‘Blue Fuel,’ is a subscription-based service that incorporates an Informed Sport-tested product range which includes hydration sachets, protein powder blends, protein bars and energy gummies.
Along with nutritional needs, the service also addresses fitness aims with input from the football club’s nutritionists, along with expertise offered from the players themselves, who have also trialled the service.
“We wanted to utilise our very best expertise, from world class coaches and sports nutritionists to the players themselves, and harness this to create innovative products for fitness enthusiasts and team players of all sports,” says Chelsea FC chief executive, Guy Laurence.
“Blue Fuel is just the first innovative product start-up out of Chelsea Digital Ventures (CDV) and we look forward to announcing new innovative products currently in development that tap into consumer needs across health, sport and nutrition.”
The service, launched by Chelsea Digital Ventures (CDV), a digital-first business spun out of Chelsea FC, joins other initiatives aimed at tailoring solutions for athletes to boost sporting performance.
In March, Science in Sport (SiS) launched Performance Solutions, a service that initially identifies performance needs that determine the research conducted by nutritionists working with the client.
The results then form personalised solutions for the teams and individuals with the ultimate goal being to maximise performance.
Barcelona nutrition scrutiny
In a similar vein Barcelona Football Club called upon the services of The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) to assess and improve player energy balance and body composition as well as meeting micronutrient requirements.
Other factors focused upon include dietary supplementation for football, in which their use is common amongst players in pursuit of improved performance, accelerated recovery and enhanced general health.
Reports have suggested that 43-93% of soccer players take some form of supplement with estimates of 40-50% reported during the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
“It is important to note that there is rarely a need to supplement if the diet of the player is healthy, varied and balanced,” Barcelona Football Club notes.
“There are exceptions where supplements can help performance or recovery but in any case, they should be consumed to “supplement” a healthy balanced diet, not as a replacement.”
Commenting on Blue Fuel, spokesperson Lee Bell, adds, “Blue Fuel is unlike any other nutrition service or offering on the market – it’s a complete sports nutrition service that is personalised to you.
“Trialled on some of the best athletes, the unique product range has been specially-designed to hit the main need states that are crucial in all sports to help athletes achieve their ultimate fitness goals and be the best possible version of themselves.
“I’ve tested the products and the app myself and it has made me see sports nutrition in a completely different light.”
Informed Sport tested
All Blue Fuel products are batch-tested under Informed Sport’s guidelines and the range includes energy gummies that contain carbohydrate energy (30g per serving) and B vitamins to support normal energy metabolism.
Other products include the brand’s recover powder that contains carbohydrate and protein (30g of protein per serving) blended with key vitamins and minerals.
The range also includes a hydration powder, muscle rebuild powder and protein bars that contain 20g protein that are designed for rest day preparation or as a post-game fuel.
Pricing for a Blue Fuel monthly subscription starts from €60 (£55) per month with flexibility in the pricing structure to accommodate changes in circumstances such as an athlete’s off-season.
The Blue Fuel app is now available for subscribers to download on iOS and Android.