Candy! Surprised no one has mentioned this yet. Haribo and other sweets have nearly identical numbers as a gel per serving (3-4 gummies) but are probably 1/4 the price or less. Store brand gets me like 100g carbs for $1. They don’t go down quite as quick as a gel but are a great way to supplement drink mix.
I have not fallen down the DIY drink mix rabbit hole. I only use drink mix on rides over two hours, so paying for pre-made stuff isn’t exorbitant for me right now. Tailwind is I think one of the cheapest ready-made options and it works for me. Good flavors, mixes well, etc.
I’ve feel like I’ve tried almost all of the commercially available drink mixes. I’m getting this close to making my own just because with the amount of training we do, I go through so much! My biggest thing has been finding a flavor/flavor-profile that you like and use that. For me it’s not too sweet but has a bit of tart. I’m currently enjoying EFS Pro in the high carb version Watermelon and Lemon flavors.
I have tried different glucose to fructose ratio products but haven’t really noticed a difference in tolerance and mainly want my drink to be palatable at hour 6 at 90 degrees.
I use LMNT when it’s super hot and it does help. Salt Stick chews (like a Smartie) are also good but I would not rely on these for all of you salt intake because they are pretty low in Na.
I like to carry a few gels to supplement or for “emergency mental support” when the going gets tough and I love the Never Second Fruit Punch at 30g or Strykr Berry at 50g for that. I’ve played around with others but sometimes I find I get a “heartburn” sensation from some. I prefer the “isotonic” or watery gels vs a full on Gu consistency.
Skratch bars are great for longer, less intense efforts, when it’s cold and you don’t want to drink, or when you want a food-like experience. Nice a soft but can throw half in your cheek and savor it. I like Raspberry and Lemon. I’ve tried the Maurten bars but man, lots of work and very dense. Tasty, but better suited as a pre or post race IMO.
Pay attention to caffeine, I like caffeine at the end of a race but it gets in my head at the beginning. For this reason I prefer non-caff nutrition and will supplement with a caffeine tablet separately when the time is right.
