Lately, as my mileage has started creeping up during training blocks, I’ve found myself looking for a change in my fueling routine. While Huma gels have been a longtime favorite of mine for their great taste and natural ingredients, I started running into a couple of small hurdles along the way. (review here)
First off, as my training intensity and distances increase, Huma sometimes leaves me wanting a bit more of an aggressive energy kick. Plus, they can be a bit on the pricier side when you’re burning through multiple gels every single week. I wanted to find an alternative—ideally a Canadian brand so I could support local businesses—and that’s how I stumbled across Krono while browsing around the Running Free store.
Here is how it’s been holding up for me on the road.
First Impressions & Packaging
Right off the bat, I love the packaging. It’s noticeably smaller and more compact than Huma, which makes it so much easier to tuck into a running vest, shorts pocket, or race belt when you’re heading out for a long run or racing long distance.
One quirky design detail I noticed is that there’s a small hole punched in the corner of the packet. I’m guessing it’s meant for stitching them together or stringing them up for easier carrying, though I have to admit I’ve never actually used it myself!
Consistency and Flavors
Krono comes in a variety of flavors, but they definitely have some distinct texture differences depending on what you pick. Some flavors, like the Blueberry or Lemon, lean a bit thicker, while others like Tropical are much more liquid.
For winter running, the more liquid options are an absolute game-changer. They don’t solidify or turn into a frozen brick when you’re out running in freezing temperatures, which is a massive plus.
As for options, they do offer caffeinated choices (like coffee or lemon),though unlike Huma, they don’t have a dedicated extra-electrolyte line. Nutrition-wise, depending on the specific flavor,most packets pack around 100 to 120 calories and 24g to 30g of carbohydrates, which hits right in the sweet spot for endurance efforts.
How It Performs on the Run
In terms of performance, I’ve found that Krono gives me a really solid energy boost when I need it most. Because many of their options are made with real maple syrup, it feels clean and natural rather than overly artificial on the stomach.
My only minor complaint is that the flavors can taste a bit similar to one another once you’re a few hours deep into a run.It’s easy to get flavor fatigue if you rely on them exclusively over and over again, so I often like to mix Krono with another gel brand just to switch things up and keep my palate happy.
The Verdict
At the end of the day, Krono is a more affordable option compared to a lot of other gel brands out there, while still delivering similar fuel and performance for your runs. Being a local Canadian brand is just the cherry on top. If you’re looking to mix up your fueling strategy without breaking the bank, I’d highly recommend giving them a try.
You can buy these Krono gels here at Running Free store.
