Post-ride recovery is all the rage, with many claiming it is as critical to get right as the training itself. A large part of that is needing sleep, but it is also about taking on the correct amount of protein after your training. These SiS Whey20 sachets are the perfect solution for busy individuals who would otherwise struggle to eat in the 30-minute post-exercise window.
The 78ml sachets, which come in two flavours – lemon and strawberry – contain 20g of protein. There are two of each in a packet of four, but you can also buy packs of 12 in a single flavour (£23.99). I would highly recommend testing them first with a multi-pack because the flavours are very different. As you'd expect, the lemon is a little sharp, while the strawberry is much sweeter, so it'll be very much up to personal preference.
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The texture is, according to SiS, like a flavoured yogurt, which is a slight stretch. I would say they're similar to SiS Electrolyte gels, with a thicker consistency. They have added sweetener, which helps, but you can also notice a 'powdery' texture to the 'gel', which I wouldn't exactly call pleasant. I certainly wouldn't go taking them constantly, but they're perfect to take at the end of a tough, wet and cold ride when you're desperate to get in the shower.
Using the sachets removes the need for a shaker and water to go with your protein powder, and certainly makes the whole process far simpler. They are small and easy to pack, whether to take to a race or training, without the worry of leaking or powder going everywhere.
The whey protein used is the same as that found in milk and is released more quickly than milk protein alone. It contains 7g of BCAAs, which are essential amino acids for muscle regeneration, and only has 1.8g of carbohydrates and 0.1g of fat per sachet, making the proteins the primary focus for your body.
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At £8 per box, it's not far off what you'd spend on an energy gel, but it's substantially more expensive than the equivalent powder. For example, for the same 20g of whey protein per serving, a powder shake such as MyProtein would cost 25p or less, compared with £2 for the Whey20.
But, as I have already said, the real benefit is in the simplicity and removal of the need for shakers and water. They seem like a good solution for post-racing or training before driving home, but perhaps not part of your regular post-ride ritual. At the current price, they're not going to replace the protein shake, but it might be useful to have a few at the ready.
Verdict
A useful and easy way to start your post-ride recovery
Make and model: SiS Whey20
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
SiS says: "SiS WHEY20 is the latest addition to the SiS Protein range, offering high quality whey protein hydrolysate in a ground-breaking format.
"The yogurt-like texture tastes great and removes the need for a shaker and water for your post-training protein or a high protein snack on the go.
"The product contains 20g of dairy protein, which gives a high level of BCAAs at 7g per serving. With only 1.8g of carbohydrate, 0.1g of fat and a total of 88 calories in each serving, the product lets you focus on quality protein intake with no unwanted calories or added sugar."
The SiS Whey20 is designed to be a quick intake of the necessary proteins to start muscle recovery. The 30 minutes post training are critical for taking on the correct amounts of protein and the sachets help to simplify the process without the need for shakers or water to go with powders. It was certainly a quick and easy way to do so.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
4 sachets per pack. 2 Lemon and 2 Strawberry flavoured.
78ml sachets
Contain 20g of protein with 7g of BCAAs.
Only 1.4g of Carbohydrates and 0.1g of fat totalling 88 calories.
The whey protein is released at between 8-10g per hour.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Same design as the trusted SiS energy gel sachets. No issues with transportation and easy enough to remove the tab before eating.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Easy way to start your recovery immediately post-ride. I can't measure any benefit scientifically, but they seemed to help.
Rate the product for value:
5/10
At £2 per sachet, it is quite expensive although similar to the equivalent energy gels. Significantly more expensive than a protein shake, but the extra cost can be seen as the benefit of not needing a shaker and water to prepare them. Not likely to be used all the time, but useful for the occasional occasion.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Easy to transport and quick to eat/drink post-ride.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The flavours and texture were a little odd, but then I've never found energy gels all that enjoyable either.
Did you enjoy using the product? I guess you can call it that.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
It's a very good product with very little else like it on the market. I would imagine further flavours will be produced, which might help as the two flavours are very different at the moment. A little too expensive to score 9, but if better value it could start to replace the protein shake...
Age: 22 Height: 5ft8 Weight: 62kg
I usually ride: Cannondale CAADX My best bike is: Scott CR1 Pro
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives
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11 comments
One pint of Milk contains 19-24gms of the protein required, plus the necessary rehydration.
You can also get them from Amazon and get £1 back to spend on digi things ie films or kindle ebooks if you go for slower delivery option
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Sport-Strawberry-Lemon-Protein/dp/B019ZH...
Yep, to add I don't hate SIS products. I use their energy powder drink stuff virtually always. I like their gels. But this stuff is just terrible.
Buy two get one free from Waitrose
I thought it was just me that thought that SiS tasted rank
'A useful and easy way to start your post ride recovery'
If only there were some, readily available, cheap, natural source of whey protein sold in every corner shop in the land. Perhaps it could be sold in pint containers with a built in handle.
I agree antonio, If you look at daft quotes like "It contains 7g of BCAAs, which are essential amino acids for muscle regeneration" you realise it's marketing bollocks basically. You can buy a kilo of Soy protein for £9 and it contains every amino acid the body needs. Sure, sachets are convenient but they're also nearly 12 times more expensive!
I only take gels etc when offered free, take them out of curiosity to see if they work. I can honestly say I have never had a 'Hit' from them. For me milk hits the spot. Graeme O'Bree debunked the claims of energy products by breaking world records, plus national records, consuming the humble 'jam buttie'. I'm not knocking these products really, if they work for you then fine, after seventy eight years I know what works for me.
I can't think of a single SIS product that I've tried which actually tastes nice. Give me Torq or Clif products every time!
See, I don't care how they perform. They. Are. Rank. Like eating liquid synthetic space food cheesecake. I didn't even finish the lemon one I had given me free.
Spot on. A horribly synthetic lemon cheesecake flavour combined with the texture of wallpaper paste. I'd be amazed if these were consumer taste tested before production. Horrific.
I also really don't see the point of a protein gel. Surely the only reason for gels is the convenience of consuming them while riding? If protein is to be taken immediately post-ride, why not just have a shake? Or, if you're racing or at an event where you're away from home, a bar?
Just for balanace, the SIS chocolate orange Go Energy bars are delicious. Do agree that Clif stuff is generally far nicer though.