A comprehensive breakdown of the supplements, wellness products, and performance nutrition that fuel one of the NFL's most dominant tight ends
Playing NFL tight end at an elite level into your mid-30s requires more than talent and training—it demands strategic supplementation. Travis Kelce, the three-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs tight end, has built his approach around products he doesn't just endorse but actively invests in and helps develop. His philosophy prioritizes equity ownership over endorsement deals, ensuring he only promotes products he genuinely uses for peak performance and recovery. From his latest 2025 partnership with RECOVER 180 to the gummy supplements he chews during NFL games, Kelce's supplement regimen reflects a thoughtful approach to athletic nutrition. Whether you're pursuing strength and performance goals or simply looking to optimize your daily routine, understanding what fuels elite athletes provides valuable insight into science-backed supplementation.
Key Takeaways
-
Kelce invests rather than endorses – The Chiefs tight end prefers equity stakes in supplement companies, stating he wants to be "the customer of my brand" rather than a spokesperson for products he doesn't use
-
His most recent partnership is RECOVER 180 – In September 2025, Kelce joined the organic hydration brand as investor and partner, citing its clean ingredients and performance benefits
-
Gummy supplements dominate his routine – Through his Hilo Nutrition partnership since 2019, Kelce helped develop performance gummies that replace traditional powders
-
He credits supplements with major transformation – Kelce stated that Hilo products helped him lose 25 pounds between mini-camp and the start of the season
-
Game-day energy was the catalyst – His supplement journey began when he started eating gummy bears in the 3rd quarter for energy, then partnered with Hilo to create something better
-
Clean ingredients matter – Across all partnerships, Kelce emphasizes organic, zero-sugar, and natural formulations without artificial additives
Travis Kelce's Hydration and Energy Strategy
1. RECOVER 180 Organic Hydration: His Newest Investment
RECOVER 180 represents Kelce's most recent supplement partnership, announced in September 2025. The organic sports hydration drink earned both his investment dollars and personal endorsement as his go-to recovery beverage. Founded by Lance Collins and Mike Meldman, the brand emphasizes clean ingredients that align with Kelce's standards for athletic nutrition.
Key product benefits:
-
Zero added sugar and certified organic ingredients, including coconut water
-
Science-backed ratio of potassium, sodium, and magnesium for optimal hydration
-
110% of daily vitamins A and E per serving
-
No artificial sweeteners, dyes, or flavors
Kelce explained his decision to invest: "When it comes to performing at your highest level, quality matters. I've been drinking RECOVER 180 because it's clean, organic hydration with ingredients that support peak performance." The product is available nationally via Whole Foods, QuikTrip, and Amazon, with additional regional grocery placement (including select Kroger divisions and ShopRite), making it accessible to athletes at all levels seeking clean hydration options.
2. Accelerator Active Energy: Zero-Sugar Performance Fuel
Kelce serves as a Team Accelerator partner, aligning with the zero-sugar energy drink's focus on clean performance fuel. The product promises zero sugar, zero preservatives, and zero crash—addressing the common pitfalls of traditional energy drinks that can leave athletes jittery or depleted.
Formula highlights:
-
Natural caffeine combined with plant-based thermogenics
-
Antioxidants for cellular protection
-
Sustained energy and focus without artificial ingredients
-
Supports metabolism during training
The formula relies on natural caffeine combined with plant-based thermogenics and antioxidants to deliver clinically proven sustained energy. For athletes pursuing energy and focus without sugar crashes, this category of clean energy products offers a compelling alternative.
Accelerator's athlete roster extends beyond Kelce to include Olympic gymnast Olivia Dunne, suggesting the brand appeals to performers across various sports. The company states that "our partners energize with Accelerator" for sustained energy whether training, playing, or podcasting—acknowledging Kelce's growing media presence alongside his athletic career.
The Hilo Nutrition Gummy System
3. Hilo Pre-Workout Gummies: The Product That Started It All
Travis Kelce's deepest supplement involvement comes through Hilo Nutrition, where he serves as Chief of Performance and equity partner since 2019. The pre-workout gummies represent the flagship product that Kelce helped develop based on his personal athletic needs.
The origin story reveals Kelce's practical approach to supplementation. "Last year during the season, I was getting drained towards the end of games," Kelce explained. "So I started taking gummies to give me the right energy and the fuel that I needed to finish games." Before Hilo, he was eating regular gummy bears during the 3rd quarter of games for quick energy—a habit that sparked the idea for performance-focused alternatives.
Reformulation ingredients:
-
Beetroot for circulation
-
Maca for energy support
-
Vitamin B12 for metabolism
-
Rhodiola for endurance
-
Lion's mane mushroom for focus
-
Reduced sugar content
Kelce emphasized his hands-on role: "Taking gummy supplements has helped me feel stronger throughout my workouts and games. I was excited for the opportunity to create the perfect product for me and then be able to share it with all the other athletes seeking to improve performance."
