Inside Lecka Bites: Fueling Vietnam’s Sports Boom and New Ultra Gel Innovations

TL;DR: In the latest episode of Lecka Bites, founder Markus Gnirck shares major product updates from the Hoi An headquarters, including the finalized Ultra Gels (Passion Fruit Mango & Banana Peanut Butter), the switch to locally sourced tapioca syrup for Gel 2.0, and the brand's growing role in powering Ironman Da Nang and Vietnam's luxury wellness sector.

What are the new Lecka Ultra Gel flavors for 2026?

Lecka has officially finalized two new recipes for its Ultra Gel line, specifically designed for long-distance endurance athletes:

  • Passion Fruit Mango: A balance of sourness and sweetness, featuring rice flour to reduce glycemic "mouth fatigue" during multi-hour efforts.

  • Banana Peanut Butter: A "real food" puree style that introduces natural fats and a hint of cinnamon for sustained energy.

Why is Lecka switching to Tapioca Syrup in Gel 2.0?

Markus announced a strategic shift from brown rice syrup to locally sourced Vietnamese tapioca syrup. This change offers several benefits for athletes:

  1. Cleaner Flavor: Tapioca has a more neutral profile, allowing the natural fruit flavors (like Cacao and Passion Fruit) to shine.

  2. Higher Carb Count: The new formula increases carbohydrate density while lowering perceived sweetness.

  3. Local Sourcing: Reducing the carbon footprint by sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from Vietnam.

The Rise of Sport Tourism in Da Nang and Hoi An

Central Vietnam is rapidly transforming into a global fitness hub. Markus highlights how the "Miami vibes" of Da Nang and the misty mornings of Hoi An are attracting a new wave of wellness travelers.

Community Spotlight: Hoi An Run Club

A major highlight was the 5:00 AM cruise through Hoi An's Ancient Town with the Hoi An Run Club. Running past the iconic lanterns without the buzz of motorbikes offers a "magical" perspective on the town, reinforcing Lecka’s commitment to building local run communities alongside partners like Run and Fun.

Lecka at Ironman Da Nang 2026

Lecka continues its role as a nutrition partner for Ironman Da Nang, supporting athletes as the event expands to a full 140.6 distance. The brand is also expanding into high-end hospitality, providing eco-friendly Paper-Packaged Energy Bites for the gyms and wellness packages at the Four Seasons and Fusion Resorts.

Where can you find Lecka in Central Vietnam?

Lecka remains the only "Real Food" Vietnamese brand on the shelves, standing out against imported maltodextrin-based gels. You can find Lecka at:

  • Specialty Shops: Run Now and Maham Sports (Da Nang).

  • Grocery Chains: Moon Milk (Da Nang & Nha Trang).

  • Hotels: Four Seasons and Fusion.

What is next for Lecka Nutrition?

The "Farm to Fuel" journey continues with several projects in the pipeline for mid-2026:

  • Tea-Flavored Gels: Exploring natural caffeine sources from Green, Oolong, and Black tea extracts.

  • Drink Mixes: A new hydration and carb-loading powder is currently in the testing phase.

  • Saigon Expansion: Markus is heading to Ho Chi Minh City next to meet with corporate and sport partners.

"Having a strong backbone in Hoi An allows us to ship Lecka from Vietnam to the world. It’s fresh, it’s real, and there’s nothing fake about it." — Markus Gnirck, Founder.

See the full episode here on Youtube.

 

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