MuleBar Kicks Gels

Jimmy and Alex are the minds behind MuleBar. Following a climbing expedition to Aconcagua in the Andes back in 2002 and not getting the nutritional food they wanted to eat, they took to the kitchen to try out their own recipes. Inspired to create something wholly unprocessed and tasty, the brief was simple, no artificial flavours, and wholesome and organic where possible. After developing their now iconic MuleBars (and recovery bars), there was a natural progression into the gel market. A tough one to crack, given that there are some very established brands. But the ethos behind the ingredients remains firm.

Over the past few months, we have been out testing these gels on various rides including a number of races. MuleBar currently have 3 flavours, Cherry Bomb, Apple Strudel and Lemon Zinger with caffeine in the guise of natural guarna for that extra kick. The ingredient list just makes them sound tempting from the off, Organic Cherry Juice, Organic Apple and Cinnamon, Organic Sicilian Lemon concentrate (lemon zinger) and Himalayan Crystal Salt which adds natural electrolytes and full spectrum of trace minerals.

With such simple, natural ingredients, the gels are easily and effectively absorbed giving you the immediate energy kick needed. The flavours are quite intense and actually taste really good (no doubt due to the all natural ingredients). This is a huge plus as with some gels, simply the thought of having to consume another one, or knowing that's all you've got left as you teeter ever close to bonking, is enough to make you shudder. We have used the MuleBar gels exclusively on 6 hour plus rides with no gastrointestinal problems. The energy kick is quick and the guarna in the Lemon Zinger certainly does its job in giving that little extra boost.

Not only is the flavour spot on, but Alex and Jimmy have put alot of thought into the packaging as well. A first in the cycle industry, the side tear top is so easy to use. It is much easier to pull off in a single motion than the usual dual split tops, coming off evenly every time. Each 37g gel contains 28g of carbohydrate and 113 calories, and there's 63mg of caffeine in the Lemon Zinger.

Not only do MuleBar source organic and high quality ingredients, they are also a 1% for the Planet member, contributing 1% of their sales to environmental groups around the world.

All these lovely organic ingredients, clever packaging design and goodwill do come at a price. MuleBar gels start at £1.50 per gel so they're definitely at the higher end of the market on price. But overall, the MuleBar Kicks Gels do what they say on the packet and the strong flavours really 'kick'. They deliver on flavour and are easily absorbed, and the effective tear off tab is an added bonus.