As I continued testing and trying different fueling options for summer running, I stumbled upon Tailwind Endurance Fuel. I’ve had a few of these sitting around for a while, so I finally decided to put them to the test. As you can see, they’ve updated their packaging, and I have one of the newer packaging and three older ones!
About the company Tailwind Nutrition:
Tailwind is located in Durango, Colorado. TaiIwind Nutrition started when the founder Jeff Vierling and friend Art were looking for an event to train for. They decided on the Leadville 100 MTB.
As they say: go big or go home.
After the race, Jeff found himself puking because of fueling issues. He set out to find nutrition that spared his gut, was easy to use, tasted good, and would get him to the finish line. It eventually led him to create Tailwind.
About Tailwind Endurance Fuel:
The Tailwind Endurance Fuel packs have about 200 calories, more than many other nutrition companies. I wish I had more calories during the summer, so the extra calories are welcomed to me!
What makes Tailwind Endurance Fuel different?
- Lightweight, portable stick packs- Just add the powder to water and go.
- All Natural Ingredients
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free!
- According to Tailwind: No “Gut Bombs,”: also known as cramping, bloating, or upset stomach.
- Tasty All Day: Tailwind is known for its light and refreshing flavor. You can also drink it hot or cold.
- Complete and straightforward: You don’t need to use multiple supplements such as gels, electrolyte chews, or pills. Just the Tailwind Endurance Fuel is fine!
- Made in the USA: Everything is done in Durango, Colorado
This all sounds great, so I was super curious to see how I would feel!
My Experience with Tailwind Endurance Fuel:
I admit that I rarely have stomach issues, so that wasn’t a huge concern. That being said, each Tailwind Endurance Fuel had 200 calories was a concern. Would my stomach tolerate that much fuel at once? I’m always curious of what colors the powders will turn into when I mix it. Will it turn clear? Be opaque? Or be a bright color? The Endurance Fuel turns into an opaque white liquid.
First Tailwind Endurance Fuel comes in so many different flavors that it’s hard to keep up.
- Mandarin Orange
- Lemon
- Berry
- Naked (unflavored)
- Matcha
- Rasberry
- Tropical
- Cola
Flavors I tried:
- Green Tea Buzz: While this flavor has been retired, it was the first flavor I tried. I am not usually a big green tea fan, but I found the Tailwind Endurance Fuel Green Tea buzz to taste great. It is much sweeter than many green teas, so that was probably a bigger reason I enjoyed it.
- Cola: Cola is the favorite of Tailwind users, so I was excited to try it. It tasted close to cola without having the carbonation. I sat in my stomach well, and I was surprisingly a big fan!
- Rasberry: I’m typically a fan of raspberry, and this was no different.
- Tropical: The tropical was my favorite of the fruity flavors. I tend to be a big fan of tropical anything, and I appreciated that it sat in my stomach well with no major issues.
The flavors are on the sweeter side but not too sweet. I prefer something that does have some flavor, so I always appreciate things that you can actually “taste.” So far, this isn’t a flavor I don’t like!
I started with using the Tailwind Endurance Fuel for longer hikes. Truthfully I was slightly concerned with how many calories were in the fuel and how it would sit in my stomach. Not because there were more calories but because I thought it might feel heavy! That was not the case at all. I felt more energized during the longer hikes and had energy towards the end.
After that, I tried the Tailwind Endurance Fuel with several runs, including trail runs, easy runs, and more strenuous efforts. I’ve found half a package is suitable for an hour for easier runs that I still need hydration in the high desert. For the harder and longer efforts, I use the entire package. I’ve never had any stomach issues and find myself having more energy towards the end of workouts and runs.
Finally, some Tailwind Endurance Fuel does have caffeine, so it’s essential to be mindful of that! I didn’t find it to be “too much caffeine” that triggered a headache or inability to sleep.
I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with the Endurance Fuel.
Cost: $2.50-$38.95
You can get a single serving of Tailwind Endurance Fuel for $2.50 and 50 servings for $38.95. Buying in bulk is much cheaper and puts the Endurance Fuel as one of the more affordable options. When you compare calories for price, it’s probably the cheapest.
Tailwind Endurance Fuel Conclusion:
I like the Endurance Fuel and am looking forward to using it more during my training this summer. I do appreciate you can simply use that instead of having both electrolytes and fuel. I’ve come to like the extra calories, and it helps sustain energy during long efforts.
You can purchase Tailwind Endurance Fuel here and see all gear reviews here.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Tailwind Endurance Fuel?
What is your favorite fuel?