Matt and I heard about Nuun Energy from our friend Natalie, whose review is below.
Scores: Jared (Berry Blast) 7.7/10, Matt (Tropical Punch) 4.2/10
Nuun is a hydration company best known for fizzy electrolyte tablets. Based in Seattle and sold in more than 5,000 US stores and over 30 countries, it has expanded from its sports roots into everyday hydration, and, luckily for us, into caffeinated tablets.
I asked Matt which flavor he wanted, then ordered Berry Blast for me and Tropical Punch for him. Checkout was easy, I got 10% off for signing up for the newsletter, and the two tubes arrived in about a week.
As of January 2022, a tube of 10 tablets was $8. Each tablet goes into 16 oz of water and takes a few minutes to fizz and dissolve. Not ideal if you’re in a rush, but fun to watch if you have a minute. I used 20 oz, which dilutes the flavor a bit; more on that below.
Cam’s caffeine corner
Nuun Energy is marketed as a midday boost, and that’s exactly what it is. With 80 mg of caffeine per tablet, plus B vitamins and good old electrolytes, it should give you a mild boost with no noticeable crash.
There’s nothing unusual in the ingredients. B6 and B12 show up in many energy drinks, and Panax ginseng is an adaptogen also found in Monster, Reign, and others. Beyond caffeine from green tea, the rest is forms of B5, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and a hint of Himalayan pink salt for electrolytes.
Overall, it’s a modest, fairly healthy blend for a light boost. No alarming ingredients or extra stimulants, and only 2 grams of sugar, so you shouldn’t crash. It could easily replace coffee, but it won’t do much in place of pre-workout.
Natalie’s guest review
Sport + Caffeine is my favorite pre-run or mid-run pick-me-up. It gives me energy and electrolytes to keep going strong. Before a run, it’s the kick I need to get out the door and start strong. During the run, it keeps me hydrated and energized. It’s also great for curing a hangover or staying hydrated when sick.
I highly recommend Nuun, especially if you’re looking to jump-start your workouts.
Matt’s review: Tropical Punch, 4.2/10
I had the Nuun Sport flavor Tropical Punch, an experience I can best describe as “bizarre.” Like Jared, I think this is best as a hydration or exercise supplement, not something you drink for enjoyment. Nothing wrong with that, but the taste wasn’t good. There was no clear flavor: just an ambiguous bitter tartness, nothing tropical. I tried different amounts of water with no luck.
There’s a big difference between bad and gross, and this isn’t gross. It’s fine as an occasional supplement, but I’d much rather have other Nuun flavors.
Jared’s review: Berry Blast, 7.7/10
Berry Blast was an easy choice, since blue raspberry is my go-to flavor. My thoughts after finishing all 10:
- If you’re impatient like me, the tablets take about five minutes to dissolve. Shaking doesn’t speed it up.
- In 20 oz of water, it reminded me of LaCroix. In 16 oz, it tasted a lot stronger.
- It won’t blow you away, but it’s a nicely done blue raspberry. Don’t expect the aggressive flavor of Bang or Reign; it’s a casual running and workout supplement.
- I tried it as a morning coffee replacement, an afternoon energy drink replacement, and before and after runs.
- Before and after runs were by far the best use. It felt great for hydration and hit different post-run.
- As a coffee or energy drink substitute, I could feel it, but it’s just not the same.
Overall, I highly recommend Nuun Energy in the right scenario. Use it for hydration and you’ll be a happy camper.
More caffeine-plus-electrolyte options: XTEND x Airheads and the Gatorade Fast Twitch flavors ranked.
