Well, they’ve brought out a new energy bar called The POW® plant bar. When I was asked if I wanted to try them and review them of course I said yes.

They are vegan and low gluten, and each bar provides 270 calories, with 33g of carbohydrate. Using beetroot as a base in each bar provides dietary nitrates, which research has shown to improve athletic performance (we all want that). The beetroot, combined with other flavours and oats, are formed into a easy-to-eat, flapjack-type bar. When using them this last week I’ve felt a rapid injection of energy, and this hasn’t decreased at all over a run. During a slower run/hike over Kinder Scout I began to feel the cold, I ate half a bar and immediately felt the benefits and began to feel warmer and moved more efficiently. Reading up on the use of beetroot in the bars, it seems as well as the benefits of nitrates that it also increases blood flow and improves circulation.

What they say:

“Sports physiology research has demonstrated nitrates can improve sporting performance by elevating blood nitric oxide levels which then can reduce the oxygen cost of exercise by around 3% (Larsen et al, 2011). In other words the same muscular ‘work’ uses less oxygen, or more work can be done with a given oxygen consumption – muscles contract faster or stronger to run or cycle faster!”

Voom have written a blog on the science behind nitrates, which you can read here.

In addition to the bars providing nitrates with their energy giving properties, there is 33 grams of carbohydrates, and further energy is provided in the form of super healthy coconut oil. The MCTs in coconut oil (medium chain triglycerides) have many health benefits. But, in particular for a sports nutrition bar, the attraction would be their easily available energy supplies which doesn’t deplete the body’s own stores.

I’ve really enjoyed using them this last week as I start my training blocks again in preparation for a spring ultra. My stomach can be very sensitive at times, and I’ve had no issues with them. I particularly liked the beetroot and cacao flavour. I tended to break the bars into four mouth size pieces and munch as and when I needed them. I’m always so happy to find products that do what they claim to do, and for me these bars did just that. They kept me moving and energised me. My body felt efficient, and I felt confident I was giving it what it needed on my runs. I’m truly fascinated by benefits of using these bars and the science that has gone into producing them.

Well Done, Voom!

Have you tried the Voom POW® plant bar? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.

We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown.

About the writer: Suzanne Roebuck is an ultra and fell runner in the Peak District who has completed the Spine Challenger twice and can be found supporting or running at her local events.

The post Voom POW® Plant Bar Review appeared first on Run Ultra.

Electro Energy Bar

• 40g of carbohydrate & 160kcal in a solid energy bar.
• Unique 4 block design aids stomach comfort as energy can be dosed gradually.
• 100mg full spectrum electrolytes to speed up hydration and fight cramp.
• Added B vitamins contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.
• Lemon & lime flavour from freeze-dried fruit.
• The Electro Energy will keep you going faster for longer.
• All the power you need for 1 hour in 4 bites.
• Batch tested Drug Free Sport

Caffeine Kick Bar

• Enhance mental and physical performance.
• 40g carbohydrates and 160kcal per energy bar.
• 175mg of caffeine with a fatigue-resistant effect.
• B vitamins contribute to reduced tiredness and fatigue.
• 100mg of taurine can increase alertness.
• Natural berry flavour with freeze-dried fruit.
• Get going and get home with VOOM.
• Batch tested Drug Free Sport

Beta Blast Bar

• 40g carbohydrate or 150kcal in four chunks.
• 2g of beta alanine* – ideal for use in high intensity work.
• 150mg of caffeine to give a mental and physical boost.
• Ideal mix of rapid energy delivery, fatigue resistance and stimulation.
• Zesty orange flavour with real freeze-dried fruit.
• Use pre-workout or before competition to give you the best start.
• This Pocket Rocket will help you lift off!
• Batch tested Drug Free Sport

RecoverFudge Bar

• Fast-acting, delicious salted caramel flavour recovery on-the-move or at home.
• Promotes recovery and aids muscle repair.
• Protein bar packed with 10g protein from whey isolate.
• Optimum carbohydrates to replenish muscle glycogen.
• MCTs for an alternative energy source and endurance booster.
• Carbs and protein together enhances uptake of both macronutrients.

During a trip to the Lakes I gave the Orange flavoured Pocket Rocket Beta Blast a try. I’m a bit fussy about my running fuel and wasn’t sure what to expect. The bars are in easy to break-off segments of four blocks. I was really unsure when I put it on my mouth. But wow it tasted great. Each segment is a perfect mouthful. It was like an orange flavoured Kendal mint cake. The texture was really palatable and easy to eat. It went down a treat!

The next week I had the LDWA Goyt Valley Challenge. The perfect opportunity to give the Caffeine Kick berry flavoured bar a try and the Electro Energy lemon and lime bar. I used the lemon and lime bar for the first 15 miles. Eating a segment every twenty minutes or so. The flavour was great. Really refreshing and tasty, almost melted in my mouth. 

I used the Caffeine Kick berry bar for the last 5 miles when I was flagging up the hills. Again a great flavour and it gave me the boost I needed In those last few miles.

The last bar in the pack was the protein RecoverFudge. I treated myself to this after a particularly wet Edale skyline run. Very yummy with a flask of coffee in the car. A really tasty fudge bar, again in four bite sized segments.

