Just Released: Unflavored Nutrition – Mix, Match, and Keep Going
We've all been there: several hours into a long ride, and your bottle suddenly seems impossible to drink. The gels that tasted great at the start? They now make your stomach turn. And the chews in your jersey pocket? They might as well be lead weights.
It's called palate fatigue — when your body resists the very carbs and fluids you so desperately need. And with bucket list races like Logan to Jackson (LoToJa) and Park City Point 2 Point on Point (P2P) on the immediate horizon, both of which require hour after hour of meticulous fueling and hydration, avoiding a dumpster fire scenario like the ones above can be just as critical as pacing, fitness, or tire choice.
That's why Skratch and Neversecond are putting neutral fueling options front and center.
With new, unflavored mixes and gels from both brands recently hitting our shelves, Skratch and Neversecond are stripping things down to the essentials, giving you carbs, electrolytes, and hydration without overwhelming your taste buds — and stomach. For Skratch, this is a brand new offering. For Neversecond it's a proven solution, now being refined to be better than ever. And for endurance athletes like you and I, it's a way to keep one's fueling on track all day long--sans palate fatigue.
Spotlight: What's New, and Why Neutral Nutrition Matters
Let's take a closer look at the new goods from Skratch and Neversecond, along with pertinent nutritional details, and the core value proposition of each product:
Skratch Electrolyte Booster (Unflavored) *In Store Only
- What it is: A hydration-focused powder without added flavor
- Electrolytes: ~400mg sodium per scoop
- Carbs: <1g (pairs with carb mixes)
- Dilution: One scoop per 16-20 oz bottle, adjustable
Why it matters: Perfect for athletes who have a carb mix that works but want to boost electrolyte intake without flavor interference.
Neversecond C30 Carb Mix (Unflavored)
- What it is: High carb drink mix with 2:1 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio
- Carbs: 30g per scoop
- Electrolytes: 200mg sodium per scoop
- Dilution: One scoop per 500ml (about 17 oz)–add up to three scoops to dial in your carb needs.
Why it matters: Neutral taste makes it easy to drink consistently, and it stacks perfectly with Skratch electrolytes for customized nutrition.
Neversecond C30 Gel (Unflavored)
- Carbs: 30g per gel
- Electrolytes: 200mg sodium
- Consistency: Thinner consistency for easy consumption without water
Why it matters: Delivers steady energy without overwhelming your palate, perfect for long endurance efforts.
Neversecond C30+ Gel (Unflavored)
- Carbs: 30g per gel
- Electrolytes: 200mg sodium
- Caffeine: 75mg
Why it matters: Packs a punch with added caffeine for when you need that extra boost during critical moments of your ride.
While there are myriad benefits to neutral fueling, the factors below rise to the top for the Contender staff:
- Prevents Palate Fatigue: keeps carbs and fluids going down, even late in a race.
- Flexible Fueling: provides welcome option to pair unflavored mixes in bottles with flavored gels or chews for variety.
- Customizable Blends: combine Skratch electrolytes with Neversecond carbs to fine-tune intake? Don't mind if we do.
- Stomach Comfort: for many, neutral flavors tend to be easier on digestion in the late hours.
Learn More
The difference between finishing strong and fading late isn't always fitness — sometimes it's fueling. Neutral options from Skratch and Neversecond offer a smarter way to keep calories and hydration flowing when it matters most.
But they're only part of the picture. At Contender, we also carry trusted nutrition from GU Energy, Hammer Nutrition, Honey Stinger, HVMN, Neversecond, and Skratch Labs — giving you the flexibility to experiment, combine, and find what works best for your body.
Whether you're dialing in a race-day plan or stocking up for long training blocks, our staff is here to help you sort through the options and keep your fueling on track. Stop by the shop anytime with questions, or explore our full lineup online.