4. Hilo Sleep Recovery Gummies: Overnight Restoration
Recovery extends beyond post-workout nutrition, and Kelce's supplement stack includes Hilo's sleep-focused gummies designed for overnight restoration. The 2021 reformulation added tart cherry for recovery, chamomile to calm, and melatonin for sleep support—creating a comprehensive nighttime recovery formula.
Kelce credited this product line with significant results during his weight management journey. "I was 280 pounds before mini-camp towards the middle of June. And then by the end of August, I was 25 pounds less," he stated. "These gummies have helped my routine, not just for working out every day but staying true to what I needed and when."
The convenience factor matters for professional athletes managing demanding schedules. Unlike powder supplements requiring mixing and planning, gummies offer grab-and-go simplicity. Understanding muscle recovery statistics helps contextualize why overnight recovery protocols have become standard among elite performers.
5. Hilo Muscle Builder Gummies: Supporting Lean Mass
For athletes like Kelce who must maintain significant muscle mass while staying agile, dedicated muscle-building supplements play an essential role. The Hilo Muscle Builder gummies address this need through a convenient format that eliminates powder mixing and shaker bottles.
Kelce's philosophy centers on authenticity: "For me it is being the customer of my brand. This is a product that I use because it is made for a person like me," he explained. This sentiment extends across the Hilo product line—each formula addresses specific athletic demands that Kelce faces during NFL seasons.
The complete Hilo lineup was designed to work synergistically throughout the day. Kelce noted: "We wanted to create a lineup that you would need not just through your workout but throughout the day to maintain your metabolism level." This systems-based approach reflects modern understanding of how timing and combination affect supplement efficacy.
6. Hilo Nitro Pump Gummies: Blood Flow and Performance
Blood flow optimization supports nutrient delivery to working muscles, making nitric oxide-boosting supplements popular among strength athletes. Hilo's Nitro Pump gummies address this category through the same convenient gummy format that defines the brand.
Andy Sauer, Hilo's CEO, explained the format's appeal: "Powders aren't a good solution for most people and we felt it could be a thing we solve." The observation reflects broader supplement industry trends toward convenient delivery methods that fit active lifestyles.
For those interested in strength and performance, the category offers various approaches to supporting blood flow during intense training. Understanding how famous athletes use creatine and other performance supplements provides context for building comprehensive athletic nutrition protocols.
7. Hilo Gametime Gummies: Peak Focus When It Matters
The Gametime gummies directly address Kelce's original need—sustained energy and mental focus during competition. This product evolved from his habit of consuming regular candy during games, transformed into a performance-focused formula designed for moments requiring peak cognitive and physical output.
The product name reflects its intended use: critical moments when athletes need everything working optimally. Whether during the fourth quarter of a playoff game or the final minutes of an intense training session, having readily available energy support can make meaningful differences.
Kelce's involvement went beyond endorsement to actual product development. As Chief of Performance, he provided insight into what professional athletes actually need during competition—insights that shaped formulation decisions and product positioning.
Complete Wellness: Building Your Science-Backed Supplement Foundation
Travis Kelce's supplement philosophy reveals an important truth: elite performance requires comprehensive nutritional support that goes beyond single products. His emphasis on clean ingredients, equity ownership, and authentic use reflects a broader shift toward complete wellness approaches that address multiple aspects of health simultaneously.
While Kelce's verified partnerships focus on hydration, energy, and convenient gummy formats, building a truly comprehensive supplement foundation requires addressing additional nutritional categories that support long-term health, recovery, and performance. This is where a complete wellness approach becomes essential—one that XV1 has designed specifically to support.
The Complete Wellness Philosophy
According to CDC data, approximately 58% of U.S. adults used dietary supplements in the past 30 days, but most supplementation approaches remain fragmented and inconsistent. Elite athletes like Kelce understand that true wellness requires systematic support across multiple nutritional categories working synergistically—not random product accumulation.
XV1's approach to complete wellness mirrors Kelce's philosophy of using only products that deliver measurable benefits through science-backed ingredients. Every XV1 formula undergoes rigorous development to ensure it addresses specific physiological needs while maintaining the clean-ingredient standards that professional athletes demand.
Foundational Nutrition: The Starting Point
The most comprehensive supplement routine begins with foundational nutrition—filling the micronutrient gaps that even careful meal planning can miss. XV1 Green Superfood Powder addresses this foundation by combining organic greens, red antioxidants, immune support, and probiotics in a single daily scoop. The formula supports digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption while boosting energy without caffeine—perfectly aligning with the clean-ingredient principles Kelce prioritizes throughout his partnerships.
This one-scoop solution delivers B-vitamins for metabolism, vitamin C for immune function, and detoxifying greens for cellular health. The vegan, GMO-free formula contains no sugar or fillers and works seamlessly with keto, paleo, and intermittent fasting lifestyles. Most importantly, it's backed by XV1's Money Back Guarantee, demonstrating the brand's confidence in delivering results.
