional fitness box, the right vending and wholesale setup can seriously boost your bottom line.
✅ Automate revenue with cashless vending machines, stocked with the latest products.
✅ Tailor your stock to seasonal preferences with help from Nutrivend’s category insights.
✅ Stay on trend without over-ordering. (Nutrivend can help you manage stock rotation and launches.)
✅ Promote effectively with free marketing support, point-of-sale materials, and online templates.
Partner with Nutrivend This Summer
We’re the UK’s leading supplier for sports nutrition vending and wholesale, with nationwide coverage and decades of industry experience. Whether you’re looking for:
- Sports Nutrition Vending Solutions
- Bespoke wholesale deliveries
- Retail-ready product bundles
- Limited edition seasonal ranges
we’ve got you covered.
📦 Request Your Free Catalogue
Want to see what your members could be enjoying this summer? Sign up for a wholesale account, or Click below to talk to a regional account manager today.