What is CLIF SHOT® energy gel?

CLIF SHOT® is a fast-acting, easy-to-digest source of carbohydrates—your body's preferred source of fuel during activity.

What flavors of CLIF SHOT® are available?

CLIF SHOT® Gel comes in eight great-tasting flavors: Vanilla, Razz, Mocha with caffeine, Strawberry with caffeine, Cola with caffeine, Orange Cream, Chocolate, Mango.

Who needs CLIF SHOT®?

CLIF SHOT® is primarily used by Endurance Athletes – Cyclists, Runners, Mountain Bikers, Triathletes, Adventure Racers, etc. However anyone needed a quick burst of energy can benefit from CLIF SHOT®.

How do you eat CLIF SHOT®?

One packet of CLIF SHOT® is intended to be one serving, eaten all at once. Pull the tear tab off to the side, leaving it attached to the bottom of the package via the Litter Leash®, and squeeze the CLIF SHOT® into your mouth. Always follow SHOT with a mouthful of water.

What’s the Litter Leash™?

The Litter Leash is a patented design that allows the tear tab to stay attached to the bottom of the package after use. We adopted this design after seeing so many gel tabs littering the roads and trails. The Litter Leash makes the process of opening a gel and disposing of it properly easier.

When should CLIF SHOT® be eaten?

One SHOT® can be eaten 15 minutes prior to activity to increase blood sugar levels, and then one to two SHOT’s per hour can be eaten during activity to maintain energy levels. A good rule of thumb is that the more intense the activity, the more often you should plan on eating a SHOT® Gel.

Can I use CLIF SHOT® gel along with CLIF SHOT® Electrolyte Drink?

Both Gel and Electrolyte play key roles in endurance athletics. Electrolyte provides needed fluid and electrolyte replacement while Gel provides a concentrated and easily digested source of energy. The advantage of Gel is that it provides 100 calories of energy in a very concentrated format, whereas you have to consume about 10 oz of Electrolyte for the same amount of calories. On the other hand, gels do not provide hydration; in fact they can pull water back into your gut. As a result, athletes should look to balance use of both drinks and gels, finding the optimal point where they are consistently energized and without stomach upset. Every athlete is unique and should experiment with this balance in training.

Which CLIF SHOT® flavors contain caffeine? Why?

Double Expresso, Mocha, and Strawberry, contain 100mg, 50mg, and 25mg of caffeine respectively (1 can of cola or ½ cup of coffee contains about 50mg of caffeine). Caffeine provides a boost to athletes by stimulating the central nervous system, increasing adrenaline and aiding in the use of body fat as fuel. Current sports science shows that caffeine does NOT cause dehydration when consumed during activity.

Does CLIF SHOT® contain electrolytes?

On average, each flavor of CLIF SHOT® Gel contains: 40 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium, and 2%DV of magnesium.

What are electrolytes and what do they do for me?

Mineral salts such as sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium are known collectively as electrolytes. These electrolytes allow electrical impulses to travel properly throughout your body, allowing for normal bodily function. When you sweat you start to deplete yourself of these electrolytes. Similar to dehydration, electrolyte depletion will first lead to performance declines and then onto more serious health issues. Each CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel provides sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help counteract the losses in your sweat.

How is CLIF SHOT® different than its competitors?

CLIF SHOT® is the only certified organic energy gel on the market. SHOT Gel’s main ingredient is organic brown rice syrup, which is minimally refined to help maintain naturally occurring sodium, potassium, and magnesium. SHOT Gel is also the only energy gel featuring the patented Litter Leash® which keeps the tear tab attached to the bottom of the packet after use.

What is the proportion of simple to complex carbohydrate in CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel?

SHOT Gel is 70% Complex Carbohydrate and 30% Simple Carbohydrate.

Why aren’t there any vitamins in CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel?

The primary purpose of CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel is to deliver what an athlete needs and can actually use during his/her training and racing: carbohydrate and electrolytes. While vitamins such as A, C, and E are critical to daily well being, studies continually show that there is no performance benefit to consuming these vitamins during activity. Your body cannot assimilate enough vitamin A, C, or E during an event to make up for chronic deficiencies in your daily nutrition plan. The best way to prevent nutrient deficiencies is to eat well-balanced meals on a daily basis.

Why isn’t there any protein in CLIF SHOT® Gel?

Well-designed studies have not been able to prove that consuming protein during activity has any performance benefits beyond consuming adequate carbohydrate. Furthermore, consuming protein during activity may actually hurt performance by displacing carbohydrate, slowing carbohydrate digestion, and causing digestive distress.

Does CLIF SHOT® contain any animal products or MSG?

No, CLIF SHOT® does not contain any animal products or MSG.

Is CLIF SHOT® kosher?

CLIF SHOT® is not kosher at this time.

Can CLIF SHOT® be frozen?

We've done some informal testing of SHOT® in the freezer. It becomes very firm, but does not freeze solid and does not degrade the packaging. After returning to room temperature it tastes as good as new. For training and racing in warm conditions you might try throwing some SHOT in the freezer so that it's nice and cool when you're ready to eat it.

What is the shelf life of CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel?

CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel is guaranteed 18 months from the time it is packed. You can find the expiration date embossed on the side of the package. We guarantee the product until that date.