Endurance performance has long been defined by a high concentration of simple sugars, an approach that recent scientific studies are questioning over the long term. In response, the startup Yanaa offers a breakthrough by introducing organic savory purees, crafted in Provence, as a natural and gastronomic alternative. This positioning, which reconciles health, taste and sustainability, places the young company among the standout nominees in the Startup of the Year category at the Trail Running Awards.
The diagnosis: Breaking away from sugary "fuel"
Yanaa was born from the desire of its founders (including a former athlete who faced health issues related to sugary products) to reinvent sports nutrition. A survey conducted among athletes revealed that the majority find current offerings "disgusting" and "unhealthy," and that a large majority want savory options.
The startup proposes a return to "real food" rather than "fuel." The philosophy is based on research highlighting the limits of ultra-processed products on the microbiota and stable performance.
The innovation: Local recipes and sustainable energy
Yanaa developed its recipes over three years alongside a community of athletes. The savory purees (available in several flavors, such as Mediterranean Olives or Peas & Mint) are made in Provence using local legumes.
What the product delivers:
Stable and sustainable energy via diversified metabolic pathways, reducing sugar fatigue.
Digestibility: The smooth texture is easy to swallow at high intensities, and the savory profile combats taste fatigue, often the primary cause of under-fueling during a race.
Nutritional richness: Each recipe provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, with a broad spectrum of vitamins and antioxidants.
Yanaa calls this approach "sports gastronomy," re-anchoring on-the-go nutrition in pleasure and simplicity.
A scientific, educational, and sustainable approach
Yanaa's credibility is built on a rigorous approach. The project notably receives Deeptech support from Bpifrance for research focused on improving health and reducing the environmental impact of sports nutrition.
Sustainability: The company prioritizes legumes from regional cooperatives, which are beneficial for the soil and require little water. The team is also leading packaging optimization, with reusable or edible prototypes currently in development.
Education: The stated mission is to educate athletes to better understand their needs so they can choose when a high-sugar product is relevant, and when a natural alternative is more effective.
Brand: Yanaa seeks to break away from traditional industry codes, opting for an inclusive and warm tone, symbolized by their motto: You Are Not An Astronaut.
Adoption and industry recognition
Despite its recent launch (in July 2025), the concept quickly found its audience. The high satisfaction rate and growing reach confirm the interest in a credible savory alternative in the endurance world.
Prominent figures in sports have publicly endorsed the product, whether athletes such as Myriam Nicole (two-time DH world champion) and Chloé Trespeuch (Olympic silver medalist), or experts like Dr. Benoît Mauvieux (University of Caen).
Feedback highlights digestibility, a welcome change in taste, and the steady energy felt.
This rapid buy-in and growth potential support the young company's nomination in the Startup of the Year category.
