Maurten Drink Mix 160 is what I use to drink some of my carbs on a long run. The mild taste works for me, I don’t have any complaints, and I’d buy it again.
The short answer: it’s a simple, low-fuss carb drink at about $2.50 per serving. The research doesn’t show that its hydrogel makes you faster than a regular carb drink, but I’ve been happy with it.
Mild-Tasting carb drink for long runs
Maurten Drink Mix 160
A mild-tasting hydrogel drink with about 40g of carbs per sachet for long runs.
Maurten Drink Mix 160 Review: Quick Verdict
I use this during long runs, and I like its mild flavor. It gets the job done.
Maurten Drink Mix 160 nutrition and specs
| Spec | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 15g from sugars, 2g fiber |
| Sodium | 210mg | |
| Sachet size | 42g | |
| Mix with | 500ml of low-calcium water | |
| Ingredients | Maltodextrin, fructose, sodium alginate, pectin, salt, sodium bicarbonate | |
| Price | $45 for 18 sachets | About $2.50 per sachet |
How It Works on a Long Run
I use it during long runs. The mild taste is the part I’d single out, and it works well for me.
Between this and Maurten Gel 100, I’ve got two easy ways to take in carbs. A sachet has about the same carbs as one and a half of those gels, and it also gets some water and sodium in.
How to Mix It
Maurten’s directions are simple: mix one sachet with 500ml of water and shake until it dissolves. It specifies water with low calcium content, under 40mg per liter, because the hydrogel needs that to form properly. If your tap water is hard, that’s worth checking.
Drink Mix 160 vs. 320
The main difference is how much carbohydrate you get per sachet. I use the 160, which Maurten positions for medium-duration efforts. The 320 doubles the carbs.
Maurten Drink Mix 160 and 320 specs
| Spec | Drink Mix 160 | Drink Mix 320 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs per sachet | About 40g | About 80g |
| Box size | 18 sachets | 14 sachets |
| Amazon price | $45 | $51 |
| Price per sachet | About $2.50 | About $3.64 |
Does Hydrogel Actually Work?
Maurten says its alginate and pectin hydrogel speeds nutrient absorption and reduces the risk of stomach discomfort. The research is less convincing:
- A 2022 meta-analysis of sodium alginate carb drinks found no difference in performance, carb use, or blood sugar compared with matching carb drinks. Risk of bias was generally low, but the authors noted that several studies weren’t intense enough to fully test it.
- A 2026 systematic review of nine trials found similar stomach tolerance to traditional carbs, with fewer symptoms at high intakes, and inconsistent performance effects.
Carbs themselves are well supported. A 2024 meta-analysis of 136 studies found that taking carbs during exercise improves endurance performance, especially in longer efforts, regardless of the type.
So the honest case for Drink Mix 160 isn’t that hydrogel is a proven advantage. It’s that the drink is mild and simple. That’s enough for me.
Is Maurten Drink Mix 160 Worth It?
For me, yes. I have no complaints, and I’d buy it again.
Buy it if you want a mild carb drink for long runs, you dislike strong sports drink flavors, or you already like Maurten’s gels.
Skip it if you’re happy with a cheaper carb drink, you want bold flavors, or you don’t like carrying fluid on your runs.
Maurten Drink Mix 160 FAQ
How many carbs are in Maurten Drink Mix 160?
Each 42g sachet has 41g of carbohydrates and 160 calories, according to the label.
How do you mix Maurten Drink Mix 160?
Mix one sachet with 500ml of low-calcium water and shake it until dissolved.
What does Maurten Drink Mix 160 taste like?
It has a mild taste. That’s the main thing I like about it on long runs.
What’s the difference between Maurten 160 and 320?
The 320 has about twice the carbohydrates per sachet, around 80g versus around 40g.
Can you use Maurten Drink Mix 160 before or after exercise?
Maurten says you can use it before, during, or after exercise. I use it during long runs.
Does Maurten Drink Mix 160 have sodium?
Yes. It has 210mg per sachet, much more than the 20mg in a Gel 100.
