Your stomach is pretty much comparable to a fuel tank for your body. When cycling, letting your stomach run empty can have adverse effects on your performance and endurance. When it comes to keeping your energy levels optimum, several theories have been floated around. However, there is a widespread belief that carbohydrates are among the most effective energy sources for active people such as cyclists. Ideally, one should consume a gram of carbs per kilo of body weight for each activity hour.
Since long-distance cycling can be quite tiring, it is essential to consider taking a few energy bars with you on such rides. The biggest problem with most energy bars, though, is their significant lack of any nutritional value. Since most are full of chemicals and sugars, getting the perfect bar to boost your performance can be quite daunting. This guide will detail the five best cycling energy bars you can get today and the factors to consider when buying one.
Best Cycling Energy Bars
Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bars
- Made with 20 gram of high quality whey and milk protein to help rebuild your muscles so you come back strong
- 42g of carbs per bar to replenishing and get ready for tomorrow's workout
- Scientifically developed for athletes, each bar contains protein and carbs to rebuild and refuel. The protein bar used by the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB is now available to you, Includes 12 chocolate chip bars
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- Made with 20 gram of high quality whey and milk protein to help rebuild your muscles so you come back strong
- 42g of carbs per bar to replenishing and get ready for tomorrow's workout
- Scientifically developed for athletes, each bar contains protein and carbs to rebuild and refuel. The protein bar used by the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB is now available to you, Includes 12 chocolate chip bars
- 350 calories, 20g protein, 42g Carbs
- Individually wrapped to enjoy at the gym, off the field, or on the go
Pros
- Extremely pleasant flavor
- Widely used in multiple sports leagues
- Easy-to-use packaging
Cons
- Large amounts of saturated fats
- High calories
The Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bars are made using milk protein and whey, resulting in a product that helps rebuild muscles effectively. As the name suggests, the bars are formulated and tested at the world-renowned Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Each bar contains 42 grams of carbohydrates designed to replenish lost energy. It is worth noting that the bar is widely used in the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL.
Each Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bar comes in an easy-to-use individual package making it super easy to enjoy on the go. Additionally, the bars’ taste and texture are outstandingly good. This is quite something since most bars in the market often lack in the flavor department. Scientific research suggests that whey protein is, by far, the best protein supplement for humans. This means that the Gatorade bars strike the perfect balance between tissue regeneration (proteins) and energy replenishment (carbs).
Keep in mind that these bars are not low-calorie food products at all. Each bar contains about 300 calories, a figure that is significantly higher than most bars. The most significant downside with these bars has to be the considerable amounts of saturated fat in each bar. While this might not bother the extremely active person, it might concern health-conscious, low-distance cyclists.
CLIF BLOKS Plant-Based Energy Chews Non-GMO
- CREATED BY ATHLETES FOR ATHLETES: CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews provide quick, chewable energy for training and racing.
- AS TASTY AS THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL: Available in 11 delicious flavors, with sodium and caffeine levels to suit any goals.
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Last update was on: 10 April 2021 14:39
- CREATED BY ATHLETES FOR ATHLETES: CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews provide quick, chewable energy for training and racing.
- AS TASTY AS THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL: Available in 11 delicious flavors, with sodium and caffeine levels to suit any goals.
- EASY TO EAT: Easy-to-open packaging and a soft, chewable texture lets you focus on performance.
- CUSTOMIZABLE: CLIF BLOKS come in 33-calorie cubes, with sleek and portable packaging that makes it easy to customize and track caloric and electrolyte intake during long outings and races.
Pros
- Ideal for mental alertness
- Extremely compact and portable packaging
- Comes in 11 distinct flavors
Cons
- Contain significantly high levels of caffeine
- Texture might not please everyone
The CLIF BLOKS Plant-Based Energy Chews Non-GMO is designed by athletes for athletes. These chewable energy bars are available in 11 distinct flavors, making it easy for any cyclist to find their perfect flavor. Each product contains sufficient caffeine and sodium levels to replenish the electrolytes lost when cycling effectively. The chews have a soft, consistent texture, all in an extremely easy-to-open package.
Each Clif Blok contains 33 calories, significantly lower than most alternative products in the market. Additionally, the chews come in compact, portable packaging, making them easy to take with you and track your consumption. Each 33-calorie cube is packed with carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep your body’s energy level replenished. The carbs come in an easy-to-digest, concentrated form, making this product ideal for endurance activities such as road or mountain biking.
