Energy bars
Energy bars: when and how to eat them
What is an energy bar for during exercise?
It provides carbohydrates in solid form, often with a little fiber and fat. Chewing is reassuring, lifts your spirits, and is digested more slowly than a gel. It is mainly used on long outings where the intensity remains reasonable, such as cycling or trail.
Energy bar or protein bar, what's the difference?
The energy bar is made of carbohydrates to fuel exertion, while the protein bar provides mainly protein for after your workout or as a snack. For example, the 68 g Clif Bar Peanut Muesli Mix provides 36 g of carbohydrates, while the 45 g Apurna protein bar contains 16 g of protein. During exercise, choose the first one; the second digests more slowly.
How many bars for a 3- or 4-hour ride?
Plan on half a bar to one bar per hour, alongside an energy drink or gels. A bar often provides 25 to 40 g of carbohydrates (25 g for Powerbar Natural Energy Cereal, 36 g for Clif Bar Peanut Muesli Mix): half a bar per hour therefore covers part of the 50 to 60 g target, with the rest coming from your bottle. Eat bars in the early hours and save gels for the end, when the intensity picks up.
Can you eat an energy bar while running?
Yes, for moderate paces, such as trail running or ultras. At high intensity, chewing and slow digestion can be a nuisance, and gels go down more easily. Cut the bar into small pieces before you set off to make it easier to eat.
Organic, vegan, gluten-free bars: how do you make sense of it all?
Brands list their certifications on the product page. Bars made with oat flakes (Oat King, Clif, Mulebar) taste like pastries. Others focus on dried fruit or rice. Read the ingredients if you have an allergy or a special diet.
Should you drink while eating a bar?
Yes, a few sips of water help with digestion. A dry bar eaten without drinking can remain in the stomach for a long time.
Which energy bar for trail running?
On the trail, choose bars that don’t stick, melt, or crumble easily: oat, dried fruit, or savory bars. Eat them on climbs or rolling sections, not on technical descents. For ultras, a savory bar helps break up the sweetness of gels; our selection of <a href="/en-ma/collections/gout-sale">savory products</a> includes several.
Which energy bar for cycling?
On the bike, bars are the simplest option for rides lasting more than two hours: you can eat without stopping, and your stomach handles solid food well at endurance pace. Open the packaging before you set off or choose an easy-to-open-with-one-hand format, and eat a small portion every 30 to 45 minutes. <a href="/en-ma/collections/gaufres-energetiques">Energy waffles</a> are a thin alternative that fits in your jersey pocket.
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