I was curious about the UCAN Edge Caffeine. I’m already a big fan of UCAN Edge, so I was curious about what their new caffeinated versions would be like. I’ve tried several of the UCAN products and liked each one.
While UCAN states that you can take fewer gels with their products, I still consume about 80-90 grams of carbohydrates per hour. So I’ve often wondered: am I having good success with UCAN because I’m fueling more, or am I having good success with UCAN because of the actual brand? Either way, I do like the gels.
Some other UCAN products I’ve tried:
Before trying the UCAN Edge Caffeine I had a few questions:
- Does the UCAN Edge Caffeine have a lot of caffeine? It has 75 mg which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things.
- Does the UCAN Edge Caffeine taste good? YES. I can’t do sweet gels all of the time and I’ve found the UCAN Edge Caffeine to have a slightly more tart flavor (as all of the UCAN Edge gels do).
- Why are the UCAN Edge Caffeine packets so big? Rumor is that UCAN is working to make their gel packets smaller. Thank goodness, because it can be really challenging to stuff a bunch of gels in your pockets for a race. Where do they all go?
- Do you have a UCAN Edge Caffeine discount code: Yes, use the code FUELEDBYLOLZ to save 15% on UCAN products.
Read this honest review of the UCAN Edge Caffeine.
About the brand 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 LIVSTEADY” (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 aim to get you the energy as quickly as possible using sugar. LIVSTEADY is a low-glycemic, complex carbohydrate.
LIVSTEADY 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. LIVSTEADY helps deliver glucose to his bloodstream, and he continues to live off LIVSTEADY.
- Zero Sugar
- Real Food
- Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly, Keto-Friendly
About the UCAN Edge Caffeine:
UCAN Edge Caffeine aims to redefine endurance fueling with its innovative formula designed to stabilize energy levels, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of energy crashes. Powered by LIVSTEADY, a plant-based slow-burning fuel, this endurance gel delivers steady energy to help athletes perform at their best without the common side effects of traditional gels.
What makes UCAN Edge Caffeine different?
Sustained Energy:
LIVSTEADY’s unique formulation provides up to 75 minutes of consistent energy, reducing the peaks and troughs associated with sugary or fast-burning fuels. This steady energy delivery supports both physical endurance and mental focus.
Caffeine Boost:
UCAN Edge + Caffeine offers 75mg of caffeine per pouch, delivering an additional performance-enhancing kick.
Gentle on Digestion:
Unlike many endurance gels that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, UCAN Edge’s formula is designed for easy digestion, making it a preferred choice for athletes with sensitive stomachs.
Scientifically Backed:
UCAN Edge Caffeine is endorsed by professional athletes, nutritionists, and trainers, showcasing its credibility and effectiveness. Its development is rooted in extensive research, ensuring it meets the demands of high-performance training.
My Experience with UCAN Edge Caffeine:
I’m already a big fan of UCAN Edge products and have used their fueling regularly for my last couple of marathons. Like many people, I was thrilled with the option of a caffeine version. They come in two flavors:
- Mocha: This is my favorite flavor, and it does taste like mocha, but it’s not as sweet as one would imagine.
- Chocolate: I was most curious about a sweet gel from UCAN. Their gels are generally on the tarter side (which I appreciate), so a chocolate gel was intriguing. It definitely tasted like chocolate—just a more tart version.
I felt the effects of the caffeine pretty soon after consuming. I also don’t have a ton of caffeine in my non-running life (or running life, honestly), so I definitely felt the extra push of caffeine. I know I can’t do UCAN Edge Caffeine gels for an entire race, but it’s nice to mix it up a bit. In all, I’m a fan.
To note, while UCAN says you don’t need to take as many UCANs, I usually take about 80–90 grams of carbohydrates per hour and have had good success with UCAN.
Finally, yes UCN gel packets are big. It can be difficult to carry all of them during a run which is another reason I don’t prefer to fuel exclusively with UCAN.
Cost:
You can get 12 packets for $40 which is cheaper than a lot of similar products. Although UCAN does have less calories. So it’s about the going rate for gels these days. You can also save 15% using the code: FUELEDBYLOLZ or try a starter pack for free here.
UCAN Edge Caffeine Conclusion:
UCAN Edge Caffeine is a great option for athletes looking for a steady energy source that avoids the sugar spikes and crashes of traditional gels. With its slow-burning LIVSTEADY formula, added caffeine boost, and easy digestion, it’s a versatile tool for endurance training and racing. The two available flavors, Mocha and Chocolate, offer variety and cater to different taste preferences. While it might not be ideal for fueling an entire race, it’s a great addition to any fueling plan. Whether you’re a marathoner, cyclist, or long-distance runner, UCAN Edge Caffeine provides reliable performance benefits.
Who Should Purchase UCAN Edge Caffeine
- Endurance athletes seeking long-lasting, steady energy without sugar.
- Those who need an occasional caffeine boost during workouts or races.
- Athletes prone to GI issues with traditional gels.
- Runners, cyclists, or triathletes who appreciate tart or less-sweet flavors.
Who Should Not Purchase UCAN Edge Caffeine
- Athletes who prefer sugary, fast-burning gels for quick energy.
- Those with a low caffeine tolerance or sensitivity to caffeine.
- Those who don’t have space for the large gel packets
You can purchase UCAN Edge Caffeine here (Save 15% using the code FUELEDBYLOLZ) and see all gear reviews here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the new UCAN Edge Caffeine?
What is your favorite fueling?