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Näak is your on-course nutrition at UTMB World Series.

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The ultimate guide to reach your ultra endurance goals.

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Discover delicious and nutritious recipes.

Naak FAQs Naak FAQs

Welcome to Näak Help Center

FAQs

Read through answers to some of our most commonly asked questions here.

 

Our Story

When was Näak created?

Näak was created in 2016 by Minh-Anh Pham and William Walcker, 2 green athletes who participated in the Triathlon World Championships. Preoccupied by the impact of meat production on the environment, the 2 friends decided to radically change their nutrition: they became vegetarian and started looking for alternative protein sources for their training. They then discovered cricket protein and immediately started incorporating it into their diet by making their own cricket protein bars in William's kitchen. This is how Näak started.

What does Näak mean?

Näak stands for Adventurous Nutrition for Athletes who travel Kilometers.

Where can I buy Näak products?

Online: You can buy Näak products directly from Näak, as well as other online stores including Amazon.

In Store: Please use our Store Locator to find where Näak products are sold near you. We recommend calling before you go, just to make sure they have them in stock.

My local stores don’t carry your products. What should I do?

One option is to speak to the Grocery Manager where you shop. You can tell them you’d love to see our products on the shelf, and be sure to mention your favorite flavors.

If you shop at a small local store you can direct them to our Wholesale Registration page.

From there, our Wholesale Team would be happy to help. Until then, you can order directly from our website.

 

Näak Bars

When to eat a Näak bar?

At any time of the day for an energy boost! It is also ideal, during, and after physical exercise.

What are the ingredients and nutritional values of the Näak bar?

They are made with sustainable protein and Non-GMO ingredients to provide you with the ultra energy you need to rise to any challenge.

You can find the list of ingredient under each flavour: here.

Why do athletes like the texture of the Näak bar?

Its brownie-like texture makes it easy to swallow and digest during exercise. It is also resistant to extreme weather conditions: it will not melt between your fingers in summer and you won't break your teeth on it in winter.

Why is the ratio 4:1 ideal?

The Ultra Energy™ Bars have a 50 g format and contains a ratio of 4:1 Glucid to protein which is the ideal ratio for endurance athletes in order to have stable energy over a long period of time. They are ideal before or during a physical activity, or simply when you need a snack during the day to boost your energy!

How long can I keep Näak bars?

Näak bars have a shelf-life of one year after their production. The best-before date can be found in the fold of each bar's wrapping.

Are Näak bars gluten free?

Näak bars are not gluten free certified. They don't include wheat in the ingredient list, however they are produced in a facility that manufactures other products made of wheat.

Can I eat Näak Bars if I am allergic to nuts?

Näak Ultra Energy™ Bars Banana & Chocolate is nut free. However, there can be traces of nuts due to the manufactured facility.

Are Näak Ultra Energy Bars Vegan ?

Only our Peanuts Butter & Chocolate and Berries & Nuts Näak Energy Bars are plant based.

Almond & Chocolate and Banana & Chocolate contain a blend of plant protein and cricket protein

Why did you put so much fiber in Näak bars?

In general, daily intakes are recommended for moderate or no sporting activity, and not for an intense sport like ultra trail.

So providing nutrients beyond the RDAs is not necessarily a problem when consumed in the context of the recommended sport activity.

An Ultra Trailer can consume up to 400 kcal/hr, so after 5-6 hours he/she will have exceeded the 2,000-2,500 kcal (daily dose often recommended in the RDA), and still have many hours of racing left.

Calories and nutrients are linked, so exceeding the RDA during an ultra-trail is logical and inevitable.

As for the fiber in our bars, their concentrations vary depending on the recipe. As we use natural ingredients, and sometimes little processed, there is always a portion of fiber that comes with it.

Too much fiber during a sustained effort can be a problem, but well dosed it can also help regulate digestion and therefore can be beneficial for blood sugar.

The doses of fiber are still very low compared to the other nutrients provided by our bars.

 

Näak Waffles

Who should eat Näak Ultra Energy waffles?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles are for everyone looking for a snack and/or going on adventures! Our Ultra Energy waffles are also suited to fuel endurance athletes before and during physical activity.

