Austin Runs: Is Asphalt Melting Gummy Electrolytes?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 10, 2026

It’s 102 degrees, your Garmin is beeping incessantly, and you’re questioning every life choice that led you to this moment on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. But wait, what’s that sticky, unidentifiable goo in your pocket? Oh, right. Your electrolyte gummies.

Let’s face it, Austin runners, we live in a furnace for a good chunk of the year. And that furnace has a particular appetite for turning our carefully planned fueling strategies into a sugary, melted mess. This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s about performance. A melted gummy is hard to eat, doesn’t deliver the electrolytes you need efficiently, and can even lead to GI distress. So, how do we combat the gummy apocalypse?

First, let’s talk storage. Forget stuffing them in your shorts pocket. That’s a recipe for disaster. Your body heat alone is enough to turn them into lava.

Insulated Pouches are Your Friend: Think small, think effective. Companies like Nathan and Amphipod make insulated gel flasks and pouches that can keep your gummies significantly cooler. Even a small, insulated lunch bag can work if you’re doing a longer run and have a place to stash it. I’ve personally tested the Nathan ExoDraw Handheld Flask with great success on 10+ mile runs along Lady Bird Lake. The insulation kept my gummies intact for over an hour, even in direct sunlight.
Pre-Run Refrigeration is Key: This seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Pop your gummies in the fridge (or even the freezer for a very short time) before you head out. This gives them a head start in the battle against the heat. Don’t freeze them solid, though; you want them pliable enough to chew.
Strategic Stashing: If you’re running a route with aid stations or water fountains, consider stashing a small bag of gummies in a cooler bag with ice at a pre-determined spot. This requires planning, but it’s a game-changer for long runs. Think of it as your personal gummy oasis.

Now, let’s get down to the gummy brands themselves. Not all gummies are created equal when it comes to melt resistance. I’ve conducted some highly scientific (read: anecdotal but informative) tests on several popular brands, leaving them in my car (parked in direct sunlight near Zilker Park) on a 95+ degree day. Here’s what I found:

Honey Stinger Chews: These performed surprisingly well. They softened, but didn’t completely melt into a sticky blob. The honey base seems to provide some structural integrity.
Clif Bloks: These were a mixed bag. Some flavors held up better than others. The citrus flavors seemed to melt faster, while the black cherry and strawberry flavors were slightly more resistant.
GU Energy Chews: These were the biggest offenders. They turned into a gooey mess within minutes. Avoid these like the plague on hot days.
SaltStick FastChews: While technically not gummies, these chewable tablets are a great alternative. They don’t melt, they’re easy to carry, and they provide a good dose of electrolytes.

The key takeaway here is to experiment with different brands and flavors to see what works best for you. What melts in my car might not melt in your pocket, depending on your body temperature and the specific conditions of your run.

But what if you want to take things to the next level? What if you want complete control over your electrolyte gummy destiny? The answer, my friends, is DIY.

Making your own electrolyte gummies might seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly easy. And it allows you to customize the ingredients to your specific needs and preferences. More importantly, you can use ingredients that are more heat-stable.

Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

DIY Heat-Resistant Electrolyte Gummies (Austin Edition)

Ingredients:

1 cup fruit puree (mango or guava work well for Texas heat)
1/4 cup honey (local honey is a bonus!)
2 tablespoons gelatin powder (unflavored)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride (Nu-Salt)
Optional: Citric acid for tartness, natural food coloring

Instructions:

Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder with the water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes thick and spongy.
Heat the puree and honey: In a saucepan, combine the fruit puree and honey. Heat over medium heat until it’s simmering gently.
Dissolve the gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Add electrolytes: Stir in the sea salt and potassium chloride. If you’re using citric acid or food coloring, add them now.
Pour into molds: Pour the mixture into silicone gummy molds. You can find these online or at most craft stores.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the gummies for at least 2 hours, or until they’re firm.
Store: Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why this recipe works for Austin heat:

Gelatin: Provides a firm structure that’s more resistant to melting than some other gelling agents.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Sea Salt and Potassium Chloride: Replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
Fruit Puree: Provides natural flavor and carbohydrates for energy. Mango and guava are particularly good choices because they’re relatively heat-stable and have a good texture.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

Not blooming the gelatin properly: This will result in grainy gummies. Make sure the gelatin is fully bloomed before adding it to the hot mixture.
Overheating the mixture: This can break down the gelatin and result in soft, sticky gummies. Keep the heat low and simmer gently.
Using too much liquid: This will also result in soft gummies. Use the exact measurements specified in the recipe.
Not storing the gummies properly: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting or becoming sticky.

Training for the Austin Marathon or the Cap10K in the summer is no joke. You need every advantage you can get. Don’t let melted electrolyte gummies derail your training. With a little planning and the right strategies, you can keep your fueling on point, even in the Texas heat. So, get out there, conquer those hills, and stay hydrated (and gummy-free)! Remember to adjust your electrolyte intake based on your sweat rate and the intensity of your workout. And always listen to your body. Happy running, Austin!