Chewable tablets change the absorption equation. SaltStick FastChews bypass the stomach delay that capsules require, delivering electrolytes through the buccal mucosa in your mouth before anything even reaches your gut. A Western Colorado University study found nearly 50% of the sodium in FastChews absorbs within 45 seconds of chewing. When you're mid-effort and feel cramping coming on, that speed matters. The tablet dissolves as you chew, releasing sodium citrate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in a form your body can use almost immediately.

The electrolyte concentration runs lower than SaltStick Caps by design. Each 2-tablet serving provides 100 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium, 10 mg calcium, and 6 mg magnesium, roughly one-quarter the electrolyte load of a single capsule. This allows for more frequent, smaller doses that some athletes prefer over less frequent larger hits. Chewing two tablets every 15 to 30 minutes keeps a steady stream of electrolytes entering your system rather than waiting an hour between capsules. The math works out to approximately four FastChews equaling one SaltStick Cap.

Taste engineering plays a real role here since nobody wants to chew something unpleasant repeatedly during a hard ride. SaltStick uses natural citrus flavoring with malic and citric acid to create a tart, almost sweet-tart candy character that masks the inherent saltiness. Stevia provides subtle sweetness without sugar or artificial sweeteners, keeping each 2-tablet serving at just 10 calories. The sodium comes from sodium citrate rather than sodium chloride, which reduces the salty bite and sits easier on sensitive stomachs during high-intensity efforts.... Read More