Why should I eat Näak Ultra Energy waffles?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles were made to boost your energy during your next adventure with no digestive issues. Our waffles are easy to chew and swallow, with guaranteed tastiness!

When should I eat Näak Ultra Energy waffles?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles can be eaten any time of the day as a snack, before or during a physical activity or like the Dutch, with your cup of coffee.

Why is the 4:1 carbs:protein ratio in Näak Ultra Energy waffle ideal?

The 4:1 carbs:protein ratio in Näak Ultra Energy waffles ensure you feel energized and strong for a long time.

Do Näak Ultra Energy waffles freeze?

Näak Ultra Energy Waffles were designed with all-season outdoor adventures in mind. Therefore, they do not freeze, even on the coldest ski days!

Are Näak Ultra Energy waffles vegan?

Yes, both our Vanilla and Salted Caramel Näak Ultra Energy waffles are plant-based.

Do Näak Ultra Energy waffles contain any common food allergens?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles do contain wheat and soy. They may contain traces of tree nuts, eggs and milk.

What is the shelf life of Näak Ultra Energy waffles?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles can stay fresh for 12 months if kept in their original, sealed packaging.

What makes Näak Ultra Energy waffles unique?

Näak Ultra Energy waffles are proudly plant-based with no palm oil, making them the most sustainable waffles on the market! With 4 grams of plant proteins, 4:1 carbs-to-protein ratio, easy chewing, swallowing and digestion, there is no compromise on performance.

Is there a risk of reactive hypoglycemia, an unavoidable systemic effect of fast sugars?

Our waffles contain a mix of simple (fast) and complex sugars (slow). So the risk of reactive hypoglycemia is very low, and the body will use these sugars to build up its glycogen stores and provide a long-lasting energy.

The lipids contained in these waffles are composed of 100% saturated fatty acids, known to be harmful to health... Why this choice?

The lipids in our waffles come from coconut oil which is naturally rich in MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides), which studies tend to prove certain benefits on performance, more particularly on the management of lactic acid (reduction) during glucose metabolism by the body. Also, the use of saturated fatty acids is quite essential for making vegan waffles.

Athletes generally have no problem burning fat (even more than sugar).

 

Näak Powders

Can I use protein powder in recipes?

Of course you can! The simplest way to ingest protein powder is by adding a scoop to a glass of water or plant-based milk. You can also add a scoop to your favorite smoothie recipe, although the possibilities are endless as protein powder can be incorporated into almost any recipe! You can even cook with protein powder by adding it to cookies, oatmeal, or even cheesecake!

How do I use protein powder?

Using protein powder is very easy. Simply mix 1 serving size of protein powder with 400ml cup of water or vegetable drink and shake well. You can choose to add less or more than the recommended serving size depending on taste preference or muscle building goals. For optimal benefits, drink the shake 40 minutes after exercise to optimize muscle recovery and nutrient absorption.

What are the benefits of using protein powder?

There are numerous benefits of using protein powder. Protein is a macronutrient that helps repair damaged muscle tissue that is broken down during exercise. Therefore, athletes generally need more protein since they are constantly building and repairing muscle and connective tissue. Protein requirements for athletes are about 2-3 times the amount of that for normal people, so supplementing with protein powder is a great and convenient way to get in your required protein amounts! Additionally, those looking to lose weight can replace meals with protein shakes to help reduce caloric intake, as protein has a greater prolonged satiating effect.

Does protein powder contain gluten or dairy?

Almost all protein powders are naturally gluten-free so it is safe for people with celiac disease to consume. Because our line of protein powder is not made from the proteins in milk, our protein powders are also dairy free.

How to store protein powder?

Room temperature is the best environment to store protein powder. It does not need to be kept in a refrigerator or freezer. You should keep it in a closed container or make sure that the original packaging is well sealed to maintain freshness.

What are the nutritional values of each flavor?

You can find all of the nutritional values of each flavor on the Nutrition Facts on the back of each bag, or you can find all of the nutritional information on the product page!

