Top 5 Energy Chews for Runners
When you’re pushing your limits on a long run, energy chews can provide a quick and efficient source of carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep you fueled. We’ve rounded up the best energy chews available, considering factors like taste, nutritional value, price, and overall performance.
Understanding Energy Chews
Energy chews are designed to provide a quick and easily digestible source of carbohydrates, making them ideal for mid-run fueling. They offer several benefits for runners:
Carbohydrate Replenishment
During long runs, your body’s glycogen stores become depleted. Energy chews help replenish these stores, providing a steady supply of energy to keep you going.
Electrolyte Balance
Many energy chews contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining proper hydration and muscle function during intense exercise.
Quick Energy Boost
The easily digestible carbohydrates in energy chews are rapidly absorbed, providing a quick energy boost when you need it most.
Portable Nutrition
Energy chews are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a convenient option for runners who need to fuel on the go.
Performance Enhancement
By providing a steady supply of energy and helping to prevent bonking (a sudden loss of energy), energy chews can help improve your overall running performance.
Now, let’s explore some of the best energy chews available for runners:
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1. CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews
Price: $27.30
Rating: 4.6/5 (3,641 reviews)
Product Description: Designed for athletes, CLIF BLOKS are easy-to-chew, bite-sized energy supplements that deliver fast-acting carbohydrates and electrolytes. They are plant-based, non-GMO, and available in different caffeine levels for a customized energy boost.
Key Features:
- Quick-absorbing carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) for sustained energy
- Variety of flavors with different sodium and caffeine levels
- Easy-to-carry, resealable packaging
- 100 calories and 24g of carbohydrates per serving (3 chews)
- Contains electrolytes for proper hydration
Why It’s Great: CLIF BLOKS provide a steady release of energy, making them ideal for endurance activities like running, cycling, and hiking. They come in flavors like Black Cherry, Tropical Punch, and Margarita (with extra sodium). The texture is soft enough to chew easily while running, but not so sticky that they get stuck in your teeth. This makes them ideal for consuming on the go without disrupting your rhythm.
>> Check out the CLIF Bloks Energy Chews on Amazon <<
2. GU Energy Chews
Price: $24.62
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,072 reviews)
Product Description: These bite-sized chews are packed with essential amino acids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes to keep runners going strong. Each bag contains 16 mini chews (two servings), allowing for flexible intake.
Key Features:
- Contains branched-chain amino acids for muscle support
- Includes electrolytes to maintain hydration
- Available in caffeinated and caffeine-free options
- Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher
- 90 calories and 20g of carbohydrates per serving (4 chews)
Why It’s Great: GU Energy Chews are formulated for endurance athletes, providing a balance of quick and sustained energy without artificial flavors. They use a dual-carbohydrate approach, which some studies suggest can improve carbohydrate absorption and utilization during exercise.
>> Check out the GU Energy Chews on Amazon <<
3. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Price: $24.67
Rating: 4.6/5 (6,407 reviews)
Product Description: Made with organic honey and real fruit juice, these chews offer a natural energy boost while providing essential carbohydrates and vitamins. The Fruit Smoothie flavor includes a mix of cherry, orange, and berry.
Key Features:
- USDA organic and gluten-free
- 23g of carbohydrates per serving for quick energy
- Contains vitamin C and sodium for electrolyte replenishment
- Easy-to-digest and gentle on the stomach
Why It’s Great: With a naturally sweet taste and a clean ingredient list, Honey Stinger chews are a great option for runners looking for a more natural energy source. Many runners find Honey Stinger chews more palatable than other energy chews, especially during long runs when taste fatigue can set in. The organic ingredients may also appeal to health-conscious runners or those with sensitive stomachs.
>>Check out the Honey Stinger Energy Chews on Amazon <<
4. PROCHEW Caffeine Infused Energy Taffy
Price: $16.99
Rating: 5.0/5 (13 reviews)
Product Description: A unique take on energy chews, PROCHEW combines caffeine and whey protein isolate in a delicious peppermint-flavored taffy. Each chew contains 125mg of caffeine and 1g of protein.
Key Features:
- Provides a quick caffeine boost for alertness and focus
- Contains 1000mg of whey protein isolate per chew
- Slow-dissolving formula for sustained energy release
- Xylitol-sweetened for a pleasant taste
Why It’s Great: Ideal for runners who need both a caffeine kick and a bit of protein to support muscle recovery during long runs. The taffy-like consistency of ProChew is different from most energy chews. Some runners find it more satisfying to eat, especially on longer runs where you might crave something more substantial than a typical gel or chew.
