Skratch has just enough flavor to let you know you have some mix in your bottle, and just enough sweetness to help break the pain of a hard ride. But it is a clean taste that doesn't linger and result in a sticky feeling in your mouth, like if you had a soft drink.
Skratch mix also provides you with a good, high quality mix of electrolytes leaving the fillers to cheap competitors.
I have used Matcha Lemons over the course of two years or so and it has proven very effective in keeping me hydrated. With the added carbohydrate and natural caffeine, it also is refreshing boost on the long rides. I like that I can make a concentration to suit my needs. On long rides I often make one bottle with a stronger concentration. I start out drinking the normal (or dilute) bottle and when I get to a place to refill water then I pour off from the stronger mixture into the now empty bottle, refill both and then I have two bottles with an appropriate concentration. At least that works for me.
Skratch has never upset my stomach or left me with that syrupsweet aftertaste that I dislike about other sports drinks. It is really high quality stuff.
I ride long distances, as in double centuries. That means that I consume a lot of water and burn a lot of food. It also means that I get very tired of the flavor of plain water, as well as the flavors of most common hydration and food products.
I like Skratch hydration mix because it tastes great and doesn't feel heavy in my stomach. Unlike most of the products I have used, I can go to Skratch day after day and not get tired of it. And I do. This and Hammer products are my absolute go to mixes for short rides (under 8 hours.)
The same is true for 12 to 18 hour rides as well. I tend to do those rides with no solid food, just what I can drink. With Skratch and Hammer, that works for me. It means carrying small packets of powder for either brand, or relying on ride directors to have those products handy at aid stations. The flavor and function are absolutely worth the minor hassle.
The only thing that I don't like is the packaging. I can't speak for other folks, but for me the resealable package just is not functional. So I move my powder to an airtight container and scoop from there.
I like and don't like the single serving packets.The convenience on long rides is outstanding. Tossing wrappers is not so wonderful. I use them on rides but no other times. For that, they are pretty much perfect.
After having cramps around 60 to 70 miles into century rides this year drinking a well known bottled sports drink this year, I started looking for something that would help - tried Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix and viola, the cramps were gone! Have done about 10 100 rides since converting this year and still no problems. Two bottles on the frame, and two on the saddle bottle holder get's the job done unless it's hot out then I need some more. The flavor is light and the color is light too so it won't stain kit if you spill, at least not the lemonlime which is what I use. Highly recommended for longer rides where electrolyte replacement is important.
Use for Half and Full IM Triathlons and it is the only product that I don't get tired of drinking half way thru the event. Very palatable even when warm. Just the right combination of sugars that are easy on the stomach.
I liked this stuff. It dissolved almost instantly in water, went almost completely clear, and has a very mild flavor. Can't say as to whether or not it specifically kept me hydrated during my rides, as I drink a gallon of water a day, but it certainly didn't hurt. The added electrolytes definitely were a benefit, as I found myself cramping less and less after each ride. It did a MUCH better job than the other popular sports drink that on the market. My only real criticism would be that it could use just a little more citrus flavor.
Provides the needed electrolytes for long hot ride without upsetting my stomach. Not to sweet or sugary.
Best tasting hydration mix I've found so far ! I don't get tired of it, unlike the other brands I've tried with more synthetic flavors. And it's not too sweet either. Definitely recommend this product !
I have been using this product for years. It tastes great not chalky like some of the other hydration drinks out there and has never upset my stomach. I love it.
What I love about Skratch Labs mix is that they use cane sugar instead of corn syrup or Stevia. It makes the drink feel much more refreshing, and you don't have that horrible Stevia aftertaste. A couple of bottles of Skratch paired with a couple of good protein bars pretty much keeps me from bonking on any ride I do.
Just enough nutrition for my weekend rides. Flavor is just right. I hate mixes that are too sugary or too strong of flavor.
this is all i use. all the flavors I have tried are good. easy on the stomach
I recently used this on a Century ride and it tasted great and kept me going.
I am an endurance cyclist, riding in very hot conditions. I always use Skratch Labs drink mix on my rides. They have a pleasant taste and are easy on the stomach. I prefer pineapple and orange flavors. The raspberry has tiny seeds that get caught in my throat and the lime has a little bitter after taste. Great product...pricey, but worth it
Its a steal when it is discounted. I have drank the lemon-lime flavor for a long time (probably some Gatorade thing), but the other flavors are great for a change of pace. Tastes better than Gatorade and if you believe the Skratch propaganda, is better for you.
Balanced taste while providing hydration during riding. Also used as post ride recovery drink.
I decided to try the Skratch MatchaLemons and found it to be spot on for what I want in a hydration drink. Mixed correctly the drink is pleasing, not sweet or overpowering, and leaves no aftertaste. I could adequately taste the tea and lemons, but not sugar. I've been using water only for the past two years due to my dislike of most hydration mixes. Scratch seems to hit the mark for me and I'll be trying other flavors as spring weather and hours allows more miles. Since it has less sugars, the powdered mix doesn't seem to lump when stored and mixes well when added to water. I like it.
In my never ending quest for the perfect formula to control muscle cramping in the Florida sun, keeping energy levels up after the natural stores are depleted and avoiding the sticky sweet mainstream sports drinks, this product seems so do it for me.
This is the best product hydration drink mix we have tried . My wife has challenges from the hot summer rides in the San Fernando Valley , with water loss and cramps. This product has helped a great deal with both of those concerns.
Skratch does not leave the funky after taste like a few of the other products we have tried.
I race CX, the ultimate test of gut rot and just love this stuff. I need to finish eating at least 3 hours before the start else, it is pukey time and this product keeps the blood sugar at a reasonably high but steady level leading up to the race. It is the only stuff I can use now.