Overall I was really impressed with all the bars. They are a great size and fit easily into a pocket. The texture is great , not sticky no mess easy to eat and they all taste great. I struggle with tummy issues on longer runs and had no issues with these bars at all. I will definitely use these bars again. Particularly the berry caffeine kick bar. I really felt it gave me a pick up and the boost I needed when I was flagging a bit. 

Have you tried the Voom Nutrition bars? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.

We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown.

About the writer: Suzanne Roebuck is an ultra and fell runner in the Peak District who has completed the Spine Challenger twice and can be found supporting or running at her local events.

The post Voom Nutrition Review appeared first on Run Ultra.

We were asked by Active Root if we’d like to test their products and knowing the difficulties many athletes have in taking on board fuel during an ultra, we jumped at the chance to try their products.

What they say

“Great tasting, easy to digest drinks and gels that help keep you balanced, fuelled and hydrated during all forms of exercise.

Active Root contains a compound called gingerol which is a relative of the compounds found in chilli peppers and turmeric. It has been suggested that gingerol can contribute to soothing the stomach by relaxing the muscles in the gut, so that stomach contents are released into the small intestine. It may also have a calming effect, so it helps get rid of excess gas, thus reducing bloating and stomach discomfort. The ginger that Active Root uses has been specially selected because of its high gingerol ratio.”

Features

• BALANCE
• All NATURAL & GREAT TASTING
• DEVELOPED BY EXPERT NUTRITIONISTS
• SUITABLE FOR ALL ATHLETES
• SUITABLE FOR VEGANS AND GLUTEN FREE DIETS
• ECO – FRIENDLY
• 5 STAR REVIEWS
• HIGH QUALITY – BATCH TESTED – MADE IN THE UK SINCE 2015

One of our members, Spencer Millbery, is a very experienced ultra runner who regularly competes in 100 mile events. He suffered greatly during the Thames Path 100 in May and had to withdraw. Knowing he had the South Downs Way 100 coming up, RunUltra asked Spence to try Active Root to see if it could help him.

“Going into SDW100 I knew nausea would be a problem as I had suffered badly in TP100 a few weeks earlier. I’d spent from miles 25 to 75 being seriously sick and not managing to keep solids down, which by 85 miles meant my race was over.

Kate from RunUltra had heard about this and hooked me up with a bundle from Active Root that specialises in ginger based hydration products. Just like clockwork at 37 miles into the race, the nausea kicked in. It was an extremely warm day and this really affected my stomach.

At the halfway point I’d stashed some Active Root green tea/ginger and peppermint/ginger sachets in my drop bag. I diluted them in 500ml of water and got through the 2 sachets over the next few miles. My stomach settled and I managed to get solids in again, and in doing so helped me finish my race. I’ll definitely use them again.”

About

“Active Root was formed by Edinburgh based sports enthusiasts Will Townsend and George Ashley. Will, a keen marathon runner, often complained that mainstream sports drinks upset his stomach during races. He knew there must be a better way of staying hydrated and energised without the accompanying side effects of nausea and stomach problems.”

What really struck a chord with me was Will getting the idea that ginger is good for the stomach from his mother – I too remember my mother telling me to drink ginger beer if I had an upset tummy. 

Options

There are three different types of Active Root product – Sports Drinks, Gel Mix & Electrolyte, under the headings “Balance, Fuel and Hydrate”. All help to keep the stomach behaving normally, but with varying amounts of fuel and hydration.

Both the sports drink and the electrolytes have an isotonic solution that uses either 400mg of sea salt, in the sports drink, or 800mg of salt, in the electrolyte mix.

“Salt attracts fluid, so the more salt that’s in your bloodstream (within the usage range above), the higher your blood volume. A higher blood volume decreases the amount of effort your heart has to do. As a result, it doesn’t have to beat as fast to move the same amount of blood through your body. The result is that exercise feels easier.”

Find out more on Active Root’s website. All photos courtesy of Active Root.

Have you tried Active Root? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

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We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown.

The post Active Root appeared first on Run Ultra.

by Ally Whitlock

Coffee is an essential part of my morning routine. Making a strong, black cup is the very first thing I do when I wake up and I’ll be the first to admit that I am a bit of a coffee snob. It has to be fresh, filtered coffee and never, ever instant!

London Nootropics coffee is not your traditional instant coffee. On my first taste, I was immediately impressed by the quality – it doesn’t taste like instant coffee. It also doesn’t have the instant coffee smell. This morning I’m drinking a cup of Zen and it’s almost earthy, herbal tones are somewhat calming.

The calmness is a reflection of nootropics. Nootropics are brain-boosters: they are known to enhance cognitive performance and improve brain health. They work in many ways to produce a wide range of benefits across memory, focus, motivation, verbal fluency and more.

The term “nootropics” first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria. But now it’s used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills.

London Nootropics are 100% natural and vegan-friendly sourced primarily from mushrooms. For thousands of years, humans have been using plants, mushrooms, and other natural substances to enhance their bodies and mind.

London Nootropics have three different blends, each with a different purpose.

Grind Coffee

This balancing blend helps you find mental clarity and concentration. The two main ingredients are Lion’s Mane and Rhodiola.

