Several weeks ago I was sent a few packets of Huma Gel to try.

Huma Gels are unique in that they are made from a fruit base and contain chia seeds. The ingredient list is surprisingly easy to understand!

Strawberry: Strawberry Puree, Evaporated Cane Juice, Filtered Water, Brown Rice Syrup, Ground Chia Seeds, Sea Salt, Citric Acid

Apples & Cinnamon: Apple Puree, Evaporated Cane Juice, Filtered Water, Brown Rice Syrup, Ground Chia Seeds, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Cinnamon

The gel is thick, like other gels… but the texture is a little different. Slightly grainier but not hard to consume, just not the same smooth consistency as most commercials gels. You must consume water with this, they recommend 8-10 oz. of water with each one.

I did not use this to fuel in the midst of long runs, however I did use it to fuel a couple 7 mile runs as morning fuel instead of consuming breakfast and it worked fine to give me a boost of energy without making me sick or weighing me down like a full breakfast would. Plus it tastes great! The addition of the chia in a gel is pretty cool because chia is supposed to absorb water and help regular your sugar absorption. Also, in the case of the Apples & Cinnamon flavor, cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory so that could help those with joint issues.

The company was started in January 2012 by Ian McCollum and Kevin Sherbourne. Interesting note: Ian actually learned about chia while reading Born to Run while stationed in Iraq. He thought that if chia worked to fuel the Tarahumara it could help him in Iraq… which it did.  It prompted an idea to use chia the way it was used for years, as an energy gel, with a more modern twist. Lots of research, working with food chemists and nutritionists has resulted in Huma Gel, a product that is all natural, designed to keep you going without upsetting the GI system.

A box of 24 gels is selling for $54 on their site, so about $2.25 a gel.