Creating Effective Gaming Supplements Flavors and Formats in 2026

By MaryKate
Doran
10/13/2025

Nostalgic flavors and global trends are reshaping supplement innovation. Learn how to align your product with what gamers crave!

In a recent blog article, we explored the growing category of gaming supplements and how manufacturers and brand owners are collaborating to create innovative formulas intended to address their top health and wellness needs, including concentration, endurance, accuracy, decision-making, and reaction time.

Industry data shows the global Nootropics for Gamers market is valued at $2.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18%, reaching $8 billion by 2032.¹ This rapid expansion highlights why gaming supplements are one of the most-closely watched product categories in the nutraceutical space.

Just as important as the ingredients are the gaming supplement flavors and formats you choose to bring to market. Gamers often prefer delivery methods they can taste, such as powdered drink mixes, energy beverages, or chewable tablets. If the flavor profile doesn’t appeal to them, repeat purchases are unlikely. That’s why developing enjoyable, high-quality flavors and selecting the right format are critical steps in creating the best gaming supplement for your audience.

Let’s start by looking at why flavor and format matter so much to gamers.

The Importance of Flavor and Format for Gamers

Both taste (including flavor) and usability (format) play a significant role in gamers’ supplement choices. Paying attention to these factors can enhance user experience, encourage consistent use, improve consumer perception, and help build loyalty and community connection.

Enhancing User Experience

Research² shows the sensory attributes of dietary supplements strongly influence consumer preference and likelihood of continued use. Taste and oral sensation (such as texture) tend to have the greatest impact. Other studies³ ⁴ have found that poor flavor or texture is a leading reason consumers discontinue use, while offering multiple flavor options can help reduce taste fatigue.⁵ In a consumer-based survey⁶, 66.5% of respondents cited taste was the most valued attribute, followed by flavor (13%), aroma (9.2%), and color (5.6%) in a vanilla-flavored nutritional supplement.

Texture and convenience also matter. Chewable tablets, fast-melt tablets, effervescent tablets, lozenges, and powders not only offer different taste experiences but also provide distinct textures that some consumers prefer. Fast-melt tablets, for example, are often considered especially appealing for their mouthfeel.

Unique flavors or new formats can also help a brand stand out. Differentiation is crucial in the crowded supplement market, and since no brand currently dominates the gaming supplement space, this is an opportune time to gain visibility with innovative approaches.

Supporting Long-Term Adherence

One of the keys to long-term success as a dietary supplement brand owner is to create a product that encourages consistent use by consumers. Market research is essential before entering the gaming space because it helps you identify what gamers value in terms of taste and format. Pleasant flavors and simple-to-use formats can encourage repeat use, while poor flavors or inconvenient delivery forms often result in discontinued use.

Selecting the right contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) is also critical. A CDMO with strong expertise in flavor development can help create products that appeal to gamers’ preferences. Conversely, choosing a partner without strong flavoring expertise can result in products that fail to appeal to consumers, reducing adherence and damaging your brand’s reputation.

Increasing Perceived Benefits

Consumers are more likely to continue using a supplement if they enjoy the flavor and find the format convenient. Research also suggests a psychological connection between sensory attributes (such as taste and texture) and perceived effectiveness.

For example, one clinical study⁷ found that adding sweet or bitter flavors to a placebo analgesic (versus a neutral flavor or none) modestly but significantly enhanced pain relief—suggesting that taste alone can boost placebo responses. Consumer research has also shown that commercial products with dense texture, visible whole ingredients, or mouthfeel cues (like fizziness or acidity) enhance consumers’ sense that the product is working, even if the ingredients aren’t immediately active. Supplement packaging design also plays a role, reinforcing consumer trust and enhancing the overall perception of efficacy.⁸

Building Stronger Loyalty and Community Connection

Another important element to understand about this space is that gamers frequently share recommendations about dietary supplements or energy drinks on forums, Reddit, and social platforms. On Reddit, gamers actively discuss brands, flavors, and preferences openly.⁹ On Steam, gamers seek and provide advice on the pros and cons about energy drinks, sharing personal experiences.¹⁰ Similar discussions can be found on Lemon8.¹¹ Though not direct recommendations, content analysis also show that gamers are consistently exposed to energy drink branding on these platforms, which influences awareness and trial.¹² ¹³

By paying close attention to flavor trends and gamer feedback, brands can strengthen loyalty and encourage positive word-of-mouth within gaming communities. This not only supports repeat purchases but also contributes to long-term brand growth.

Flavor Trends in Gaming Supplements

The dietary supplement industry continues to see a wide variety of flavor trends, many of which carry over into the gaming category. Because gaming supplements often mirror the flavor styles of pre-workouts and functional beverages, the following trends are particularly relevant.