Zen Coffee

This calming blend is designed to promote a sense of peace, combatting the effects of stress, tension and irritability. The two main ingredients are CBD and Ashwagandha.

Mojo Coffee

This invigorating blend is designed for physical endurance, strength and vitality and is widely drunk by endurance athletes. The two main ingredients are Cordyceps and Siberian Ginseng.

So after trying all three blends, what do I think? I’m impressed. Whilst an instant blend will never match my preference for freshly filtered coffee, these are by far the nicest instant coffee I have ever tasted. I can see them becoming an occasional alternative to my regular strong black, especially when I am in need of some of the benefits that nootropics bring.

I also like the fact that they come in small sachets which for me will be perfect for throwing in my bag whilst traveling, camping or running. Times when I want a freshly brewed coffee but carrying a cafetiere is impractical!

My favourite of the three? Definitely the calmness of the Zen, I need a bit more of that in my life!

About the writer: Ally is a photographer & entrepreneur based in Croydon, South London with a love of all things photography, coffee, gin, books, running & the great outdoors.

Have you tried London Nootropics? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.

We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown.

The post London Nootropics Coffee appeared first on Run Ultra.

I was lucky enough to be contacted by the lovely people at RunUltra to review HALO Sport. I was sent “HALO on the Go” individual serving sachets of electrolyte powder, “sticks packed with our signature hydration trinity of natural electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins”.

Luckily for fans of Lemonade they come in 2 flavours, Lemonade and Pink Lemonade.

Before I go any further, a huge kudos to HALO Sport for being part of the 1% for the planet movement, and all their products are recyclable (this may depend on local recycling rules) and are BPA free.

Ethically they seem bang on the money and they have also got some big names bigging up the brand, including Andy Murrey.

Robin Shobin, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, adds: “Having developed a formula that works for elite athletes (and therefore, for everyone else), getting the seal of approval from a sportsperson of Andy’s caliber is truly humbling”.

Also supporting HALO Sport are a myriad of American fitness guru’s, a nutritionist, some bloke called Pitbull, his dance team, and the warbling Houstonite even sang a song about it.

Nobody likes to be dehydrated as it can lead to headaches, fatigue, crankiness, brain fog, muscle cramps, dry skin… the list goes on. Athough it’s relatively simple to address, 75% of us are dehydrated all the time. This is where HALO comes in.

There is a decent blog on their website about dehydration – I really liked the blogs on their website.

Formulated by the brightest minds in science, medicine, sports and nutrition, HALO’s proprietary blend of electrolytes, vitamins and essential trace minerals helps defeat dehydration by rapidly replenishing what you have lost through a gruelling workout, a long flight or just the daily grind.

HALO’s tag line is “To feel good, always. To feel great, more often.”  Baby they’ve got your HALO.

The concept of HALO on the Go is you can pop these hydration sticks in your bag or pocket to hydrate your busy lifestyle, (other lifestyles are available). There are twelve (12) sticks in a box.

Each hydration stick has:

• Only 1g sugar per stick – 90% less than the market leader.
• 10x more vitamin C than the market leader to boost immunity.
• Proprietary blend of natural electrolytes & ionic trace minerals from the Great Salt Lake of Utah.
• Refreshingly complete hydration, with only 15 calories.

What do I think?

Firstly, this is not solely an endurance event product, more of a lifestyle product that fits snuggly into endurance events and if you are a runner who isn’t focusing on hydration then you’re missing a trick.

Usage

Situations I used HALO Sport

• General hydration,
• Pre run hydration,
• During long run Hydration,
• Post run Hydration.

General hydration; it makes drinking water more palatable so it must help right?

Pre-Run; I am a bit reticent to drink too much before a run, I have OCD about stopping for a wee (to stop the Garmin or not to stop the Garmin that is the question) and to be honest I do not like running with too much liquid sloshing around. I sipped a serving of HALO over the 30 minutes before a run and had no ill effects.  I have no idea if it improved my run, but it certainly did not hinder it.

During; I took one sachet in 500mil of water for an attempt on the West Mendip way FKT, 30 miles with approx. 5000ft of vert. Not once did I feel thirsty, neither did I encounter stomach issues and to be honest I felt fantastic and ran far better than I had hoped.  For those of you on the edge of your seat wondering how it went, 3hrs 39mins (sorry John Kelly). [Editor’s note: yes Stu beat John Kelly’s FKT on the Mendip Way!!]

Post run; After most hard runs I struggle to drink enough as I find I get a pretty bad stomach ache and often bloating. I didn’t get that with HALO; in fact it seemed to encourage me to drink more. 

No matter which circumstance from the above list I used them for, it tastes great. Neither are carbonated, so no popping of the soft flasks to worry about.

Pink Lemonade: 9/10 loved this flavour, delicious, light and refreshing my kids also loved it.
Lemonade: 8/10, this flavour did not quite hit the highs of the pink version, more lemon squash than lemonade.

Value

£16.99 for 12 sticks, personally this is a bit rich for me to use daily (although they are slightly cheaper than the equivalent Nuun product).

The Competition.

