As many of my regular blog readers know, I’m a big fan of Hammer Nutrition products. However, I do like to keep my options open and enjoy trying different sports fuels from time to time. One of my favorite alternatives are the unique Island Boost Premium Fuel products, created by Laura Mildon, “an easily distracted runner with a very sensitive digestive system who got physically sick using traditional fueling products.”
Island Boost is available in 3 great flavors (Passion Fruit, Strawberry/Orange and Blueberry/Pomegranate), and unlike traditional energy gels is a liquid, rather than a solid or thick gel. This means it can be taken without water for instant on-the-go energy. Ingredients include glucose, fructose, water, coconut water, high quality juice concentrate, sodium, potassium, sorbate and sodium benzoate.
I used Island Boost successfully at the 24 The Hard Way event last weekend, and as advertised, the “boost” was instant and very noticeable. In addition, the fuel packets were really straightforward to open (nothing worse than wrestling with a gel pack in the middle of a 24 hour event!) and extremely easy to digest – simply tear, squeeze and go.
Blueberry/Pomegranate is definitely my favorite flavor, with Strawberry/Orange a close runner up. However, with a brand new Chocolate-flavored product on the horizon, that might have to change. Laura and her Island Boost team tried more than 35 formulations of Chocolate Island Boost before nailing a formula they were 100% happy with – the result; a true gourmet fuel using high-end chocolate and premium vanilla. Unfortunately, they don’t have sufficient funds to complete the FDA testing and manufacture Chocolate Island Boost while running their current operations, so have set up an Indiegogo Campaign to raise funds to help with the manufacturing process.
Full campaign details can be found at the Indiegogo website, where you can contribute funds and select one of many perks. For example, contribute $1 and receive 2 packets of Chocolate Island Boost if and when the funding goal is reached and FDA approval is obtained. For $40, you’ll get 10 packets of Island Boost, temporary tattoos, a cool water bottle and your choice of one runner’s hat or visor. Contributions go all the way up to $50,000 where you can become “The Face of Island Boost”, and the campaign runs through November 30th.
Hopefully the Island Boost campaign will be a success and the excellent chocolate flavor will soon find its way to market. Good luck, Laura, and thanks for allowing me to sample the unique chocolate fuel!
Links:
Island Boost available on REI.com
Follow Island Booster on Twitter
Like Island Boost on Facebook
Indiegogo Campaign
Update:
The all-new Chocolate flavor is now available for purchase at REI.com, along with the Passion Fruit and Blueberry/Poemgranate varieties too.
That stuff sounds great. I too like Hammer, but as Bono once said, I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.