TFS Review: Clif Shot Bloks
Posted December 7th, 2006 at 5:00 PM by Jonathan Faccone
Section: Nutrition, Race Prep & Recov, Supplements, Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
Energy gels can be very helpful and convenient sources of carbohydrate replenishment for endurance athletes. However, they don’t always taste so great and that’s why a few alternatives have started to hit the market. One such alternative is Clif’s Shot Blocks which we have reviewed below.
Product: Clif Shot Bloks
Price: $1.95 each (2 servings); $23.88 (box of 72)
Rating: Average 6.4/10.0
Pros: Great taste (much better than energy gels); adequate carbohydrate replenishment, organic
Cons: Bulky package; inconvenient to bring on runs; can get stuck in teeth & on roof of mouth; leaves hands sticky if warm
Overall: Not the best choice for runners. Rating would be a bit higher for other athletes. It is one of the best tasting products of its kind, but it should be more conveniently packaged.
We reviewed the regular Clif Shot Bloks: the Strawberry flavor. However, Clif does make a few flavors that contain some caffeine and a Margarita flavor Shot Blok that has 3 times the sodium & electrolytes. Although we are weary of the caffeine use by athletes, it can be helpful if used in moderation. The x3 Extra Sodium (210mg) variety can be very helpful for marathon runners and other extreme endurance athletes.
Here are the nutritional facts for the average Shot Bloks, like the Strawberry flavored Bloks that we reviewed:
Effectiveness - 6 - Shot Bloks contain a good amount of carbohydrates campred to it’s competitors (i.e. GU, Powergels, etc.). They do have more sodium and electrolytes (70mg) than GU (45mg), but far less than the 200mg found in PowerBar’s Gels (200 mg). Clif’s Margarita flavor, as mentioned above, does have 210mg; an amount they should include in every flavor variety. However, the main purpose of these gels is the carbohydrate replenishment; so in that regard the Shot Bloks are adequate. When we used them in lieu of our normal energy gels, they did provide good results.
Taste - 9 Taste is by far it’s best characteristic (tastes almost like gummy bears!). With the possible exception of the Jelly Belly Sport Beans, they are the best tasting carbohydrate/energy product. They are also USDA certified organic.
Value & Convenience - 5 The price per serving is pretty comparable to other energy gels and similar products. However, and the reason why it didn’t receive a higher value rating, is that they are way too big & bulky and the second serving in the package will often go to waste. Most runners who carry energy gels will safety pin them to their waistband or store them in their shorts pockets (or the pockets on their hydration devices). They are just too big to store comfortably in these spots. However, if you were able to get past the comfort issue or had large pockets on your Camelbak, you still won’t be able to seal the Shot Bloks packaging after consuming the first serving. There’s just no good way to store that 2nd serving without having them spill out or leave gooey residue in your pockets (unless maybe you put them in ziplock bag ahead of time - but who wants to have to remember anything else come race day?). You’ll probably just end up throwing them out and not want to deal with the aggravation - especially during a race.
Overall, if you are runner looking for an alternative to energy gels, then go for Jelly Belly’s Sport Beans instead. They are very effective, lighter, have smaller packages and are much more convenient. They will also leave your hands much cleaner and get stuck in your teeth far less frequently. On the other hand, the Shot Blocks can be a wise choice if you are looking for a carbohydrate replenishment source for your cross-training workouts and/or if your main sport is cycling or hiking.
Editor’s note - The overall rating was calculated by weighting Effectiveness as 60%, Taste as 20% and Value & Convenience as 20%.
Although this review is authored by just one of TFS’s team members, it reflects the cumulative results of the entire groups’ trial.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: carbohydrate energy gels, carbohydrates, clif, clif shot blocks, energy gels, product review, race supplies, review
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
That’s great! Thanks for the nice article.
April 7th, 2007 at 2:26 pmI had one, it was pretty terrible tasting, cola flavor.
August 26th, 2008 at 4:40 am