The manufacturer recommends eating three cubes (half a packet) of these chews 15 minutes before your ride, followed by one or two packets for each hour of activity. Keep in mind that the black cherry flavor contains more caffeine (50 milligrams) than the tropical and orange flavors (25 milligrams). If mental alertness is paramount to you when cycling, go for the flavor with more caffeine. However, please remember that this amount of caffeine is not recommended for certain people, such as pregnant women, children, and those with high caffeine sensitivity.
CLIF BAR Energy Bars
- Includes 16 total energy bars, with 2 of each flavor: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, Sierra Trail Mix, Crunchy Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Flavor, Cool Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter Banana with Dark Chocolate, and Blueberry Crisp
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- Includes 16 total energy bars, with 2 of each flavor: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, Sierra Trail Mix, Crunchy Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Flavor, Cool Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter Banana with Dark Chocolate, and Blueberry Crisp
- NUTRITION FOR SUSTAINED ENERGY: Clif Bar is the ultimate performance, energy bar, purposefully crafted with an ideal mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to sustain active bodies before and during long-lasting, moderate-intensity activity.
- INGREDIENTS THAT ARE BETTER FOR THE PLANET: As part of our mission to help create a healthier, more sustainable food system, we make every bar with sustainably sourced chocolate and plant-based ingredients like almonds, peanuts, and organic rolled oats.
- DELICIOUS FLAVORS, ENDLESS VARIETY: Satisfy any taste with a dazzling array of craveable Clif Bar flavors, including classic favorites like Chocolate Chip and Crunchy Peanut Butter.
- ENERGY ON THE GO: Whether you need sustained energy for hiking, climbing, skiing, or a long bike ride, Clif Bar delivers wholesome, delicious energy that’s all wrapped up and ready to go.
Pros
- The package comes with 8 differently-flavored bars
- Has the ideal combination of fats, proteins, and carbs
- Nice-looking package
Cons
- The bars’ texture is too dry
- Might be too sugary for some people
The CLIF BAR Energy Bars come in eight different flavors, with a pair of bars per flavor. When you purchase these, you will get the blueberry crisp, peanut butter banana with dark chocolate, cool mint chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Sierra Trail Mix, Chocolate Brownie, and the hugely popular chocolate chip. Few alternatives come in as many flavors in a single package.
These bars are purposefully designed to provide the ideal combination of carbs, proteins, and fat to sustain the active cyclist in moderate-intensity, high-intensity, or even low-intensity rides. In an eco-friendly endeavor, the manufacturer makes the bars using sustainably-sourced ingredients such as oats, peanuts, almonds, and chocolate. It is also worth noting that this is among the better-tasting energy bars one can find in today’s market.
The biggest misgiving with these CLIF BAR Energy Bars involves their texture, which is a tad too dry. While this definitely prevents the bars from sticking onto the packaging material, it might not go down well with some cyclists.
PROBAR Bolt Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Energy Chews
- SUPERFRUIT BLEND: Acai, Pomegranate, and Blueberry provide essential vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy and energized
- ORGANIC: We use USDA Organic ingredients, so you can feel good knowing you are feeding your body with safe nutrients. Certified Organic by QAI
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- SUPERFRUIT BLEND: Acai, Pomegranate, and Blueberry provide essential vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy and energized
- ORGANIC: We use USDA Organic ingredients, so you can feel good knowing you are feeding your body with safe nutrients. Certified Organic by QAI
- VITAMINS B AND C: Vitamins B6, B12, C, and electrolytes to power your workout
- QUICK ENERGY: 24g CARBS per 30g serving for quick energy. 20mg of caffeine from YERBA MATE mate for an added energy
- SOY-FREE: Safe, sustainably-sourced ingredients provide the benefits of a soy-free diet
Pros
- Extremely high carbohydrate concentration
- Uses fully organic ingredients
- Has sufficient caffeine for mental awareness
Cons
- Bland flavor
- Few varieties available
The PROBAR Bolt Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Energy Chews are made from what the manufacturer calls a ‘superfruit blend.’ This blend contains blueberry, pomegranate, and acai, resulting in an unrivaled combination of nutrients and vitamins. All ingredients are USDA Organic-certified, making these chews extraordinarily healthy and safe for consumption. Each chew has sufficient electrolytes and vitamins C, B12, and B6 to keep you energized even on long-distance rides.
If you need an energy bar with extremely high carb concentration, look no further than the PROBAR Bolt Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Energy Chews. With 24 grams of carbs in every 30-gram serving, these chews have sufficient carbs concentration to get you powering through your high-intensity ride. Each serving also contains 20 milligrams of caffeine for enhanced mental awareness when cycling.
