Truthfully, I had no idea what the Maurten BiCarb even was, but I kept seeing social media hype for it. This product has gained attention for its intriguing science, impressive marketing, and a wide range of reactions from athletes…both amateurs and professionals. Naturally, I had to see for myself whether it lived up to the hype.
I’m no stranger to Maurten. Some other Maurten products I’ve tried:
Before trying the Maurten BiCarb, I had a few questions:
- Is the Maurten BiCarb worth it? I’m still not sure of this question. If you want super marginal gains and have done everything else then maybe, but for most us that aren’t competing at the highest level, there is always something else to do.
- Can you just use baking soda instead of the Maurten BiCarb? You can, but you are likely to have stomach issues.
- Why is the Maurten BiCarb so expensive? They use a patented system to ensure you won’t have stomach issues.
- What is the Maurten BiCarb? Let’s get into it below.
Now, let’s get into an honest Maurten BiCarb review.
About Maurten
Did you know Maurten is pronounced “More-ten”? A lot of people don’t.
Previous research showed the human body could absorb up to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Now, research shows that we can use up to 80 grams. Having too much sugar is what leads to stomach issues.
Unlike many fuels on the market, Maurten has no added flavor. It’s slightly sweetened, but you won’t taste chocolate, cherry, or watermelon. Maurten Energy also uses natural ingredients, so there are no extra colors or preservatives. I have noticed that Maurten with caffeine tastes like just caffeine. (It does have a taste—almost alkaline, bitter, and slightly soapy). While the original Maurten Energy forms use hydrogel, the new bars are back to their basic roots.
What is Maurten BiCarb?
Maurten’s latest innovation, the BiCarb System, is designed to enhance high-intensity performance by utilizing sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium bicarbonate, yes, the same substance as baking soda, has long been recognized as a performance booster, but traditional forms often come with unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. You can’t just consume large amounts of baking soda and think your stomach will be okay. Maurten claims its hydrogel technology allows athletes to take bicarb without the usual stomach distress, making it a potential game-changer for short bursts of high-intensity exercise.
How Does Sodium Bicarbonate Work for Athletics?
Why is sodium bicarbonate used as a supplement?
Your body has three main energy pathways, and when you’re exercising at high intensity, your muscles produce hydrogen ions as a byproduct. These ions make your muscles more acidic, leading to fatigue. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer, helping your body neutralize acidity and allowing you to sustain high-intensity efforts for longer.
While sodium bicarbonate is one of the few scientifically backed performance enhancers, its biggest drawback has always been digestive distress. Taking too much can lead to nausea, bloating, and even diarrhea, which is why athletes have traditionally used it cautiously. (This is somewhat concerning to think about).
Maurten claims to have solved this problem with its hydrogel system, which encapsulates the bicarbonate to improve absorption and minimize gastrointestinal issues.
How to Take Maurten BiCarb
Ordering Maurten BiCarb is a bit different from your typical sports supplement. When purchasing, you enter your body weight and past experience with bicarbonate products. Maurten then provides a personalized dosage. For me, it was recommended I take the 19 grams.
Each kit comes with:
- A mixing container
- Packets of hydrogel
- Packets of sodium bicarbonate
To prepare it:
- Add water to the container.
- Mix in the hydrogel and bicarbonate packets.
- Shake well and wait a few minutes for it to form a gel-like consistency.
- Consume 90 minutes before exercise.
The consistency is somewhat unique, more like a thick, slightly sweetened gel rather than a liquid. It contains 40g of carbohydrates, making it a decent fueling option as well. It wasn’t until I got the product that I learned it also contained 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Why don’t they advertise that Maurten BiCarb has 40 grams of carbohydrates? That is important! I digress, sometimes it feels like these brands are so secretive.
Benefits of Using Maurten BiCarb
- Proven Science: Sodium bicarbonate is one of the few supplements backed by research for improving high-intensity performance.
- Hydrogel Technology: The gel delivery system may reduce stomach issues compared to traditional bicarbonate methods.
- Decent Fuel Source: With 40g of carbohydrates per serving, it can also function as part of a fueling strategy.
My Experience with Maurten BiCarb
I tested Maurten BiCarb with all four servings (which cost $70 total). I’m getting my money’s worth out of it. As recommended, I bought the 19 grams. I mixed it up as the directions said and consumed. The taste and texture is awful, not to mention you aren’t supposed to chew the baking soda bits. It was very challenging to consume. I’ve seen other runners and professional athletes gag it down. I tried my best to eat it and ended up eating about 75% of it most times.
- Digestibility: The first couple of times I had stomach issues. Nothing that was enough that stopped my run but I did feel it. I’ve heard some people having really bad stomach issues so this is definetly not the product I would first try before a race.
- Performance Boost: During short, high-intensity efforts, I felt stronger and was able to maintain my pace for longer. However, it’s difficult to quantify how much of that was due to the product versus normal fluctuations in training. I can’t say the Maurten BiCarb is some sort of miracle worker because it’s honestly hard to tell. I can say all four times I used it, I had good workouts.
- Taste & Texture: It just reminded me of eating a pile of goo with some weird chunky things in it. The biggest con of the Maurten BiCarb is texture and taste.
- Convenience: Preparing the mixture was a bit of a hassle. It’s not as simple as popping a gel, which could be a drawback for some athletes.
In my opinion, I actually think the Maurten BiCarb might be better for shorter races where you are produces a ton of lactic acid. The research shows there are obviously benefits for longer races too, but the longer the race, I think the less benefit you may have. Is the Maurten BiCarb best for 5ks? Maybe and in my own experience of hard workouts, I did feel the best when I used it for the shorter and more intense workouts and races.
Potential Downsides of Maurten BiCarb
- Marginal Gains: While sodium bicarbonate has been shown to improve performance, the benefits are relatively small—around a 2-3% increase.
- Preparation Time: Unlike a simple gel or drink mix, you need to prepare and consume it in advance, which isn’t as convenient.
- Texture and Taste: I cannot overemphasize how hard this stuff is to consume.
Price:
At around $70 for four servings, this is one of the most expensive sports supplements available.
Is Maurten BiCarb Worth the Cost?
For most athletes, the high cost likely outweighs the benefits. If you experience stomach issues with standard bicarbonate, it may be worth considering. Otherwise, traditional bicarbonate capsules offer a more budget-friendly alternative.
Maurten BiCarb is an intriguing option, but unless you’re chasing every last performance gain, you might be better off sticking with more affordable options or focusing on refining your training and nutrition strategies.
Would I purchase Maurten BiCarb again? I don’t know. I don’t think for me it was hugely beneficial. Maybe I ran a second or two faster in a half marathon or marathon, but it wasn’t as if that second made or broke anything.
Who Should Buy the Maurten BiCarb?
- Athletes competing at a high level and looking for every possible performance edge.
- Those who have experienced stomach issues with traditional sodium bicarbonate supplements.
- Athletes who don’t mind the extra preparation time and cost in exchange for potential benefits.
Who Should Not Buy the Maurten BiCarb?
- Recreational athletes who are not competing at an elite level.
- Those looking for a budget-friendly performance enhancer.
- Athletes who prefer simple, on-the-go fueling options without additional preparation.
You can purchase Maurten BiCarb here and see all gear reviews here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried Maurten BiCarb?
What is a supplement you are interested in trying?