Introducing: Maurten

First things first: Maurten is pronounced like Morten. The company is named after Mårten, a triathlete and family friend of company founder and entrepreneur Olof Sköld. The spelling Maurten is simply due to the fact that the web address morten.com was already taken.

Mårten had the idea that it should be possible to use new technology to ensure a higher energy supply through sports nutrition. The project quickly aroused the interest of the sporting elite and was used for the first time under competitive conditions by Kenenisa Bekele at the Berlin Marathon in 2016. Bekele won the race and improved his best time by 2 minutes. The list of the Maurten elite has grown steadily since then and includes world record holders and world champions in almost all endurance disciplines.

The Hydrogel Technology

At the heart of Maurten's success is the hydrogel technology. This means that the carbohydrates are encapsulated, so to speak, making it easier for them to pass through the stomach and reach the intestine. Once in the intestine, the carbohydrates are quickly absorbed and provide the desired energy. Hydrogels are widely used in the food industry, where they are used as thickening and gelling agents. A hydrogel is a biopolymer - a water-based structure with tiny pores. This three-dimensional network can absorb water and is similar in appearance and behavior to a sponge.

This hydrotechnology is quickly recognizable in the gels. The consistency is different to conventional gels and can probably best be described as jelly-like. We find it particularly pleasant that it is not so sticky and therefore does not need to be rinsed off with water. The gel is available in the traditional Gel 100 version and as Gel 100 CAF, where caffeine has been added. As with all Maurten products, the number 100 stands for the number of calories. A Gel 100 therefore contains 100 calories and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Relatively new is the larger Gel 160, which provides a full 40 grams of carbohydrates in one gel.

Even if it is not so obvious, hydrogel technology is also used in sports drinks such as Drink Mix 320 and Drink Mix 160. Here, the hydrogel is only formed when the drink comes into contact with stomach acid. However, the result is the same: Large amounts of carbohydrates can be absorbed, which are then converted into energy.

Neutral Taste, No Additives

The taste of Maurten gels and drink mixes tends to be neutral, as no additives or flavorings are used. This should guarantee better stomach tolerance. The taste is certainly not an experience, but it's all about performance. We would describe the gels and sports drinks as neutral to sweet. What sets these products apart is their simplicity and efficiency. They consist of only five natural ingredients: Maltodextrin, fructose, pectin, sodium alginate and sodium chloride. This minimalist approach ensures that athletes do not consume unnecessary additives, which can often lead to negative reactions.

Not so long ago, Maurten also launched the Solid 160, a neutral-tasting, rice-based energy bar. The bar is characterized above all by its low fiber content, which makes it particularly well tolerated. Solid 160 can be eaten half an hour before training without feeling heavy on the stomach afterwards. The Solid C 160 version also contains cocoa and therefore has a slightly more interesting taste.

Bicarb: Maurten's Latest Innovation

The latest innovation from Maurten is the BicarbSystem. It has long been known that sodium bicarbonate can counteract the over-acidification of muscles that occurs during intensive and anaerobic exercise. Unfortunately, this home remedy has the unpleasant side effect that it can upset the stomach, which is definitely not conducive to performance. Here too, Maurten relies on hydrogel technology as a mechanism to avoid these stomach problems.

We only recommend the Bicarb system to athletes who want to get the last percent out of themselves. All others will be helped more by an improved carbohydrate intake in competition, but also in training. With this in mind: stay hungry.

Yours, Jonas & Florian

Here you can find our Maurten selection.

This text was first published in LAUFZEIT 5/24.