The Foundation of Haack's Supplement Stack
While John Haack has been associated with and sponsored by several supplement companies throughout his career, he has consistently highlighted the most impactful and fundamental supplements for any serious lifter. The foundation of his stack emphasizes clinically proven ingredients that support strength, power, and recovery, rather than relying on unproven fads. He also prioritizes getting the majority of his nutrients from a whole-food, macro-based diet, viewing supplements as an extra boost rather than a replacement.
Creatine: The Non-Negotiable Core
Without a doubt, creatine is the most important supplement for John Haack, and he often refers to it as the "biggest one". Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements for power and strength sports. It works by increasing the body's stores of phosphocreatine, which helps produce more ATP—the primary energy source for short, explosive movements like powerlifting. Haack has also used more specialized forms, such as Creatine HMB+, and has reported feeling a noticeable difference in recovery and performance. In 2025, an Instagram post by Animal Pak confirmed Haack uses Animal Creatine Chews as part of his routine.
Protein for Performance and Recovery
While Haack's diet is macro-focused, and he prefers getting his protein from whole foods, he uses a protein supplement, particularly before a workout. This strategy helps ensure he meets his daily protein target of 185 to 200 grams, providing the necessary amino acids to fuel muscle repair and growth. At different points in his career, he has used different branded products, such as Animal Clear Whey Isolate, to supplement his intake. He views protein powder as a convenient tool to hit his macro targets, especially when whole food options are not readily available.
Expanding the Arsenal: Sponsored Products
Throughout his career, Haack has worked with different supplement companies, which has influenced the specific products in his stack. For example, during his partnership with Jacked Factory, he used their full line of products. His later association with Animal Pak led to the inclusion of their supplements. These partnerships provide access to a broader range of products designed to cover all aspects of a powerlifter's needs.
Pre-Workout and Caffeine
To maximize performance and focus, Haack is a proponent of pre-workout mixes or simply using coffee as a caffeine source. Caffeine is a well-known ergogenic aid, meaning it enhances physical performance, and can provide the mental boost needed for heavy training sessions. When associated with Animal Pak, he used their Animal Primal Pre-workout.
Joint Support and Blood Flow
Given the immense stress powerlifting places on the body, joint health is a significant concern. Haack takes collagen powder to support his joints. He also incorporates beetroot powder into his regimen, which is known to help with nitric oxide production and blood flow. Haack reports feeling a performance benefit, especially in terms of reps on the bench press, and notes that even if some effect is a placebo, the low cost makes it a worthwhile addition.
Comprehensive Multivitamins
For general health and to cover any potential micronutrient deficiencies, Haack has used a comprehensive all-in-one multivitamin pack, such as the Animal Pak. This ensures he has the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal bodily function, which is critical for an athlete pushing their body to its limits.
John Haack's Supplement Stack vs. The Average Lifter
| Feature | John Haack's Stack (Sponsored) | The Average Lifter's Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Core Supplement | Creatine (Monohydrate or Creatine HMB+) | Creatine Monohydrate (standard and effective) |
| Protein Source | Specific branded Whey Isolate (e.g., Animal Clear Whey) | Any reputable Whey Protein, prioritizes whole foods |
| Pre-Workout | Specific branded mix (e.g., Animal Primal or Jacked Factory) | Coffee, standard pre-workout, or nothing |
| Joint Support | Collagen Powder | Often none, or glucosamine/chondroitin |
| Blood Flow | Beetroot Powder | Often none |
| Multivitamin | Comprehensive vitamin pack (e.g., Animal Pak) | Standard off-the-shelf multivitamin or none |
Conclusion: More Than Just Supplements
It is clear that John Haack's supplement regimen is not a magic bullet but a finely tuned system that supports a world-class training and nutrition plan. His core stack is based on proven science, with creatine being the top priority. Beyond this, his choices are influenced by his sponsors and personal preferences, incorporating products like specialized creatine forms, specific pre-workouts, and targeted support for joint health. Ultimately, his success is the result of relentless dedication, intelligent programming, and a disciplined approach to both diet and supplementation.
While his branded product choices have evolved with his sponsorships (from Jacked Factory to Animal Pak), the core principles remain the same: prioritize research-backed fundamentals and use supplements to fill dietary gaps and provide a performance edge. Any aspiring lifter can follow Haack's lead by focusing on the fundamentals, rather than getting caught up in the specifics of every product he uses.
For more insights into Haack's diet and training philosophy, he often provides details in interviews, such as this Q&A with Men's Health: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a38736297/john-haack-powerlifting-interview/.
Final Takeaway on John Haack's Supplementation
- Core Essentials: Creatine and protein powder form the essential foundation of his stack.
- Sponsorship Influence: Branded products from companies like Animal Pak and Jacked Factory appear in his regimen based on his endorsements.
- Prioritizes Whole Foods: Supplements are used to complement a diet built primarily around whole foods and macro-tracking.
- Performance Enhancers: He uses caffeine (pre-workout) for a performance boost and beetroot powder for enhanced blood flow.
- Joint Support: Collagen powder is included to protect joint health from the rigors of heavy lifting.
- Micronutrient Insurance: A multivitamin pack helps cover all bases for general health and nutrient intake.
Conclusion
John Haack's supplement strategy is a smart, multifaceted approach designed to support his rigorous training. He starts with the scientifically proven basics like creatine and protein, then adds targeted performance and health-focused supplements. His regimen is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded nutritional plan, where supplements play a supporting but not primary role in achieving peak physical condition.
Key Takeaways from John Haack's Supplementation
Creatine is Top Priority: Haack considers creatine the single most important supplement for enhancing power and performance. Whole Foods First: He prioritizes getting nutrients from food, using protein powder as a convenient supplement to hit macro goals. Strategic Pre-Workout: Haack leverages caffeine through pre-workout mixes or coffee to maximize focus and energy during training sessions. Supports Joint Health: Recognizing the demands of powerlifting, he uses collagen powder to help maintain healthy joints. Boosts Blood Flow: Beetroot powder is included in his stack to improve nitric oxide and blood flow, potentially aiding bench press performance. Leverages Sponsorships: His branded product usage (e.g., Animal Pak, Jacked Factory) aligns with his sponsorship deals, providing access to a wider array of supplements. Micronutrient Coverage: A comprehensive multivitamin ensures his general health is supported, which is vital for intense training.
FAQs
What supplements are John Haack's top priority? John Haack identifies creatine as the most important supplement for his training, followed by a quality protein source to complement his whole-food diet.
Has John Haack always used the same supplements? No, his supplement choices have evolved and been influenced by his sponsorships, such as moving from using Jacked Factory products to his current association with Animal Pak.
Does John Haack take protein powder? Yes, he uses a protein supplement, typically before a workout, to help meet his high protein intake goals, though he prioritizes getting protein from whole foods.
What does John Haack take for joint support? To protect his joints from the heavy loads of powerlifting, John Haack takes collagen powder.
Does John Haack use beetroot powder? Yes, he uses beetroot powder, which he believes helps with blood flow and nitric oxide production, and he perceives a performance benefit, particularly for the bench press.
What does John Haack use as a pre-workout? He uses pre-workout mixes or relies on coffee for a caffeine boost to enhance performance and focus during training. He has been associated with Animal Primal Pre-workout.
Is John Haack's supplement stack affordable for the average person? Many core components, like creatine monohydrate and protein powder, are widely accessible and affordable. However, sponsored products and specific blends might be more expensive, and he suggests that the basic, effective supplements are the most important.
