Rawvelo focus on making endurance sports nutrition that’s better for you and for the planet and boy do they back this up. It’s not just talk, Rawvelo actually walk the walk. Therefore it makes all the difference to me to be able to test out their products and helps me to bump up my own environmental credentials!
I love getting outdoors so I am always on the lookout for sustainable brands in the running world that allow me to do good and give back. Rawvelo’s own mission includes pledging 1% of their annual sales to 1% For The Planet to help address the world’s most pressing environmental concerns.
Crucially their products are plant-based and organic. This is great as I try to buy energy gels that are as natural as possible. Their gels are made from fruit juices, coconut sugar and natural brown rice, which is gentler on the stomach, ideal for regular running sessions.
Their energy gel flavours include Blood Orange, Blueberry & Hibiscus and Passionfruit & Coconut – these sound great and look great too. I tried the Blood Orange gel first halfway through my 5 mile run. It was light, not very thick and sweet-tasting without being artificial. There was no metallic aftertaste and I felt an immediate energy pick up. I felt like I could carry on with run with renewed drive.
The other gel flavours were a little sweet for my taste buds but again left no bitter aftertaste. I’ve also tried a lot of energy bars over the past few years. The Peanut Butter Jelly energy bar was chunky, chewy and tasty. Containing peanut butter, raspberry, dates and oats I felt like I’d had a super-yummy treat, not bad for a healthy bar! It can also be easily eaten on the move and doesn’t get crushed or broken in my jacket pocket so this is ideal for training and racing.
Rawvelo selects wholefood ingredients to promote key vitamins and minerals. They also add in protein to help prevent muscle damage and promote recovery. In addition, their bars are cold pressed and never baked to ensure that they conserve all the nutritional benefits of the raw ingredients.
Lastly I tried their Lemon Organic hydration mix which was easy to make and again didn’t taste overly artificial. I’m always a bit hesitant having pre-made drink mixes but this one I kept going back for more which gave me a continuous energy boost.
With a balanced combination of coconut water powder, natural sugars, lemon powder and flavouring, and Himalayan sea salt, the mix provides a full electrolyte profile to ensure proper hydration. They also have the added benefit of potassium and magnesium.
I experienced no stomach problems when testing them out so they seem to be kind on the gut too. All-in-all I really liked the Rawvelo products. They’re tasty, free from artificial sweeteners and kind to the planet. I’d be happy to buy them again.
Rawvelo
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