Anyone else used Superstarch during endurance training? I am completely repulsed by the texture and struggle to choke it down, but find it so helpful when I do. In brainstorming a way to consume the superstarch without having to taste it, I came up with the idea of possibly putting the powder into gel caps. Has anyone else tried this?
Any recommendations/hacks for using the superstarch would be greatly appreciated.
Sometimes, I feel like it’s great, and sometimes I think it’s benefits are psychosomatic.
BTW. I love your profile pic. I can hear the coconut shells from here.
I’ve completed 2 marathons & training for my third while fat adapted using Generation UCAN. I use the chocolate flavored drink pre-run and have easily gone 2.5 - 3 hours with no other fuel. I have used the UCAN bars (about a half a bar every 1 to 1.5 hours) for longer runs. I agree the drink is not the best flavor or texture. It is best very cold. I tried making a gel using it for long runs but couldn’t stomach it. The bars worked well though and they’re good before shorter runs / exercise if you need something but can’t eat beforehand. That’s actually one of the things I like about UCAN… I can take in 30 minutes before a run with no tummy issues where as I’d have to eat at least 2 hours before a run when eating real food.
I 2nd the UCAN bars. I can not stand the drink powder, but the bars go down easy. My go to fuel source for any run lasting longer than 5 hours.
Amazon only appears to have two flavors of the bars - cinnamon, and coffee. Neither of which appeal to me. Is that all that is available for flavors? Where do you purchase your bars? Do you eat a whole bar before a run? You don’t feel bloated or weighed down from having that volume of food in your stomach?
Also, do either of you switch to carbs for any activities, or are you entirely keto all the time?
I prefer peach bars for on runs. The chocolate is good too in colder weather. You can sometimes find discount codes direct from Generation UCAN. Otherwise the best price I’ve found is from HolabirdSports.com
I usually do the drink mix 30 minutes before longer runs. Shorter runs I’ll eat one bar before. No bloating or stomach issues. The bars aren’t very big. And the drink mix I make a bit thicker than they call for so I don’t have as much liquid right before a run.
I may add a tiny bit more carbs the day before a long run (like 1/2 to 1 cup of berries) but pretty much eat regular low carb to keto. After a long run I crave bacon. 
Yes! I just tried ucan (the powder) last weekend and it worked! I took it about a third of the way in on a 10 hr hike. I don’t understand how/why it works though? Shouldn’t my body fat supply good energy? And, if not, why not just eat a banana?
Also, any other recommendations on how to use it? I’ll be hiking half dome next weekend and need all the help I can get!
I think there are many factors as to whether you need fuel during exercise… Duration, effort level, how fat adapted you are, etc. Their website www.generationucan.com (best to view full web version) has a lot of good info on the nature of the slow release starch & why/how it doesn’t spike insulin the way a regular high carb gel or food might. There is also recommendations for how / when to use on the site.
Dated reply, but I am becoming convinced that SuperStarch really works and doesn’t knock me out of ketosis. I personally don’t have an issue with the taste. I just mix it well. Also, I’m using a half of a scoop, which seems sufficient for a couple of hours of aggressive cycling.
I make a form of Keto coffee with it:
Take 1 hour before start. Rocket fuel.
Hi @Lisa_Dove_Whitten - sorry for the delayed response.
I am referring to “inulin” powder, not “insulin” powder. The inulin powder is soluble fiber derived from chicory root or jeruselum artichoke. My goal is to increase my intake of prebiotics.
Superstarch is a variation of a product called Waxy Maize of nearly two decades ago. It’s merely another way to push Cornstarch on the Fitness Industry. There are no inherent superior benefits, unless you consider a lighter wallet to be beneficial. Other carbs work the same in similar amounts.
“Higher Molecular Weight”. Nonsense to confuse the beginner.