PUBLISHED 08/31/2006
Portable packets of gels, beans, chews, and tablets deliver sodium along with carbs to help keep you optimally fueled and well hydrated. Most of these products contain a similar mix of ingredients, so let personal taste preferences be your guide.
PRODUCT: Gels
WHAT YOU GET: Most one-ounce gels contain 100 calories; 25 g carbs; 40 to 120 mg sodium
PROS: Easier to digest than bars. Some contain caffeine. The best taste like fruit jam.
CONS: They can be messy and some runners don't like the consistency.
PRODUCT: Jelly Belly Sports Beans
WHAT YOU GET: Each one-ounce packet contains 100 calories; 25 g carbs; 60 mg sodium
PROS: They are delicious and deliver an effective energy boost along with electrolytes.
CONS: The package isn't as easy to handle as most gels.
PRODUCT: Clif Shot Bloks
WHAT YOU GET: Each serving size (3 Bloks) contains 100 calories; 24 g carbs; 70 mg sodium
PROS: They're easy to chew. All three flavors are certified organic.
CONS: The package isn't as compact as most gels, and the Bloks can be sticky to handle.
PRODUCT: Super Bites
WHAT YOU GET: Each tablet contains 15 calories; 4 g carbs; 5 mg sodium
PROS: They're easier to eat than gels, dissolve quickly, and have no messy wrappers.
CONS: It takes a lot of tablets to replenish carbs at the rate of 100 calories per half hour.
PRODUCT: Lifexpand's Lyte'N Go
WHAT YOU GET: Electrolyte Tablets Each tablet contains 13.4 calories; 2.8 g carbs; 5 mg sodium
PROS: These chewable tablets are sugar-free and less messy than gels.
CONS: Same problem as Super Bites (see above).
