Hammer HEED Review

As it gets warmer in the desert, I’m looking for more electrolyte options which are how I stumbled on Hammer HEED. I am a big fan of the Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes Fizz, so I was looking forward to trying their calorie-based option.

About the brand Hammer:

In 1987, Brian Frank founded Hammer Nutrition. Throughout the years, Hammer Nutrition has grown from fuels and supplements and now includes clothing, body care products, EMS units, accessories, and more. I had no idea Hammer Nutrition makes more than fuel!

When Hammer Nutrition was founded in 1987, triathlon was the newest fitness thing. Most athletes were adhering to bad nutrition advice and found themselves under-fueled. Hammer Nutrition found its place in the endurance world, with triathlon, cycling, and mountain biking rising in the 80s and 90s.

About Hammer HEED:

Many sports drinks contain sugar, salt, and citric acid. Hammer HEED contains complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, and essential nutrients to balance blood sugar and buffer lactic acid.

Ingredient List:

Maltodextrin: provides fast-acting, long-lasting energy during exercise and helps replenish glycogen stores.
Xylitol: A natural sweetener found in fibrous fruits.
Full-spectrum electrolyte profile: Hammer uses this phrase a lot, but the HEED has a complete profile of sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These electrolytes together maintain the performance of body functions during exercise.
L-Carnosine: buffers lactic acid during exercise as well as offers antioxidant support.
Glycine: An amino acid beneficial for muscle tissue repair, protecting collagen in joints, and reducing joint pain.
L-Tyrosine: Aids in helping the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands function.
Manganese: A mineral optimal for muscle cell enzyme reactions and converting fatty acids and protein into energy.
Chromemate® brand chromium polynicotinate: A mineral that helps regulate blood sugar and plays a vital role in synthesizing glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.

Each Hammer HEED flavor has 110 calories (the unflavored has 100) with 27 grams of carbohydrates.

My Experience with Hammer HEED:

All this information about Hammer HEED sounds great, but is it good? Does Hammer HEED work?

Flavors I tried:

Lemon Lime: I’ve mentioned in other reviews, but sometimes the lemon-lime flavors are too tart, and they sit in your throat. The Hammer Heed is sweet enough to easily digestible and tastes good.
Mandarin Orange: The Mandarin Orange is my favorite flavor. I like how sweet the orange is without being overpowering.

There are five different flavors: Lemon Lime, Cherry-Bomb, Mandarin Orange, Melon, and Strawberry. I am looking forward to trying the Cherry-Bomb at some point soon. In all, the Hammer HEED tastes good, and I don’t have any issues stomaching it or feeling like it’s too tart or too sweet. Tasting good is the majority of the battle these days!

I first started using the HEED during longer hikes and trail runs. I found it to sit well in my stomach during lower-stress workouts. I noticed a noticeable difference (especially in the heat) between workouts I used it and workouts I did not. It mixes well with water, and I don’t find myself drinking random chunks because it didn’t mix.

Next, I used it during a harder workout. I felt better towards the end of the run with no stomach issues. Each time I’ve used Hammer HEED, I’ve felt better than on runs I don’t use it. I’m a big fan and haven’t had any issues with it.

Cost:

Single Serving: $1.95
32 Servings: $34.95
80 Servings: $69.95

The Hammer HEED is one of the cheaper fueling sources out there. Many fuels start at $3 for a single serving and never reach below $1 per serving.

What are the differences between the Hammer HEED and Electrolyte Fizz?

The Hammer HEED is a powdered sport drink with calories, electrolytes, and nutrients. The Hammer HEED is essential during longer workouts and is a primary fuel. Most people don’t need to drink HEED unless they do a longer or harder workout.

The Endurance Fizz is an almost calorie-free tablet but contains more electrolytes. The Endurance Fizz can be used outside of working out to get more electrolytes.

Hammer HEED Conclusion:

Hammer HEED is a great product, and yes, it works. I’m going to pick up some more flavors to try. I’ve had nothing but a positive experience. Plus, it is cheaper than many of the current electrolyte and fueling options. It’s become a spring and summer staple for me.