Occasionally this cheapskate gets the hankering for something new to complement all this running. For my last 20-miler, I wanted something besides Jolly Ranchers to keep me going, so I picked up a package of black cherry flavored Clif Shot Bloks. Here's what I thought.
Item: One package contains six gummy blocks for two servings worth 100 calories, 70 milligrams of sodium, 20 milligrams of potassium, 24 grams of carbohydrates and 50 milligrams of caffeine. The website says Clif Shot Bloks are "easy to handle" and "easy to chew."
Taste: I like the gummy style of electrolyte replacements on the market because they remind me of the fruit snacks from packed lunches in grade school. The black cherry is agreeable enough, and I would get them again.
Gut Reaction: No problems with digestion, and I didn't feel like I needed water to wash them down like I sometimes do with gels. I walked while I consumed each serving. I was able to start running again immediately.
Packaging: I like the serving of three cubes. It's relatively quick to eat, but I don't feel like I have to get it all down in one go. However, I don't like the wrapping. The package comes as one long tube with the six blocks all in a row. It won't fit in a pants/shorts key pocket, and I had to split it in half to fit in the pocket of my handheld water bottle. I could have worn my shorts with full side pockets, but I probably still would have split the package to make it feel more secure and less awkward against my leg. I would prefer if each serving were individually packaged and connected with perforation.
Overallness: The eating experience was favorable. The flavor was enjoyable without being overwhelming. However, the packaging is a little unwieldy on the run. So, easy to chew, yes, but easy to handle, I've seen better. A single serving size would make it easier to handle one-handed, which I find important on the go. As a bonus, the size and shape of Clif Shot Bloks is reminiscent of ice cubes, which would be a fine addition to a post-run cocktail.
Booze Hound Rating: 4 fingers, on the rocks
[Drunkard's note: The Booze Hound rating system is based on a good pour. Up to five fingers, either "on the rocks" or "neat." If you can't figure out what's good and what's bad, you need to spend more time drinking.]
11 comments:
Thanks for that review, I've been curious about these.
They're pretty good. I once got the margarita flavored Shot Bloks which have added sodium to give them a salted rim flavor but I found them too salty. The fruit flavors are good though.
I have the same issue with the new packaging. It's hard to fit in my fuel belt for long runs. When I did the Madison half two weeks ago, I didn't use my fuel belt and just carried the tube in hand. It worked fine that way.
Love the drunkards note at the end.
I L-O-V-E Shot Bloks, I eat them before and during every.single.run. I break mine up and put them in a sandwich bag to go though... to avoid that whole storing issue. I'm a fan of the strawberry personally and if you can find them, they actually have a margarita flavor with added salt that I think you just might enjoy.
Sounds like the Bloks need to be packaged like those old Zotz fizzy candies that had a perforation after every individual unit. Then you can pick the length of the strong you want to carry.
And, of course, "strong" means "string" to you laymen.
oh, I'm a huge fan of the Shot Bloks, but had the same problem with the packaging. can't they just read your blog and then fix it?!?
Margarita is the bomb, and Black Cherry is a close second! I love these for the runs. Luna makes "Moons" but they might be too girly for a guy, I don't know, you could also try "Sharkies", they are available at Whole Foods and come in different flavors. All in all, I have to say the Margs are my fav!
I love Cliff Shots Bloks, and I recently read that they have better packaging now. (I haven't had a need for them for quite some time, so new packaging excites me.)
Okay, I know this is late, but black cherry is the WORST flavor. It's like cough syrup. Get the cran-razz ones. MUCH better.
I understand the logic behind the new shot blocs packaging (no fingers involved just pop em in your mouth) but I agree that the previous more fruit snack like packaging seems a lot easier to stash on long runs.
I also wish they game in single serving packets.
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