But this post isn't about running shoes. It's a reminder that what you read here is my own true opinion, uninfluenced by freebies or sponsorships. And that's why I'm going to write some negative things about a product that I've used and loved for years - Nuun. Here's the deal: Nuun is a low-calorie electrolyte-replacement product that comes in the form of a tablet - you drop it in a bottle of water and it dissolves, fizzing much like an Alka-Seltzer of yore. It's light and refreshing, and tastes pretty good for a low-calorie drink. I especially like it on ice, after a hot and humid run. It's helped me avoid leg cramps as well as replenished a lot of the salt I've sweated out as I ran.
I've been using Nuun for years and couldn't understand why, when I opened up a new tube of Strawberry Lemonade flavor, I suddenly could not stand the taste. I couldn't bring myself to finish my drink. I brought it with me to the Texadega race and made myself a bottle after I ran. Again, it tasted terrible. So bad that even though I knew I should be drinking it to avoid cramping up, I couldn't do it. I finally looked at the tube and saw the dreaded word STEVIA printed on it. Lightbulb moment. They changed their formula, and it's now bitter and undrinkable to me...and many other people as well, if you look on their Facebook page. I also realized that although the new tube was the same size as the old one, there were only 10 tablets inside, instead of 12 - for the same price, naturally (and yes, please read that with some sarcasm).
I messaged Nuun regarding this, and received the canned response that they've been giving everyone who has complained about the change:
hi shelley, we're sorry to hear you don't like our new formula. as part of our ongoing effort to improve, we made the switch to all plant-based ingredients, which are easier for the body to digest and help you hydrate faster. we tried to match the original flavors as closely as we could, but some flavors (such as strawberry lemonade) are a bit different. we appreciate that some individuals are more sensitive to stevia than others, and will make sure our development team hears your feedback. if you wish to stock up on original nuun, it will be available at nuun.com/shop while it lasts.So basically, they don't care that they've ruined a perfectly good product. And as I wrote back, I said that while I did place an order for the old formula, they're missing the point, because when it runs out, I won't be back. And I'm both sad and a bit mad about this - why on earth would they think this was necessary?
At least, since I was never on Nuun's radar enough for sponsorship, I don't have to pretend that this isn't happening...fair warning to anyone who had been a fan of Nuun in the past, you may not like it when you try the new formula. Stock up now, if you can (but be sure to read the label to get the old formula). And soon I'll be looking for a new electrolyte-replacement drink to replace Nuun. Any suggestions?
