Introduction

My introduction with Fluid Sports Nutrition began at the Outdoor Demo portion of the Interbike Cycling trade show back in 2011. They had a small booth but they had a key spot. Located right near the demo trail, I stopped in to get some refreshment from the hot Vegas desert. Now, there are several choices of nutrition products to sample at an event like Interbike including some established big brands, but I always like to try out something new. I'm glad I did.

Fluid Sports Nutrition has two products called simply Performance (on bike hydration) and Recovery (post ride). I found their Performance mix easy to drink, great tasting and refreshing. Nothing is more subjective then taste, but out of the four flavors offered (Raspberry Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate, Passion Fruit Tea and their latest flavor Fresh Citrus) Raspberry Lemonade is my personally favorite. My least favorite flavor is the Passion Fruit Tea, but then again I'm kind of a "tea snob".

Since that initial taste, I have seen Fluid supporting bikers at other events like the Sea Otter Classic (their booth was right next door to the Mtbr.com booth...convenient!), CrossVegas and many others. The list of cycling athletes and teams (including mountain biking, road cycling and tri) that Fluid supports is huge and they are involved in many other sports categories as well.

About Fluid Performance and Recovery

The Performance drink mixes are designed using all-natural ingredients to supply efficient energy, buffer lactic acid, and alleviate cramping during exercise. What Fluid concentrates on is providing a sports drink that has less sugar and more electrolytes than most other drink mixes. With less sugar and additives, Fluid Performance is easier on the stomach and easier for your body to absorb. We like the fact that Fluid is light and easy to drink. It is also a good option for endurance racers who need to drink a lot of fluid. Unlike other drink mixes currently on the market, Fluid does not believe that you should separate carbs from your hydration. For a 24 oz. bike bottle, Fluid Performance provides 24 grams of carbs, 200 calories and 400mg of sodium citrate (electrolytes).

The Recovery drink mix was the first product Fluid made (back in 2006) and it is a fortified recovery drink with a 4 to 1 carb/protein blend. The protein comes entirely from whey protein isolate (the result is lactose-free and gluten-free). Recovery also provides glutamine, electrolytes and vitamin C and contains organic vanilla and Dutch processed cocoa (for the Chocolate Wave flavor). Besides our favorite Chocolate Wave, Recovery comes in Berry Treasure and Tropical Escape flavors (all great tasting). Each serving of Recovery provides 25 grams of carbs, 128 calories and 250mg of sodium citrate.



According to Fluid, their Recovery product helps with energy restoration, muscle repair, reduced aches & pains, reduced cramping and immune system support. They explain the benefits here:
  • Energy Restoration - Simple & Complex Carbohydrates in optimal balance replenish muscle glycogen levels after exercise training and competition.
  • Muscle Repair - Whey Protein Isolate repairs damaged muscle and aids in building new lean muscle.
  • Reduced Aches & Pains - L-glutamine directly fuels the immune system, aids in tissue repair, and helps to manage exercise-induced inflammation.
  • Reduced Cramping - Vital electrolytes lost during exercise are replaced and help speed absorption.
  • Immune System Support - Vitamin C + L-glutamine help scavenge free radicals and nourish a stressed immune system.

Both Fluid products should be noted for what they DON'T have too. They don't contain artificial ingredients, colors or flavors. They also don't contain gluten, lactose, or stimulants. And as Fluid says, they don't contain "anything trendy or unhealthy". Fluid is proudly made with 100% natural ingredients in the USA.

What We Think

We have been using Fluid Performance and Recovery for several months now and we really enjoy both drink mixes.

The new Fresh Citrus flavor of Fluid Performance is crisp, light and easy to drink and the Raspberry Lemonade is also great tasting. If you use the packets, be sure to use two packets for each 24 oz bottle. Once you've figured out which flavor you like best, go with the 30 serving container ($24.95) for cost savings. Fluid Recovery is more substantial than the Performance (which makes sense for recovery purposes) and you can buy it in the large 16 serving container ($31.99). Just be aware that for measuring purposes, a serving is 12 oz. (When I first starting using the bigger size, I was mixing too weak for a 24 oz. bike bottle.)

We can't make definitive, scientific claims as to the effectiveness of Fluid's products, but we can say that we feel as strong and fresh using Fluid as with our old favorites Cytomax and Hammer Heed. And one important factor in the effectiveness of a hydration fluid is the flavor. The better it tastes, the easier it is to drink, the more you will drink and the better hydrated you will be. As previously stated, tastes vary from rider to rider but we feel if you give Fluid a chance you'll be able to find a flavor you like. And stay tuned for more exciting news from Fluid, as they are set to expand their nutritional offerings very soon!

Who It's For

If you have ever had stomach cramps or digestion issues with other sports drinks, you should give Fluid Performance and Recovery a try. Also, if you are into endurance racing (or epic rides) and need to drink a lot of fluid, Fluid is a good choice for you.

About Fluid Sports Nutrition

Fluid Sports Nutrition was started in 2006 by a nutritional biochemist and exercise physiologist at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Since then, Fluid has been committed to creating all-natural electrolyte and recovery drinks that enable athletes to perform their best.

For more info: www.livefluid.com

If you want even MORE eduction about Fluid and Sports Nutrition in general, be sure to check out the "School" section of their site (https://www.livefluid.com/school/)