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When it comes to savoury energy products, VOOM has developed a savoury fuel source that still delivers energy quickly, whilst avoiding palate fatigue.
Sensitivity to sucrose, and sweet tastes, is known to increase with exercise-induced fatigue (Narukawa et al, 2009), which explains why athletes want to avoid sweet drinks and gels to beat flavour fatigue over longer durations.
Sparta offers an energy-rich, non sweet carb drink, whilst the POWR range enjoys beetroot to provide a savoury taste. The range offers some of the best ultra fuel options available to endurance athletes and ultra distance racers.
Tomato & Red Pepper
Chocolate
Rhubarb & Ginger
Raspberry
Mixed Flavours
In reality most athletes prefer a range of energy sources with both sweet energy products and savoury options. Whilst some ultra runners favour fat for fuel and can operate with minimal carbohydrate intake, most runners need carbohydrates, and studies show endurance performance benefits (Burkeet al. 2011). Many of these carbohydrate rich options come with naturally sweet taste profiles. The best strategy will likely include simple sugars, which taste sweet, complex carbs with longer chains, which may be less sweet, and even some protein and fat intake which can deliver savoury tastes.
The benefit of savoury energy products comes from the (obvious) lack of sweetness. Research shows increased sensitivity to sweet tastes caused by exercise-induced fatigue (Okamura et al, 2004) which can reduce the amount of energy athletes take on during longer duration events. By carrying savoury energy products, runners can continue to hit their calorie and carbohydrate intake goals, even when flavour fatigue or palette fatigue sets in and reduces preference for sweet energy products.
Many ultra distance athletes use a mixture of whole foods, and highly convenient sports nutrition products. Savoury ‘real food’ options may include items like boiled potatoes, crisps, salted peanuts, beef jerky or cheeses. For a convenient savoury fuel a serving of VOOM Sparta Fuel mixes with 500ml of water and delivers 49g of carbs and over 320kcal, including 12g of protein to support ultra fueling.
