THE DROP BY GNC:
NUTRITIONIST PICKS
Rachel Baker
MS, RD, CSSD, LDN
Welcome to The Drop by GNC: Nutritionist Picks, where we spotlight the latest launches at GNC. This edit is all about what’s new – and what’s next, from our in-house Sports Dietitian: emerging brands, innovative formats, clinically informed ingredients, and smart delivery technologies that make supplements easier, more effective, and more enjoyable to use. From emerging scientific ingredients to functional beverages, liposomal liquids to on-the-go chews, each pick stands out for a reason – and earns its place as a feature on The Drop by GNC.
MAY DROP FEATURES
Beyond Raw LIT AF V2
As a sports dietitian, I’m always looking for formulas that don’t just turn up the intensity – but change the game entirely. Beyond Raw® LIT™ AF V2 does just that – this updated formula puts innovation first, introducing next-generation pump ingredients Velox™ and HydroNOx®. This first of its kind system is designed to support fuller, faster pumps. Velox™ combines L-citrulline and L-arginine in a 1:1 blend proven to rapidly increase nitric oxide production. While HydroNOx®, a next generation form of citrulline HCl, supports vasodilation more efficiently than standard citrulline. The updated formula also includes clinically backed Cognizin®, SenActive®, and Astragin® for enhanced training focus, endurance output, and absorption when you’re pushing your limits. Plus, more creatine and electrolytes than ever before. LIT AF V2 is a bold evolution for athletes who want more than the standard pre-workout experience.
To celebrate the launch, LIT AF v2 debuts a brand-new flavor – Patriot Pop (Bomb Pop) – a nostalgic, summer-ready flavor that also joins the Beyond Raw® LIT V2 lineup. Same iconic intensity, next-level science, and now a favorite flavor that hits just as hard as your workout.
Melting Forest
Melting Forest is a welcome addition to GNC’s growing functional beverage lineup, bringing the power of adaptogenic mushrooms with two ready-to-drink formulas that fit seamlessly into modern wellness routines. The brand blends functional mushrooms, like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps with thoughtfully selected adaptogens to support both mind and body in convenient, refreshing beverages – without added sugar and just 5 calories.
From a dietitian’s perspective, Melting Forest offers what many consumers are looking for: plant-forward formulations that go beyond basic hydration offering targeted and overall balance. Ideal for wellness-minded adults wanting functional benefits without traditional supplements or the jitters of energy drinks. With 150 mg of caffeine, Melting Forest’s Energy options support alertness and mental clarity. While their D-Stress varieties focus on promoting a calmer, more relaxed mindset without caffeine, and include ingredients like rhodiola, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Plus, they taste pretty amazing.
Pro Performance Creatine Chews
If you know me, you know I love creatine – and these new Pro Performance Creatine Chews in Coconut Caramel flavor, might be my favorite format yet. Creatine is one of the most researched ingredients in sports nutrition, and these chews make it incredibly easy to stay consistent without powders, shakers, or mixing. They truly taste like desert (think rich caramel with a hit of coconut), which makes them especially appealing to anyone who has been curious about creatine but felt intimidated by traditional powders. This is a low-barrier, approachable way to step into the world of creatine.
What I especially love as a dietitian is how well these chews fit into real life: non-workout days, busy mornings, travel, or anytime you just want something simple. Ease of use supports consistency - which is what really matters for creatine to do its job over time. Whether you’re brand new to creatine or a longtime fan looking for a more convenient option, these chews are an easy, unintimidating way to make creatine part of your daily routine – no workouts required.
MitoQ Pure
MitoQ is a new, science-driven brand at GNC – one that puts cellular health and healthy aging at the forefront. MitoQ is built around mitoquinol, a unique mitochondrial-targeted form of CoQ10. Mitochondria are the “power centers” of your cells, they help produce energy and everyday resilience as we age. Unlike traditional antioxidants that work throughout the body, MitoQ is designed to support cellular energy right where it’s needed most.
Whether you choose MitoQ Pure for foundational cellular support or MitoQ NAD+ Dual Action to help boost and optimize NAD+ levels, both offer a simple, research-backed way to support energy, heart health, and long-term vitality. If you’re curious about mitochondrial health, these products provide a smart addition for those focused on aging well while staying active.
Vital Source
Vital Source Nutrition brand is a buzzy new addition to GNC – gaining major traction on TikTok for feminine wellness that feels both modern and approachable. The brand is best known for its Feminine Balance line, offered in both gummies and capsules, designed to support vaginal and urinary balance using simple, nature inspired ingredients. Their formulas feature pineapple fruit powder, for both flavor and plant-based appeal, along with probiotic strains like Bacillus Coagulans and Lactobacillus that help to support a healthy microbiome and achieve overall feminine balance. AiRi™ Debloat Support Gummies provide natural enzymes, herbal extracts, and a digestive blend to enhance gut comfort in a sweet orange cinnamon flavor.
It’s easy to see why these products resonate: they address a wellness need in formats that are easy to take, unintimidating, and enjoyable. With a focus on natural ingredients, simple routines, and social media driven education around feminine health, Vital Source Nutrition is for women looking to support balance as part of their everyday routine.
Rho Nutrition
Known for its exclusive focus on liposomal delivery systems, Rho Nutrition offers an advanced supplement format designed to improve how well nutrients are absorbed and used by the body. Liposomal supplements encase active ingredients within phospholipids, which help protect them as they move through the digestive system, for enhanced transport into cells. Rho applies this technology across its lineup, which includes vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, to align with growing consumer interest in premium, science-driven delivery formats that prioritize bioavailability.
From a nutrition perspective, one of the major benefits of liposomal delivery is efficiency and availability when compared to traditional capsules or powders that can break down during digestion. This makes liposomal formats especially appealing for nutrients that are typically harder to absorb, like NAD+, glutathione, curcumin & resveratrol, and magnesium. Rho Nutrition’s innovative liquid supplements are easy to take, mix well, and offer a refreshing alternative to pill fatigue, for more flexibility and convenience, without more capsules.
CopiaStix
New CopiaStix Liquid Collagen Stix bring a fresh, fun twist to collagen supplements with a ready to drink format that’s designed for real life. Instead of scoops, shakers, stirring, or clumping, these single-serve liquid stix are meant to be enjoyed straight from the pack – just rip and sip! At only 0.57 fl oz per serving, CopiaStix makes collagen easy to incorporate anytime, anywhere. With hydrolyzed collagen peptides in a shelf-stable liquid and flavors like Lemon and Peach, CopiaStix offers a convenient new look to your collagen routine.
These are a great alternative to traditional powders – especially for on-the-go days! I’m loyal to my unflavored collagen powder stirred into coffee each morning, but CopiaStix offers a smart solution for travel, busy schedules, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to mix or measure. They help remove pain points around consistency while still delivering 5000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen in a tasty, fun format, giving GNC customers another easy way to support skin, hair, joints, and overall wellness – no mug or blender required!
SUMMARY
At the end of the day, The Drop by GNC is about making discovery easier – cutting through the noise to highlight what’s truly worth your attention right now. Backed by GNC’s legacy of quality, science-driven stands, and trusted expertise, each pick reflects where wellness is headed: smarter ingredients, more intuitive formats, and innovation designed to fit real lives. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your routine, try something completely new, or stay ahead of emerging trends, these standout launches make it easier to choose with confidence – because when it’s featured by GNC, you know it meets a higher bar.