I would have thought the biggest comparison to HALO Sport would be Nuun, specifically Nuun Instant which retails at $15.99 for a pack of 8 sachets and comes in at 25 calories per serving, rather than the 15 of HALO.  Both claim to have similar benefits, the obvious difference is that HALO is organic and has a bigger focus on trace minerals.

Conclusion

As a day-to-day product to drink then I can’t fault it, the 2 flavours taste great and dissolve quickly and, in my experience, create zero stomach issues.

Although I wouldn’t use them daily, I would certainly have a box to hand so I can use them after a heavy drinking session, a quick pick me up, and I would certainly continue to use as a post hard run rehydration plan.

I do think if HALO Sport want to be more involved in endurance events they may need to develop a couple of different products, especially if they expect people to use it during exercise. Us ultra runners want and need calories; I also think a energy boost/caffeine version would be a good idea.

In summary, they taste great, they encourage you to drink more and clearly have some very good ingredients, give it a go and you might find they’ve got your HALO.

HALO Sport Website

Sorry I couldn’t resist one last Beyonce reference.

About the author: Stuart Leaney is the current course record holder at Centurion Wendover Woods 50 and 100 mile races and a regular winner at Centurion Running events.

Have you tried HALO Sport? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.

We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown

The post HALO Sport appeared first on Run Ultra.

By Stuart Leaney

Developed for Andy Murrey, world class tennis player.

Reviewed by Stuart Leaney, world class fruit and nut eater.

Also; keen runner, 2.27 marathoner, sub 3 hr 50k, and king of Wendover.

Who are TRR?

“TRR is a team of health experts and world-class athletes. We formulate supplements which are specifically designed for athletes who are serious about sport. We develop supplements that elite athletes not only approve of but ones that they have actively helped to design.”

Check out the key people here

The products.

TRR’s range of supplements are made from high quality ingredients for athletes and sports enthusiasts looking to train harder and perform better. Scientifically formulated with high quality ingredients the PRO range is Informed Sports certified, every batch is tested for banned substances. I was sent two products;

PRO ADVANCED COLLAGEN 50ml Daily Liquid Supplement, Cherry flavoured

Liquid supplements have been shown to be more effective than pills or powders as a delivery mechanism. One 50ml bottle of PRO Advanced Collagen contains the same amount of active ingredients than 10 to 15 pills in a more easily digestible format.

Features

• 50ml Daily Liquid Supplement
• 10,000mg Marine Collagen per Serving
• Helps to Maintain Normal Bones & Joints*
• Contains 7 High-Quality Ingredients
• Developed with Athletes & Medical Experts
• Certified by Informed-Sport

In order to best support an athlete’s joints and bones, the high strength liquid collagen drink was developed by leading sports doctor Eva Carneiro and world-class sports nutritionists. It is formulated to maintain high-intensity training as well as aid recovery post-workout.

PRO ADVANCED COLLAGEN POWDER, mango and passionfruit flavoured

Developed in partnership with Andy Murray, Dr Eva Carneiro & elite sports nutritionist Glenn Kearney.

Features

• 10,000mg of marine collagen and key active ingredients.
• Designed for athletes by experts.
• Developed in partnership with Andy Murray, Dr Eva Carneiro & elite sports nutritionist Glenn Kearney.
• Scientifically formulated to help maintain the normal function of bones and joints*.
• Certified by Informed-Sport, tested for banned substances.

Taste Test

Having been on many a tacky lad’s holiday, I’m pretty familiar with necking awful tasting drinks, raw egg and whiskey a particular lowlight and I’ll be honest, a fishy cherry drink didn’t excite me.

I love cherries, I really dislike fish, and the taste (which grew on me) is a very sharp cherry taste followed by what reminded me of the time I ate one of my mum’s cod liver oil tablets (I was young and didn’t realise they shouldn’t be chewed).

The tropical flavour was a similar experience but the mango and passionfruit wasn’t as sharp. We’re not taking this supplement for the taste though so just get it down (you Zulu warrior). I’m surprised there’s not a beetroot flavour.

1 a day, easy, results in 30 days.

Now the hard bit, how do I conclude whether it works or not; what results am I looking for? Collagen has so many health benefits the most discussed are below.

• Helps with hair and nail growth
• Supports skin hydration and prevents wrinkles
• Promotes healthy bones and muscles
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Boosts metabolism and thyroid function
• Aids with weight management
• Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain

I’m going to focus on the stuff that matters to me and, I assume, the majority of people reading this; healthy bones and muscles and reducing inflammation whilst helping with joint pain.

The background

For the last 8 months I have been plagued with hamstring issues, both left and right legs.  I can trace it back to a rather stupid idea where I thought it possible to Climb Olympus Mons (virtually of course, I’m not going to break lockdown restrictions…)  From out of nowhere one of my hamstrings would turn into piano wire and I would be forced to walk home from my run.

I’ve seen physios, had my hips realigned, I’ve strengthened, stretched, things got really desperate and even the foam roller made an appearance. Nothing seemed to work and any run that wasn’t easy would create a reaction which was incredibly frustrating. Was my ever compassionate 13-year-old correct?  “Maybe you’re just too old dad”.

Does it work?

