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Nuun Boost

8
£6.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Nice energy boost to help get the best out of yourself without adding calories
Weight: 
70g

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Nuun Boost (known as Nuun Energy until recently), is a more action-packed version of Nuun Active, packing in B vitamins and caffeine, as well as a range of electrolytes claimed to assist optimum muscle function. If you're set on a low calorie electrolyte drink with added 'pizazz', then this could be for you.

Boost maintains the same low-calorie approach of the rest of the Nuun tab range, ideal for those among us perhaps managing our weight, all the while providing electrolytes for optimum hydration and muscle function using the same ethical sources of ingredients as its counterpart.

For those looking for a comparison, Boost contains the same base ingredients as Active (360mg sodium, 100mg potassium, 25mg magnesium, 13mg calcium and 38mg Vitamin C), then peps it up with an additional 20mg of niacin, 2mg of vitamin B6 and 6µg of vitamin B12, all claimed to support optimum energy release from whatever carbs you're also consuming, plus 40mg of green tea-sourced caffeine for an immediate punch of focus and drive. The recipe has been upgraded with the addition of new plant based sweeteners and ingredients including Stevia leaf extract, beet juice powder and avocado oil.

I must admit it's hard to tell whether the B-vitamins are actually doing their job in terms of energy release. As someone who purposefully eats a balanced diet suitable for a high-energy-output lifestyle – I exercise a lot – I aim to get in all the vitamins I need without supplements anyway, so probably have no need for it.

That being said, the caffeine offers a nice little boost to proceedings. Having used SiS GO Hydro caffeine-enhanced tabs before, which offered up 75mg of caffeine per serving as opposed to the 40mg with the Nuun tabs, the immediate benefits of caffeine intake are clear: improved focus, concentration, and drive (although I dispute this last point sometimes), so you're ready to perform at your best whether on the bike, or training elsewhere.

The fact that there's 'only' 40mg of caffeine in the Energy tabs is a good thing, because it still provides an ample jolt without overpowering you. That means the comedown is less, making it easier to get on with your day afterwards. This will of course come down to how receptive to caffeine you are, as well as how dulled those receptors are given the amount of caffeine you habitually consume. For what it's worth for me – a 'one espresso in the morning plus a daily cup of tea' kind of guy – 40mg is plenty for a gentle cajoling of the senses when things are a bit fuzzy come the middle of the day or afternoon without adversely affecting factors like sleep.

Like the Active, once dropped into water, there's a slightly carbonated tinge to the liquid, but the taste is light and palatable especially in the wild berry flavour on test. I can't speak for the other flavour, Cherry Limeade, but fellow roadccer Dave Atkinson is a big fan of that one.

That leads us onto value, and at £6.99 for 10 servings it matches up to the Active tabs, except the use here is more specific – you're likely to use these once for a workout, which means they'll last longer theoretically, arguably rendering value a little better. Throw in all the electrolytic ingredients of the Active in a still-low calorie package, and we have a nicely rounded little product here.

Verdict

Nice energy boost to help get the best out of yourself without adding calories

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Nuun Boost

Size tested: 10 tablets 475 ml

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Nuun say: '[Nuun Energy is] designed to give you a lift and elevate your hydration. Nuun Boost contains caffeine from green tea extract, b-vitamins, and our signature blend of optimal electrolytes. Nuun energy contains clean ingredients, and is low in calories and sugar.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Nuun say: 'With optimal electrolytes, caffeine, and b vitamins, Nuun Energy keeps you hydrated and gives you a boost when you need it most.

'The caffeine helps to give your energy a lift, and b-vitamins help your body to metabolize fuel efficiently to keep energy high with the same optimal electrolyte level you know and trust from Nuun Active, Nuun Energy will also keep you hydrated and cramps at bay.

'This product contains caffeine which may not be suitable for children. Please consult with your physician with any concerns before using this product.'

Ingredients:

- Sodium (bicarbonate + carbonate)

- Potassium (bicarbonate)

- Magnesium (sulfate)

- Calcium (carbonate)

- Vitamin C

- Vitamin B12

- Vitamin b6

- Niacin

- Caffeine (from green tea extract)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The tube is of decent quality and will keep out moisture.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The caffeine, and arguably the b-vitamins bring the Energy tabs up a notch from Active.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

See construction.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

If used properly and sparingly when needed, Energy could be argued as having reasonable value.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The gentle lift of energy given by the small amount of caffeine, along with the other electrolytic tidbits you get in Active.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing - except perhaps I'd like to see a bigger tube for slightly better value.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Use this box to explain your score

A tidy little product that when used specifically and when needed can give you that little lift you need.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 188cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016)  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

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2 comments

Avatar
mingmong | 7 years ago
0 likes

No precious Vitamin D?  Must be sh*t for winter 

Avatar
bobbinogs | 7 years ago
0 likes

It would be interesting to see if there was any evidence to back up the claim that a few B vitamins in a mid-ride drink help a cyclist to get an energy boost whilst actually on a ride.  I strongly suspect that an average rider would get all the b vitamins needed for the day by having a decent balanced breakfast, which would leave the only mid-ride 'boost' to come from the 40mg of caffeine.

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