Testing Pep against Precision, Maurten, SiS Beta, Huma

So excited to test Pep Sport Nutrition against a few of the best sport nutrition gels out there!

The test guideline:

• N=1 and Pep co-founder Jan is the test subject
• Do 6 long runs (25+ miles, 3.5-4.5hrs), about a week apart
• Keep HR at upper end of Z2
• Run more or less the same route each time
• Fuel exclusively with a different carb source each time at 120g Carbs/hr, 
• Record, journal and ponder the sensations 

 

Disclaimer:

Nutrition is so personal, so keep in mind this an N=1 study and Jan (Pep co-founder) is the N. We did our best to keep an open and objective mind, but of course a certain level of bias is inevitable. 

 

Overall conclusion:

• All products worked fantastically
• All products went down easy
• The thicker consistency and least-neutral flavor of Pep Sport Nutrition could take the longest to get used for some people
• On the other hand, the sugar-water taste and consistency of other options may not be preferred by others
• Huma strikes a really nice balance between real-food taste and consistency that still slurps like sugar water
• Beta Fuel was Jan's least favorite due to some bloating that eventually worked itself out (maybe he just needed to get used to the higher ratio of fructose). The rigid packaging has sharp corners that cut holes in Jan's vest's pockets
• Really appreciate the trash leash of Precision gels
• Stating the obvious here: overall it's a lot of trash
• Obviously we were super pleased that Pep Sport Nutrition allowed for high-carb fueling just as effectively as other options, but without the refined sugars and discarded wrappers!

 

 

Test Details:

1) Pep Sport Nutrition. 3.1.2025

Was planning on 4hrs, but my average weekly mileage has been like 10 the past 3 months, so 3.5hrs was enough.

System felt steady and strong, but legs are not used to pounding. Had to stop and stretch a few times after about 2hrs, which helped, but overall gait got more and more shuffly.

Pep Nutrition gut training! 450g carbs = 128g/hr. Went down so nicely, no bloating or burping. Next long run: testing other high carb gel options to compare!

 

2) Precision gel

Testing out Precision gels. 4hrs at Z2 @120g carbs/hr.

Worked fantastic, liked the neutral flavor, no GI issues whatsoever. It's a great product. The "trash leash" really helped after opening. Every gel tube needs to have that.

As far as GI, blood sugar and energy level, it was almost strange how exactly the same Precision worked for me as Pep, which I consider a success.

Bit slower today compared to last week's long run. Legs felt better pounding the pavement, but I think system not quite as recovered and it was a tough work week. Also need to get on those strides. 

I am curious just a little bit, though, whether the lack of any BCAAs or adaptogens in Precision (and pretty much all other) gels could have contributed to the quicker deterioration of running form and overall energy after the 3hr mark (compared to last week's long run with Pep). Also had fewer electrolytes (3 PH1000 tabs) compared to what's in Pep. Just a hypothesis.

 

3) Maurten gel

Testing continues, 120g carbs/hr with Maurten gels today. Worked great. Easy texture and mild sweet taste made it go down easy.

Felt quite a bit easier today than last week. Nothing to do with nutrition I'm sure, just getting used to the grind. 4x mini strides in the middle and finished with 4x strides to loosen the legs up a little.

Digestion or GI related, honestly can't tell any difference between Pep, Precision and Maurten. 

One small difference is that with Maurten and Precision I actually felt kinda hungry, especially in the 3rd and 4th hour. Whereas with Pep, I didn't.

Giving the benefit of the doubt to Pep, you could say that the little bit of real-food protein, fat and fiber provide a more complete nourishment and help you feel satiated. 

On the flip-side, you could say that you don’t want to feel satiated when running and that maybe I could take in even more than 120g carbs per hour.

I'm sure this will be individual, too. Just some notes and carbs for thought.

 

4) SiS Beta Fuel

Another test run. ~4hrs @ Z2 with Sis Beta Fuel today @ 120g Carbs/hr.

Felt like a bit of a breakthrough run. This is my 4th long run in 3 weeks and feels like legs are getting stronger and all the mid-week strides are making the Z2 pace feel easier. It was so nice to be able to maintain a decent running form even in the later miles.

As far as SIS, it did the job of fueling, but personally was my least favorite gel so far. Maybe I'm not used to so much fructose (1:0.8), but got bloated 1.5hrs in and ran with a gas baby for at least an hour until I finally burped and tooted him free. It felt exactly like the bloating I experience with Hammer gel.

Digestion and nutrition is so personal so this is all just my experience. Interesting thing for me to note is that with Precision Fuel and Maurten I had no bloating and excessive burping at all.