Jelly Belly  Sport Beans

Once I started running marathons, I learnt that you MUST eat on the run. I wasn't a big fan of energy gels (until I found one I really like, I'll save that for another review), and energy bars can be unappetizing when you're hot, sweaty, and dry. And then I discovered sport beans! A familiar food, you don't feel like you're on the space shuttle sucking sustenance out of a package. These are jelly beans! And great tasting ones at that, but what do you expect from Jelly Belly? Well, perhaps not sport nutrition! Compared to energy gels, Sport Beans are, on average, slightly higher in electrolytes for the same number of calories.

I found these beans to be a wonderful substitute for gels and bars which frequently have the same ingredients with small variations. I cannot endure the gels and bars melt or become stale. Beans are easy to eat on the bike...there is a new packaging which may address the difficulty some reviewers (me included) have had with opening them. I especially like the caffeinated variety.They are also small, light, and tasty. They are sweet, but the salt content is great on a hot day. I really have nothing but good things to say about these. We buy them in bulk and keep them in the freezer for long storage.

There's a weird balance in energy snacks. Can I get it down quickly? Will I enjoy it? Will I enjoy it pre/during/post activity? I don't think any of these products can balance every demand, so each one has to hit a preferred point. Personally I find Sport Beans to be moderate on the 'yes I can get it down quickly' and higher than middle on the 'will I enjoy it...during a workout.' The beans need some chewing but otherwise go down well, especially with a splash of water. They're among the more palatable options I've tried (though horrid pre-workout due to the saltiness). So definitely worth a try in your next workout. Just, uh...just don't try one when you're pre-workout. Yech.

I love this product. I used it recently on a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike at the Grand Canyon. It was the only thing I could stand to put in my mouth after 10 plus hours. It gives a nice boost and they are extremely tasty. They are still tasy even when your body is just done and refuses any other food. And, easy on the stomach unlike so many things from Gu or others. The package is sorta awkard. There are VERY FEW beans in a rather heave duty resealable package. Clearly they are trying to make them trail worthy but it's a little too much. I cut all mine open ahead of time and put the contents in a simple snack zip lock baggie. That fit in my pocket much better. The beans are pretty tough so they won't make a mess unless you let them get very wet. They do well in extreme heat too. I really wish Jelly Belly sold them in bulk packages as well.

Compared to cliff shotblocks, the honey stinger energy chews, and the GU gel, these beans did not provide a boost at all. I sampled a lot of different energy food in trying to find what worked for extra energy in the home stretch and by far the beans were the least effective. I would definitely recommend the honey stinger energy chews (tasty and effective) or the shotblocks over this option.

When I joined a marathon training group I started learning about all of the extra gear I would need (gels/beans, glide, hydration belt, etc.). Not being a fan of jelly, pudding or anything of a similar texture, I opted for the beans and hoped I liked them. They are so tasty, I would eat these even if they weren't designed as body fuel. The only thing I've found is that it may be a bit awkward accessing them while running (and likely on a bike). However, I usually rip them open before a long run so that I can easily access them when I need to.

My husband and I tried these for the first time this summer and we love them! We used them while backpacking over 200 miles. They're especially useful when you need that extra boost in the afternoon or before a steep climb. They were strong tasting (like eating Kool-aid powder as a kid). Based on nutritional content, two packs of jellybeans equals one bag of shot blox, but Jelly Beans are more flavorful.

I did a series of hikes in NH's White Mtns. recently and I mixed these into a 32 oz. Nalgene bottle with a mixture of gorp and trail mix and it provided an alternative to the usual stuff you consume on the trail. It worked great for me.

I have taken these sport beans on several backpacking trips and they're helpful. Don't expect a huge boost, but it's a little jump and they're tasty. Only wish they had more beans in the bag. I'd buy them again.

I am a runner and I eat these before a run. They give me the boost I need, and they go down easy when on the move. I think that lemon-lime flavor is the best. Great to use when skiing or snowboarding. They are a great snack for when you're on the chairlift and give you a boost on the way down. I Love Sports Beans!