The Sanas LAB is the beating heart of our product development. Here, we experiment with ingredients, dosages, flavors, and product forms. Sometimes, it starts with a concrete idea, sometimes with a need from the sports world. And sometimes, we simply ask ourselves: can this be better?
Then the real work begins. Which ingredients go well together? Which flavor remains pleasant during long exertion? How do we ensure that a powder dissolves easily? What texture feels pleasant? And is a powder the best choice, or is a liquid shot, gel, or gummy more suitable for the moment of use?
New products are carefully assessed by our scientists, nutritionists, and testers. We also incorporate the experiences of athletes into the development process.
Because a formula can look perfect on paper. Ultimately, it must also prove itself in practice.
Good sports nutrition should also be enjoyable to use
Taste might seem like a minor detail. For us, it absolutely is not!
Anyone who uses the same sports nutrition for hours during a long bike ride, marathon, or triathlon will quickly notice the difference. A taste that is pleasant with the first sip must remain pleasant after a long period of time.
That's why we look beyond just the composition. The entire user experience matters.
We evaluate taste, smell, color, texture, and solubility, among other things. For powders, for example, we pay attention to smooth mixability: no thick lumps at the bottom of your water bottle. For liquid shots, it's about a stable, even consistency, without unwanted sediment at the bottom of the ampoule.
We also carefully choose our flavor profiles. We work with natural aromas and, where possible, avoid aggressive acids and unnecessary preservatives. Highly acidic products may be less tolerated during intense or prolonged exertion and can cause stomach or intestinal discomfort. Therefore, we strive for a mild, pleasant taste, with the right balance between quality, shelf life, and ease of use.
Powder, liquid, gel, or gummy? The form has a reason
Not every supplement belongs in a jar of powder.
An endurance athlete primarily wants something practical on the go. A liquid shot is compact, quick to use, and requires no preparation. A powder, on the other hand, is convenient for preparing a water bottle beforehand or for use after exertion. A gel fits easily in a back pocket or running belt, while gummies offer a completely different user experience.
That's why Sanas works with different product forms. Not because more choice is automatically better, but because the right product must suit the right moment.
With every development, we consider what the product is intended for, how and when an athlete uses it, and which form best suits that. Packaging and ease of use are also part of that consideration.
From the lab to the bike, running shoes or gym
In the lab, we can measure and test a lot. But some things only become apparent when a product is actually used.
How does a sports drink taste after two hours of cycling? Is a package easy to open during a competition? Does a taste remain pleasant as the kilometers accumulate? Can a powder be prepared quickly and easily? This is precisely why practical feedback is so valuable. We take these experiences back to our lab in Harelbeke and use them to further refine products.
This is how we bring science, nutritional knowledge, and practical experience together. We don't develop remotely for an anonymous athlete, but with attention to what runners, cyclists, triathletes, strength athletes, and other active people truly need.
Why choose Sanas?
Because we want to know what we make – down to the smallest details.
We want to know which ingredients we use and why. But also how a product tastes, dissolves, feels, and is used. That's why we keep our product development close to home and invest in our own lab, our people, and our knowledge.
Not just to bring another powder, liquid, gel, or gummy to market. But to develop products we stand behind and that pharmacies, distributors, sports shops, dieticians, coaches, and other professional partners can confidently offer to their customers.
Because ultimately, all that mixing, testing, tasting, and refining is about one thing: providing athletes with good nutrition at the moments they rely on it.
That's what we work on every day at Sanas.
👉Discover Sanas, our story, and our products: https://sanas.be/pages/about-us
FAQ
Does Nathan from Sanas taste all Sanas products himself?
Yes. As the owner, Nathan wants to be closely involved in every product. Every new flavor literally passes his mouth before it receives his approval.
Are Sanas products developed in their own lab?
Yes. In the Sanas LAB in Harelbeke, we develop and refine our formulas, with attention to quality, taste, and ease of use.
