SUNN. Nutrition: Born on the Trails.
Three trail runners, one common goal: making sports nutrition simple, affordable, and science-based. What started as a podcast about endurance nutrition turned into SUNN. – an honest drink mix. The idea didn’t come from a lab, but from real life. “Consti” (Constantin Leinekugel), “Macy” (Marcel Höche), and “Mel” (Melanie Miklos) shared a mission: spreading knowledge, busting myths, and supporting athletes with affordable, no-nonsense nutrition.
From an Idea to a Drink Mix: How SUNN. Was Created
In spring 2024, the three began diving deeper into the topic of sports nutrition. Talking with friends, at races, and on social media, they quickly realized: there’s a lot of uncertainty and plenty of myths around it. To shed some light, they started a podcast and an Instagram channel under the name SUNN., inspired by the Norwegian word “sʉn,” meaning “healthy.”
“We don’t just want to make useful sports nutrition – we also want to contribute to the holistic, long-term health of athletes. That means education and raising awareness, but in our opinion, price is just as important,” says Mel.
What began as a small project soon turned into a concrete idea: a sports drink that’s scientifically thought-out, easy to tolerate, and affordable. After months of research, product development, and testing with athletes, the time finally came in April 2025: SUNN. launched the High Carb and Ultra High Carb Drink Mix. Macy (Adidas Terrex) adds: “Carbohydrate intake used to be my biggest limitation in races. After 5–6 hours, I’d max out at 60–80 g per hour. I’m really happy (and a little proud) that with our own product, I can go beyond that now.”
High Carb or Ultra High Carb? The Difference in Endurance Sports
The SUNN. High Carb Drink Mix delivers up to 80 g of carbs per hour – in the standard 2:1 ratio of glucose to fructose. This combo doesn’t just ensure quick energy availability, it’s also especially easy on the stomach. The highlight: a refreshing mint-lemon flavor that’s pleasantly mild and never too sweet.
The SUNN. Ultra High Carb Drink Mix is designed for highly ambitious athletes. The key difference is its 1:0.8 glucose-to-fructose ratio. This makes it ideal for high-carb fueling strategies, as it allows athletes to absorb even more energy without overloading the stomach – especially thanks to the slightly higher fructose content. The included measuring scoop makes it easy to dose precisely and tailor to everyday training or racing needs.
Both products use Cluster Dextrin® as the glucose source. This highly branched carbohydrate stands out for its fast gastric emptying and relatively low osmolarity.
More Than a Sports Drink: Vision, Science, and Passion
SUNN. is more than just a product – it’s the outcome of a clear vision. The three founders rely on science, personal experience, and a genuine passion for endurance sports. Production takes place in Germany, with a strong focus on quality and transparency.
Looking ahead, Consti says: “This is just the foundation – next, we’ll build on it with a caffeinated carb drink mix, gels, and a recovery shake that goes beyond just sugar and a bit of protein.”
With that in mind: stay hungry!
Your Sporthunger Team
Here you can find both SUNN. products.
This article was first published in LAUFZEIT #4 August/September 2025.
