Product Review: Sport Beans

I'd noticed a few blogs where runners talked about using Sport Beans before their runs.  I decided that I needed to try these things.  I went to Fleet Feet, my go-to source for all things running.  Asked my MiT coach which one he recommended.  He said that they were all good and tasted like jelly beans.


Ok, truth time.  "Taste like Jelly Beans" is a bit of a stretch.  Yes, they are better than a LOT of energy things I've tried....but I must go for the more sugary yummy jelly beans normally.  Both varieties I tried (pictured above) were OK.  I'd rate them above Clif Shot Blocks for texture and taste.  But, definitely not up there with true jelly beans, just saying. 


A word to the wise - do NOT eat them after brushing your teeth.  The first half of the watermelon variety were AWFUL, because I'd brushed my teeth just before trying them!


My biggest issue with most energy things is a texture thing.  I have to give credit to these - as long as you like jelly beans - the texture on these is no worse than a normal jelly bean and very doable before running.


They definitely did the job as advertised.  I used one right before my strength training workout on Thursday - and had no energy issues during the strength training.  Used the other before my 2 mile run on Saturday with similar results.  Both varieties packed 100 calories with a bit of electrolytes and vitamins thrown in.  The watermelon ones are "extreme" and contained caffeine (50mg).  So, it had a warning about not recommended for pregnant or nursing women (as a disclaimer).  Personally, post birth, I need a cup of coffee in the morning now.  I skipped the coffee in favor of the caffeine in the sport beans and I had no negative results.  Every person is different and willing to take different risks though, so I would talk to your doctor before trying the extreme ones if you are nursing as I am.


Bottom line - would I use them again?  Yes.  I'll definitely try the other varieties as well.