Since January I’ve had no hamstring issues; this has coincided with my daily dose of Pro advanced collagen. I’ve also trained better, felt fitter and recovered quicker.

Anyone who has trained for endurance events will understand the trepidation that comes with rolling out of bed and wondering what those first few steps will bring, what hurts most, which muscle is tightest, which knee will click first? Then come the stairs, thank the running gods for banisters!!! And it only gets worse, as we get older, we recover at a snail’s pace, or do we?

Since January the above travails have still been there but at a reduced level. As an example, I ran 15 miles at marathon effort. It’s a session that would normally bring a decent amount of soreness the following day. I wasn’t peak Michael Flatley but I could walk down the stairs unaided and had a rather enjoyable 9 mile run that wasn’t the usual post hard run slog.  Let’s recover like it’s 1999.

Training has become far more consistent, soreness decreased and with zero hamstring issues.  When the weather is really cold, I tend to get a bit of aching in my knees when I come inside after a run, this has stopped happening.

Of course, the sceptics amongst you will suggest coincidence and I will admit I’m no scientist and I certainly haven’t been monitoring whether my hair is growing at a faster rate or my nails stronger. In my experience pro advanced collagen has had a positive effect on my running, my training is the best it’s been since June 2020, I’ll certainly be subscribing to their monthly deal (30% off).  If you don’t want to take my word for it then they have a collection of 5-star reviews on their website.

The pro advance collagen liquid on a monthly subscription is £81.50.  If you feel the need to recover quicker (who doesn’t) or you regularly have aches and pains, then why not give it a go and judge for yourself.

About the author: Stuart Leaney is the current course record holder at Centurion Wendover Woods 50 and 100 mile races and a regular winner at Centurion Running events. 

Have you tried TRR Nutrition? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world. We are holding a prize draw for a free Camelbak Zephyr vest for anyone who leaves a kit or race review until 31st March 2021.

We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown

The post TRR Nutrition Pro Advanced Collagen appeared first on Run Ultra.

By Stuart Leaney.

My first (and only experience) of Kendal mint cake was my Dad giving it to me whilst on a family walking holiday in the Lake District. It was wet and I was a grumpy teenager and I’m not sure if he gave it to me as an energy boost or just to shut me up for the 30 seconds it takes teenagers to engulf their food.

27 years later I find myself in the fortunate position to review the Kendal Mint Company’s action pack.

History of Kendal mint cake

Invented ‘by accident’ in the 19th century, this super-sweet confection has become a favourite of walkers and explorers ever since. Made with sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil it’s been referred to as the worlds first energy bar. Kendal Mint Cake was taken on the trans-Antarctic expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton 1914-1917. It was also used by Sir Chris Bonington in 1975 to conquer Everest.

About the Kendal Mint Company

Kendal Mint Co. (KMC) is a new, dynamic business based in the heart of the Lake District.

“Through our passion we have breathed new life into one of the most iconic British products in recent memory, Kendal Mint Cake. 100 years of heritage meets cutting edge Sports Science. Together with an original manufacturer and an Informed Sport BRC AA manufacturing facility, our team of experts have created a great range of outstanding evolutionary products, derived from the original energy bar, for today’s sports nutrition market.

By 2021 we aim to have reduced our single-use packaging by 75%.“

What is in the action pack

• KMC NRG BAR Kendal Mint Cake Recharged 85g (x1)
• KMC NRG BAR Chocolate Coated Kendal Mint Cake Recharged 50g (x1)
• KMC NRG GEL Raspberry & Mint Flavour Energy Gel 70g (x1)
• KMC NRG GEL+ Mint Flavour Caffeine Energy Gel 70g (x1)
• KMC NRG GEL+ Citrus & Mint Flavour Caffeine Energy Gel 70g (x1)
• KMC NRG GEL Citrus & Mint Flavour Energy Gel 70g (x1)
• KMC NRG GEL Chocolate & Mint Flavour Energy Gel 70g (x1)
• KMC ISO MIX Citrus & Mint Isotonic Hydration & Energy Drink Mix 37g (x1)
• KMC PRO MIX Chocolate Mint Whey Protein Recovery Drink Mix 40g (x1)

If you’ve not been paying attention, the Kendal Mint Co. products contain mint. As a fan of mint (ideally smashed to an inch of its life and mixed with rum) I was excited to try the 9 different products.

Why Mint?

Mint is scientifically proven to help promote digestion; it’s pretty good at clearing your airways AND it’s even been proven to increase pain threshold.

As a keen long distance runner, nutrition is a vital part of my training and racing. During races I’ve always tried to fuel using a mixture of sports products and everyday food. There is little (zero) science to my nutrition but the one rule I do follow is if you need to train your gut to use it, then use something else.  

When reviewing the action pack I wanted to ensure I was doing so in conditions that get close to replicating a hard training run or race – taking a gel on a 5 mile slow jog isn’t really a fair test and would be of little use to the readers.

Gels

All KMC gels are gluten free and Vegan. They have Maltodextrin & Fructose in a ratio of 2:1 and what I would describe as the larger size. Coming in at 70g, they are twice the volume of some other gels. I found this made them a bit thinner and more palatable and less sticky in my mouth – the thicker gels seem to coat my mouth a bit too much. I have often found with gels that the instant sugar hit is followed by an energy dip, but I didn’t find that with KMC gels.

