Neversecond C30 Energy Gel Trial Pack Review

I was sent a packet of the Neversecond C30 Energy Gels (gratis), and I had several weeks to try them out. I'm mid-marathon training, so I used these particularly during my long runs of 10 to 22 miles. The first thing I noticed is the packaging. (I mean, come on. They do look pretty cool.) I love the fact that you're not ripping through a wide mouth because I tend to use gels while running rather than stopping to gulp them down. The way the top of the pack is arched and the small amount of connection with the top (as you can see in the pic) means they're easy to open without looking, and the gel doesn't squish out of the top. I tend to have a thing about getting sticky stuff on my hands (I have a lot of trouble dealing after grabbing an orange slice during a race and getting the juice on my hands. I blame my ADHD-texture thing.) That said, I do wish someone would come out with a resealable gel. I don't always like to use the entire thing at once. 

In the past with gels, I have definitely had stomach issues, which has led me to using the more liquid-y ones. They don't seem to take as much effort to digest. The C30 were a bit thicker than the SIS ones I'm used to, but nothing like the more syrup-like gels I've used in the past. I didn't have a bit of tummy rumbling, and I have to tell you, that's a big deal for me. These gels have a formulation (2:1 ration of maltodextrin to fructose) that allows quick absorption to prevent the grumbles, and they really didn't bother me at all. Even during my 22-mile run, I didn't get nauseated. I tend to have a pretty sensitive stomach (enhanced by stress), and I've been mostly relying on salt pills lately to prevent that. I was actually a little worried, so I ran very close to home, just in case. I shouldn't have worried. If you're a person with a sensitive gut, these may very well work for you. 

I also tried these at different times in my long runs. I ate one before my 16-miler and found that I didn't need a second one, though I didn't start with one before 22 miles. In that case, I waited until my energy was flagging, just to see how it worked. It took about 10 minutes before I noticed that my achy legs were less achy. The caffeinated ones gave me a quick boost, and though I'd had coffee before each run, I didn't feel like I was vibrating. (Other caffeinated gels were just too much.) 

Flavor-wise, I have to say that the Orange was my favorite. I'm a sucker for anything with a citrus flavor, but the Orange reminded me of orange Tic Tacs, which I have a small obsession with. I liked the Citrus and Berry flavors as well, and I swear to you, the Fruit Punch made me think of Hi-C from when I was a kid in the best way. In fact, the flavors are great overall. I normally don't love Passion Fruit, but this one was pretty good. (I'd skip it in future, but that's just my own flavor preference.) Of the caffeinated flavors, Cola was a hit with me. I normally don't like anything coffee-flavored besides actual coffee, but even the Espresso was super good. 

I think your enjoyment of them is going to depend on your texture tolerance. If you like the really loose and liquid-y gels like SIS, the Neversecond C30 may be a bit thick for you. However, if you can't really do things like the original Gu gels because they're too much like syrup (I've heard that people put them on pancakes before a big run, but the thought makes me shudder a bit), these may be more your speed. I'd say the viscosity is sort of like Jello about 30 minutes before it's ready if that makes sense. 

I would absolutely purchase these in the future. Though I use gels sparingly, they make a marked difference in my performance, and with two marathons coming up in the next month and a 24K overseas shortly after, I'll be grabbing a bunch.