There are a bazillion options when it comes to recovery drinks. Some are just jammed with protein while others use unique blends of all sorts of goodness to give your body the best chance of recovering for tomorrow’s group ride. Tailwind is no stranger to nutrition and hydration and their new Recovery Mix offers a unique blend of portability and flavor.
Tailwind Recovery Mix Features:
- Complete recovery nutrition in one simple mix
- 20g protein (brown rice and fava proteins)
- With balanced carbs and essential electrolytes
- Neutral flavor makes it easy to add other flavors for variety
- 100% vegan mix
- Available in packets or 20-serving bag
- MSRP: $55.99 (20-serving bag, $2.80/serving)
The Tailwind difference
Tailwind Recovery contains the right kinds and amounts of carbohydrates, in the form of dextrose (glucose) and cane sugar, to maximize replenishment of glycogen stores after a hard workout. Replenishing glycogen stores is critical to recovery and provides the energy the body needs to rebuild muscle. In the time period right after exercise, the body can rebuild glycogen stores faster than at any other time. So, the right amount of protein is critical.
Their Recovery Mix is available in single-serving packets or in a 20-serving bag. Going with the bag offers the best value, but isn’t as packable for travel or adventures. Of course, you could use snack-sized Ziploc bags for portability. The beauty of the Tailwind Recovery Mix is it mixes well with plain old water. It tastes great and goes down easy. But, for added creaminess and more protein, mixing it with milk is also an option. I typically went with milk, but, again, it’s rider’s choice.
All the various protein powders I’ve used over the years have their pluses and minuses. And, much of that really comes down to the individual. Naked Whey mixes up really foamy and doesn’t have much flavor. My usual budget Six Star Whey Protein has good flavor and mixes up smooth. Compared to those options, Tailwind Recovery mixes up nicely, but maintains a grainy texture. It’s a fine grain texture that kind of reminds me of runny pancake batter.
I’m typically a vanilla person when it comes to protein powder (because it’s simple and also easily allows me to add other mix-ins). I did like all the flavors. Strawberry is subtle and not overwhelming and the chocolate is as well. Salted caramel is a little punchy for my tastes.
I’d be lying to you if I said I felt much of a difference between this and my usual recovery mix, but I’ve felt great after each of them. The older I get, the more I appreciate the reduced muscle fatigue and faster recovery times when loading up after a hard effort.
Buy Now: Shop Tailwind Nutrition on Amazon
The Bottom Line
The Tailwind Recovery Mix delivers a simple, all-in-one post-ride formula with balanced carbs, plant-based protein and electrolytes designed to speed up glycogen replenishment. It mixes easily with water or milk, though it maintains a slightly grainy texture when mixed. All the flavors taste good overall, with Strawberry and Chocolate being more subtle. While the recovery benefits feel similar to other mixes, it has helped me feel ready for the next hard effort.
The Good:
- Mixes easily without a shaker ball
- Subtle flavor options
- Single-serve or scoop mix options
- Mixes well with water, but I also like it with milk
The Bad:
- Packets can tear oddly sometimes
- Salted caramel is punchy
- Maintains a grainy texture when mixed
- Flavors
- Digestion Ease
- Ingredients
- Mixing
