Nuun Boost

Nuun Boost (known as Nuun Energy until recently), is a more action-packed version of Nuun Active, packing in B vitamins and caffeine, as well as a range of electrolytes claimed to assist optimum muscle function. If you're set on a low calorie electrolyte drink with added 'pizazz', then this could be for you.

Boost maintains the same low-calorie approach of the rest of the Nuun tab range, ideal for those among us perhaps managing our weight, all the while providing electrolytes for optimum hydration and muscle function using the same ethical sources of ingredients as its counterpart.

For those looking for a comparison, Boost contains the same base ingredients as Active (360mg sodium, 100mg potassium, 25mg magnesium, 13mg calcium and 38mg Vitamin C), then peps it up with an additional 20mg of niacin, 2mg of vitamin B6 and 6µg of vitamin B12, all claimed to support optimum energy release from whatever carbs you're also consuming, plus 40mg of green tea-sourced caffeine for an immediate punch of focus and drive. The recipe has been upgraded with the addition of new plant based sweeteners and ingredients including Stevia leaf extract, beet juice powder and avocado oil.

I must admit it's hard to tell whether the B-vitamins are actually doing their job in terms of energy release. As someone who purposefully eats a balanced diet suitable for a high-energy-output lifestyle – I exercise a lot – I aim to get in all the vitamins I need without supplements anyway, so probably have no need for it.

That being said, the caffeine offers a nice little boost to proceedings. Having used SiS GO Hydro caffeine-enhanced tabs before, which offered up 75mg of caffeine per serving as opposed to the 40mg with the Nuun tabs, the immediate benefits of caffeine intake are clear: improved focus, concentration, and drive (although I dispute this last point sometimes), so you're ready to perform at your best whether on the bike, or training elsewhere.

The fact that there's 'only' 40mg of caffeine in the Energy tabs is a good thing, because it still provides an ample jolt without overpowering you. That means the comedown is less, making it easier to get on with your day afterwards. This will of course come down to how receptive to caffeine you are, as well as how dulled those receptors are given the amount of caffeine you habitually consume. For what it's worth for me – a 'one espresso in the morning plus a daily cup of tea' kind of guy – 40mg is plenty for a gentle cajoling of the senses when things are a bit fuzzy come the middle of the day or afternoon without adversely affecting factors like sleep.

Like the Active, once dropped into water, there's a slightly carbonated tinge to the liquid, but the taste is light and palatable especially in the wild berry flavour on test. I can't speak for the other flavour, Cherry Limeade, but fellow roadccer Dave Atkinson is a big fan of that one.

That leads us onto value, and at £6.99 for 10 servings it matches up to the Active tabs, except the use here is more specific – you're likely to use these once for a workout, which means they'll last longer theoretically, arguably rendering value a little better. Throw in all the electrolytic ingredients of the Active in a still-low calorie package, and we have a nicely rounded little product here.

Verdict

Nice energy boost to help get the best out of yourself without adding calories