Burned out on gels? Fuel 100 Electro-Bites Review

5/1/14 Update:  I am now an Electro-Bites Ambassador! I love this stuff, and am so happy to represent them!  If you order Electro-Bites, use the code "jefftoldme" to get 20% off your order!

I'm always on the look out for different ways to fuel long runs, and I'm excited to share the latest from Fuel 100! Towards the end of last year, I didn't have a lot of really long runs, just a few 1/2 marathons, but next week I start a 16 week training for the Greenland Trail 50K on May 3rd!

As you know, there are a lot of different ways to fuel runs out there, and probably one of the most common things are energy gels such as GU, Clif Shots, and my favorite, Huma Chia as well as different kinds of energy chews etc.

Granted, these gels/chews are all slightly different in composition and ingredients, but one thing they share is that they are all sweet.  And that sweetness can really get old as I learned in my first marathon... after 4 hours of gels, with another 1 1/2 hours to go (yes I was out there a while), I really got burned out on the sticky sweet!

That's what makes Electro-Bites from Fuel 100 very appealing.  Electro-Bites provide calories and electrolytes via a salty, slightly sweet crunch that is a welcome relief to sweet gels.  Don't get me wrong though, I do love a sweet caffeinated boost on a long run, but I crave a little salt as well, so these hit the spot!  Here's the nutritional info:

Each 100 CALORIE SERVING contains –

•  Organic Coconut Oil
•  Organic Agave Syrup
•  Potato Starch
•  Sodium (190mg) , Magnesium (46mg), Potassium (55mg)

Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 23 grams (23g), Servings: 1, Amount Per Serving: Calories 100, Fat Cal. 40, Total Fat 4.5g (7% DV), Sat. Fat 4g (20% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Sodium 190mg (8% DV), Potassium 55mg (2% DV), Magnesium 46mg (10%DV) Total Carb. 14g (5% DV), Sugars 2g, Protein 0g, Calcium (2% DV), Vitamin D (25% DV), Vitamin E (15% DV), Vitamin B6 (10% DV), Vitamin B12 (30% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Calories per gram: Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4

As you can see, the ingredients are pretty simple, and relatively clean as well (another factor that I really appreciate). 

So, how did they work?  I put them to the test at the Rock Canyon 1/2 Marathon in Pueblo, CO in early December. I knew I would be out in the 6F snowy weather for 2 1/2 hours, so would need a little boost.  I carried the Salty Vanilla with me and had them just past the halfway point.  I know, don't try something new on race day, but I like to live dangerously ;-).   The package was lightweight to carry, and easy to open.  The bites have a pretty decent crunch to them, and an interesting flavor.  I would compare it to something like a saltier graham cracker/cookie.  Still a little sweet, but more salty which was nice.  I also tried the Pumpkin Spice flavor, and that was pretty tasty.  Other flavors include Simply Salty, and Salty Vinegar. 

They were easy on my stomach and helped stave off some fatigue for sure. 

Fuel 100 and Electro-Bites are the product of two passionate endurance athletes, Michelle Halsne, and Andrea Bonaccorsi. They knew what they wanted, couldn't find it, so they created it themselves (with help from a lot of great experts in the field)!

If you want more info, check out Electro-Bites at their website here:  http://electro-bites.com/ and on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fuel-100-Electro-Bites/409199295862016

Electro-Bites retail for $13.20 for a 6 pack or $2.20 each, or as low as $1.94 each when you order 26. So, they run a little bit more than you may pay for some gels, but I've found they are a terrific complement to, or replacement for them. 

As always, let me know if you have any questions/comments below... thanks!

Happy Trails!

Jeff

http://barefootinclined.com

BarefootInclined@gmail.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Electro-Bites for free from Fuel 100 as coordinated by Deep Creek PR an Outdoor Retailer Public Relations Company in consideration for review publication.