GF Sports Bars and Drinks September 24, 2007

When I started getting stronger, after I got the celiac disease diagnosis and began the gluten free diet, I became more and more active and needed to concentrate on how my nutrition contributed to my strength and endurance.  Often I am on long bike rides or hikes and need to maintain my hydration and calorie intake with products that are packable and easy to use.  Most athletes can use any products that they find palatable but I need to make sure they are gluten free.  Some products contain long lists of ingredients which are mostly mysterious to me.  I began emailing manufacturers and searching for resources. 

Bars:  I like the Pure Fit Nutrition Bar.  It is contains 18 g protein, 6 g fat, 25 g carbs  and 230 calories.  It is good for meal replacement and recovery meals. 

I also like the almond raisin Hammer Bar.  It contains 10 g protein, 9 g fat, 25 g. carbs and 220 calories. 

Frankly Natural Bakers makes the Gluten-Free Energy Bar.  I like the Tropical flavor.  It is higher in calories (1/2 pkg. is 210 calories, 10 g fat, 25 g carbs and 8 grams protein.  The problem is you usually eat the whole bar which is 420 calories).  It tastes more like a cookie and has dried fruit and is very tasty.  It is good for hikes or snacks. 

Another bar I really enjoy is the Prana Bar.  Here are the nutrition facts for the Cashew Almond flavor:  Calories 220, fat 14 g, carb 22 g, protein 5g. 

Take note of the calories and fat in the bars, eat with moderation.

Hydration: I like Hammer Heed in the mandarin orange flavor.  It is not too sweet. 

If you want to order something from Hammer Nutrition you can receive 15% off of your first order if you enter my client number 93857.

Cytomax is also gluten free.

GELS:  I use the Hammer gels.  I have seen some questions about them being gluten-free since one of the ingredients contain “Natural Grain Dextrins”.  I asked Hammer about this and here is their reply:

Hi Kathy,
     The source of the Natural Grain Dextrins ingredient is a proprietary blend called Energy Smart.  This is not a formulation we create, and we believe the grain source to be rice, although the composition and components are private information, even to us.  The label gluten-free, in reference to our products, indicates the products do not contain gluten.  It was an important consideration in developing our products because of the population sensitive to gluten.  Here is a quote from one of our FAQ sections:
     “Your grain reference is to the proprietary sweetening agent, Energy Smart™, which is gluten free. All ingredient manufacturers are required to inform us if gluten content is present so that we may warn athletes who have gluten sensitivity. All Hammer Nutrition products are gluten free. We have no known gluten substances in any of our products. To date, Hammer have received NO report of any Hammer Nutrition product inducing or being implicated by an accompanying gluten-sensitivity reaction.”
     According to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the considered “safe” level of gluten a product’s content must not exceed was 500 ppm (or 0.05%). Dextrins, such as those in our product, contain less than 200 ppm (0.02%), and the Gel could contain even less.  I hope this information has been helpful, and please let me know if you have any other questions. Best,
Randy

Randy Bain Client Advisor, Hammer Nutrition www.hammernutrition.com  800-336-1977 ext. 2232

Good luck with your sports nutrition.  Don’t forget that regular food is best but when you need a substitution is needed the above products can meet your needs.