Supplement users have caught on to a modern reality: the best supplement is usually the one you actually take.
Other things definitely matter, like quality, formulation, and finding the right fit for your wellness goals. But the perfect supplement does absolutely nothing for your body if it just sits in your pantry collecting dust.
So what makes someone more likely to stay consistent? A lot comes down to taste, texture, and how easily a supplement fits into the rhythm of real life. People are catching on to how much those things matter—and it’s changing the type of products being developed in the supplement industry.
Let’s explore how supplements are evolving, why that matters for habit formation, and how options like gummies, powders, chews, and stick packs can help make daily wellness easier to stick with.
Why Supplement Format Matters More Than You Think
Capsules, tablets, and unflavored powders have been supplement staples for decades. They still have their place, but today’s wellness routines look a little different. People are busier. They’re traveling more, multitasking, and looking for products that can move with them. This modern reality has fueled the rise of more convenient, taste-friendly formats.
The shift makes sense. A supplement that fits smoothly into your day is easier to remember, enjoy, and—most importantly—repeat. For some, that means a gummy after breakfast. For others, it is a good-tasting powder mixed into a water bottle before a workout.
Format does not replace quality, but it can make quality easier to attain consistently. The reason for that has a lot to do with real behavioral science.
The Science of Habit Formation
In Atomic Habits, James Clear highlights one of the biggest obstacles in human habit formation: friction.
“Whether a response occurs depends on how motivated you are and how much friction is associated with the behavior. If a particular action requires more physical or mental effort than you are willing to expend, then you won’t do it.”
Swallowing a tasteless capsule? For some, that’s friction. Mixing in a powder? A great option, but if it’s flavorless, the immediate reward doesn't feel worth the effort.
Decision fatigue is a form of friction, too, which is why convenient formats matter. A single-serve stick pack removes measuring, a chew removes the need for water, and a gummy adds a small moment of enjoyment.
The opposite of friction: reward. Charles Duhigg talks about this in The Power of Habit: he explains that the powerful “habit loop” we typically succumb to on a daily basis has three parts: cue → routine → reward. The more this loop is used, the more solidified it becomes until it’s almost automatic.
In other words, when a supplement is easy to take and you actually enjoy taking it, it taps into the science of human behavior and you’re more likely to keep taking it.
[Learn more about the science of habit and why New Year’s Resolutions usually fail →]
Gummies
Gummy supplements hit the market in the late 1990s, and they changed the way a lot of people think about supplements. They deliver a small reward with their flavor, they’re easy to take, and they don’t require water. For anyone who dislikes swallowing pills, that can be a major win.
At Zhou, some of our biggest fan faves are gummies, like Hydro-Fuel Gummies and Elder-Mune Gummies. They provide electrolytes and immune support, respectively, in naturally flavored little treats—no capsule swallowing required.*
Powders
Powders are another flexible format because they can fit into something you are already doing.
You might already be filling a water bottle, blending a smoothie, or mixing a drink before your workout. Adding a powder to that existing habit can feel easier than creating a totally separate supplement moment—and reduces friction.
Our unflavored Creatine has been a consistent top seller, but we recently rolled out new flavored, targeted blends to meet the demand as the supplement industry evolves.* Filling your tumbler in the morning? It’s easy enough to drop in a scoop—and it’ll taste better anyway.
Stick Packs: The Ultimate Convenience Format
At Zhou, we are always looking for ways to make supplements fit real life better. Because life is busy, and supporting your wellness should not feel complicated.
That’s why we’re dropping a NEW format in June 2026: stick packs.
Stick packs are single-serve powder packets that are portable, pre-measured, and easy to tear open. They are made for gym bags, backpacks, desk drawers, carry-ons (they’re TSA-compliant), cup holders, and anywhere else your day takes you.
Our upcoming stick pack lineup includes:
- Creatine: Our go-to muscle and performance support powder.*
- Creatine Calm + Focus: Enhanced with ginseng and Cognizin® for mental stress and clear thinking support.*
- Hydro-Fuel: Powerful electrolyte complex that comes in two great-tasting flavors.
Stick packs also make it easier to personalize your routine. You might reach for Creatine before training, Hydro-Fuel during a long day outside, or Creatine Calm + Focus when it’s time to settle into a stressful workday.
Creatine: From Gym Bags to Daily Routines
Creatine is one of the most talked-about supplements on the market right now, so it’s no surprise new products are hitting the market that provide added benefits like flavor and portability.
We’ve responded with a few new creatine formats to meet this trend:
- Creatine Chews: A no-water, grab-and-go format that’s been a fan-favorite since we dropped it.
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NEW naturally flavored powder blends:
- Creatine + HMB to double down on muscle mass support*
- Creatine Calm + Focus to fuel the body and soothe the mind (also comes in stick packs!)
- Creatine for Her for electrolyte balance and heart health support*
You can also pair creatine formats with other supportive Zhou products based on your goals. For example, Creatine Chews and Elder-Mune Gummies can make a simple combo during heavy training seasons when immune support is top of mind.*
Beyond Stick Packs: Gummies, Chews, and the Future
Supplement innovation is not slowing down.
We are seeing more products designed around how people actually live, not just what fits on a supplement shelf. Gummies are helping people who dislike pills. Chews are giving active consumers a no-water option. Stick packs are making powders more portable.
The bigger trend is personalization. Instead of one rigid routine, the future of supplementation may look more like a flexible daily lineup. A stick pack in the morning. A gummy after lunch. A chew in your gym bag.
That is the kind of routine that feels easier to maintain because it adapts to your life instead of asking your life to adapt to it.
As we said, the best supplement is the one you actually take. So choose the format that works for your day, build a routine you enjoy, and make daily wellness feel like something you can keep coming back to.
Follow @zhou_nutrition for more fitness and wellness tips!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest supplement format to take every day?
The easiest format is the one that fits your lifestyle. Gummies are great if you dislike pills and want something flavored. Stick packs are ideal if you want something portable and pre-measured. Chews are helpful when you want a no-water option.
Are stick packs better than tubs?
Not necessarily. Both can be useful. Tubs work well at home, while stick packs are easier for travel, work, gym bags, and busy days when you do not want to measure a scoop.
Can I take creatine every day?
Creatine is generally safe to take daily. The recommended dose is generally 5-20 grams, but you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.¹
What is the most bioavailable form of creatine?
Creatine monohydrate is a well-studied and widely used form of creatine.2 Whether you choose a powder, stick pack, or chew, the best option is usually the one that makes daily use easiest for you.
Can I take Hydro-Fuel with creatine?
Yes. Hydro-Fuel and creatine can fit into the same routine, providing electrolyte balance and physical performance support, respectively. Creatine before activity can support your exercise, while Hydro-Fuel can replenish key electrolytes afterward.
Resources
- Longobardi, I., Solis, M. Y., Roschel, H., & Gualano, B. (2025). A short review of the most common safety concerns regarding creatine ingestion. Frontiers in nutrition, 12, 1682746. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1682746
- Buford, T. W., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., Greenwood, M., Campbell, B., Spano, M., … Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
