Skip to main content

Chocolate #9 Review and Giveaway

As many of us get ready for fall/winter marathons, I keep reading about different types of nutrition on long runs. As a relatively new runner, I've been trying out tons of fuel including gels, chomps, chews, and even jellybeans! I first heard about Chocolate #9 from Holly over at Rust Belt Runner, and was so glad to get to try it out for myself. This is absolutely a unique gel.



The only ingredients in a Chocolate #9 Energy Gel are: organic agave nectar and breakfast cocoa. (Oh, and that's rich, dark gourmet Belgian chocolate, if you were wondering). Hands down, this is the best tasting gel I've ever tried. But...I know what you're all wondering. Is it effective?

In a word, yes. This is the only gel on the market that is low glycemic, meaning you don't get that SPIKE to energy, which drops just as quickly. Instead, the energy is slow and steady--ideal for long runs or marathons. 

I used it twice on long runs of 10+ miles, and loved it. It honestly tastes just like chocolate syrup. I was a little concerned it wasn't working, because I never got that "jolt" of energy from sugary gels. But, I never  bonked or ran out of gas, which was fantastic. And (TMI?) this caused no stomach troubles that are so common with new fuels. I'll definitely be using this for my long runs in the future, and plan on using it for my first marathon in November.

Chocolate #9 is:
Vegan
Gluten Free
Low GI
Suitable for diabetics

Want to get your hands on some to try yourself? Here's what I've got:


I'll be sending 6 packs of Chocolate #9 to TWO lucky winners! Here's how to win (leave a comment for each one completed):

+1 Become a follower of Gourmet Runner, or let me know if you already follow! (Mandatory)
+1 Like Gourmet Runner on Facebook
+1 Like Chocolate #9 on Facebook and let them know Gourmet Runner sent you
+1 Blog, Facebook, or tweet about this giveaway and let me know that you did

The giveaway will run until the 25th of August at midnight. Good luck!

Labels

Labels:

Comments

  1. ATTrioAugust 19, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    I totally want to try one of those! I am a follower. I like you on facebook, I liked chocolate #9 on facebook and I will tweet and blog about this giveaway.

    Did I win! =) -Jen

    ReplyDelete
  2. EricaAugust 19, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Chocolate goo? How fun is this! I've never heard of such a thing. I totally want to try it out once I finally sign up for a half!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownAugust 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I have been wanting to try Chocolate #9! I've tried all of the other energy gels and chews. I almost ordered some the other day but then I didn't. I would love to win a few!!! I am a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownAugust 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I am a follower of Gourmet Runner on facebook now too!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. JCAugust 19, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I am a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  6. JCAugust 19, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I liked you on fb :) yay fb!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JCAugust 19, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I liked Chocolate #9 on fb too :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lisa@The Daily RUNdownAugust 19, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Yum! I'm a faithful follower!

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownAugust 19, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    I like Chocolate #9 on fb and I left them a comment!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownAugust 19, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    I blogged about the giveaway!

    itsabeautifulthingthislife@blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. VictoriaAugust 19, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I follow you and need to win this. It would be a tragedy if I didn't.

    ReplyDelete
  12. LisaAugust 19, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I LOVE THIS GEL! I'm a follower! Love your blog!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. LisaAugust 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I've posted this give away on my blog's side bar under "win this".
    be-amazing.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sweet and Savory by SarahAugust 19, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Would love to try this!

    I follow you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sweet and Savory by SarahAugust 19, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I like you on facebook!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sweet and Savory by SarahAugust 19, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    I like chocolate #9 on facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Christina @ The AthletarianAugust 19, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Ohhh I want this! I'm a follower :) :) but you KNOW that already!!!!!! Maybe I'm a stalker. Hope that still counts!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Christina @ The AthletarianAugust 19, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Liked your Facebook page! Love that you made one!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Christina @ The AthletarianAugust 19, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Liked Chocolate #9 on FB and told them you sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  20. JoleeneAugust 19, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    I follow your blog (love it!!), liked you on Facebook and like chocolate #9 on Facebook too!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Christina @ The AthletarianAugust 19, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Added your giveaway to my sidebar! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  22. ImTheMarigoldAugust 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    I'm already a follow and being a veg-head I'm always looking for new great vegan things! WOOT!