What is the shelf life of protein powder?

Protein powder lasts up to two years on the shelf.

What are BCAAs and what role do they play?

Our new line of protein powders contain 4 grams of BCAAs per serving, but what exactly are BCAAs? “BCAAs” stands for branched-chain amino acids. Your branched-chain amino acids include three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine, all of which have a branched chain. The branched chain structures of these three amino acids influences the way they are digested, absorbed, and used by the body, which is why they are so special. BCAA supplementation has been found to help build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue, and alleviate muscle soreness!

How many servings are in each bag?

One bag of our protein powder contains approximately 16 servings if you follow the recommended serving size. You might have more or less servings depending on how much you decide to use.

Is the protein powder vegan?

We currently carry two flavors of protein powder: chocolate and vanilla. The vanilla protein powder is vegan while the chocolate protein powder contains cricket powder.

 

Cricket Powder

Is there an allergy risk with crickets?

People allergic to crustaceans may be allergic to crickets as they are part of the same family.

Can I eat cricket if I am allergic to gluten?

Näak Cricket Powder does not contain gluten but can contain traces of wheat because of the factory they are made in also makes wheat based products.

Can vegetarians eat cricket?

Vegetariens (and vegans) will choose to eat cricket or not depending on the reasons for which they decided to follow this particular diet. Many vegetarians eat cricket for environmental and health reasons. Vegetarians often have B12 vitamin deficiency and cricket is high in B12 vitamin. Moreover, as opposed to plant protein, cricket protein contains all 9 essential amino acids which makes it a complete protein.

Do crickets feel pain?

Most scientists agree that insects do not have the ability, nor the utility, to feel pain, because they don't have nociceptors, which are the pain receptors.

Why is cricket farming eco-friendly?

Compared to beef, cricket requires 12x less feed, 2000x times less water, and produces 100x less greenhouse gases in order to produce the same quantity of protein! Moreover, crickets need little space (vertical farming) and reproduce quickly: they reach their adult stage at 6 weeks (vs 3 to 5 years for beef).

How are the crickets raised?

Crickets are raised in a similar environment to their natural habitat, which allows them to grow in optimal conditions. Furthermore, they are fed with natural ingredients: plants and grains. Naak bars are made in Quebec.

Our cricket powder comes from various suppliers in Canada (and Quebec), the United States and Asia (Thailand).

 

Delivery & Returns

Defective or damaged goods

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at hello@naakbar.com for instructions as to how to return your product.

We want our customers to receive high-quality products. If there is something wrong with the product you have received or if your delivery is not identical to your order (wrong product or if a product is missing), please contact our customer service at hello@naakbar.com with your order number and as many details as possible, and any photos if necessary, within 30 days of the delivery date.

Exchanges

We only accept exchanges for unworn and unused apparel and accessories. If you wish to exchange your order, the item(s) must be returned in brand new, unworn condition with all original packaging, tags and inserts within 30 days of purchase. Contact us at hello@naakbar.com so we can get back to you with return instructions. Make sure to include your order number on all requests for a quick turnaround.

Sale items

Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items are not eligible to this type of action.

Shipping returns

Näak is not responsible for the shipping costs associated with your return or exchange. The goods are your responsibility until they reach our warehouse. Please ensure you pack the return safely to prevent any damage to the products. If your return arrives with signs of damage or wear and tear, your return will be subject to review. To return your product, mail it to: 320-9320 Boulevard St Laurent, Montréal, QC H2N 1N7, Canada.

Consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also inform you of the approval or rejection of your demand. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within days.

Refunds usually take some time to your bank to be officially registered. In the case that no refund has been received within 10 days of the acceptance of your request, please contact us at hello@naakbar.com.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are delivered in 3 to 5 business days via Canada Post and 1 to 3 business days with FedEx. You will receive a tracking number as soon as we ship your order. (Within 2 business days, this exclude weekends and holidays).

In metropolitan France, orders are delivered in 3 business days

Can I cancel/change my order once it has been submitted?

