Tailwind NutritionEndurance Fuel, Caffeine Drink Powder Mix Single Serving with Electrolytes, Non-GMO, Free of Soy, Dairy, and Gluten, Vegan-Friendly, Raspberry Buzz, Pack of 12

I've become a big fan of Tailwind, like many endurance athletes. The various flavors are "barely there", never overpowering or strong enough to be sickeningly sweet during runs or leave an aftertaste. The mixes come in caffeinated and non-caffeinated formulations, and a "naked" mix is available with no flavoring. I like to have both caffeinated and non-caffeinated mixes in my drop/transition bag. The beauty of these products is that they provide both a complete panel of electrolytes and 200 calories of carbohydrates per package, in theory obviating the need for gels and reducing the need to refuel using solid foods on the event course, depending on duration and demands of the event. No protein. The packaging is very functional and clever--a pre-cut opening provides a small spout and a line in the middle of the package shows where to divide the contents to use half the mix at a time or in separate smaller flasks. You can customize the mix in dilution to personal need/taste. The recommended mix is 1 package in 24 oz. of water. Taking slugs every 15-minutes is convenient, makes for consistent hydration, and avoids the high/low effects of downing gels every 45 minutes. I use gels and always feel like I can blast off shortly after downing one before returning to baseline or even crashing a little half an hour later. I stay very even using Tailwind. I run with a couple of these in my 1.5L hydration pack on my back, and another split between two 12 oz. flasks in my vest. Depending, I may carry another 16-24 oz. flask in hand. That makes me good to go for marathon distance self-supported runs, in temperate weather. These are easy to throw in your vest so when you hit a water source or aid station at an event, you can just reload your flasks/hydration pack with water and toss these in. I've read some reviews stating the mix tastes salty--true for me when in stronger dilution than recommended, not true for me in recommended and weaker dilution. It's electrolyte, folks. I personally do not find it to be more salty than any other electrolyte drink in the recommended solution, and don't find it makes me "more thirsty". I'm drinking on a timed schedule combined with responding to any sensation of thirst, in any event. You can adjust the solution to reduce the salty taste. When running a supported event, you'll find they often mix Tailwind in more dilute solution which isn't a serious problem since you can reload at each station and drink more fluid. I personally prefer it in full strength. Again, you can bump that up or reduce it--the product gives you max flexibility. I find this works extremely well to drink as I go without stopping or slowing from my bite valve, and is very efficient to use with water provided at aid stations--refill the hydration pack, dump two (or however many) packages in and shake to mix, and take off. Same same for flasks. I view it to be a good substitute for gels--it is not a substitute for fueling. You'll still need to down some real calories depending on duration of your event. It's also not a substitute for FLUIDS--you must determine your fluid intake requirements to stay hydrated and factor in weather. UCAN Super Starch? I have found no specific guidance other than UCAN's statement to NOT use it in combination with other carb/energy drinks.

Taste was great - not too sweet, but also not bland. Used this as my primary nutrition for a century and I never bonked out. Mixed easily with the water provided. No cramps either. Quality is top notch and I will definitely use this again as part of my nutrition plan.

I’ve competed in races of all sizes and distances. These individual packets make it simple to throw in a drop bag for races. Tailwind as a whole is a great resource for race nutrition and is easy on the stomach. 200 calories per bag is enough for an hour of working out. Not over potent with flavor either.

It's not my first time using Tailwind, this is now my go-to powder for my running and triathlon races. Last month I finished an 11-hour 50-mile trail race in 70-degree warm weather, many other runners seemed to be suffering from dehydration and sugar deprivation, but not me thanks to constantly replenishing my bottle with a powder bag and water at the aid stations every 3.5-5 miles. I alternated this endurance powder with the Tailwind Recovery powder, as the seller had recommended, to get some protein (I like to have protein for ultra trail runs, which tend to be hilly, and for long triathlons). I never had any gut problems, as usual with Tailwind, despite consuming 11 pouches. Also felt energetic and well hydrated, while others (much younger than me, I am over 50) bonked.

I'm a type 1 diabetic and an avid bicyclist. I need something to keep my glucose levels in check during long rides. I'm not a big fan of gels and bars. I'd rather drink something to keep my energy up. This product is easy to drink, quickly metabolises and tastes good. I've tried the lemon and tangerine, tangerine is my favorite. Will definitely continue using tailwind.

The description said that it comes with 12 packets. When it came, it was in a plastic bag (inside the shipping bag), and there were only 11 in the bag. Pretty expensive to be short 1.Update: Their customer service was great and refunded me the cost of the missing 12th one.

This stuff is magic! After suffering with hydration issues for years ultra running in Hawaii where it's freakin' hot and brutally humid, this stuff has been a game changer. I tried Pedialyte, coconut water, my own salt/sugar mix, Skratch, and other and still had hydration issues. Now, I know that if I put 1.5-2 scoops in one hand held water bottle, and keep fresh water in another in my other hand, I'm good for 2 hours if I drink both bottles. I then supplement occasionally chugging a full bottle of water at an aid station, and eat whatever I feel like. Just ran my second HURT 100 race with this strategy and beat my previous time by almost 2 hours. I never had hydration issues. Never had cramping. Never was wondering if I was getting all the hydration and electrolytes I need. I prefer the unflavored. It actually has a light citrus flavor that never gets old. I've been using it for 4 or 5 years, and even if I experiment with other stuff, I quickly come back. It's the best. LOVE IT!

I absolutely love cola flavored things on my long trail runs. I was hoping for more of a cola flavor but honestly I get a large hint of lemon lime for some reason. I know I’m strange but a cola color would kinda be nice to at least trick my brain into thinking it’s cola. It’s also a tad on the salty side which is great for the runs but not for the taste buds. I used to drink Cola Nuun and was really hoping Tailwind (which is very notable for having excellent recovery and hydration products for athletes) would nail this cola flavor! I have a six day staged race coming in August where they have Tailwind at aid stations- Wish i would have gotten the sampler pack to taste all the flavors to see what my Jam would be.