If you rely on coffee to get through the day, you’re not alone. But while caffeine gives a quick lift, it often comes with the dreaded crash, jitters, or disrupted sleep.
The good news? Some foods naturally boost your energy — keeping you fuelled, focused, and balanced without relying on caffeine.
Here are five nutritionist-backed foods that genuinely increase energy, all of which you’ll find woven throughout NUUDA’s ready meals and bundles.
1. Oats: Slow Release Fuel for All-Day Energy
Why they help:
Oats are packed with fibre, which slows digestion and releases energy steadily into the bloodstream. No spikes, no crashes.. just sustained focus.
Best for:
- Breakfast
- Pre-workout fuel
- Busy work from home days
NUUDA favourites:
Our Breakfast Birchers deliver long-lasting energy with balanced carbs, protein and healthy fats.
2. Chickpeas & Lentils: Plant Protein + Iron for Focus
Why they help:
Legumes provide plant-based protein, complex carbs and iron, a powerful trio for steady energy and improved concentration. Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue, especially in women.
Best for:
- High-focus workdays
- Post-workout nourishment
- Plant-based diets
NUUDA favourites:
Our Vegan Chilli uses British-grown pulses rich in fibre and nutrients.
3. Leafy Greens: Natural Oxygen Boosters
Why they help:
Spinach, kale and chard are rich in chlorophyll, folate and magnesium, nutrients that help oxygenate your blood, support energy metabolism and reduce fatigue.
Best for:
- Lunches that prevent the afternoon slump
- Supporting hormone balance
- Increasing overall vitality
NUUDA favourites:
Our meals are loaded with greens, especially the Greens and Grain Broth
4. Sweet Potatoes: Complex Carbs + Potassium Power
Why they help:
Sweet potatoes deliver energising complex carbohydrates along with potassium, which supports muscle function and helps stabilise blood sugar, a must for steady energy.
Best for:
- Active days
- Running around with kids
- Gym recovery
5. Nuts & Seeds: Healthy Fats for Brain Energy
Why they help:
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein and minerals like zinc and magnesium. These nutrients support brain function, reduce inflammation and keep blood sugar stable, ideal for long lasting mental and physical energy.
Best for:
- Snacking
- Desk-friendly fuel
- Afternoon cravings
NUUDA favourites:
Our vegan energy balls contain almond butter for that healthy slow energy release.
The NUUDA Approach to Real Energy
All our meals are created by nutritionists and handmade by chefs to give your body what it needs to feel energised... naturally. No caffeine crashes. No ultra-processed shortcuts. Just real food, built to support your day.
If you're looking to boost energy consistently, try our Clean & Lean Bundle, or Gut Health Bundle - all designed to help you feel energised, focused and nourished.
Ready to Feel Energised?
Explore our full menu of nutritionist-designed meals and snacks.