I tried Fuel 100 Electro-Bites in the Pumpkin Spice flavor this morning on my 10 mile run. Just as some background, I have mostly used Gu energy gel, Cliff Shot Blocks, and plain old fig newtons as fuel for my long runs.
Ease of opening: The package was very easy to open, no problem there as I was running along.
Texture: This was different, they kind of reminded me of the marshmallows from Lucky Charms. They are crunchy, but dissolved quickly in my mouth. This made them very easy to eat. For me, that was their biggest plus.
Taste: As I said, I’m used to sweet tasting fuel on my runs, and these were not sweet. Or maybe slightly sweet. The pumpkin flavor was pretty good, but I definitely would have liked them more if they were sweeter. I didn’t really enjoy the lingering taste of unsweetened pumpkin in my mouth. Maybe on a really long run, when I have to eat more than once I would appreciate this flavor to break up all the sweet fuel, but on its own it didn’t float my boat. I saved a few nuggets to take a picture at the end of my run, and I didn’t have any desire to eat these left overs.
Effectiveness: This is a little hard to judge, as the fresh snow kept me indoors and on a treadmill. I ate these at about mile 4.5 of my 10 miler. I felt good on the second half of my run, but things always seem a little different on a treadmill. I will say that I didn’t seem as hungry right after my run. Sometimes I feel like my blood sugar drops pretty quickly after I’m done, and that didn’t seem to happen today. Maybe because these bites have some fat in them, instead of just carbs? Or maybe because I ate two pieces of cheesecake yesterday?
So would I buy these? Probably not. The ease of use, texture, and effectiveness all were good, but the taste was, for me, not that great. If, however, you don’t like sweet fuel, these might be for you.
So I hate half this bar before work and then I ate the other half after my short morning that morning. I LOVED this little bar. The texture was just right for me and it was sweet, but not overly sweet. The bar is made of all natural raw ingredients. I was a little nervous that it would actually taste good when I read that – HA! – but I really liked it. I believe there were little pieces of dried apple and I really loved that. I would buy some of these to have around for a breakfast on the go or when we go hiking or camping. Great bar!
A couple other items in the box:
Volo Vitamins Energy drink mix. I was not impressed with these at all. I was kinda sad, because I really wanted to love them. I wasn’t a big fan of the flavor at all and at first I thought I could keep drinking and get used to it, but eventually I just dumped it out and didn’t even finish the drink.
Cognitea – I don’t drink tea, so I didn’t even do anything with this.
There are two items in the box that we haven’t got to review yet. There is only so much time for running in the winter, so it’s hard to find time to make long enough runs! But I know, at least for me, I am already looking forward to my long run this weekend so I can try the Gu chews. I already know I love the flavor and am looking forward to them.
We’ll keep you posted on these last items:
Gu – Engergy Chews, Salted Caramel Apple - This was a no brainer for me. I usually love Gu products and I was so happy when I opened the box and found these! If I buy anything again from this Stridebox it would be this. Gu is usually my choice of fast fuel while running and I really liked this flavor.
Chocolate #9 Energy Gel – I can’t imagine it being a total flop, but like I said we just haven’t had time yet to get to everything. But it’s chocolate – so it’s got to be good, right?
Final thoughts:
I was pretty pleased and happy with my first Stride Box! I only had one item in the box that wasn’t useful to me at all. I’m loving the idea of trying new and different products every month and I’m already looking forward to my next box!
Do you subscribe to a monthly box service? For clothing, make up, fitness?
I know they are super popular right now. Which one do you love?
