I love the Skratch labs mix. I've tried 3 flavors, and all are great. Very light on the flavor. Don't notice any adverse effects, but I've never been a fan of Gatorade.

On super long, hot rides, I scoop an extra serving of powder into a button baggie, the kind Banana Republic or Loft, etc, give you with extra buttons, and put it into my jersey. One scoop fits perfectly into the largest baggie they give out. Mix with water at a rest stop, and bingo, more Skratch.

As far as nutrition, I eat, but I'm never hungry. (Does this happen to anyone else? In fact, mostly I force myself to eat, but I'd rather not eat. Maybe its the heat?) I've made homemade gluten free energy bars with a recipe I found online. I eat those, and Luna bars in small increments.