Testing and rating energy chews from a runner's point of view (unsponsored review)
As a runner who was for a long time nervous about using gels in training, I’ve tested several brands over the years. Here’s how I am now using energy chews for running and my personal review of the ones I’ve tried.
What are the benefits of energy chews for running?
They’re a quick and convenient energy source: Energy chews provide a fast-absorbing source of carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, maltodextrin), which can quickly top up or replenish glycogen stores. This helps maintain blood sugar levels and energy, preventing you from the dreaded bonk
They’re gentle on the stomach: They’re formulated to be consumed just before starting exercising or during, so that you can have enough energy without any GI discomfort.
They are a great alternative to gels: Some runners simply don’t get on with gels, or prefer to have a variety of options. In those scenarios, energy chews come in handy.
They come in a variety of flavours and formulas: Just like gels, the consistency and taste vary from a brand to another. Plus, some contain additional ingredients like caffeine or electrolytes. It may take some time, but you’re likely to find an energy chew that is perfect for you.
How I personally use energy chews:
I used to be really scared of taking gels and would take chews with me to fuel my long runs. I have now found energy gels that I like and have no issue with, but I still use energy chews as pre-run fuel.
For instance, I often run early in the morning before breakfast. I’ll have a couple chews just before I set off for a quick energy boost and to avoid running completely fasted.
When I have a long run and need more fuel, I have piece of toast an hour before then eat a couple chews when I’m about to head out.
Testing and rating energy chews
These are the energy chews that I’ve tried so far. I’ll be updating this post if I test other brands:
Find out more about these below.
Precision Fuel 30 Energy Chews
These pocket size chews have a high carb to weight ratio, with 30g of carbs per pack (15g per chew).
The Original flavour tastes similar to the gels, with a subtle citrus-based flavour. If you want a more pronounced taste, try the Mint & Lemon.
What I love about these chews is that there’s no flavour fatigue, because the taste is very mild. I know that I won’t have any digestive troubles and in fact, I’ve yet to hear anyone say that they have GI issues with this brand.
If we’re going to be nitpicky, I find that they’re easier to chew and swallow if you wash them down with water.
Overall rating: 9.5/10
Check out my unsponsored Precision Fuel gels & chews review here.
RRP: £27.99 for 15 packs - Find them here
Veloforte Energy Chews
Available in 4 fruity flavours, these super soft chews contain 41 to 44g of carbs per pack (6 chews) as well as 60mg potassium and up to 100mg sodium depending on which flavour you choose.
The Amaro flavour also features 75mg caffeine.
I find that the melt in the mouth texture is the easiest to chew whilst running and the fact that they’re made with 100% natural ingredients plays a part in how easy they are to consume and digest.
I love them as much as the Precision chews and really enjoy using them when I fancy something that has a more pronounced sweet taste.
I love all the flavours, but I would say that my favourites are Fresco for the refreshing lemon taste and Citro which has a hint of ginger, great if your stomach feels a little sensitive.
A pack of six can be a little big if you want to run with these, that’s the only downside.
Overall rating: 9/10
You can read my dedicated Veloforte chews review here.
RRP: £30.79 for 12 packs (or £26.17 on subscription) - Find them here
OTE Energy Chews
Available in Apple or Strawberry flavour, these chews are packed with 23g of carbohydrates per servin as well as electrolytes (30mg Potassium, 10mg Magnesium and 125mg Sodium).
They come in a chewy bar format which easily fits in your pocket and can be split into 3 pieces to spred the intake.
The texture reminded me of the gelatin-based sweets I had in my childhood. I’ve only tried the Strawberry flavour so far and quite enjoyed the flavour, although it tasted rather sweet.
They’re good, but I think I’d get tired of the flavour if I were to use them several times a week.
Overall rating: 8/10
RRP: £20 for 10 packs - Find them here
Science in Sport Beta Fuel Energy Chews
Part of the “stomach friendly” Beta Fuel range, these chews have the particularity of offering a 1:0.8 ratio of glucose to fructose which can reduce the risk of stomach discomfort but also increase carbohydrate usage efficiency.
These chews come in 2 flavours: lemon and orange, each containing 46g of carbs per serving.
I tried the Orange flavour and surprisingly really liked it, despite it tasting more artificial than Veloforte for instance.
The bar format is handy, but the firm jelly texture isn’t the easiest to bite into especially when running.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
RRP: £12 for 6 packs - Find them here
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