Tag: energy gel

Interbike 2012: PocketFuel Natural ‘Concoctions’

The words ‘whole food’ are not just reserved for the name of a grocery chain, but is a term referring to food that is eaten in its purest, unprocessed form. Without ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or many of the chemicals that we can barely pronounce, the body can digest whole foods much easier than those containing processed ingredients. As a bonus, whole foods often taste much better than their processed counterparts and are much easier to stomach during a physical activity lasting several hours.

There are many solid, whole food type of energy bars on the market that can be carried easily in a pack or cycling jersey pocket. There are even unprocessed drink options. But when it comes to gels, there are not many choices for those wanting a compact, easy to carry, quick energy boast. While strolling the floor at Interbike this year, I was able to sample a number of different flavors of the whole food type of energy ‘gel’, PocketFuel, a 100% all natural energy product. Video after the jump

Trismarter Review: Ignite Naturals Reload Gel

Product Name: Ignite Naturals Reload Gel

Purpose (from website): Reload Energy Gels are made from real figs and fruits to give overworked muscles and tired cells the nutrition they need to produce a natural boost of energy. It’s a wholefood energy gel for a holistic approach to producing energy. And because Reload is made from real food, it has the naturally delicious taste of real food—no artificial preservatives, colorings or flavorings, excess sodium or cheap carbohydrate fillers.

Contamination & Safety: Their website states that Ignite Naturals is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) rated for manufacturing but does not specify which products have actually been tested nor how recent. GMP certification costs money and is voluntary so any company that participates in this program on a consistent basis does leverage their credibility. Continue reading Trismarter Review: Ignite Naturals Reload Gel

Clif Shot Pours New Energy Gels

Clif Bar revamped its recipe in those gel packets. The new Clif Shots blend organic fruit, cocoa and other natural ingredients to make a gel that claims to have up to 50 percent more electrolytes than Clif’s previous recipe.

In addition to more electrolytes, the new formula combines two sources of carbohydrate that efficiently work together. Those are organic maltodextrin and organic evaporated cane juice. The two deliver energy to the bloodstream in five minutes or less.

While the packaging looks somewhat the same, the new gels have a thinner consistency. Even when you’re thirsty bordering on dehydrated, the new formula will go down more easily and get you back into shape.

The new gels are available in varying levels of caffeine including 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg amounts. The later is the equivalent of two shots of espresso or one 12 oz. cup of drip coffee. Flavors include the Base Blavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry (25mg of caffeine), Mocha (50mg of caffeine), Razz and Citrus (25mg of caffeine). Turbo Flavors are Double Expresso and New Chocolate Cherry, each with 100mg of caffeine.

Electrolyte gels and drinks saved me last summer on a long and hot ride. But the gels – much like gummy bears – were a little difficult to get down. A syrapy shot will be welcome on my next long ride. It could mean the difference between bailing on a challenging and rewarding ride and making it the whole distance with energy to spare.

Clif Bar

PowerBar Makes Workout BonBons

PowerBar Gel Blasts
Take a packet of PowerBar Gel Blasts on your next extended workout for an energy boost.

PowerBars have come a long way from their original chewy formula. The company has developed a dual source energy blend, C2MAX, made from sugar, glucose syrup from wheat, and invert sugar to boost energy and carbs during a workout. PowerBar Gel Blasts energy chews with a flavor choice of raspberry and strawberry banana use C2MAX to provide just such energy in an easy-to-eat form for workouts.

The quantities may be a little difficult to digest. PowerBar recommends that during activities lasting more than one hour, exercisers should take on -to-three pieces every 10 minutes, followed by water or sports drink. You can alternatively down a packet of 30 chews, the equivalent of one and a half PowerBar Gels, 60 minutes before exercise.