Hydration and Energy in New Seasonal Flavors
It’s always nice to mix it up with different flavors that aren’t overly sweet on long endurance rides. SKRATCH Labs released four new summer limited-edition seasonal flavors of its popular Sport Hydration Drink Mix, Super High Carb Drink Mix, and Energy Chews.
Hydration Sports Drink Mix
Cucumber Lime and Watermelon are two flavors available in 20-serving resealable bags for $23.95. I found the flavor light and refreshing with no aftertaste or GI issues. One serving delivers 80 calories, 400mg of sodium, and 19g of carbs. Depending on your sweat volume, the company recommends half a scoop for lighter/less salty sweaters, one scoop for average sweaters, and one and a half scoops for heavier/saltier sweaters like me.
Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix
When you’re looking to preload carbs or need additional fuel during a ride, Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix is perfect. The new seasonal flavor, mango, uses Cluster Dextrin™, a highly complex carbohydrate that digests easily and steadily, like real food. The tropical flavor is light like the Hydration Sports Drink, and I did not experience any gut issues. Your experience may vary, as it takes time to train your gut to consume high volumes of carbs. Last year, while training for Unbound Gravel, I trained my gut to handle 90g of carbs per hour.
One 16-serving bag costs $41.95 and provides 200 calories, 50g of carbs, and 200mg of sodium. The company recommends that riders who burn fewer calories per hour use one scoop (25g of carbs), an average athlete use two scoops (50g of carbs), and those who burn more calories use four scoops (100g of carbs). To determine what works best for you, test different quantities of the mix. Of course, every ride is different (terrain, heat, distance), but after testing on several rides, you’ll have an idea what is needed to keep you fueled.
Energy Chews
If you prefer to eat carbs rather than drink them, or want a mix of liquid and chews, SKRATCH Energy Chews are an easy, portable option. Stuff them in your top tube bag or jersey pocket and grab them as needed.
It seems like a number of brands are moving away from super-sweet flavors toward sour ones. The new Sour Apple Energy Chews are a nice change of pace from sweet chews or gels on the market. A single packet contains 2 servings of 5 chews each. The whole packet provides 140 calories, 90mg of sodium, and 36g of carbs. Each pouch is $2.75, or a box of 10 pouches for $26.95.
The Energy Chews are easy to eat while on the bike, and even with the gumdrop texture, they don’t stick to your teeth. SKRATCCH uses slightly more water in their chews to improve the texture.
Bottom Line
SKRATCH Lab’s four new seasonal, limited-edition flavors are refreshing and not overly sweet. They are perfect for preloading or fueling your next ride, whether it’s a spicy group ride, gravel race, or a social trail ride. The formulas are easy on your gut, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Don’t wait, supplies are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. SKRATCH products are available online or at your favorite local bike shop.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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