If the order hasen't been shipped out you can contact us at hello@naakbar.com with your inquiry.

How do I track my order?

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with your tracking and shipping information. You can also click on the link in the email and enter your order number and email address, or login to your account.

My tracking says "Delivered", but I haven't received my order yet.

You must allow up to 3 business days from the delivery date of your order before contacting us for investigation. You can also contact the carrier to investigate further.

 

The Subscription

What are the benefits of subscribing to a Näak product?

Get the products you love at a 15% discount! Buy two products or more and if the value is more than 70$ the shipping is on us!

What are the delivery frequencies?

You can choose from every week to 6 week interval between each orders. You can modify the delivery frequency or even skip a delivery whenever you need to, straight from your account!

How can I change my delivery frequency?

You can adjust delivery frequency from 1 to 6 weeks in "Subscriptions" then "Change Frequency".

Can I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel at any time and free of charge, directly from your account.

How can I change the products in my subscription?

You need to log in to your account, then click on "Subscriptions", "View Details", then "Products in Your Subscription"

Can I skip a delivery?

You can skip one or several deliveries, or even pause your subscription until you decide to reactivate it.

Can I send a subscription box as a gift?

You can choose a delivery address that is different than the facturation address, so a Näak subscription box is a great gift idea for your loved ones!

Can I subscribe to several products?

You can subscribe to as many Näak product as you like, and manage them separately or as one subscription, directly from your account.

When will I be charged?

You will be charged each time the subscription order passes following the subscription date (every 1 to 6 weeks depending on the frequency)

I have a Näak promo code. Can I use it on a subscription?

Promo codes are not valid on subscription, unless stated otherwise.

Can I get a refund on the subscription?

Once the package has left the warehouse you cannot get a refund on that order. We send an email 5 days before the order is being process.

 

Näak Purees

Why is the Näak Ultra Energy™ Puree sustainable ?

Näak Purees are organic certified and contains upcycled ingredients. All the ingredients are fully traceable and locally-sourced.

How often should I use the purees?

We recommend to eat 1 Puree every 45-60min of exercise. If you are racing an ultra, we recommend an energy intake of 300 to 350 Kcal per hour. You can reach those numbers by using one Puree in addition to other Näak Ultra Energy™ products.

What are BCAAs used for?

The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. They are known to reduce muscle fatigue and optimize energy stores.

How well is the protein digested during exercise?

The proteins used in Näak Ultra Energy™ Purees are highly digestible and absorbed efficiently during exercise. We advice to train your guts at least 4 weeks before the race.

Why are electrolytes important?

Electrolytes are crucial to maintain fluid balance, muscle contraction and neural activity. When athletes sweat, they are losing electrolytes and it is important to replace them. Näak Ultra Energy™ Purees contain the four main electrolytes needed to perform at your best.

What type of sugars are used in the Purees?

We use a blend of "simple sugars" such as maple syrup and "complex sugars" such as hydrolyzed oat flour. A perfect mix of natural carbohydrates to avoid sugar crashes and spikes, and ensure long lasting energy.

 

naak protein nut butter

What is the shelf life for Näak Nut Butter?

The shelf life for Näak Nut Butter is 1 year from the manufacture date. Note that oil separation is normal as our products do not contain any added stabilizers or emulsifiers.

Is Näak Nut Butter suitable for sport fueling?

Näak Nut Butter is high in healthy fats and low in sugar/carbs, which makes it ideal for activities where slow-burning sustained fueling over a longer time period is required.

How should I eat Näak Nut Butter?

Any way you like! Näak Nut Butter is a great alternative to regular peanut, nut and seed butters and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Is Näak Nut Butter gluten/soy/lactose free?

Näak Nut Butter is manufactured in a facility that does not allow any non-ingredient allergens such as gluten, soy and lactose to enter the facility. Additionally, we source ingredients from verified suppliers to prevent allergen cross-contamination.

Do I need to refrigerate Näak Nut Butter?

Unopened Näak Nut Butter does not need to be refrigerated but should be stored in a cool dark place. We recommend refrigeration after opening for optimal quality and to extend shelf life.

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