Huma Chia Energy Gel, Strawberries, 12 Gels | Real Food, Stomach Friendly Energy Gels

The Strawberry flavor of Huma Chia Energy Gels has become a staple in my workout routine. In 2016, I started training for my first half-marathon and at the time had been researching how to properly fuel for a race. On the internet, I found a variety of articles that outlined the benefits of carb-loading the night or two before a long-distance race in order to prevent hitting a wall. I also found articles offering advice on foods that I should avoid eating. I was reading a blog article from a plant-based runner and noticed that she had been incorporating Huma Chia Energy Gels into her running routine. I started researching the company and loved the fact that they were 100% natural and vegan friendly! For the strawberry flavor, the ingredients include, strawberry puree, evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, filtered water, milled chia seeds, strawberry concentrate, sea salt and citric acid. The fact that the ingredient label wasn't laden with chemicals, was one of the reasons why I decided to try the product. I really enjoy the strawberry taste and it's not too sweet so I decided test out this fuel on my Saturday morning training runs before making it a part of my half-marathon race strategy. It's a great product, and the gels stayed fresh in the packaging while I was in training season. Normal glycogen levels stored in the body are insufficient for fueling a half marathon. This is especially true if, like myself, it takes you more than 90 minutes to complete a half marathon. Therefore, you should plan to consume carbs at least once during the half marathon and twice if you anticipate finishing the half marathon after 2 hours. The company recommends that consumers eat one packet 15 minutes prior to exercise and then one packet, every 30-45 minutes which I find to be a bit excessive but it all depends on what works for your body. If you’re consuming Huma Chia Energy Gel, I suggest doing this between miles 6-8, aiming to fuel halfway through the half-marathon. If your stomach can’t handle too many carbs at one time, slowly consume your fuel of choice over the course of those three miles. The Amazon Customer, Lentil1, gave the product 1 star ranking and in the review mentioned that with having a very sensitive stomach, both the GU and Huma Chia Energy Gels have caused stomach pain after the race. The user consumed 5 gels during the race which in my honest opinion appears to be too much. If the user had tested out the product before race day, there's a good chance they would've figured out just the right number of gels that they need to consume in order to have a successful race day. Some organized race coordinators will provide energy gels at the water stations along with Gatorade. Another comparable brand name, GU Energy Gels, is one of the more popular brands that I find is offered to runners. I've tried the GU Chocolate Outrage flavor, which tastes very similar to a brownie but was a bit too sweet for me to consume during a long race. I would only recommend consuming the gels offered during the race if you have already tried the brand before. Otherwise, I would suggest that you prepare the night before and make sure to bring some fuel with you. The bottom line is to develop a hydration and fueling plan that will allow you to run a strong race and will help you maintain your energy levels!

These are truly great for long endurance cardio workouts. Im type 1 diabetic and these work great to sustain blood sugar for my prolonged workouts so my sugar doesn't drop. Flavor is good too.

Best energy gels for runners. No corn syrup or starch, easy to eat (even without water), no stomach issues and taste good (not like a bunch of chemicals).

Great gels

I run ultra races (50K, 12 hour etc...) and marathons. For years PowerBar gels were all I used for training and race day. However, I was also a big fan of chia seeds for other purposes--sprinkled on pizza, added to scrambled eggs, chia fresca. So, when I cam across the Huma Chia gels, I was willing to give them a try. In short, they are great. They give a great kick of energy. They are less gloppy than other gels, especially some of the most popular ones you find in sporting goods stores. I've tried several of the flavors and can give thumbs up to lemonade and any of the berry-based options. I'm not a fan of the chocolate versions, but that's just a personal preference.

Perfect taste, texture, and consistency! My go to running gels. No other brand tastes as good. Basically like strawberry jam!

I've been training the entire 2023 for a half marathon & have tried many energy gels, but this tastes & smells great! I've tried all flavors and just can't complain about any. If you're new to this try the variety pack. I also tried their hydration mix & recovery packs, which are fantastic. I always use gels, hydration mix & recovery packs for before, during and after my runs, even short runs like a 5K. In the past, other gels would make me feel sick instantly or I'd vomit but this doesn't upset my stomach at all. This prevents bonking and I'm always ready for my next day of training with Huma. I'm training for a marathon, and this is definitely my go-to for 2024.

Box came all crumpled (see photo) decided to try it anyways… not good. It was very hard to swallow. Did not like the texture, nor the taste. I went back to my gummies.