Performance Support: Creatine for Strength Athletes
Kelce's emphasis on performance-focused supplements reflects research showing that strategic supplementation directly impacts athletic output. Creatine monohydrate remains one of the most extensively researched performance supplements available, with peer-reviewed studies demonstrating strength improvements of 5-15% with consistent use.
XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy in a convenient, vegan, and gluten-free format—mirroring the gummy approach Kelce champions through Hilo. The naturally flavored formula requires no scoop or shaker, making it ideal for athletes managing demanding schedules. For tight ends, powerlifters, or anyone pursuing strength goals, creatine supports ATP regeneration for greater power output during high-intensity efforts.
Recovery and Longevity: Joint and Connective Tissue Support
The physical demands of professional football create significant stress on joints, tendons, and ligaments—challenges that extend to anyone pursuing serious fitness goals. Kelce's long career demonstrates the importance of protecting joint health for continued training into later years.
XV1 Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides alongside hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in a fast-absorbing sugar-free liquid. Just one tablespoon daily supports joint mobility, skin health, hair strength, and nail integrity. The non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free formula addresses the cumulative effects of athletic stress while supporting long-term mobility and function.
Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health confirms that collagen and related compounds support cartilage synthesis and may help reduce the breakdown of joint tissue under mechanical stress—essential for anyone engaged in regular strength training or high-impact activities.
Cellular Health: Advanced Recovery Support
Beyond immediate performance and recovery, complete wellness addresses cellular-level health that supports longevity and sustained performance over decades. Elite athletes increasingly focus on supplements that reduce oxidative stress and support natural detoxification processes.
XV1 Glutathione Complex features liposomal glutathione for enhanced absorption, supporting natural detoxification and reducing oxidative stress from intense training. Similarly, XV1 Resveratrol with 98% pure trans-resveratrol supports cardiovascular function and cellular protection—addressing the accumulated stress that professional athletic careers create.
These advanced formulas reflect emerging understanding of how cellular health impacts both immediate performance and long-term wellness. According to research published in the National Institutes of Health database, antioxidants and cellular support compounds play crucial roles in managing inflammation and supporting recovery under training stress.
Building Your Personalized Complete Wellness Stack
Kelce's approach offers actionable principles for anyone seeking to optimize their nutrition:
-
Start with actual needs – Identify specific challenges (recovery, energy, joint health) rather than following generic recommendations
-
Prioritize quality over quantity – Choose products with third-party testing, transparent labeling, and science-backed formulations
-
Ensure consistency through convenience – Select formats you'll actually use daily, whether XV1's convenient capsules or grab-and-go gummies
-
Build synergistic systems – Consider how different products support various aspects of your routine throughout the day
XV1 makes this approach practical through subscription flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime without commitment. Every product carries the brand's Money Back Guarantee, allowing you to test formulas risk-free while building your personalized complete wellness foundation.
The most effective supplement routine isn't the longest list—it's the one you maintain consistently while addressing your specific needs with quality ingredients. By following Kelce's philosophy of authentic use and clean formulations while leveraging XV1's science-backed complete wellness approach, you can build a supplement foundation that supports both immediate performance and long-term health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplements does Travis Kelce actually take?
Travis Kelce's verified supplement partnerships include RECOVER 180 organic hydration (investor and brand partner since 2024), Accelerator Active Energy (team partner), and the complete Hilo Nutrition gummy line (equity partner and Chief of Performance since 2019). He has stated he personally uses all products he invests in and endorses.
Why does Travis Kelce prefer gummy supplements?
Kelce's preference for gummies started practically—he was eating regular gummy bears during games for quick energy before partnering with Hilo. The format offers convenience without mixing, portability, and easy consumption during training or competition. This led him to help develop performance-focused gummy alternatives through his Hilo partnership.
How much weight did Travis Kelce lose using supplements?
Kelce credited his supplement routine with helping him lose around 25 pounds over approximately two months—dropping from 280 pounds before mini-camp to 255 pounds by late August. He emphasized that the products helped maintain his routine and metabolism throughout the process.
Can regular people take the same supplements as NFL players?
Yes, the supplements Kelce uses are commercially available to consumers. RECOVER 180 is sold at major retailers including Whole Foods and Kroger. Hilo products are available through Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon, and the brand's website. However, individual nutritional needs vary—consulting healthcare providers before starting new supplement regimens is advisable.
What makes Kelce's supplement approach different from typical endorsements?
Kelce prioritizes equity ownership over traditional endorsement deals. He explained: "The fact is players can have a big impact outside of being a spokesperson" and he's getting the chance to put his other skills to use. This ownership stake means his reputation depends on product quality, creating stronger alignment between his endorsement and actual product efficacy.