When did I use the products?

KMC PRO MIX Chocolate Mint Whey Protein Recovery Drink Mix

When training for an ultra there’s a session I do called the double double. 3.5 miles in the morning, 17.5 miles in the evening then an early start with a further 17.5 miles then 3.5 miles in the evening [Editor’s note: Ah, this is why he wins races!!].

With 11 hours between the 2 long runs, recovery is vitally important, as is fuelling for the morning long run. The flavour of the drink was delicious and, unlike most recovery drinks, it did not feel too thick or “heavy” and did not fill me up and stop me from eating my dinner. 

Ultimately, did it work? Honestly, I don’t know. I think there are so many factors that go into decent recovery that identifying one aspect making the difference is difficult. What I will say is that my legs felt less sore than they normally would and my energy levels seemed fine.

KMC NRG GEL+ Mint Flavour Caffeine Energy Gel 70g

I took this on the second part of the back to back long run. It was early morning and a nice fresh mint gel was exactly what my tastebuds wanted. The added bonus is that it didn’t feel like I was eating toothpaste. I didn’t have any breakfast before this run, so the gel was going into an empty stomach and, like all their gels, I had no stomach discomfort.

KMC NRG BAR Kendal Mint Cake Recharged

The product that’s probably closest to the roots of Kendal mint cake is minty and refreshing with a unique consistency that’s difficult to explain – a touch powdery without being dry, I didn’t feel the need to drink lots of liquid to wash it down. I ate this during a hard 11 mile progressive run. I wouldn’t normally eat a bar during higher intensity workouts but I thought I would give it a go. I ate it at mile 4 and had zero digestive issues and I was able to continue my run and performed how I wanted to.

KMC NRG BAR Chocolate Coated Kendal Mint Cake Recharged

As above but with a rather nice chocolate covering, this time I used it in conjunction with a couple of gels on a longer, slower run. This was my favourite flavour and, much like the mint cake bar, provided zero digestive issues.

KMC NRG GEL Raspberry & Mint Flavour Energy Gel

A refreshing and light gel predominantly tasting of raspberries, but with that now familiar mint flavour. Slightly sweet, I’m pretty sure I could have 5 of these in a single run and not get fed up of the flavour. Personally, I would use these earlier in ultras before the inevitable need to consume caffeine.

KMC NRG GEL+ Citrus & Mint Flavour Caffeine Energy Gel 70g
KMC NRG GEL Citrus & Mint Flavour Energy Gel 70g

Flavour wise, these were my least favourite. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had worse gels (I’m looking at you, Cherry Bakewell), but the mint and citrus seemed just a little too much for my palate. However, they performed like all of KMC’s gels. I took both these gels during a hard hilly trail run, intentionally running hard on the downhills, and took them within 10 minutes of each other to see if I could force a stomach issue. Whether it’s the mint or the thinner consistency (most likely both), I had no issues.

KMC NRG GEL Chocolate & Mint Flavour Energy Gel 70g

Back on the chocolate and mint flavour, and it’s just as nice as the whey recovery and the recharge bar. I took this gel in conjunction with the KMC ISO MIX Citrus & Mint Isotonic Hydration & Energy Drink Mix 37g. 

The sweetness of the chocolate combined well with the sharpness of the citrus flavour. I can see myself using these 2 in long ultras where my taste buds change throughout the race. I wanted to test these products on a longer hilly trail which includes a faster finish – a progressive 15 miler. I had zero stomach issues and I was rather pleased with my consistent energy levels throughout the run, with the last 5 miles being especially encouraging.

There are so many gel flavours and brands to choose from and before trying these products I thought I had found my brand of choice. However, I now feel as though KMC’s products will be a regular in my sports nutrition.

Pros of The Kendal Mint Co. Products

• Easy to digest, I really can’t express this enough.
• No energy spike or subsequent dip.
• The gels aren’t too sticky.
• A thinner recovery drink which doesn’t fill you up.

Cons of The Kendal Mint Co. Products

• It’s mint, if you don’t like mint you may not like these products.
• The bars have a unique texture, this may not be for everyone.
• There’s no moijto flavour.

All images courtesy of The Kendal Mint Co.

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By Luke Jarmey

Conceived, born and bred in perhaps the capital of all things mountain, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Hard Bar is a relatively new nutrition brand that is gaining some delicious momentum amongst the endurance and mountain communities.

Promising all natural, organic, vegan ingredients with no added sugar; I was intrigued to find out if this array of labels allured to a bar bursting to the brim with quality slow release energy or was simply a fancy sounding but ultimately unpalatable product.

Ingredients and Nutrition

2 of the 4 available flavours

Swedish Apple Pie

Orange & Cocoa

Pros: What’s good about Hard Bar?

Well in all honesty, I’ve always been a firm follower of the peanut butter and jam sandwich cult with the occasional naughty Snickers bar thrown into the mix. Having tried a fair few energy bars over the years, I generally found them over sweetened and not really offering me anything substantial to justify the rather hefty cost outlay over the aforementioned snacks.

