The Best Fuel of 2019
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Six ways to get your caffeine fix, plus one for the decaf crowd
Gu Energy Campfire S’mores Stroopwafel ($2)
Vanilla waffles with chocolate syrup sandwiched in the middle is a recipe for heaven in our book. With 150 calories, 75 milligrams of sodium, and 450 milligrams of amino acids for muscle repair, this adventure cookie is a delicious way to recover.
Tailwind Nutrition Caffeinated Green Tea Buzz Drink Mix ($3)
There are a host of good reasons why Tailwind is popular with ultrarunners. The mix was formulated to tick the hydration, calorie, and electrolyte boxes, in a balanced cocktail that’s not too sweet and won’t make your stomach turn over after your fourth packet.
UnTapped Pure Maple Syrup Coffee Gel ($2)
Made from organic maple syrup, organic coffee, and nothing else, this gel is chock-full of recovery-promoting aminos, as well as electrolytes to help prevent dehydration and stave off cramping. The 27 milligrams of caffeine was enough to snap us out of an early-afternoon slump. Add it to your morning coffee for an extra bump.
Picky Bars Smooth Caffeinator Hazelnut Mocha Madness Bar ($3)
As the name suggests, eating this bar is like chugging a cup of hazelnut mocha. It has a nutty, chocolatey flavor and 25 milligrams of caffeine. Unlike a cup of joe, the four-to-one ratio of protein to carbs balances energy and recovery.
Probar Bolt Berry Blast Organic Chews ($3)
Intense fruity flavors give these energy chews a taste much like candy. Twenty milligrams of caffeine from yerba maté, which has the same amount found in green tea, make them a must-have for long days on the skin track.
Honey Stinger Organic Chocolate Gel ($2)
The classic chocolate gel gets an upgrade with 32 milligrams of caffeine to motivate you for the summit push. Sweetened with honey, it will also help keep you hydrated and cramp-free, courtesy of added electrolytes.
Skratch Labs Matcha Green Tea and Lemon Sport Chews ($3)
If you tend to avoid energy chews because they’re too sweet, or they too closely resemble Grandma’s sticky gumdrops, these ones from Skratch Labs may win you over. They’re bite-size, the texture is soft, and, flavored with matcha, they’re not cloying.