Gnarly Hydrate Electrolyte Powder

Recently we have been in search of a replacement for our long-time go-to energy drink mix which was discontinued at the end of last year. It did take us quite a while to find one that came close to our long-time favorite drink mix.

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Aside from the requisite inclusion of key electrolytes in its ingredients, we had a few other ingredients on our wish list for the product that we were seeking. This list included B vitamins such as B3, B6, and B12, a lower sodium content, and, if possible, no caffeine... or at the very least, an extremely low caffeine content. We didn't really know if we would be able to find a product that met our list of requirements, but we were certainly going to make a strong effort to find one. While we held out hope in finding our replacement hydration mix, we were thinking that we might ultimately have to make some sort of compromise on one or more of the ingredients on our wish list.

Lucky for us, we stumbled across an electrolyte product that met all of our requirements. We couldn't believe it. We actually happened across this product at a local Fleet Feet shoe store. Sort of makes sense... runners have a similar need for hydration. Too bad we didn't think of this sooner.

Gnarly Sports Nutrition - Gnarly Hydrate Electrolyte Powder - Exercise Hydration

Here is what the Gnarly website has to say about Gnarly Hydrate Electrolyte Powder:

• Formulated to optimally replace the fluid and electrolytes you lose when you sweat.

• Packed with B vitamins and trace minerals to support energy metabolism and performance.

• Just enough sugar to hydrate you effectively without causing gut rot.

• Safe for athletes of all ages.

• All Hydrate flavors are NSF Content Certified and Orange Pineapple is also NSF for Sport Certified.

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What we like about Gnarly

We like that this energy drink mix does contain B vitamins. We are quite excited about it actually. We have always felt that the added B vitamins do help sustain our energy levels for longer periods of time. And the science does seem to support our experience. Per a 2023 NIH study on performance improvement, the addition of B vitamins does show the potential for improving energy metabolism and exercise performance. So we feel good about continuing to have these B vitamins in our energy mix.

Compared to other electrolyte drink mixes, Gnarly also contains a lower sodium content than most of its competitors. And no caffeine also makes this perfect for use during even a non-ride day. And with just 4g added sugars, this mix also provides a great flavor to help make it far better tasting than such other electrolyte options as Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets. Yet still not so much sugar that you bust your caloric intake or that your gut will gurgle from too much sweetness. Keeping your gut happy is absolutely critical for when we do long rides, or even multi-day rides. It is probably the main reason that we do tend to slightly modify the mixing instructions. Though Gnarly recommends 1 scoop of hydration powder per each 12-16oz of water, we found that for us 1 scoop in our 24oz water bottle is perfect... not too sweet, and not too much for our stomachs.

What does Gnarly contain

As advertised, this product uses non-GMO ingredients, no hormones, and lower sugar.

Per its packaging, Gnarly offers up key electrolytes including Calcium (100mg), Chloride (135mg), Sodium (250mg), Potassium (100mg), and Magnesium (80mg). And as we discussed, Gnarly contains added B vitamins such as B6, B12, and Niacin (aka: B3), all of which are commonly known as being helpful in digestion and absorption of other nutrients.

In one serving, you get the following ingredients:

Gnarly Sports Hydrate - Nutrition Label

What flavors options do you have

Gnarly offers 3 flavors :

• Orange Pineapple

• Ruby Red Grapefruit

• Raspberry (our favorite)

Gnarly does pride itself on being conscious about its ingredients, but it is also does seem to be conscious about its impact on the planet. Gnarly is currently moving away from use of plastic scoop in favor of 40 single-serving paper packets. These packets contain the same 1 scoop amount that is not only the perfect size/amount for your standard water bottle, but also perfect size for storing in your saddle bag, or even your jersey's back pocket.

We are fans of Gnarly Hydrate

Overall, we are big fans of Gnarly Hydration. With three simple, yet tasty flavors, we really are pleased with its effectiveness on both long rides, and even as a daily drink mix. If you are looking for a no caffeine option, a lower sodium option, and an electrolyte mix that tastes sweet but still maintains a low sugar content, then you won't be disappointed in this product. And did we mention the added B vitamins? This is a great addition to help your metabolism in converting your carb and protein intake into the energy you need to perform.

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