Hard Bars have honestly changed my perspective on that. What really struck me was the slow release energy effect, which probably has a lot to do with the lack of added sugar and the robust list of all natural ingredients with no hide nor hair of anything remotely artificial. This was immediately noticeable in comparison to the ol’ Snickers bar and other more sugar-laden energy bars. Yes I didn’t feel that energy boost come on quite as strong, but there was no sugar spike and resulting bonk afterwards.

I was initially slightly skeptical of the amount of dates used and their effect on the pesky digestive system. But I’ve had absolutely no issues with that, even chomping down 3 bars throughout a more sustained session. On the other hand, I can’t stand the majority of sugary gels out there and my stomach certainly isn’t the biggest fan either.

Flavour will always be that highly subjective little number. Personally I really like the Swedish apple pie and gingerbread flavours and didn’t mind the orange & coco one. I’ve smashed my way through a hearty pile and I’m still not bored of them.

Coming in at £16 for a box of 10, they’re middle of the ground price wise at £1.60 for a 50g bar. Which, depending on the flavour, contains between 170 and 225 calories. I think this represents good value for money, especially when you consider the quality of the ingredients in relation to its closely priced competitors.

Though it won’t make a blind bit of difference to some, for others the organic and vegan qualities will be a major selling point. Personally I think it’s a really nice bonus.

Cons: What’s not so good about Hard Bar?

From my perspective, really not much. I wasn’t a huge fan of the coffee flavoured bar, but that’s a subjective point and I do know people who like it.

Currently there are only 4 flavours and it would be nice to see a few more. I’ve heard some rumours that this is in the works.

Conclusion

Hard Bars have genuinely converted me into a regular energy bar user. I’ve tried a whole range of other options on the market and so far, these are the only nutritious morsels that have consistently tempted me away from the trusty peanut butter laden and honey sweetened sarnie.

There’s flavours I find delicious and combined with high quality all natural ingredients and a lack of added sugar is an absolute winner in my books.

All photos, except where stated, are courtesy of Hard Bar.

Others you may want to consider:

Clif Bar box of 12 – £20.00
Veloforte pack of 9 – £19.99
TRIBE Infinity Energy pack of 18 – £28.00

About the author: Luke Jarmey – RunUltra Community Manager and Outdoor Sports Photographer & Filmer.

See more of his images here

The post Hard Bar Review appeared first on Run Ultra.

By James Eacott

Veloforte is a young sports’ nutrition company founded in 2016. Their name likely gives it away, but their original mission was to provide cyclists with the best natural energy bars on the market.

I was keen to try Veloforte because there’s clearly a close crossover between the demands on cyclists and ultra runners, and certainly the energy requirements for both sports are similar.

Both undertake long endurance training sessions and races where providing the body with a constant, stable energy source is what’ll get us from A to B in the shortest possible time.

Both cyclists and runners are also conscious of what they put into their bodies and increasing numbers of us are shunning the sugar-laden, highly processed “nutrition” which has dominated the sports’ nutrition market for decades.

I was sent a range of their bars as well as a bag of bites, so I was ready to tuck in. As the race season draws to a close, I’m not doing any super long runs but used these bars through the final weeks of training and during a local 50km trail race.

Overview

The recipe for each bar is based on an old Italian formula which used a combination of chopped fruits, nuts and spices which, once they’re mixed, squashed and packed tightly together create an energy packed bar loaded with nutrients.

When I received the bars, I immediately noticed the packaging. To many, this is irrelevant – “It’s what’s on the inside that matters”. For me, I believe the care and attention made to first impressions say a lot about the product itself.

So, I was pleased to see Veloforte have recently updated their packaging to make them look really slick. Though it’s quite a thick, heavy plastic wrapper which I’m not entirely sure it totally necessary.

The bars come in a range of flavours with similar consistency across the board. Each weighs in at 70g, so they’re not as light as your run-of-the-mill gel, but they contain considerably more calories and macro- and micro-nutrients, so you’d need a lot fewer for each run.

The range

The six bars vary minimally when it comes to macronutrient content but vary greatly on flavour. Across the board, you can expect a combination of fruits, spices and nuts to provide a natural, dense bar.

Di Bosco – Red berries, almonds and pistachios
With 47g carbs, Di Bosco punches a big energy hit. It ticks the perfect balance in flavour and isn’t too sweet. No surprise it won the Great Taste Award 2018.

Ciocco – Dates, almonds and cocoa
This tastes more like an indulgent treat than an all-natural energy bar. Packing 45g carbs, this tasty fellow was a joy to take on a long run. Squishy, tasty and a whacking a great source of energy.

Classico – citrus fruits, almonds and honey
I love the crunch of the almonds in the classico. They’re lighter in carbs (36g) than the other bars but were probably the easiest to consume and provide a lovely sweet hit, much like a Christmas cake.

Forza – Apricot, almond and fennel
The only bar to include egg (just the egg whites, which give the bar its 12g protein), this is a super choice for ultra running where studies have shown that consuming small amounts of protein mid-run can reduce muscle breakdown.