>>Check out the ProChew Caffeine Energy Chews <<
5. Skratch Labs Energy Chews
Price: $25.60
Rating: 4.5/5 (2,980 reviews)
Product Description: Skratch Labs Energy Chews are formulated with real fruit and simple ingredients to provide a steady source of energy without artificial additives. The variety pack includes flavors like lemon + green tea, raspberry, and sour cherry.
Key Features:
- Made with real fruit for a natural taste
- Provides glucose for immediate energy and sucrose for sustained release
- Vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial ingredients
- Gentle on the stomach for endurance athletes
Why It’s Great: Skratch Labs chews are perfect for runners looking for an energy source with clean, real-food ingredients that won’t upset their stomachs. These chews have a softer texture compared to some other brands, making them easy to eat on the run. They come in several fruit flavors, all of which taste natural and not overly sweet.
>> Check out the Skratch Labs Energy Chews <<
Key Ingredients in Energy Chews
Understanding the ingredients in energy chews can help you choose the best option for your needs:
Carbohydrates
The primary energy source in chews, usually in the form of glucose, fructose, or maltodextrin.
Electrolytes
Sodium and potassium help replace what’s lost through sweat and maintain proper hydration.
Caffeine
Some energy chews contain caffeine for an extra mental and physical boost.
Amino Acids
Certain brands include amino acids to help reduce muscle damage during long runs.
Natural vs. Artificial Ingredients
Some runners prefer chews made with natural ingredients and fruit juices, while others don’t mind artificial flavors and sweeteners.
Energy Chews for Different Types of Runs
The ideal energy chew strategy can vary depending on the type and duration of your run:
Short Runs (Under 60 Minutes)
For most runners, energy chews aren’t necessary for runs under an hour, assuming you’re properly fueled beforehand.
Medium Runs (60-90 Minutes)
Start with a serving of energy chews around 45-60 minutes into your run.
Long Runs (90+ Minutes)
Begin fueling with energy chews around 30-45 minutes into your run and continue at regular intervals (every 30-45 minutes).
Races
Your race fueling strategy should mimic what you’ve practiced in training. You might need to fuel more often because of higher intensity.
Ultra Runs
For ultra-distance events, you’ll likely need to combine energy chews with other nutrition sources to meet your calorie and nutrient needs.
People Also Asked
Are energy chews better than gels for running?
Energy chews and gels both have their place in a runner’s nutrition strategy. Chews provide a more solid form of quick energy, which some runners find more satisfying.
Gels offer a quicker energy boost but can be messier to consume.
The choice often comes down to personal preference and digestibility.
How many energy chews should I eat during a marathon?
The number of energy chews you should consume during a marathon depends on factors like your body weight, running pace, and individual energy needs. As a general guideline, aim to consume 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour after the first hour. This typically translates to 1-2 servings of energy chews per hour.
Can energy chews cause stomach upset?
While energy chews are designed to be easily digestible, they can cause stomach upset in some runners, especially if consumed in large quantities or without adequate water. It’s important to test different brands and quantities during training to find what works best for you.
Are energy chews vegan?
Some energy chews are vegan, while others contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. Always check the ingredient list if you follow a vegan diet. Brands like Clif and GU offer vegan-friendly options.
Do energy chews expire?
Yes, energy chews do have an expiration date. While they may still be safe to eat after this date, their nutritional content and texture may degrade over time.
For best results, use energy chews before their expiration date.
Can I use energy chews for other sports besides running?
Absolutely! Energy chews can be useful for any endurance sport or activity lasting over an hour, such as cycling, swimming, or hiking.
The key is to find a fueling strategy that works for your specific activity and energy needs.
How long before a run should I eat energy chews?
For most runs, it’s best to start consuming energy chews about 30-45 minutes into your activity. However, if you’re starting a run in a fasted state or haven’t eaten in several hours, you might benefit from having a serving about 15 minutes before you start.
Can energy chews replace meals?
Energy chews are designed as a supplement to your regular diet, not as a meal replacement. They provide quick energy for exercise but lack the complete nutrition found in balanced meals.
Always prioritize a well-rounded diet for overall health and performance.
Key Takeaways
- Energy chews provide a convenient, easily digestible source of carbohydrates for runners.
- Different brands offer varying textures, flavors, and nutritional profiles to suit personal preferences.
- Consider factors such as carbohydrate content, electrolytes, caffeine, and organic ingredients when choosing energy chews.
- Always test new products during training runs before using them in races.
- Energy chews should be part of a comprehensive nutrition strategy that includes proper hydration and a balanced diet.