Cliff Shot Blocks
I’ve been a GU fan for a while now, but when my local grocery store stopped stocking them, I decided to look for other electrolyte replacement options. Enter Cliff Shot Blocks. Each packet consists of 6 100 calorie gummy squares. I tested out packets of these for two hikes and an Ultimate Frisbee tournament, and here are my findings.
Likes:
- These shots are actually pretty tasty, which is saying a lot for electrolyte replacement sources. I liked the Strawberry better than Black Cherry.
- The texture is also nice. Swallowing the GU gel can sometimes be annoying, but chewing on gummies isn’t bad. I would like to suggest them being shaped like animals. Or bear-sharks.
- They do provide a quick burst of energy, and when I spread them out as directed, the effect lasted a decent amount of time.
Dislikes:
- Unlike the GU, I felt like the coming down after the energy boost was a lot more dramatic. Although, every flavor has different benefits: more or less sodium and caffeine, so maybe a different flavor would work better for me.
- GU shots contain an herbal blend and an antioxidant blend, which Cliff shots don’t have.
- GU shots and Cliff Shot Blocks both have 24 grams of carbohydrates, but the Cliff shots have 12 grams of sugar and Gu has only 4. Perhaps the reason for my harder crash.
I will probably give the Shot Blocks another go round this time with a different flavor, but I think GU will remain my staple.