Pronto – Figs, pistachios and matcha tea
You’ll certainly be running pronto with this caffeine-infused bar. With 80g caffeine (equivalent to about one shot from your preferred coffee retailer), you’ll enjoy a little pick-me-up on your long run. The flavour is a lovely balance of sweet and savoury.

Avanti – Dates, pecans and sea salt
Wonderfully sweet and salty, the Avanti bar was my favourite, particularly during a hot 20km where the natural craving for salt was high. With 46g carbs and 0.4g salt, this is a great option for harder, hotter sessions (like treadmill runs over winter).

All of the bars:

• Contain nuts
• Are either vegetarian or vegan
• Contain no gluten
• Are dairy-free
• Are all-natural
• Are handmade and will last for nine months after purchase.

They also all come with an edible wafer paper which is a genius idea. This stops the bar sticking to the inside of the packet, allowing you to open and consume one-handed.

Along with the bars, Veloforte sent through a bag of bites. This handy little pack contains three full bars (Classico, Di Bosco and Ciocco) chopped into bite-size chunks. This pack costs you no more than if you bought 3 bars separately.

Saves on packaging too. Win win.

There’s also the option to purchase mixed packs and gift cards which make a great Christmas present.

Summary

When it comes to flavour, of course it’s totally subjective, but I hand-on-heart enjoyed them all – there’s nothing offensive or overpowering about any of them.

I can see why some might struggle with the texture. It’s not a light, easy bar to wolf down. But it’d be impossible to produce a nutrient-dense, calorie-dense bar in a small package without making it quite solid.

They take a little jaw-work, but I for one love that. For those of you ripping through rapid 50km races on nothing but an energy drink and a gel or two, these won’t be for you!

They are all very easy on the tummy. I had no problems running and eating simultaneously.

When it comes to cost, if you try to compare these bars to gels they’ll seem expensive. But you mustn’t make this comparison, they’re on a totally different level.

Even disregarding the benefit of natural ingredients, you’d need to consume about three gels for every one bar in terms of carbs and calories.

In terms of cost, £6.99 will get you a pack of 3 bars (£2.33 per bar), but I’d encourage you to dive right in an get a pack of 24 for £49.99 which works out at a smidge over £2 per bar. Plus, delivery is free (within the UK).

So, they’re not ‘cheap’, but are they value for money? 100%.

I’m a fan, as you can probably tell. Natural, nutrient dense and flavoursome. What more do you want?!

 www.veloforte.cc

All images James Eacott.

Have you tried the Veloforte bars range? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

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By James Eacott

Steve Diederich reviewed Purition shakes a couple of years ago, but the company is growing fast and we were keen to see how the products have developed.

Purition makes a firm stance in the supplement market by using only natural ingredients – be it nuts, seeds, whey protein and so on – to create its balanced protein shakes.

I was pleased to receive a box of flavours including some from their vegan and dairy free range. Let’s be honest, first impressions matter. Purition have nailed their packaging and branding.

It’s easy to get on board with the product from the off with its classy design and clearly sustainable ethos. The company itself is big on social responsibility (more here if you’re into that kind of thing).

How refreshing it is to be able to read all the ingredients on an ingredient list!

As you can see, it’s all natural in this little pack. For those who are wary of sweeteners, Stevia is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant.

I won’t go into all the different flavours because that’s a personal choice, but I tried vanilla, strawberry, cocoa, hemp chocolate, raw vegan hemp, blueberry, dairy free blackcurrant and they were all a breath of fresh air.

I’ve tried lots of protein shakes over the years and for many it’s been a case of ‘hold your nose and swallow fast’ just to get the stuff in. Ok, they’re not all that bad, but I’ve genuinely never come across one which tastes as natural and synthetic-free as Purition.

They really are tasty, and I defy anyone to have an issue with them. Drinking one feels like you’re doing your body a favour.

When it comes to nutritionals, these are roughly the same for each flavour. In each 40g pack you will get about 16g protein, 12-14g fat and less than 5g carbs. This is a good balance of macronutrients for much of the time, but if you’re preparing for a long or intense run (or perhaps looking for a recovery shake post-intense session) then I’d encourage you to increase the carb content.

I just added a handful of rolled oats to a couple of shakes and that did the trick.

Although a blender is probably the best option for mixing, I don’t have one, but my protein shaker worked just fine. I like the fact that, if left for a minute or two after mixing, some ingredients float to the top.

A bit like a ‘proper’ jar of peanut butter, to me that shows how natural it is. If you can blend (dissolve, even!) all the contents, there’s not a lot of whole natural goodness in there.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see I’m a big fan of Purition. It does what it sets out to do and delivers a healthy, tasty, nutritionally-dense protein shake. For an on-the-go breakfast or tasty mid-afternoon snack, this is a total winner.

You don’t necessarily want a big hit of carbs, but some good fats and protein are perfect for keeping your energy levels consistent throughout the day. As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to increase the carb content if you’re recovering from a big session.

You can buy Purition online direct from them in either 500g bags (10-12 servings) for £22.95 or 40g individual sachets for £1.99. If you purchase individual sachets, you can mix and match a range of flavours – a great way to discover your favourite before ordering a 500g bag.

There are cheaper options out there, but I think the price is very fair for a premium product.

All images James Eacott.

Have you tried the Purition shakes? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.

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