    ReplyDelete
  23. ImTheMarigoldAugust 19, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    I just liked you on facebook! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Have Your WayAugust 19, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I have been following you on here for a while :)
    I liked Chocolate 9 and Gourmet Runner on Facebook and Im about to post something on my blog in like 10 minutes :) It looks yummy!!
    Have a great Friday :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Have Your WayAugust 19, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    I just blogged about it :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. ColleenAugust 19, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    I follow and love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  27. ColleenAugust 19, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    I liked you on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    I follow your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    I also liked you on fbook

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Anddd I liked choc#9...can't wait to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  31. ColleenAugust 19, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    I liked Chocolate 9 on Facebook :-)

    ReplyDelete
  32. SaraAugust 19, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Already a follower! That looks like a good source. I am so bad at fueling while running... it always upsets my stomach so I go without. But then my stomach is screwed up all day from running for 2-3 hours on nothing! I'd like to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Already following! DUH!

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    tweeted!

    ReplyDelete
  35. MichelleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    OOO I need to try this! I LOVE it! and follow you :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. MichelleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    I liked you on FB

    ReplyDelete
  37. MichelleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Liked Chocolate #9 FB

    ReplyDelete
  38. MichelleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Tweeted!

    ReplyDelete
  39. ShortSkirtsAugust 19, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    i'm a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  40. ShortSkirtsAugust 19, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I liked you on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  41. RunFitMamaAugust 19, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I'm a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  42. MotherRunnerAugust 19, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    I follow. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Rachelle WardleAugust 19, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    I'm a follower of course!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Rachelle WardleAugust 19, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    I liked you on fb. :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Rachelle WardleAugust 19, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    I liked chocolate #9 on fb.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jerilee E.August 19, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Already a follower!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Jerilee E.August 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I like you on FB! Can't believe I didn't know you had a FB page until today!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Jerilee E.August 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Like Chocolate #9 on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jerilee E.August 19, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Tweeted about this giveaway! @jerileeplus5

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Follower!! I liked on Fb.. I so want to try these!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. JuliaAugust 19, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    liked your fb page

    ReplyDelete
  52. JuliaAugust 19, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    liked them and told them you sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  53. JuliaAugust 19, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    just tweeted the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  54. ~* Jenn *~August 19, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I am a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  55. ~* Jenn *~August 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I "like" your facebook page!

    ReplyDelete
  56. ~* Jenn *~August 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I "like" Chocolate #9 and let them know you sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  57. ~* Jenn *~August 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I posted about your giveaway on facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    i already follow you!

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    and I tweeted about the giveaway...

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I liked your FB page...

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    and last but not least, I liked their FB page! Give me some Chocolate ;)

    ReplyDelete
  62. EmzAugust 19, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Girl!!!!
    Kill that 20 miler this weekend!!
    I know you will!!
    You've. Freaking. Got. This!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. SbMacAugust 19, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I follow you

    ReplyDelete
  64. StephanieAugust 19, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    I follow you on FB

    ReplyDelete
  65. MeganAugust 19, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    I already follow!

    ReplyDelete
  66. MeganAugust 19, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I like you on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  67. savoryandsavageAugust 19, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Long time follower:-)

    Liked gourmet runner on facebook and chocolate #9.

    I am totally willing to down sweets to fuel a long run!

    ReplyDelete
  68. AlyssaAugust 19, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Is it like love potion number 9? I already follow you.

    ReplyDelete
  69. AlyssaAugust 19, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Liked on FB.

    ReplyDelete
  70. AlyssaAugust 19, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Liked Gourmet runner on FB - didn't even realize you had one!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Monika @ Monika's MilesAugust 19, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    OOO I'm a follower of you!!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Monika @ Monika's MilesAugust 19, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    AND a follower on FB!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Junk Food RunnerAugust 19, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    I follow you!

