A closely guarded secret: Bayern relies on special recovery shakes | OneFootball

At FC Bayern’s training camp on Lake Tegernsee, it’s not all about intense sessions on the field. After practice, an unassuming drink is currently generating a lot of interest. The Munich team’s recovery shakes are considered a closely guarded trade secret.

While Vincent Kompany prepares his team for the new season on the field, recovery behind the scenes also plays a crucial role. After the first training session on Monday, nearly all of Bayern’s pros reached for a special shake that was handed out right at the training facility.

As reported by BILD, Head of Nutrition Melf Carstensen had set up a small snack station at the FC Rottach-Egern clubhouse. There, the “Head of Nutrition” provided players, coaches, and support staff with the specially developed recovery drinks.

The recipe remains a closely guarded secret

However, FC Bayern does not want to reveal exactly what’s in the shakes.

The only thing that’s certain is that the drinks are protein-based and are designed to provide players with essential nutrients for faster recovery after intense workouts. The shakes are available in various flavors.

Which other ingredients they contain, however, remains a closely guarded trade secret.

Carstensen, who moved to Munich from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2025 and had previously spent many years at Borussia Mönchengladbach, had already emphasized the importance of targeted nutrition earlier this year.

In the club magazine 51, the nutrition expert explained: “A major topic is refueling protocols—that is, which nutrients do we need, when, and in what quantities? Carbohydrates play a central role. I tell the players: ‘Make sure you have a large energy reserve, eat enough carbohydrates, and drink this shake after exercise—it helps with your recovery.’”

Bayern relies on a comprehensive approach.

In addition to the recovery shakes, other healthy options awaited the Bayern pros at the snack bar.

At FC Bayern, nutrition has been a top priority for years. Individually tailored nutrition plans, targeted recovery measures, and modern sports science are now an integral part of the pros’ daily routine.

The secret shakes are just one component of a comprehensive approach through which the Munich club aims to prepare its players as best as possible for the high demands of a long season.

It therefore comes as little surprise that the exact recipe remains under wraps. Especially in elite sports, even the smallest details are often seen as a competitive advantage—and FC Bayern clearly does not want to share this one with the competition.