Headstrong is a brain-first sports nutrition brand. It makes three NSF Certified for Sport formulas, Headstrong PROTECT, Headstrong FOCUS and Headstrong SLEEP, each built for one job: daily brain support, focus on demand and overnight recovery. This guide covers what each Headstrong product does, how to take it, what changed with the new names, and who uses it.
What is Headstrong?
Headstrong was founded by a sport and exercise scientist, Dr. Darren Burke (PhD), and professional hockey player Evan Nause. The idea is simple. Your brain is about 2% of your body weight but uses roughly 20% of its energy, yet sports nutrition has spent decades focused almost entirely on muscle. Headstrong builds for the other side of performance: focus, mental energy, reaction time and recovery.
Every Headstrong formula is used by athletes across the NHL, NFL, PWHL, MLB and college sport, and every formula is NSF Certified for Sport.
The Headstrong lineup: three formulas, three jobs
Headstrong PROTECT: daily brain support
Headstrong PROTECT is the daily foundation. It is a stimulant-free Fruit Punch drink mix taken once a day, the way you would take a multivitamin. The formula combines creatine monohydrate, N-acetyl cysteine, organic lion's mane, organic ashwagandha and L-tyrosine, working together as one formula. It is vegan, plant based and non-GMO.
How to take it: one scoop with water at the start of your day. 30 servings per tub.
Headstrong FOCUS: locked in, on demand
Headstrong FOCUS is for the moments that matter: the third period, the pitch, the exam. It combines Cognizin® citicoline, paraxanthine, taurine and L-tyrosine for sustained focus without the jittery crash many people get from coffee or energy drinks. FOCUS contains paraxanthine, a naturally occurring metabolite of caffeine, so it is not stimulant-free.
How to take it: three capsules when sustained focus is needed. 30 servings per bottle.
Headstrong SLEEP: overnight recovery
Headstrong SLEEP is built for the hours when recovery actually happens. It combines turmeric, reishi mushroom, valerian root, magnolia bark, boswellia serrata and passionflower to help you wind down after late games, long days and travel. Read more on how sleep affects athletic performance and recovery.
How to take it: three capsules 30 to 60 minutes before bed. 30 servings per bottle.
The Daily Brain Stack
The Daily Brain Stack brings all three together as one complete daily system: PROTECT in the morning, FOCUS when it counts, SLEEP before bed. Most people start with PROTECT daily and add FOCUS and SLEEP as they need them.
Headstrong's new names: what changed
In 2026, Headstrong renamed its lineup and moved to new packaging. The formulas did not change.
- Headstrong PROTECT was previously sold as Headstrong.
- Headstrong FOCUS was previously sold as Encharge.
- Headstrong SLEEP was previously sold as Sleeptite.
If you have been buying Encharge or Sleeptite, you are getting the same formula under a clearer name. Each product is now named for the job it does.
Why Headstrong doesn't build around a single ingredient
Most supplement brands start with a trending ingredient and look for a benefit to attach to it. Headstrong works the other way: start with the job, then build a formula where every ingredient plays a role. Like a good team, the result comes from how the parts work together, not from one star. Every dose is printed on the label, with no proprietary blends. You can read the research behind each formula in The Lab.
NSF Certified for Sport
Every Headstrong formula is NSF Certified for Sport, which means tested batches are screened for more than 280 substances banned in sport and verified for label accuracy. For pro and college athletes subject to drug testing, that certification is the difference between a product they can use and one they can't. You can verify certified products directly on the NSF Certified for Sport website.
Who uses Headstrong?
Headstrong is used by a roster of professional and college athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Julia Gosling of the Seattle Torrent, Zack Bolduc of the Montreal Canadiens and Ben Meyers of the Seattle Kraken. Meet the full Headstrong roster.
But Headstrong is not only for athletes. Founders, students, parents and executives use the same formulas for the same reasons: a clear head in the morning, focus when the stakes are high, and real recovery at night.
How Headstrong compares
Headstrong sits in the same space as brands like Thorne, Momentous and AG1, but it is the only one built entirely around the brain side of performance. For a side-by-side look, see Best Brain Supplements for Athletes 2026 and Best Nootropics for Athletes.
Headstrong FAQs
What is the difference between Headstrong PROTECT and FOCUS?
PROTECT is the stimulant-free daily foundation taken every morning. FOCUS is for specific moments like a game, a pitch or an exam, and it contains paraxanthine. Most people take PROTECT daily and add FOCUS when they need it.
Can I take all three Headstrong products together?
Yes. The Daily Brain Stack is designed for it: PROTECT at the start of your day, FOCUS when it counts and SLEEP before bed.
Is Headstrong NSF Certified for Sport?
Yes. Every Headstrong formula is NSF Certified for Sport.
Is Encharge the same as Headstrong FOCUS?
Yes. Encharge was renamed Headstrong FOCUS. Same formula, new name and packaging. Sleeptite is now Headstrong SLEEP.
Where can I buy Headstrong?
Headstrong is sold at getheadstrongnow.com with free shipping on every order, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 20% off with Subscribe and Save.
Start with the job you need
If you want one place to start, start with Headstrong PROTECT every morning. If you want the full day covered, build your Daily Brain Stack.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
