Summer Supplement Super Challenge Part 1: Gels and Snacks

Snacks

Best stuff first, the snacks! By snacks I mean the bite-sized energy
treats that are the best thing to happen to refueling athletes since the
invention of Gatorade.

1st Place: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews. These are so good they
should be an available mix-in at that ice cream place. 100% organic, 1g
Fiber, 1g protein, and so delicious. The only problem with these being
that once I know I have them in my pocket, I can’t stop myself from
eating them all.

2nd place: PowerBar Gel Blasts. In a very close second,, these things
are amazing. Bite sized chewy outside, squishy gel inside! They taste so
good you’ll want to sneak them into the movies (gummy cola bottles) and
deliver fast energy. Plus, they pack enough protein to be a great choice for ultra-endurance .

3rd Place: Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans. Really? I really get to eat
watermelon jelly beans on my bike? Awesome! I love the taste and the quick
rush of caffeine these little guys provide. Small enough that you can
really customize your intake. Eat a few now and then or, like me, pour
the whole package in your mouth at once. Vitamins A + B, Electrolytes,
and Carbohydrates make these great for maintaining.

Honorable mention. Clif Bar Shot Bloks. Good taste, plenty of caffeine,
and the most filling of all the snacks.

Gels

Gels are still the #1 go to for fast energy on the go, especially in race situations. Not having to chew really helps when your heart rate is through the roof. For the punch they pack in a small size, gels are a necessary staple for maintaining energy. If you’ve already started to bonk, it’s too late.

1st Place: Accel Gel. Made by Acclerade these gels are packed with 5g protein. After eating what must have been hundreds of gels I really think these are the best overall for energy delivery and extending endurance. I really like that their flavors aren’t too overpowering, a little “chalky” finish, but still good. Too many times I’ve bought something because it sounded good in the store only to find myself gagging as I choke it down.

2nd Place: Hammer Gel. This stuff is delicious. I’ve even used the raspberry as jelly on a few pre-ride PB&J’s. All of their flavors are great tasting, but a little concentrated for some. Natural ingredients help Hammer Gel Digest easier than many of the Gels that leave me with “knotty stomach”. Drink with plenty of water. I hate seeing discarded gel packets / tops on the side of the trail. I love that Hammer is smart enough to sell in bulk so you can fill your flask from their jug.

3rd Place: GU Roctane. Third was a pretty tough call, but I finally chose Roctane based strictly on how well this stuff works. Taste goes out the window, as this is one of the worst tasting gels I have ever forced down. I have always been a big fan of regular GU, which tastes waaayyyy better, so I was anxious to try this new formula. They have missed the mark on flavor, but the new Roctance formula adds a few things to an old favorite and makes it great. Fast caffeinated energy!

Honorable mention: PowerBar Gel. Lots of great flavors and ingredient options including 4X sodium for you crampers out there.

Let me know what you find. Be on the look out for Part 2, the drink reviews, coming soon.

7 comments August 27th, 2008