To the untrained eye, this photo may seem like a magazine advertisement for Gatorade, but look a little closer and you’ll see that the innovative food scientists at Cambrooke Foods have out-done themselves again!
Their new product is called RESTORE and according to the medical foods company, it is the “first ever thirst-quenching metabolic formula specifically developed for patients with PKU.”
Sports drinks like Gatorade are not restricted for PKU patients (unless they contain nutrasweet or aspartame), but what makes this new product unique is its dual functionality: part super-charged formula, packed with 10 grams of PKU-friendly protein, and part hydration beverage that contains critical electrolytes commonly lost during prolonged exercise.
I requested a free sample from Cambrooke and tried the new product for myself. The lemon-lime flavor wasn’t too tart or harsh and the serving size was relatively large enough (16.9 fl oz) to quench your thirst after some pretty intense cardio.
Contrary to what has been said on the PKU ListServ, I did not experience any grittiness in my sample. Since I knew that the product’s instructions required you to shake before drinking, I continued to shake the beverage while I was drinking it, especially if I put the lid back on and walked away from it for a moment.
Despite any negative reviews the product has received, I believe PKU patients will really enjoy Cambrooke’s RESTORE and the convenience it brings to the low-protein diet. The sports drink does not require pre-measured water, blender bottles or any post-consumption dish washing activities. Just grab, shake, drink and toss—perfect for those individuals at the office, heading home from the gym, or even great for kids who don’t like to pack formula in their school lunch.
In the future, Cambrooke plans to release additional flavors of RESTORE. If you’d like more information about the product or would like to know how to request your own sample, visit Cambrooke’s website.
I give the product an A+ and will certainly be talking with my clinic about how to go about getting a supply.
–NM
I didnt think it was gritty. But the thickness kind of grossed me out a little. I drank it but it took me two hours. I do look forward to other flavors though maybe a punch would be okay.
Did you drink it chilled? Maybe that would have an impact on how thick it was. I let mine sit in the fridge for several hours before trying it and didn’t seem to have any thickness.
–NM
I tried the RESTORE. I didnt think it was gritty or thick or anything like that, It kind of tastes like lemon lime sherbert! Cant wait for cambrookes to make more flavors!!!