I’m a big proponent of eating and drinking real food over those with chemical additives and other artificial ingredients. So when I read about this new study in the Journal of Strength and Conditional Research, I just had to share.

The Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University study compared raisins (real food) to expensive sport gels (synthetic) to see if one offered cyclists a performance advantage. The researchers concluded that “raisins appear to be a cost-effective source of carbohydrate for pre-exercise feeding in comparison to sports gel for short-term exercise bouts.”

According to their research, both the gels and the raisins provided carbohydrates for energy, but raisins provided what gels don’t: vitamin B6, protein, iron, phosphorus, copper, manganese and fiber. Both gels and raisins contain potassium, but raisins have about seven times as much. Potassium, btw, helps prevent muscle cramps. The gels contain more sodium, calories, and often caffeine for five times the price of raisins.

Bottom line: don’t waste your money on expensive sport gels.