By Sheri Rosenbaum
Osmo Active Hydration
Active Hydration price: $20 (14.7 oz. tub), $29 (20 single serving packets)
Active Hydration flavors: Blackberry, Lemon Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, Orange
Calories: 70-80 (depending on flavor)
Total Sugars: 16-17 grams (depending on flavor)
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Light Flavor, Easy on the Gut Hydration
I was introduced to Osmo Nutrition years ago after attending an event where co-founder Dr. Stacy Sims spoke about hydration, product innovations, and clean living. She shared her innovative approach to exercise hydration, focusing on low-calorie electrolyte drinks more easily absorbed than sugary exercise drinks. Sims has moved on from Osmo, but the company continues to follow this approach.
As someone who prefers beverages with a subtle taste, both on and off the bike, I was pleasantly surprised by Osmo Active Hydration. Unlike other hydration drinks that are overly sweet or strongly flavored, Osmo Active Hydration offers a light and refreshing taste that makes it easy to consume during long rides without any stomach discomfort.
According to the company’s website, the Active Hydration mix was developed to be the fastest way to rehydrate during exercise. Their formula contains the optimal ratio of sucrose, glucose, and electrolytes to replace body water and power you through your workout. Flavored with real fruit and natural ingredients, Active quickly gives you the hydration you need, improving endurance and power while reducing cramping and fatigue.
- Replaces lost body water 3x faster than just water
- Improves circulation and muscle respiration
- Reduces cramps
- Delays fatigue
- Boosts endurance and power
Active Hydration mix is reasonably priced and comes in tubs or single-serve packets. The tubs are perfect for when you are at home filling your water bottles or hydration pack. The single-serve packets are ideal for on-the-go refills. The company recommends using two scoops of the mix per 20 ounces and adjusting the quantity up or down once you see how your body reacts. Calories range between 70 and 80 per two scoops, and the number one ingredient in all flavors is cane sugar.
My experience with the Active Hydration mix was positive, and I preferred the orange flavor the most. I had no cramping or gut issues. The muted flavor and sweetness are what I look for in a hydration drink.
Osmo Rapid Recovery
Rapid Recovery price: $38 (18.5oz. tub), $3.25 per single serving packet
Rapid Recovery flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate
Calories: 210-220 (depending on flavor)
Protein: 26-28 g
Carbs: 24-26 g
Post-ride Recovery Mix for Muscle Repair
After a long hard ride, science suggests there’s an ideal 30-minute window to consume protein to promote muscle repair. Some cyclists reach for a glass of chocolate milk, others a recovery drink.
According to the company’s website, Rapid Recovery contains a unique combination of proteins, carbs, and caffeine to enable muscle repair and boost glycogen replacement. The small amount of caffeine with carbs and protein has been shown to accelerate glycogen replacement by 66% over carbs and protein alone.
The website also states Rapid Recovery uses two proteins; whey isolate and micellar casein, that are proven to halt muscular breakdown post-workout. Whey is a fast-acting protein, while casein is longer-lasting. The combination is highly effective, as muscles have access to amino acids over several hours for optimal muscle repair.
Post-workout, mix Rapid Recovery with water or any milk product. I didn’t care for mixing with water because it tasted too watery, so I opted to mix it with almond milk instead and it tasted great. If you know you’ll be finishing your ride away from home, and it’s a good idea to prepare Rapid Recovery in advance, store it in a cooler, and consume it within the 30-minute window for optimal effect.
Rapid Recovery comes in tubs and single-use packets like the Active Hydration mix. Depending on the flavor, whether vanilla or chocolate, each serving of Rapid Recovery contains approximately 210-220 calories, 26-28 grams of protein, and 24-26 grams of carbs.
After trying both variations of Rapid Recovery, I found that the chocolate option was my preferred choice when combined with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Adding almond milk enhanced the drink’s texture and flavor, didn’t introduce extra sweetness, and minimized the extra calories.
For post-ride recovery, use a foam roller, stretch, and get good restorative sleep. Also, consider adding Osmo Rapid Recovery to your routine with protein to promote muscle repair.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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