Chia Gel by 33-Shake

I was listening to the Long Run podcast a couple weeks ago and there was an interview with a chap called Warren Pole who was talking about a venture that he was involved with called '33 Shake'. Offering two products, the 33-Shake and the Chia Energy Gel. 

I liked the sound of the products as rather than be sugary/gloopy gel products that we are all familiar with they were natural and as such had a use-by date of around 3 months (as opposed to 3 years!). 

I ordered the trial pack of 5 gels, using a discount coupon that you get when you sign up for the newsletter, which made it £8.99 as opposed to £9.99. They arrived, freepost, in a couple of days. All very efficient. Emails were issued on receipt of the order, while the order was being made (they are made to order) and finally despatched. 

The gel is very different to other gel products as you have to make it yourself. The product out of the box is dry. To make it you need to open the threaded top and pour in water or coconut water. Then give it a shake to make sure it's mixed and then use. I typically have made them the night before use. 

The screw top works well, although pouring liquid in was a bit tricky and needed a small jug (maybe they should sell a small funnel?). I have made them with coconut water and water and they tasted great with both. The consistency is different to a traditional gel as it has solid food in it. When you eat them it is real food, it is a nicer eating experience than a gloopy gel. The vanilla is really strong and balanced with the other ingredients so while it is sweet it is anything but sickly.

My only negative is the shape of the gel. This was difficult to get into my Salomon race vest as the gels are square and not the long thin design that most use. I need to fold them a bit to wedge them into the holders. I also had a problem with one of the gels where the seal under the screw top broke after i had put liquid in. I couldn't carry it so just had it for breakfast as i headed out the door. 

I have seen comments about the cost of the product but actually it's comparable. Traditional gels seem to be anything between £1.80-£2 and these come out in that ball-park. Where there is a difference is in the amount of carbs, these offer 11.2g per gel whereas their gloopy cousins offer around 20g. This is definitely something to consider when you are first using them.

Overall the taste and consistency of this product were excellent. I really liked the flavour, it was easy on the stomach and easily digestible. No issues at all. The service provided by 33-Shake was excellent and it's reassuring that the product has short shelf life - it's fresh of sorts. If the packaging could be aligned with traditional products so that it fits in a race vest then this would be perfect.