In Review: Skratch Labs Fruit Drops and Rescue Hydration Mix

Starting with a hydration drink used only by pros, and originally learned about only through word of mouth, Allen Lim's Secret Drink Mix went public in 2012 and became what's now known as Skratch Labs. Preaching the "real food" gospel, Lim and his team have a number of folks eating rice cakes, drinking the company's Exercise and Daily Hydration Mixes and cooking from the Feed Zone Cookbook. (Full disclosure, I've done all of these in the past, plus tried the company's cookie mix, and been pleased with the products and results and continue to use them today.)

Recently the opportunity came up to try two Skratch products I haven't previously tested long term, the company's Fruit Drops and Rescue Hydration Mix.

In Review: Skratch Labs Fruit Drops and Rescue Hydration Mix. ©️ Daniel Curtin / Cyclocross Magazine

Skratch's Fruit Drops are the the company's answer to the vast array of energy products on the market. Most commonly, cyclists and other athletes reach for gels, bars, and increasingly gummy type chews for carbohydrate needs during exercise.

Skratch's Fruit Drops fall into the later category and come in ten-piece packs constituting two servings at 80 calories each. The Fruit Drops are available in orange or raspberry flavors, which come from real fruit rather than artificial flavors. The chews are a dual carbohydrate source meant to be better balanced than other offerings, which relay on but one source carbs and are made up of other additives. Skratch Labs takes the less-is-more approach and eliminates additives that they feel are not only not needed, but not good for you.

Skratch Fruit Drops come in 10-piece packages, which contain two servings. ©️ Daniel Curtin / Cyclocross Magazine

Not to be confused with a typical, protein heavy recovery drink, the Rescue Hydration Mix is designed to replenish lost electrolytes and repair damage resulting from dehydration. Each single serving packet consists of 70 calories that come in the form of 16 grams of sugar, as the formula contains no proteins or fats. A single does contain a whopping 750 milligrams of sodium, or 30% of the typical recommended daily allowance (based on the Food and Drug Administration's 2,000 daily calorie diet).

Skratch's Resuce Hydration starts as a white poweder and mixes up nearly clear. ©️ Daniel Curtin / Cyclocross Magazine

Rather than wait for rides or severe dehydration to hit, I opened a package of each upon receipt and gave all three products (the two Fruit Drop flavors and the Rescue Hydration Mix) a try.

First impressions are that the Fruit Drops are good, flavorful without being overpowering, which is a hallmark of many of Skratch's other products. The orange flavor is a bit tarter than the raspberry, and the sugar coating on each leaves some residue on a clean, dry hand. The Rescue Hydration Mix is heavier in flavor than the company's standard Exercise Hydrtation Mix, likely due to the doubled sodium content and fewer sugar grams. Having said that, it goes down easy after an evening out with an extra beer. Or two.

I've a number of rides coming up preparing for the Crusher in the Tushar and will be taking the Fruit Drops along. And I'll likely be needing the Rescue Hydration as the Texas summer heat hits. Stay tuned for a full review.

More info: skratchlabs.com