Precision Fuel and Hydration’s PF 90 Gel is a simple and convenient fuel. The goal is to deliver 90 g of carbohydrates, and it does exactly that—no other macro- or micro-nutrients, just straight-up glucose and fructose to maintain your energy levels.
Several newer comers to the energy gel market have captured a solid following with simple product portfolios, energy gels with neutral tastes, understated packaging designs, short ingredient lists, and science-based marketing.
Maurten Hydrogels (read our Maurten reviews here and here) and Neversecond (very active in the pro cycling circuit) are two such products that come to mind.
Today, we are excited to report our review on a third brand, UK-based Precision Fuel & Hydration. I have been using its PF (Precision Fuel) 90 Gel, a.k.a Jumbo Gel, for several long runs, and it might just have become my new energy gel of choice.
What is Precision Fuel 90 Gel? Marketing claims
The PF 90 Gel comes in a resealable pouch. It’s a big 153 g energy gel providing 90 g of carbohydrates, hence the product’s name.
The brand’s portfolio also includes the PF 30 Gel, a smaller form factor offering 30 g of carbohydrates per sachet (not resealable). “We put 3 servings of our popular PF 30 Gel in a pouch with a resealable cap to create a more efficient way for you to hit your numbers,” the company stated.
- Contains no electrolytes, as the gel is designed to be used alongside its Precision Hydration range.
- 2:1 glucose to fructose ratio to aid carbohydrate uptake.
- No artificial ingredients and vegan-friendly.
Nutritional facts
At 153 g, the PF 90 Gel delivers 360 calories, 90 g of carbohydrates, and minimal amounts of protein and fats. It contains no electrolytes and other micro-nutrients. The gel’s only purpose is to help you refuel carbohydrates.
What are the ingredients of Precision Fuel 90 Gel?
According to the product website, Maltodextrin (the primary source of glucose) and fructose are included in a 2:1 ratio. Though the company did not specify the sources, ingredients that act as an acidity regulator and preservatives come from natural sources.
- Maltodextrin
- Water
- Fructose
- Pectin
- Acidity regulator (citric acid)
- Preservatives (potassium sorbate, calcium lactate).
What are the taste and consistency of Precision Fuel 90 Gel?
The taste is an indistinct fruit flavor, which the brand describes as “neutral.” It’s very palatable and doesn’t make you want to drink water to chase it down immediately. It does have a mild aftertaste but not too horrible.
Consistency-wise, it’s a slightly more watery version of the standard gel but still syrupy. Since the energy gel is optimized for taking smaller sips, flavoring and texture are less of a concern in my opinion.
Packaging
Though big at 16 cm in length, I’m a fan of this type of resealable design.
We’ve tested Morinaga Wieder‘s version and thought it was only suitable for training due to its size and weight yet low caloric and carbohydrate content. The PF 90 Gel, however, packs 90 g of carbohydrates compared with just 45 g for Morinaga Wieder.
A reusable Bite Valve for the PF 90 Gel is also available for sale, so you don’t have to screw and unscrew it whenever you want to take a sip. However, at USD 3.7, it’s pricey for a piece of plastic.
A resealable pouch is a stomach-friendly way to take in more carbohydrates by “micro-dosing.” Take smaller sips frequently instead of having to gulp down a whole energy gel (usually 30 g) once you’ve torn one open.
Performance
I tested the PF 90 on three 25-30km runs at easy-to-moderate efforts. All the runs were done on an empty stomach.
I brought two packs of PF 90 Gels per run, which equate to 180 g of carbohydrates for a 2 hr 30 min to 2 hr 45 min session.
I took sips every 15 minutes. The temperatures have been cool in this part of the world, so for hydration, I took short water breaks at drinking fountains along the route. Water bottles were not necessary.
Some takeaways:
- Micro-dosing an energy gel is an excellent way to refuel, especially if you have issues with the tastes or have a stomach that is sensitive to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
- I was able to take in 90 g of carbohydrates in an hour via micro-dosing. When using traditional gels in the past, I maxed out at 60-70 g of carbohydrates per hour.
- I dropped the resealable cap on the first run and had to turn around to pick it up, a big problem if it was during a race. The over-priced Bite Valve could come in handy in race situations (I’m confident that I can find cheaper options on the Internet).
- Instead of carrying 4-5 gels on longer distances, I only have to deal with two pouches. I find it less bothersome.
Conclusion
Precision Fuel and Hydration’s PF 90 Gel is a simple and convenient fuel. The goal is to deliver 90 g of carbohydrates, and it does exactly that—no other macro- or micro-nutrients, just straight up glucose and fructose to maintain your energy levels.
The resealable design supports a Bite Valve option, which makes it super easy for taking small sips and to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
The neutral taste and not-too-syrupy texture are very palatable. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with twisting the resealable cap, the PF 90 Gel is an excellent fuel for both training runs and races.
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Looking for racing fuel? Here are a few energy gels reviewed by us recently.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels, Instant Surge
Spring Energy CanaBERRY – Even Energy Flow From Real Food
PowerGel Original Lemon-Lime, a Solid Option
GU Liquid Energy – GU Plus Water Equals Drinkable Energy
32GI Guarana Caffeine Shot, Separating Energy Gel & Caffeine
Huma All-Natural Energy Gels, Eat Chia Seeds and Run