The inspiration
I'm Alexander, the founder of Kalkman, and my story begins, like so many good stories, with a healthy dose of frustration. Eight days, 15,000 meters of elevation gain, from Biarritz to Barcelona. My friends and I struggled on the bikes, but the hardest part? Finding sports nutrition that actually felt good and worked. We stuffed ourselves with sugary gels, bone-dry bars, full of artificial additives and ingredients I couldn't even pronounce. Stomach aches, energy dips, and above all, that nagging feeling: this just isn't right. This has to change.
At that precise moment, somewhere on a mountain pass, I thought of my grandfather, Chris Kalkman. A true pioneer, the first Dutch road champion in 1909. He performed on pure, nutritious food, without all the junk. His pioneering DNA, that drive to do better, is in Kalkman's genes. And it inspired me: back to basics, back to real energy.
The problem
Sports nutrition has become too far removed from what our bodies need: too ultra-processed, too little real food. These days, it's all about empty claims about maximum performance, with the focus entirely on marketing and not on the athlete themselves. The shelves are filled with ultra-processed products: maltodextrin, fillers, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic flavors. You know that feeling of a quick energy spike followed by a deep slump? Or those annoying gut issues? It's often caused by this junk. Many athletes blindly trust the sweet talk of big brands and blindly follow the lead of elite athletes. But what they don't know is that they're unknowingly choosing ingredients that are increasingly linked to serious health problems.
Back to Basics
Out of that frustration, and inspired by the past, Kalkman was born. We decided to do things radically differently. No more compromises, just 100% natural ingredients, in convenient, bite-sized portions. Because we believe sports nutrition should be simple and should help, not hinder.
- Pure nature, always: Only ingredients your body recognizes and flavors you enjoy. No compromises, no junk.
- Just right, no waste: Bite-sized portions, so you never have too much or too little. Good for you, good for the planet.
- Goodbye stomach aches: No junk that upsets your stomach, just pure nutrition for stable energy and fun.
At Kalkman, we create sports nutrition the way it should be: natural, delicious, and packed with everything that supports your health. This is why we do what we do: we want to give you the energy to get into your flow . That magical balance where you perform effortlessly and fully enjoy every movement.
Our Plan & Impact
Our plan is ambitious, just like you. By 2035, we aim to be nothing less than the largest European 100% natural sports nutrition brand. We want to help every athlete—from seasoned marathon runners to weekend cyclists—perform better, recover faster, and above all, enjoy life more.
How do we do that?
We're expanding our range to include sports nutrition for before, during, and after exercise. More flavors and varieties, so you can always find the perfect fit for your preferences and performance. For every athlete: from cyclists to runners, from team players to solo adventurers.
2- Smart packaging , for a healthier planet. We use recycled paper and cardboard wherever possible. Our mailbox-sized boxes? They reduce emissions and hassle with collection points. Easy for you, better for the world. We use less plastic, just like we did with the reusable Shot Flask.
3- Online, we're your springboard, through our own website and supported by the best online marketplaces . But we're going even further: soon, Kalkman will also be available in local sports shops and specialty retailers.
4. From the Netherlands, we're setting course for all of Europe . Because by 2035, Kalkman will be synonymous with 100% natural sports nutrition throughout Europe.
Join the Movement
Kalkman is much more than just sports nutrition; it's a movement. A movement of athletes who believe in purity, in authenticity, in the power of nature. And the best part? Our customers aren't just users; they are our ambassadors, the heartbeat of this change.
The Kalkman Club is the place where we come together. Where we inspire, motivate, and help each other progress. Together with thousands of athletes, we're building a new standard, and you are the driving force behind that growth. Your experience, your story, your enthusiasm—that's the fuel we use to inspire and convince others to make the switch to natural sports nutrition. Together, we'll drive change.
So, what are you waiting for? Become an ambassador of pure energy. Join our club, share your story, and inspire others to take the leap. Together, we'll conquer Europe, mile by mile, step by step, with a movement that truly makes an impact.
Find your flow,
Alexander Kalkman
