Luchos Energy Blocks Review

Are Luchos Energy Blocks the Ultimate Ultramarathon Fuel?

I’ve been testing out a different sports nutrition recently that claims to bring a bit of Colombian tradition to the UK trails. I was sent a couple of packs of Luchos Energy Blocks to test out and review, and after putting them through their paces on some long runs, here are my thoughts.

What are Luchos Energy Blocks?

If you haven’t heard of them, don't worry, you aren't alone. While they might be new to some UK runners, the concept behind them is centuries old. Luchos are inspired by the Colombian bocadillo, a solid block made from natural guava pulp. In Colombia, these have been a staple food for hundreds of years and a secret weapon for their cyclists for decades.

The blocks are made in Colombia using ethically sourced ingredients, which is a massive plus if you’re trying to be more conscious about where your kit and food come from. It’s essentially a "real food" approach to energy, stripping away the chemicals and getting back to basics.

Guava Taste Test

Luchos come in five distinct flavours: Classic Guava, Guava & Raspberry, Guava & Coffee, Guava & Acai Berries, and Guava & Orange.

However, I've only tried the Raspberry, Acai, and Orange varieties so far, and honestly? They are top tier!

The first thing you notice is that they're sweet but not overly sweet. They strike a nice balance and taste like actual fruit because, well, that's what they are.

Luchos Texture

The texture is where Luchos really surprised me. In the packet, they feel like a solid, dense block. They aren't sticky to the touch at all, so you don't get that annoying tacky residue on your fingers or gloves.

However, when you bite a bit off, the consistency changes immediately. It almost dissolves in your mouth. I wasn’t expecting that melt-in-the-mouth sensation, but it makes them super easy to get down quickly. You don’t have to waste energy chewing endlessly while you're trying to regulate your breathing on a climb.

As with any solid food or energy bar, it's ideal to take on a little fluid with them to help transport the nutrients, but they go down surprisingly easy without.

Leaf Packaging

It might sound odd to rave about a wrapper, but it's kind of the elephant in the room. Luchos come wrapped in a 100% dried leaf.

The leaf is super easy to open on the move, but the best part is that it's completely biodegradable and compostable. If you’re passionate about Leave No Trace (as we all should be), this is a big thumbs up. It feels great to use a product that isn't adding to the mountain of plastic waste we usually generate during a training block.

Nutrition & Performance

For the data nerds among us, here is why these work for ultras:

• Carbs: You get a solid 35g of carbohydrate per block.
• Ratio: They boast a 1:1 carb ratio, which is efficient for absorption.
• Energy: Each block packs around 136kcal.
• Dietary: They are naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free.

Because they are made from natural fruit pulp, I found them to be extremely gut-friendly. We all know someone (or are someone) prone to GI issues when the mileage creeps up. These feel like a much safer option than synthetic alternatives.

That said, the golden rule of ultras still applies: Nothing new on race day. If you have a sensitive stomach, grab a pack and try them on a training run first to see how they settle.

Luchos 20% Discount Code

Sports nutrition prices feel like they've skyrocketed lately (along with everything else), so I was pleasantly surprised here. A pack contains 10 blocks and costs £13.45. That works out to just £1.35 per bar.

However, to sweeten the deal, I’ve managed to sort out a discount for the GB Ultra Runner community. If you use the code GBUR20 at checkout, you’ll get 20% off.

That brings the price down to around £1.07 per block. Considering the high carb content and the natural ingredients, that is frankly a steal compared to some of the premium gels and bars currently on the market.

The Verdict: Are Luchos Energy Blocks Good For Running?

I’ll be honest, I’m super impressed. Even though these were gifted to me, Luchos have converted me into a paying customer.

I’m planning to incorporate these into my nutrition strategy for future races. My plan is to run them alongside energy gels to create a balanced intake. Mixing the "real food" feel of Luchos with standard gels should help avoid flavour fatigue which often sets in halfway through a long ultra.

At £1.07 a bar, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try. 

They’re tasty, effective, and kind to the planet. What’s not to like?

Luchos Energy Blocks

Used code: GBUR20 for 20% off!