Development of a Japanese Sports Food Exchange List Reflecting Products Used in Japanese Athletic Settings

Background: Nutrient-enriched sports foods can support efficient nutrient intake in specific circumstances in athletic nutrition management, such as during competition, when training away from the usual environment, or during periods of weight management. Despite their widespread availability, sports foods are not always used appropriately, necessitating tools to support informed product selection. Objective: This study aimed to characterize sports foods consumed by Japanese athletes and to develop a Japanese sports food exchange list to facilitate product selection based on target nutrient requirements. Methods: Seven sports food categories commonly used in Japanese sports settings were examined: sports drinks, energy jellies, energy bars, energy gels, protein drinks, protein bars, and protein powders. Following the methodology of Spain’s sports food exchange list, development proceeded in two stages. First, suppliers were selected based on INFORMED CHOICE certification or listing on the Japan Anti-Doping Agency’s product information website, with input from experienced sports dietitians. Subsequently, 523 products were classified into subcategories based on nutrient content per unit using established statistical criteria, including the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and z-values. Results: After excluding products with z-values outside ±2 or compositions deemed unsuitable for carbohydrate or protein supplementation, 498 products from 36 suppliers were classified into 24 subcategories. Japanese sports foods exhibited broad distributions in nutrient composition, variability derived from ingredient differences, and a high proportion of plant-based protein powders. Conclusions: This study developed a Japanese sports food exchange list comprising 498 products across 24 subcategories, enabling evidence-based product selection aligned with the nutrient intake goals of Japanese athletes.