    ReplyDelete
  74. ElleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Love chocolate ANYTHING - of course I follow you.

    ReplyDelete
  75. ElleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Linking up to my blog sidebar.

    ReplyDelete
  76. ElleAugust 19, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    like chocokate #9 on FB

    ReplyDelete
  77. JulieAugust 20, 2011 at 1:59 AM

    Already a follower and I really need to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 2:02 AM

    Chocolate syrup? I'd definitely give this a try!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. AmyAugust 20, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    I've never used any gels during my runs but I used jelly beans during the half marathon this July and they pepped me up!

    ReplyDelete
  80. ATTrioAugust 20, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I have never seen those before. I am so sick of eating Gu that I really need to switch it up! This might be just the right thing!
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  81. HannahAugust 20, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    i follow! love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  82. MarleneAugust 20, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    YUMMY!

    I'm a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  83. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    i totally thought I was going to hate Chocolate Gu and it turned out it was just like brownie mix! can't wait to try this one :)

    ReplyDelete
  84. XaarlinAugust 20, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I'm a follower :)

    And I'm always looking for new more natural supplements. This seems to be pretty good for you

    ReplyDelete
  85. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Yayyyyy! I liked you on FB and didn't even know about the giveaway! This means I should win.

    ReplyDelete
  86. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I already follow you... natch :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I'm a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  88. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Like you on FB.

    ReplyDelete
  89. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Linking your giveaway on my blog, under imaginary giveaways. Love me some Chocolate #9.

    ReplyDelete
  90. RoseRunnerAugust 20, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    you sold me, I really would love to try these. I'm a solid google follower.

    ReplyDelete
  91. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    A friend of mine gave me some of these a few years ago and my husband was obsessed with them. I'm a blog follower!

    ReplyDelete
  92. MegSmith @ Cooking.In.CollegeAugust 20, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    YUM!!! I can only imagine this is an amazing fuel for long runs. I have loved reading about your marathon training. I can't wait to see what's next.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Kristin WAugust 20, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    I'm following :)

    ReplyDelete
  94. Kristin WAugust 20, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I tweeted!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Kristin WAugust 20, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    And I liked you on fb. I need to try some new running fuels!

    ReplyDelete
  96. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    It is sooo cool that it's vegan!! I already follow you on here :)

    ReplyDelete
  97. Junk Food RunnerAugust 20, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Liked you on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Jennʻs AdventureʻsAugust 21, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    yum yum yummmmm!! I'm already a follower:)

    ReplyDelete
  99. Jennʻs AdventureʻsAugust 21, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    @JennsAdventures tweeted your giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Jennʻs AdventureʻsAugust 21, 2011 at 1:35 AM

    Added giveaway to my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  101. AnonymousAugust 21, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    I tried to do this on my work computer but it kept giving me an error so pretty sure I haven't yet signed up for the give away. But anyways, I clearly am a follower and LOVE your blog and have been wanting to try this magic potion gu stuff for a while! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Suz and AllanAugust 21, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Following your blog! My husband looooves dark chocolate-this would be such a sweet surprise for him!

    ReplyDelete
  103. MacAugust 21, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    I follow you already!

    ReplyDelete
  104. MacAugust 21, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    I tweeted your giveaway! @wealths_health

    ReplyDelete
  105. Marisa @ The Pace of my LifeAugust 22, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    I tweeted. (@marisae77)

    ReplyDelete
  106. CherlooAugust 22, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Follower!

    ReplyDelete
  107. UnknownAugust 22, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I liked Chocolate #9 on facebook and told them you sent me :)

    ReplyDelete
  108. UnknownAugust 22, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Also added your giveaway to my sidebar!

    ReplyDelete
  109. RachelAugust 23, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I am a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  110. RachelAugust 23, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I posted a link to the giveaway on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  111. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    I already follow! But whoa am I behind in blog reading!!

    ReplyDelete
  112. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    I just went over and "liked" you on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  113. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    I just "liked" chocolate #9 on FB - BTW - great company name, one of my favorite beers is Magic Hat #9 :)

    ReplyDelete
  114. UnknownAugust 23, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I linked to this on my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  115. JulieAugust 23, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    I love the chocolate GU, I have to win so I can compare this stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Tales of Roads & TrailsAugust 23, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Hey lady! I follow your blog....

