A useful first question is specific: what are you expecting this supplement to do? “Help my training” is difficult to assess. “Make it easier to get protein when I cannot prepare lunch” is something you can check against your routine.
Start with your normal week
Write down what feels difficult before buying a product. Is it having food ready, getting enough sleep, remembering an existing recommendation or understanding what you already eat? A product may help with one task, but it will not solve all of them.
The Australian Institute of Sport separates supplements by their evidence and intended use. A place in an evidence category is not a recommendation that everyone needs the product. Its framework is a useful starting point for checking claims, particularly for sports performance.
Read the full label
Check the serving size, amount of each ingredient, allergens and directions. A scoop is not a universal measure. Two products with similar packaging can contain different ingredients or amounts.
If you already take several products, put their labels side by side. Look for repeated ingredients rather than assuming each product adds something different. Ask a pharmacist about suitability if you take medicines or have a health condition.
Think about sport rules
If you compete under anti-doping rules, check your sport’s guidance before choosing a supplement. A shop listing or a claim that a product is “natural” is not evidence that it meets those rules. The AIS athlete resources explain why assessment matters.
Record what you actually use
In Gorivo, open Supplements from Fuel to record a product and set reminders. Keep the name and unit clear enough that you can recognise the exact item later. Logging it helps you remember what you took; it does not confirm that the product is appropriate for you.
For a practical example of checking food rather than marketing, read food labels and portions.
Further reading: Source and guidance.
Gorivo editorial · General guidance for adults. Adapt training and food choices to your circumstances.