Energy from a bottle thanks to a drink mix: Reviewing Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100

For the Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 No marathon run should be too gruelling. This drink mix has been specially developed for extra-long runs, when your digestive system rebels against the constant influx of carbohydrates. Thanks to special Hxdrogel technology, the Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 is designed to provide the energy you need whilst being gentle on the stomach, even during intense physical exertion. We put it to the test to see if it really works.

Conclusion

My digestion can sometimes struggle with large amounts of carbohydrates. Of course, I can’t actually look inside my own stomach, but Maurtens’ hydrogel technology really does seem to work. Even under extreme conditions, the Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 has provided me with a reliable and gentle supply of energy. I’m a fan! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 in detail

• Category: Drink additive
• Ingredients: maltodextrin, fructose, gelling agents (sodium alginate, pectin, sodium carbonate), salt, caffeine
• Energy value: 386 kcal / 100 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g / 500 ml
• Caffeine content: 20 mg / 100 ml
• Price: 51.95 euros for the box of 14 (4.48 euros per 100 g) >> available here
• Special features: Hydrogel technology

From powder to drink to gel

Bloating, stomach ache and nausea: stomach problems, ranging from diarrhoea to vomiting, are not uncommon during extreme physical exertion. Almost every marathon mountain biker has, at some point, overloaded their digestive system during training or competition. The body absolutely needs carbohydrates as a source of energy and relies on a regular supply. At the same time, it can only process a limited amount at any one time. Depending on the intensity and duration of the activity, this amount may be insufficient. Digestive problems have cost many an endurance cyclist their success.

To protect the stomach during strenuous activity, Maurten utilises what is known as hydrogel technology. The addition of alginate, an extract from seaweed, creates a special gelling agent which is designed to transform the ingested liquid into a gel upon contact with stomach acid. Its sponge-like structure encapsulates the carbohydrates and is designed to help transport them through the stomach into the intestines without causing discomfort. Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 contains 80 grams of carbohydrates in an efficient maltodextrin-fructose blend. One 83-gram sachet is sufficient for a 500-millilitre water bottle.

The endurance test

I have the Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 during a world-first attempt at Everesting Tested. Over the 135 kilometres and 7,500 metres of elevation gain, the drink mix reliably provided energy in liquid form. The fact that I had to cut the ride short at the end was certainly not down to the Maurten powder, but to the 36-degree summer heat. Nevertheless, over the entire distance, I experienced only a few dips in performance and not a single cramp. Like almost all drink mixes for water bottles, the Maurten Drink Mix is very sweet. However, the sweetness is still easy to tolerate even after 13 hours of cycling.

During my endurance test, I didn’t experience any stomach problems whatsoever. Whilst I’ve sometimes been prone to bloating during previous marathon challenges as the race wore on, my digestion seems to tolerate the hydrogel technology well. This seems to fulfil the main selling point of the Drink Mix 320 Caf 100. The added caffeine provides that extra boost when the challenge goes on for longer. Of course, this isn’t something you’d want in every bottle. During the test, I consumed around 17,000 calories and 20 litres of fluid in a single day. The caffeine-free Maurten Drink Mix 320 played a major part in this.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• No stomach problems in the endurance test
• a reliable source of carbohydrates
• a sweeter but milder flavour

Cons

• nothing

What do you think: do you struggle with stomach problems during a marathon? What are your tips? Let us know in the comments!