The chews are also entirely soy-free, non-GMO, and entirely plant-based. This makes them suitable for people on soy-free diets. The only significant downside with these chews is the rather bland taste. While some nice-tasting alternatives have artificial flavors or sugars, this one might not be suitable for those looking for an extremely nice-tasting energy bar.
Larabar Gluten Free Bar
- Raise A Bar to Real: With 100% real ingredients, you can Raise A Bar to what you love! Larabar makes simple snacks you can feel good about eating with many gluten free, dairy free and vegan options to choose from
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- Raise A Bar to Real: With 100% real ingredients, you can Raise A Bar to what you love! Larabar makes simple snacks you can feel good about eating with many gluten free, dairy free and vegan options to choose from
- 100% Real Ingredients: Larabar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is made from just 4 simple ingredients: dates, peanuts, chocolate chips and sea salt
- Clean Eating Made Simple: Kosher, Dairy Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Soy Free, Gluten Free
- Real Life Calls for Real Food: Real life calls for real ingredients to help you conquer your day, conveniently wrapped and perfect for packing on the go
- Contains: 1 box with 10 bars
Pros
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- The bar never sticks to the packaging
- Dairy-free, vegan-free, and gluten-free
Cons
- Inconsistent texture
- Uninteresting taste
The Larabar Gluten Free Bar is made from 100% real ingredients. If you are upgrading from energy bars that contain artificial flavorings or colorings, you will certainly appreciate the natural ingredients in this bar. The bar is entirely vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it the ideal energy source for many cyclists. To have a clearer idea, the Larabar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip only contains sea salt, chocolate chips, peanuts, and dates. This blend of salt, nuts, and fruits results in a healthy- easy-to-consume energy bar.
The bar comes in an extremely easy-to-open package whose inner surface never sticks to the edible bar. This is a plus, considering how easily some energy bars stick onto the package. The biggest downside with the Larabar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is the inconsistent texture. The texture is probably attributable to the combination of fruits and nuts. If you like your bars smooth, this one might not be your best bet.
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What to Look for When a Buying Cycling Energy Bars
By now, we have already established the importance of having an energy bar when cycling. However, that is not all. Hopping over to one of the major online retailers will give you a picture of how wide the options are when it comes to these energy bars. There are numerous manufacturers and sellers, all purporting to have the best energy bars for cyclists. Since these options can be potentially confusing, here is a look at the factors to consider before ordering one.
Flavor
While energy bars are not primarily bought for their pleasant taste, it doesn’t mean they should taste like a blend of diesel and clay. Since you have to chew these bars for a while before swallowing, it is only fair to have one that tastes acceptable. Typically, bars with real fruit flavors have a pleasant taste. However, you might also come across some with bland but no off-putting tastes. Supposing that taste is usually paramount in the edible products you purchase. In that case, you might want to choose an energy bar with any of the nice conventional flavors such as chocolate, mint, lemon, or tropical.
Packaging
Imagine cycling over the hill, tired, muscles fatigued, and almost out of breath; you then pull out your energy bar only to realize it will take you another ten minutes to get the packaging open. Not a very good situation, is it? When purchasing an energy bar, you need to ensure that the package is easy to pry open and enjoy your bar on the go. Additionally, the material needs to have sufficient non-stick attributes so that the contents do not stick on the inner lining.
Recommended
With the almost countless options available in the market, it is easy to purchase an almost-useless energy bar. One of the best sources of genuine information regarding products is the product review section in any online store. Before making your order, go over a few reviews of the energy bar you intend to purchase. Doing this will help you establish whether current users generally like the bar or dislike it. As a rule of thumb, only purchase products whose reviews lean more towards four and five stars.
Value for Money
An energy bar’s price needs to reflect its quality, effectiveness, flavor (if that’s important to you), and packaging. If you can derive the utility you desire from the energy bar you buy, it has excellent money value. If the bar doesn’t meet your initial expectations, then your purchase will feel unjustified to some extent. Avoid overly cheap products since these will probably have a quality-related compromise.
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Summary
With cycling energy bars, you no longer have to experience the effects of low electrolyte and carbohydrate levels when riding. By considering the pre-purchase factors mentioned above, you can quickly get the perfect energy bar to suit your cycling routine. Hopefully, the five cycling bars discussed earlier will make the purchase decision easier.
$18.00
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10 new
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$22.95
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6 new
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$19.99
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16 new
from $17.89
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$24.81
in stock
19 new
from $24.81
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$8.79
in stock
3 new
from $8.79
Amazon.com
Free shipping
Last updated on 10 April 2021 14:39
