Imagine a product that combines hydrogel technology, carbohydrates, and caffeine.

Well, now it’s here.

Caffeine tastes bitter. The sports nutrition industry has traditionally tried to mask the bitterness in gels by adding flavors and acid, or simply by having a low caffeine content. But added artificial flavors don’t help you go faster. And you want sufficient caffeine. So we decided to simply bypass the problem. By using our Hydrogel technology, we have built a biopolymer matrix dense enough to encapsulate both the caffeine and carbohydrate blend. The result: GEL 100 CAF 100 – a true GEL with low bitterness, low sweetness, an effective caffeine content, and plenty of energy.

Again, it’s a world first.

The GEL 100 CAF 100 contains 100 mg caffeine – equivalent to 1.5 espressos – or one cup of brewed coffee. That’s a lot compared to many traditional gels available. It delivers 25 grams of carbohydrates through a unique mix of fructose and glucose (ratio 0.8:1) that enables uptake up to 100 grams of carbohydrates per hour. It has a high weight-to-energy ratio and contains no added flavorings, preservatives, or colorants. Like all our products, it is vegan friendly.

Use GEL 100 CAF 100 only during shorter sessions, or combine it with other Maurten products to ensure you have sufficient energy during your workout.

WHY CAFFEINE?

Caffeine has been shown to increase alertness and reduce perceived exertion. These are properties that can benefit sports performance. GEL 100 CAF 100 can be used to build caffeine levels – alone, alongside regular coffee – or to achieve sufficient caffeine intake during activity.

ENERGY AMOUNT

Studies have shown our bodies can utilize up to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Recent science has shown the 0.8:1 fructose to glucose ratio enables even greater uptake – up to 100 grams per hour. GEL 100 is developed using this ratio and packs a lot of energy. One serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.

INGREDIENTS

• WATER
• GLUCOSE
• FRUCTOSE
• CALCIUM CARBONATE
• GLUCONIC ACID
• SODIUM ALGINATE
• 25 g CARBOHYDRATE
• 100 mg CAFFEINE (CAF)

GEL 100 CAF 100 - USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

The response to caffeine is highly individual,   ranging from very ergogenic to ergolytic

• The effectiveness of caffeine is dose-dependent
• The response to caffeine is highly individual
• The effective dose is variable and unpredictable  
• More is not always better

Developing a nutrition strategy for races or key sessions is complex. Everyone is different – and caffeine absorption and metabolism vary from person to person. There are two key factors to consider: your body weight and your caffeine habituation. Science suggests an intake of 3 mg caffeine per kilogram of body weight to enhance performance. However, it remains highly individual. We have developed some general guidelines for using GEL 100 CAF 100, based on our own findings and scientific literature.

DURATION <1 HOUR Before this strategy requires 1 serving of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: A beneficial caffeine level can be achieved by consuming about 200 mg prior to activity. This can be done by drinking one cup of coffee in the hours before the event and one GEL 100 CAF 100 during your warm-up. You could reach the caffeine level by consuming two GEL 100 CAF 100, but the total carbohydrate amount is a bit excessive for a short event.

DURATION <2 HOURS This strategy would require 2-3 servings of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: Aim to consume 200 mg caffeine prior to activity. This translates to consuming two GEL 100 CAF 100. For an event lasting about two hours, having two GEL 100 CAF 100 is a convenient way to build caffeine levels – while replenishing carbohydrates at the same time. Remember that one GEL 100 CAF 100 package contains 25 grams of carbohydrates. DURING: consume another GEL 100 CAF 100 about thirty minutes after the activity to maintain your caffeine levels. Remember to replenish carbohydrates. Aim to consume 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour.  

DURATION > 2 HOURS Before this strategy requires at least 3 servings (depending on duration) of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: Consume two GEL 100 CAF 100 in the hours prior to the event. This achieves an intake of 200 mg caffeine and 50 grams of carbohydrates. DURING: consume another GEL 100 CAF 100 about thirty minutes after the activity to maintain your caffeine levels. Try to consume one GEL 100 CAF 100 every second hour to sustain caffeine levels. Remember to replenish carbohydrates – either by using GEL 100, Drink Mix 160, or Drink Mix 320. It’s ambitious, but aim for an intake of approximately 60 - 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour.

Remember these guidelines are simplified and should only be used as a rule of thumb. Caffeine is not suitable for everyone. Consult a physician if in doubt or if pregnant. And remember, increasing your caffeine intake is pointless. You can never compensate for training, and overconsumption won’t help.