Exotic Fruits & Floral Notes

Global flavor trends include dragon fruit, acai, yuzu, guava, and mangosteen, particularly in powders, drinks, and gummies.¹⁴ ¹⁵ Botanical and floral-inspired flavors like hibiscus, lavender, elderflower, rose, and herbal blends (e.g. ginger, turmeric, chamomile) are gaining popularity, especially in wellness-oriented supplements.¹⁶ ¹⁷

Fruit & Citrus Blends

Fruit flavors still rule the roost, with berry, citrus, melon, peach, watermelon, and lime ranking among the top flavors in sports nutrition powders and RTD beverages.¹⁸ Trending flavor blends include berry-lemonade, tropical punch, lemon-lime, blood orange, and creative citrus mashups like grapefruit-cucumber and blood orange with mint.¹⁹ ²⁰ Unique combinations, like sweet-and-sour, spicy-sweet, and mocktail-inspired (e.g., mango margarita, blueberry mojito), are also becoming increasingly popular.²¹

Nostalgia & Cross-Branded Flavors

Nostalgic and indulgent flavors like root beer float, cotton candy, creamsicle, cookie dough, rocky road, and chai are gaining traction.²² ²³ Some brands are even teaming up with beloved dessert, candy, and cereal brands to tap into consumers’ emotional, flavor-based connections.²⁴

Plant-Based, Herbal & Clean-Label Appeal

Clean-label natural sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia are increasingly preferred for a sugar-free gaming supplement or in place of artificial sweeteners, especially in energy and weight-management supplements.²⁵ Herbal, botanical, and adaptogenic ingredients are being paired with complementary flavors such as hibiscus-lime, chamomile-vanilla, or turmeric-ginger-orange to underscore health benefits.²⁶ ²⁷

Global Regional Trends

Tropical fruits like mango, passionfruit, and watermelon (in gummies and powders) are popular in North America. In Southeast Asia, lychee, mangosteen, and pi pa are trending in hydration and immune products. Oceania shows growing interest in indulgent and botanical flavors such as cocoa, lavender, and rose, while in Europe, caramel, vanilla, and cola are on the rise alongside herbal notes like basil, sage, and elderflower. Globally, staples such as orange remain steady, while lime and mint are gaining traction.²⁸ ²⁹

Format Trends in Gaming Supplements

A variety of dietary supplement dosage forms appeal to gamers, ranging from powdered supplements to traditional tablets and capsules, as well as innovative emerging formats.

Powdered Supplements

Powdered supplements have the distinct advantage of not being limited by the dosage size, as is the case with tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms. Powders can be mixed with a liquid, generally water, to make a tasty drink. Packaging options include jars, canisters, and convenient stick-packs. In some cases, stick-packs can be sprinkled directly onto the tongue, creating a candy-like experience that resonates with many consumers. Because of the technical expertise and creativity required to properly flavor powders, it’s important to partner with a CDMO experienced in powder supplements manufacturing.

Tablets and Capsules

Tablets and capsules have long been the cornerstone dosage forms of the dietary supplement industry, each offering distinct advantages:

Tablets are made by compressing powders or granules of nutraceuticals into a solid form. They are offered in many different shapes, sizes, and weights, and are coated to make them smooth and easier to swallow. Coatings may also include a color element. Unless they’re offered in chewable form, tablets don’t require flavors or sweeteners. Working with an experienced tablet supplements manufacturer ensures optimal formulation, stability, and quality.
Chewable tablets can offer many flavors and sweetening options and a desirable mouth feel. Working with an experienced chewable tablet manufacturer who knows how to balance these elements is highly advisable. Chewable tablets are well received by both adults and children, tend to have good stability, and may be produced in different sizes and shapes, as well as being made to clean-label standards.
Capsules can help mask the taste of bitter or otherwise challenging ingredients. Available in gelatin and vegan options, capsules also allow for formulation flexibility, including options like microencapsulation or controlled-release technologies. As with tablets, you’ll want to make sure to work with an experienced capsule supplement manufacturer.

Emerging Formats

Several newer dosage forms are capturing attention in the gaming supplement space, including effervescent tablets, fast-melt tablets, and lozenges:

Effervescent tablets release carbon dioxide upon contact with water. This causes them to fizz and promotes complete disintegration within a couple of minutes, at which point the nutraceuticals they provide become available in the solution. Effervescents are appealing for their taste, novelty, and convenience, but require the formulation know-how of an experienced effervescent tablet manufacturer to achieve proper disintegration and flavor balance.
Fast-melts tablets are orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve quickly in the mouth (generally in one minute or less) without the need for water. Fast-melts are easy to take, particularly for consumers who have difficulty swallowing or with pill fatigue.
Lozenges are similar to fast-melts in that they also dissolve in the mouth, generally within a few minutes, so they are easy to swallow, too. Some studies have shown that select nutraceuticals in a lozenge offer good bioavailability.³⁰ ³¹ ³² As with fast-melts, lozenges are often offered with appealing flavor options (e.g., berry).