    ReplyDelete
  117. PennyAugust 23, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    I like you on fb

    ReplyDelete
  118. PennyAugust 23, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    I like choc 9 on fb

    ReplyDelete
  119. Lisa JAugust 23, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    new follower of gourmet runner!

    ReplyDelete
  120. Lisa JAugust 23, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    liked you on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  121. Lisa JAugust 23, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    already had liked chocolate #9 on fb

    ReplyDelete
  122. Lisa JAugust 23, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    adding to my giveaway section on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  123. NikkiAugust 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    I am a follower!!

    ReplyDelete
  124. NikkiAugust 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Added your giveaway to my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  125. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    I like you on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  126. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    I follow your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  127. AnonymousAugust 24, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    I like Chocolate #9 on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Boston Bound BrunetteAugust 24, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Looks really good and I want to try it! I am a follower. I liked you on Facebook, I liked Chocolate #9 on Facebook and told them you sent me and I posted a link from my blog to yours about this giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  129. RachelAugust 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I liked Gourmet Runner on FB

    ReplyDelete
  130. RachelAugust 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I liked Chocolate #9 on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  131. RachelAugust 25, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    I posted about the giveaway on FB too!

    ReplyDelete
  132. UnknownAugust 26, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    i follow your blog and liked you on facebook! :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Race the Bar 5k Recap (AKA: A Personal Worst!)

Do you remember a few weeks back, when I was all braggy about running in Florida in February/March? Sunny mornings around a lake with a light breeze off the water have turned, cruelly, into humid stretches of time where I am humbly reminded of my own limitations. You guys, I see these gazelle-like creatures, men and women alike, who prance on my running route with compression socks, a soft glow of perspiration at their brow. It's beautiful. It's also a harsh reminder that I am not them. I am currently running in the thinnest, smallest items of clothing I can without offending anyone (shirt stays on, people). I dare not step outside without some awful visor or wide-brimmed hat. When I hop in the shower after a run, my face is a deep crimson that causes my husband to voice his concern for my general well-being. Have I mentioned this is what happens after my easy runs, with a few walk breaks thrown in? Yeah. It's humbling. Now, I'm not complaining. It's beautiful...
97 comments
Read more

Active Bands Review and Giveaway

Click this link at your own risk, but let it suffice to say that I have some wild hair. No, not a couple of curls. A wild, beastly tangle that is NOT allowed out on its own. Ever. So running is a challenge. A ponytail is a given...and then usually a bun. I tried a few different headbands in the past, but they all end up "sweating off" and either annoying me completely or just falling onto the floor. Enter Active Bands. I wish there was some kind of heavenly gate chimes or something to accompany this post. I feel that strongly. I know there are a few "running" bands specifically designed to keep your hair in place, and I can't speak for them all because I haven't tried them all, but of every one I have put to the test, Active Bands are the only ones that work. I read about them so much on blogs that I bought my own to try out several months ago. I purchased two, and then basically alternated them day in and day out. You probably recognize them (black and...
216 comments
Read more

Just a Handful is Enough! Bra Review and Giveaway

You know those people who said running is the cheapest sport because all you need is shoes? Well, they're clearly not women. For me to have a successful run, I need a good pairs of shoes, wicking socks, shorts that don't chafe me, a non-cotton top, my Garmin, some body glide, and a sports bra. And let's be honest here--sometimes finding the right bra can be the most difficult part of all.  For my chest size (aka the cups aren't exactly "running over") it seems like sports bras come in two styles: 1) flattening compression bras 2) completely unsupportive bras Well, call me vain if you want, but I like to have support when I run, and also keep a little shape. And I definitely want people to recognize that I'm a woman when I run past! That's why I'm so excited to be the proud new owner of a  HANDFUL  bra!  I'm in love!  Handful bras  are designed to "flatter, not flatten" and it's true! Removable pads contour the body and keep so...
239 comments
Read more