REVIEWER: LAUREN SHAY
Trail Brew was a godsend at the Scenic Rim Ultra 110km in 2019. If it weren’t for the ample supply of this electrolyte mix at the checkpoints on that hot (unusually hot for October in south-east Queensland) day, I’m sure the DNF rate would have been much higher.
Trail Brew is an Australian-made endurance sports energy drink and all-in-one nutrition source. There are various other all-in-one electrolyte and energy drinks on the market, some of which I’ve tried, all of which I couldn’t stand the sight of by the end of my long run.
It’s a hard thing to nail. Everyone has different tastes, and really, not much does taste good at the end of an ultra. Except for a pile of hot chips.
I like to eat. I also like to eat during my long runs and ultras – actual food. I’ve tried using an electrolyte and energy drink as my sole source of fuel on long runs before, and I must admit, it wasn’t for me. I do, however, really like the taste of Trail Brew. While I haven’t used it as my sole energy source, I do often put a couple of scoops in my bladder for a long run, and, as I mentioned, chugged it down at the Scenic Rim Ultra in 2019.
There are two flavours to choose from: lemon and raspberry. Both contain the dual carbohydrate content of dextrose and sucrose (both non-GMO). Each scoop (you get a plastic scoop in the resealable bag) is 100 calories and contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. You might need to test the right ratio for you, but Trail Brew suggests 2-3 scoops per 700-800ml of water. I tend to go on the lighter side – 2 scoops max for my 1.5L bladder.
The flavours are mild and fresh, and not too sweet. I particularly like the raspberry. I can happily sip on it for hours and haven’t got sick of the taste yet – definitely none of that gagging sensation you can sometimes get after drinking the same drink for hours on end.
And with 37 serves in each $35 pack, it’s excellent value, too.
VITALS
RRP $35 AUD / $36 NZD
