UCAN Energy Powder Review

I was excited to try the UCAN Energy Powder. I’ve been looking for a mix I can use while I’m doing long runs. One thing I’ve been trying to do on my journey to the Los Angeles Marathon is taking more fuel. And I mean a lot more fuel. Usually, with marathons, I’ve taken around 500 calories, but I’m hoping to top out around 750-1000 this time around. Since it’s hard to do that with gels, I’m hoping to substitute with some sort of drink mix.

I first tried UCAN Energy Powder on a long run/workout. I ran 5X1 mile hard with a mile easy in between. That’s a long workout, but I felt good the entire time, and I think that’s because I focused on having more calories.

I had a few questions about the UCAN Energy Powders:

What makes UCAN Energy Powders different?
Are UCAN Energy Powders good?
Do UCAN Energy Powders work?
Do UCAN Energy Powders taste good?

Well, I’ll explore each in this review.

I’ve reviewed a few UCAN products including:

About UCAN:

Is it Generation UCAN or just UCAN?

UCAN dropped the generation a few years ago.

What Makes UCAN Edge Different? What happened to SuperStarch? UCAN uses their “UCAN Livesteady” (formerly known as SuperStarch).

It’s patented, doesn’t contain sugar or stimulants, and delivers slow-release carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar steady, unlike other gels that want to get you the energy as quickly as possible and use sugar. Livesteady is a low-glycemic, complex carbohydrate.

Livesteady was developed to aid an infant born with a rare metabolic disorder where the body doesn’t produce glucose independently. The child was always in danger of life-threatening hypoglycemia. Livesteady helps deliver glucose to his bloodstream, and he continues to live off Livesteady.

UCAN products are all of these things: Zero Sugar Real Food Gluten-Free, Vegan Friendly, Keto Friendly.

About the UCAN Energy Powder:

Admittedly, I didn’t realize it was going through a product rebranding and saw two different things called “energy”. What was the difference? I later found out nothing, just new packaging. I wondered why there was only the orange flavor in the single serve and more flavors in the tubs. Later I found out they are all the same.

The UCAN Energy Powder contains:

LIVSTEADY™ corn starch*, natural flavor, xanthan gum, sodium citrate dihydrate, potassium citrate monohydrate, citric acid, monk fruit extract.

What else makes UCAN different?

Hydrothermally cooked without chemicals or enzymes, so you don’t have to worry about what’s in it.

My Experience with the UCAN Energy:

As stated, I first tried UCAN Energy Powder before and during a long run. I felt great, and that’s what sealed the deal of buying more and using it. I was first surprised when I tried the tropical orange, and it wasn’t an orange color but a white/milky color. It really concerned me to bring something that looked like straight up milk on a run. I wondered: would that be great on my stomach? It turns out it was just fine, and I felt great the entire time.

I felt like I had sustained energy and have run well, each time I’ve used the UCAN Energy Powder. I don’t really have any complaints, and it sits well in my stomach. As I continue to build my long run base, I don’t always have the energy around miles 14+. I found that to be no issue when using the Energy Powder and I finished strong. A true miracle.

I’ve since the Energy Powders on all of my runs with no issues. I’m currently deciding if I’ll begin taking them before the long run too. I’m up to using 2 full packets (90 calories each) during runs over 10 miles. I would like to get to 1 before and maybe 3 during the marathon but it’s tbd. My stomach has been able to handle it which is nice!

Cost: $$

The UCAN Energy Powder is not cheap. At $69.95 for 30 servings, it’s just over $2 per serving. Although it’s definitely not the most expensive brand out there either. Some Maurten products equate to over $4 each (but they also have more calories). When you do the price comparison of 90 calories for just over $2 and 320 calories for $4.50, they are about the same.

UCAN Energy Powder Conclusion:

In all, I’m a big fan of the Energy Powder, and I’ll continue using them. I do feel better, and they don’t upset my stomach. The only drawback is the cost, but that is everything with running these days.

Who should buy the UCAN Energy Powder? If you are looking for long-lasting energy that is gentle on your stomach.

Who should not buy the UCAN Energy Powder? I don’t have a big reason per se, there are cheaper options out there if you prefer.