More is not always better.
Sure, sometimes more can be good — let’s be real. But sometimes a little restraint is exactly what you need. Sometimes the simplest option is the one that makes the most sense.
That idea is at the heart of Formula 369, a Utah-based fueling company founded by Eric Ellis. Ellis is a competitive cyclist with a degree in Exercise Physiology who has spent years coaching cyclists, working as a certified personal trainer, and providing one-on-one health and wellness coaching. He also spent more than a decade in the supplement industry, formulating dozens of products sold around the world.
Instead of adding extra ingredients just to make a label look more impressive, Formula 369 takes a different approach. They skip the unnecessary extras and focus on creating a high-quality product that does exactly what it needs to do. The core Formula 369 mixes use just three ingredients: a glucose source (maltodextrin), fructose, and unrefined salt.
The goal is simple: help everyone fuel like a pro without feeling like they need a professional budget. You are paying for the formula, not the marketing campaign. The visuals on the packaging are about as basic as they come. That approach allows Formula 369 to offer a 73-serving bag for under $45, while many competitors charge nearly that much for a fraction of the servings.
Fueling is not a one-size-fits-all equation. The same fuel packet or hydration drink might work perfectly for a majority of your runs, but sometimes the conditions change. Maybe the terrain is more challenging. Maybe the heat and humidity are draining you. Maybe you are tired and need an extra boost of energy, or maybe you are feeling great and just need something simple.
Formula 369’s products are designed to work together, allowing you to customize your fueling for the day. The standard Endurance Fuel Carb Mix and Caffeinated Carb Mix, and Electrolyte Booster options can all be combined in different ratios to create exactly what you need for a particular effort.
Overall, both the Salted Peach Mango Electrolyte Booster and the unflavored mix leaned toward the sweeter end of the spectrum. Personally, I don’t mind that—I tend to have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to fueling, especially on longer efforts. That said, everyone’s palate is different. Some runners may find the sweetness a bit much, particularly during hotter runs or over the course of several hours.
One small but noticeable detail I appreciated was how easily it mixed. While clumping is not usually a dealbreaker with fueling products, it can be annoying when you are trying to quickly prepare a bottle. Formula 369 had minimal clumping and mixed extremely well, creating a smooth drink with very little effort.
If you still prefer something more portable, Formula 369 also offers CARB DOPE, a single-serve packet with 45 grams of carbohydrates. It aims to strike a balance between consistency, taste, and cost—the Bermuda Triangle of portable carb fueling.
Like the rest of the lineup, Carb Dope embraces simplicity. It uses a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio and is designed to complement Formula 369’s 1:1 High Carb Mix. That gives you some flexibility: take two packets per hour to reach roughly 90 grams of carbs, or use one packet and supplement the rest of your fueling with one of Formula 369’s drink mixes.
One unique touch is the addition of a bit of real lemon juice. Rather than delivering a bold, candy-like citrus flavor, it provides a more subtle, muted taste that I found easy to consume, especially when the last thing you want is an overly sweet gel or chew.
Conclusion
Formula 369 won’t wow you with a laundry list of trendy ingredients or flashy marketing claims. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well. Will it be the perfect fit for everyone? Probably not. Those who prefer less sweetness may want to dilute their mixes a bit more or experiment with different ratios.
But if you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward fueling system that lets you tailor your nutrition to the demands of each run or ride, Formula 369 deserves a spot on your radar.
