Sometimes referred to as a gummy, yet a performance sport snack. Sharkies is made primarily from whole rice syrup and fruit juice, Sharkies claim to provide a balanced supply of complex carbohydrates, simple sugars and electrolytes. Sharkies also are gelatin-free, wheat-free, fat-free, and contain no preservatives.
Here's what's neat about this product––it's new. It's a category creator. It is really the third such company profiled here in the gel section: Leppin started the gel category, GU overhauled the category, and Sharkies––with its Gummy Bear motif––creates a split-off of from the gel category. The other interesting thing about this product is its capacity––we think––to go major-market.
SLOWTWITCH QUESTION ONE: If you were to compete in a half-Ironman, what would be your nutritional regimen during the race?
Before thinking about what your nutritional needs will be during a 4 – 6 hour event, you should be concerned with what your nutrition is leading up to the race. We believe your diet should be a healthy mix of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and you should keep hydrated with lots of fruit juice and water. Given a healthy nutritious diet and proper hydration, you will be arriving to your race fueled with a great supply of carbohydrates (simple and complex) and balanced electrolytes (sodium and potassium).
On the morning of the event, eat a well-balanced breakfast of carbohydrates, protein, and drink plenty of water/electrolyte drink several hours before your event. Just prior to the start, you should drink a carbohydrate drink and continue drinking every 20 minutes.
We recommend you choose natural food source carbohydrates (rice, oats, fruit juice) as your energy food. Your body is your engine! By consuming real food—not highly processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, etc.—your body will burn fuel very efficiently. We believe real foods are gentler on the stomach and help to avoid gastrointestinal cramping.
Whether you consume Sharkies or gels, we must stress the importance of drinking lots of fluids! This will not only help with hydration, but will assist in transporting the needed electrolytes from the Sharkies or gels to your cells.
SLOWTWITCH QUESTION TWO: Why are gels typically sold in 100 calorie packets?
Sharkies come in packets that are 210 calories. Some people will eat the whole packet prior to training or racing. Others will eat a partial packet and carry the rest during their training or event. Sharkies are convenient as they come with 16 pieces per bag. Because they are gelatin-free, they can be placed in your bike jersey, running shorts or even inside your closed car and they will not melt, thus allowing you to eat them as you feel necessary. Remember, there are three phases (nutritionally) to training and racing:
- Hydrate and fuel your body before starting.
- Maintain: Replace liquids, electrolytes and fuel before your body sends you signals. Once you start to feel it, it is too late.
- Replenish: It is very important to eat soon after completing a workout or race. This will help your body’s recovery and allow higher levels of training the next day.
SLOWTWITCH QUESTION THREE: Are there new or different delivery systems on the horizon?
We believe Sharkies are the new delivery system and will revolutionize the sports food industry. Based in the form of a gummy and made from real foods (whole rice syrup and fruit juice), Sharkies deliver a highly efficient source of energy to your body. Sharkies also are very tasty, which mentally helps as you enjoy your eating experience. Another comment from many Sharkies users is they find that Sharkies are very gentle on their stomachs.
SLOWTWITCH QUESTION FOUR: What is the life of a gel in its plastic container?
Sharkies have a shelf life of one year and stay best in a temperature range of 50–80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sharkies are packed with a mixture of four different flavors—blackberry, cherry, lemon, and tangerine. As you open a bag you will smell the fruit flavors escaping. Sharkies will never melt in extremely warm temperatures or completely freeze in cold weather. Actually, many people will keep Sharkies in the freezer and enjoy them cold.
