Cognition, Utilization and Industrial Development of Sports Nutrition Foods: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: To clarify the cognitive level and selection behavior of the exercising population regarding sports nutrition foods, as well as their relationship with athletic performance, this narrative review examined the literature published from 2001 to 2025. Methods: CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies published between 2001 and 2025 using keywords: sports nutrition foods, exercise intensity, public cognition, and food development. Studies addressing ingredient functionality, exercise-related nutritional requirements, public cognition, or product development were included. After screening, 45 full-text articles and four authoritative documents were incorporated into the synthesis. Results: The synthesis reveals a persistent disconnect between the cognition and utilization of sports nutrition foods. Common misconceptions include inappropriate supplementation timing, indiscriminate product selection, and imprecise dosage control, while structural constraints on the industrial side—product homogenization, inadequate standardization, and imprecise product development—remain significant barriers. Conclusions: To bridge this gap, we recommend establishing a three-in-one public education framework that integrates professional education, mass media communication, and regulatory oversight, and we encourage enterprises to transition toward clean labeling, precision nutrition, and green processing. This review provides an evidence-based reference for advancing the development of sports nutrition foods.