Tips for Choosing the Right Flavor and Format

With so many possibilities, how can you decide on the best flavor and format for your gaming supplement? Consider the following tips:

Flavors: Preferences vary widely, so it’s wise to research gamer discussions on online forums and social platforms to identify trending favorites. When in doubt, start with proven classics like berry and citrus, which consistently perform well.
Format: Match the delivery form to your formula and consumer expectations. Effervescents, fast-melts, and lozenges are appealing for their convenience and quick use. Powders are well-suited for higher-dose formulations and can deliver an engaging flavor experience. Tablets and capsules are ideal if you want to avoid flavoring and sweetening requirements altogether.

Find the Right Balance Between Taste and Functionality

Some nutraceutical ingredients naturally have bitter or otherwise challenging taste profiles. If an ingredient is too valuable to exclude, several strategies can help. Bitter-masking agents can reduce harsh flavors, while bold flavors such as grape may help disguise them. In some cases, combining masking agents with stronger flavors produces the best results. Alternatively, choosing a format like tablets or capsules can bypass taste concerns entirely, since these forms do not expose the user to flavor.

Ultimately, the most successful brands balance consumer appeal with formulation practicality, ensuring their gaming supplements stand out without compromising quality.

Conclusion

Research shows that gaming supplement flavors and gaming supplement formats play critical roles in consumer adoption, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty. For brand owners, this means that success depends not only on ingredient choices but also on how well the product aligns with gamers’ sensory preferences and usage habits.

To enter and thrive in the gaming supplement market, it’s essential to understand gamer mindsets and preferences. This insight can be gained by observing discussions on online platforms and social channels where gamers openly share opinions about flavors, formats, and overall product experiences.

Equally important is selecting the right CDMO with proven expertise in the formats you want to bring to market. With more than 45 years of industry experience, Vitaquest is a supplement contract manufacturer that offers a broad range of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, fast-melts, lozenges, effervescent tablets, and powders. We excel at helping brands deliver products that resonate with gamers while meeting the highest quality standards.

Are you ready to capitalize on gaming supplement flavor and format trends discussed in this article? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming Supplement Flavors and Formats

Can flavor choices affect how effective a supplement feels?

Flavor can have a huge impact on consumer preferences for a dietary supplement. Interestingly, some research suggests that consumers perceive that certain flavors may impact the effectiveness of the product. While this perception isn’t necessarily scientifically accurate, it can still have a placebo effect, leading consumers to believe that the product is making them feel better.

What role does packaging play in flavor and format success?

You may have heard the expression, “perception is reality”. Some consumer surveys have found that packaging is an important element in the overall feeling of efficacy for the consumer. This perception also drives brand trust and word-of-mouth promotion.

What compliance issues should brands consider when creating flavored gaming supplements?

Compliance, that is, consumers continuing use of the supplement according to the directions, is vital to delivering expected benefits and for brand success. When creating flavored gaming supplements, offering consumers a desirable flavor with a good balance of sweetness and mouthfeel is extremely important. Consequently, it is important to work with a supplement manufacturer with extensive experience in flavoring and sweetening the dosage form being used for the supplement.

Do supplement formats impact nutrient absorption?

What is more important than the choice of supplement format is the issue of how the supplement is manufactured. Whether the supplement is in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, fast-melt, or effervescent, being formulated and manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices is the biggest deciding factor for product stability, dissolvability, and, ultimately, effectiveness. That’s why it is vital to work with an experienced contract manufacturer of dietary supplements, preferably one with at least 4 decades of experience.

Are natural flavors better than artificial ones in supplements?

It depends on what you mean by “better”. Natural flavors are generally preferred by consumers over artificial flavors. From that perspective, natural flavors are better. Artificial flavors are often better at maintaining the flavor profile, but are still negatively perceived by many consumers.

Can artificial sweeteners or flavoring agents impact supplement effectiveness?

There is no research demonstrating that artificial sweeteners or flavoring agents reduce supplement effectiveness. However, negative consumer perceptions of artificial ingredients may create a placebo effect, leading some to believe the product is less effective.

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MaryKate

Doran

Product Development Scientist II

MaryKate Doran, Product Development Scientist II at Vitaquest, has spent the past four years contributing to the company’s product development team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and brings a strong foundation in formulation and ingredient science. MaryKate focuses on developing innovative supplement concepts that align with both industry standards and consumer trends, supporting brand partners in creating high-quality products for the marketplace.