BY STEVE BORN
We could have left well enough alone, but we didn’t (that’s not how we roll). Case in point: The original HEED®, Perpetuem®, Sustained Energy, Recoverite®, and Vegan Recoverite® formulas used corn-derived maltodextrin (complex carbohydrate), which was an outstanding maltodextrin. However, we never stand on our laurels, and when it comes to possibly improving a product, you can bet that we’re going to give it our full attention and effort. As Brian Frank states, “My policy is simple: Any time I can improve a product, I will—and so I did.”
That’s why, not quite four years ago and true to Brian’s statement and unwavering commitment, we did just that, taking the plunge to reformulate our existing formulas of the above-mentioned products, swapping out the corn-derived maltodextrin with a cassava root/tapioca-derived maltodextrin. And while corn-derived maltodextrin was indeed excellent, tapioca-derived maltodextrin is even better. Typical of our exacting standards, it took a fair amount of time to get the flavor profiles just right (the two maltodextrins have a significantly different taste). In the end, though, it was totally worth it, as five already great products became even greater, with these updated formulations designated “2.0”.
Six Advantages of a Tapioca-Derived Maltodextrin
- Tapioca requires far less processing than corn.
- Unlike corn, there is no GMO content in tapioca to begin with, so even though every single batch of the corn-derived maltodextrin we used in our products always tested at 0ppb (parts per billion) for GMOs, going with tapioca just saves us that hassle.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has lower amounts of naturally occurring sodium and higher amounts of naturally occurring potassium. Given that almost everyone consumes far too much sodium as it is, having more potassium and less sodium in the carbohydrate component of our fuels is a definite plus.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has a more-alkaline pH than corn-derived maltodextrin. Considering that we athletes are “acid-producing machines” during exercise, a more-alkaline pH is a highly desirable during-exercise feature/benefit.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has a lower Dextrose Equivalent (DE) than corn maltodextrin, which means fewer naturally occurring monosaccharide and disaccharide (short-chain sugar) content, and a much higher percentage of polysaccharide (complex carb) content—in essence, a more “complex” complex carbohydrate—for even longer-lasting energy and endurance.
- Tapioca maltodextrin has the same Glycemic Index (GI) as other forms of maltodextrin, so you get the fast-acting energy that you’re looking for.
Summary
Echoing Brian’s words, even though corn-derived maltodextrin was definitely a good one, when we find an even better one—in this case, a tapioca (cassava root)-derived maltodextrin—we’re absolutely going to go with it. Making great products even greater? That’s just the Hammer way, and you—our valued clients—are the ones who benefit!
10 comments
Too bad it doesn’t taste like tapioca, I love tapioca…maybe a gel in the near future?😉
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hi Chuck, thank you for the comment, if we can get to a tapioca version of Hammer Gel in the future, we’ll keep your suggestion in mind. BDF
My view is that Perpet is a “ less” good product since the conversion to 2.0. However, it still works well enough. Your reply to the question above makes no sense and doesn’t seem like a valid reply. However, I guess it doesn’t matter. I still us the product, just wish it wasn’t less than before.
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hi Jeff, thank you for your feedback and sorry you feel the tapioca version as less good. Not sure on what basis your view is derived, but when comparing the attributes of corn maltodextrin to tapioca maltodextrin, I believe the later is far superior for the reasons stated in the article, which is why I changed the formula. We offered the “classic” corn version for several years for legacy clients that didn’t want to change, usage was less than one per day, so eventually it had to be discontinued. BDF
Suppose you hate tapioca! Does this still have the little beads? That is probably what I dislike most of all. Slimy little beads. Kind of like Chia seeds also.
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hello Janice, thank you for your humorous comment! No, there are no tapioca beads, just smooth, fine powder, no detectable tapioca flavor either. BDF
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You state that “Tapioca maltodextrin has lower amounts of sodium and higher amounts of naturally occurring potassium. Given that most everyone consumes far too much sodium as it is, having more potassium and less sodium is a definite plus.” Yet a look at the nutrition information shows sodium at 240mg for 2.0 and 80mg for classic. Please explain.
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hi Walter, the key here is “Naturally occurring” in the comparison between corn and tapioca maltodextrin. The sodium content in a serving of HEED is 150mg, which has been added for electrolyte content, as have the other minerals. BDF
Since you changed the formula I have been waiting for the kosher certificate.
I have been using Hammer products for many years and now I am out of perpetuem and recoverite.
Any plan to get the certificate soon?
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hello, thank you for your patience and long-time support! The certification is currently at the vendor level, with an estimated completion in early January. Reminder: our classic flavors of Recoverite are still Kosher and discounted for our Family and Friends sale going on now! – LA