Neversecond energy gel review summary: At 60 ml, Neversecond C30 and C30+ energy gels each provide 120 calories and 30 g of carbohydrates, of which 10 g are from sugar at a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio. They include 200 mg of sodium per pack, which is significant for an energy gel. Neversecond C30+ also contains 75 mg of caffeine.
Neversecond is a sports nutrition brand gaining popularity, particularly in the cycling and triathlon segments. One look at the company website, and it’s clear that Neversecond has positioned itself as science-driven and painstakingly precise regarding product development.
Several brands and products reviewed by us have similar looks and marketing messages – Maurten, Precision & Hydration, and Sports in Science (SiS), to name a few.
So what differentiates Neversecond?
When you cut through all the fancy-science-marketing talk, Neversecond C30 energy gel is pretty standard – ample carbohydrates and a generous dose of sodium. It’s a solid sports fuel packaged in a stylish sachet and elevated by a well-crafted, science-based marketing campaign.
But don’t get me wrong. Neversecond C30 is a good energy gel. Additionally, the brand’s product portfolio and website are well thought out, making it easy to understand which product does what.
Below is my review after going on a 33 km trail run fueled by Neversecond C30 and C30+ energy gels.
Marketing highlights – what is Neversecond C30 energy gel?
- Neversecond C30 delivers 200 mg of sodium and 30 g of carbohydrates per sachet with a 2:1 glucose-fructose ratio.
- Simple product naming system. Every product begins with a letter: C = carbohydrate or P = protein. And then followed by a number that indicates the amount of the macronutrient included. C30 means a product has 30 g of carbohydrates, and P30 signifies that it has 30 g of protein.
- The + sign represents added caffeine. Therefore, C30 contains 30 g of carbohydrates, and C30+ has the same amount of carbohydrates but is caffeinated.
Let’s talk about the Dot System. On each product package, there are three dots located at the top. Each dot represents one unit, which equates to 30 g.
For example, the C30 energy gel has one dot colored in, meaning that this product provides one unit (30 g) of carbohydrates.
Let’s look at C90 High Carb Drink Mix. All three dots are filled, meaning it provides three units of carbohydrates (90 g).
With the simple product naming and dot systems, all you have to do is use its Guidance System Fuel Calculator to determine your fueling needs.
At the moment, I’m preparing for a 50 km trail race that is expected to take 8 hours. The calculator indicated that I would need 19 carbohydrate units, about 70 g per hour. It’s a good starting point for planning your race fueling.
What are the ingredients and nutritional profile of Neversecond C30 energy gel?
I tested two flavors – C30 Berries and C30+ Cola. Their ingredient labels are identical, except C30+ added 75 mg of caffeine.
At 60 ml, Neversecond energy gels provide 120 calories, 30 g of carbohydrates, and 200 mg of sodium, which is significant for an energy gel. The primary sources of sugar are maltodextrin and fructose. As mentioned, Neversecond gels are straightforward. They are nothing fancy and provide what the body needs to function during endurance athletics.
What are the taste and consistency of Neversecond C30 energy gel?
The taste of Neversecond C30 Berries is a non-distinct fruitiness. Despite not really tasting like berries, the flavor was above average.
Neversecond C30+ Cola also didn’t taste like its advertised flavor, and there was a bit of a bitterness kick. This cola flavor is below average, in my opinion.
I’m a fan of the lighter consistency. In my book, a more watery texture goes down easier than a syrupy paste, especially with the temperature rising in most corners of the world.
How’s the packaging of Neversecond C30 energy gel?
The Neversecond C30 energy gel sachet is big, slightly longer and fatter than even SiS gels, another well-known brand with large packaging. So definitely check your current hydration vest, running belt, and shorts to see if Neversecond would fit.
I do like the litter chain design, which eliminates little pieces of litter after you rip open the energy gel.
How did Neversecond C30 energy gel perform?
I brought two C30 Berries and one C30+ Cola on a 33 km, five-hour trail run with perfect running weather at 18-20 degrees Celsius and cloudy. I was running at LSD intensity, so three gels were more than sufficient since I also had a carbohydrate-rich breakfast.
Here are some takeaways:
- The sachet is big. I currently use Ultimate Direction’s Hardrock edition vest, and the gels don’t fit well in the pockets. I had to fold and shove them in. Thankfully, the energy gel packs didn’t explode.
- In terms of keeping me fueled, the energy gels performed admirably. The 75 mg of caffeine in C30+ Cola, in particular, gave me a real boost. They set well and caused zero stomach issues.
- Flavor-wise, the energy gels were acceptable. The lighter texture made them go down smoothly, which is always helpful in alleviating taste issues.
- 60 ml is a lot of sugary water. The best way to consume these big gels is to be patient. Open the wrapper, take a sip, and hold it while continuing to run. Wait a bit, and then take another sip. Gulping down 60 ml all at once might be too much for some people.
Conclusion
At 60 ml, Neversecond C30 and C30+ energy gels each provide 120 calories and 30 g of carbohydrates, of which 10 g are from sugar at a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio. They include 200 mg of sodium per pack, which is significant for an energy gel. Neversecond C30+ also contains 75 mg of caffeine.
What stands out for Neversecond are the brand’s product naming, “dot” system, and an easy-to-use fuel calculator. They combined to simplify significantly the process of understanding and selecting the company’s products.
Neversecond energy gels are on the higher end price-wise. They come in 12-pack boxes at USD 42, which is USD 3.5 per gel. There are certainly more affordable options and many ways to DIY if you’re on a budget.
The energy gels are solid sports nutrition options with abundant calories, sugars, and electrolytes. We are comfortable recommending this brand if the price isn’t a deterrent.
