The formula used for both regular and Extreme Sport Beans is identical except that Extreme Sport Beans jelly beans include 50 mg of caffeine.

Just like regular Sport Beans, new Extreme Sport Beans jelly beans are packed with power to maximize sports performance. Each one ounce bag delivers 24 grams of carbohydrates to fuel your body during intense exercise and a balanced supply of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) vital for maintaining fluid balance. Both regular and Extreme Sport Beans also contain Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Niacin (Vitamin B3) for carbohydrate and fat burning as well as Vitamin C to optimize energy release. Each bag of Extreme Sport Beans includes 50 mg of caffeine, about the same amount as in a half cup of brewed coffee, for those times when you need an extra edge in a workout or competition. There are numerous clinical studies that have documented how caffeine improves sports performance including:

Improved endurance - Reduced perceived exertion (RPE) - Enhanced agility - Faster sprint speeds - Increased power output

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified caffeine as generally recognized as Safe for adults and children in 1958. The American Medical Association (AMA) has a similar position on caffeine's safety, stating that "moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption, etc.) are moderate as well." The AMA defines moderate caffeine consumption as about 300 mg which is equal to about 3 to 4 cups of brewed coffee.

However, Jelly Belly does not recommend Extreme Sport Beans for children, teens, or pregnant or nursing women. For them, we recommend our regular Sport Beans.

Caffeine is considered an "ergogenic" aid and acts as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. It temporarily speeds up your heart rate, increases brain activity and stimulates blood flow throughout the body. The result is an extra edge that can provide a range of documented benefits including improved endurance, reduced perceived exertion (RPE), enhanced agility, faster sprint speeds and increased power output.

Probably not. However, different organizations have different regulations regarding caffeine on board and you will need to understand these if you are competing in an event. Before using Extreme Sport Beans in an athletic competition, consult with your sports medicine physician, athletic trainer or sports dietician. We also recommend experimenting with use of regular and Extreme Sport Beans to find your optimal combination - especially during longer competitions. Extreme Sport Beans do not need to be your only source of fuel during a competition.

Caffeine does not contribute to dehydration. Because caffeine increases blood flow throughout the body, including the kidney, it can cause an increase in urine production. However, the body of scientific evidence on this issue confirms that caffeine in moderate doses (about 300 mg of caffeine) does not cause dehydration.

Reference. Caffeine, Fluid-Electrolyte Balance, Temperature Regulation, and Exercise-Heat Tolerance. Lawrence E. Armstrong; Douglas J. Casa; Carl M. Maresh; Matthew S. Ganio, Exercise Sport Science Review. 2007;35(3):135-140 © 2007 American College of Sports Medicine

Our new Extreme Sport Beans have not yet been tested, but our regular sport beans have been clinically tested. In a study conducted by the University of California Davis School of Medicine Sports Program, Sport Beans were proven just as effective as popular sport drinks and gels in maintaining blood sugar levels and improving exercise performance in competitive endurance athletes.

Additionally, there are many scientific studies that have tested the impact of caffeine on sports performance and documented its benefits.

YES. Both our regular and Extreme Sport Beans have received the respected certification of the Orthodox Union. Look for the OU symbol on our Sport Beans bags.

The primary carbohydrate sources in both our regular and Extreme Sport Beans products are evaporated cane juice (sucrose) and tapioca syrup (a mix of sugars, glucose and fructose.) This carbohydrate blend is similar to what is used in sport drinks and other products designed for fuelling during workouts and competition. Added fruit juice puts a new carb source into Sport Beans as well. According to a variety of research studies, the mix of carbohydrate sources used in Sport Beans is well taken up by the body. In fact, a mixture of carbohydrate sources as found in Sport Beans gets into your system more efficiently compared to a single carbohydrate source, such as glucose alone, in a sports product.

Yes, you can eat Extreme Sport Beans along with drinking sport drinks and other sport products such as regular Sport Beans, carbohydrate gels or bars by managing your intake, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout.

The goal is to take in approximately 120 to 240 calories (or 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates) per hour of extended exercise or activity along with ½ cup of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes. However, as you build your fuel plan, keep an eye on your total consumption of caffeine before and during your workout since many sport drinks, other sport products and soda also can contain caffeine.

The nutrient levels found in all Sport Beans are based upon established recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ACSM guidelines recommend consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour during exercise lasting 60 minutes or more. These guidelines also recommend drinking fluid to prevent dehydration - approximately 1/4 to 3/4 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes and to include the electrolyte sodium at a set level. Sport Beans jelly beans also provide a good source of B1, B2, B3 and C vitamins for good health.

Dark chocolate candy bar (28g) - 20mg
Brewed coffee (226g) - 65-120mg
Iced tea (340g) - 70mg
Energy drinks (340g) - 80-120mg
Pain relievers (per dose) - 64-130mg
Diet cola (340g) - 35-40mg
Cola (340g) - 34-38mg
Caffeine tablets - 200mg
Chocolate milk (226g) - 5mg

Extreme Sport Beans® come in two flavours: Cherry and Watermelon.