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Cycling isn’t just about the physical effort; it’s also a mental game. The right energy bar can be your secret weapon, ensuring you stay fueled, focused, and ready to conquer each stretch of the road.
We’ll delve into what makes a great cycling energy bar, discussing the crucial factors like taste, digestibility, nutrient balance, and portability. Discover the ideal energy bars to elevate your cycling experience and ensure those energy lows become a thing of the past.
What Makes a Great Cycling Energy Bar?
Fueling your cycling journey is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and the same principle applies to energy bars. To make an informed choice and elevate your cycling experience, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental components that differentiate an outstanding cycling energy bar from the rest.
Nutrient Balance: The cornerstone of an exceptional energy bar lies in its meticulously crafted nutritional profile. To power through those demanding rides, seek out a harmonious blend of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
Carbohydrates provide the quick bursts of energy you need, while fats offer sustained endurance, and protein aids in muscle recovery. This triumvirate of nutrients ensures a balanced and reliable energy source, keeping you fueled and ready to conquer each mile.
Digestibility: Your stomach can be both your ally and adversary during a ride. The last thing you want is an energy bar that leaves you with unpleasant digestive discomfort. Opt for energy bars designed with digestibility in mind.
Look for bars that are gentle on the stomach, offering easy digestion and minimal risk of GI distress. Ensuring that your chosen bar is kind to your digestive system is paramount to a smooth, uninterrupted ride.
Taste: Cycling isn’t merely a physical endeavor; it’s a mental one as well. The flavors you choose can significantly impact your overall experience on the saddle. Select energy bars with flavors that genuinely delight your taste buds.
Whether it’s the zing of citrus, the comfort of chocolate, or the freshness of berries, your choice should evoke a sense of enjoyment that keeps your spirits high, no matter how challenging the terrain or weather conditions may be.
Portability: On those long and winding cycling journeys, convenience is paramount. Your energy bar should be a seamless companion, effortlessly portable and easy to consume while you pedal vigorously.
Opt for bars that are designed with the practicality of cyclists in mind. They should be compact, lightweight, and quick to unwrap. The last thing you need during a ride is fumbling with packaging or struggling to chew through a dense, unwieldy bar.
Top Contenders: Energy Bars for the Road
Now, let’s take an extensive look at some of the top-tier energy bars that have triumphed in the world of road cycling, earning their esteemed place on the podium.
1. Torq Explore Flapjack
The Torq Explore Flapjack range is a delightful addition to your cycling fuel options. These flapjacks come in a variety of enticing flavors that offer a syrupy and indulgent taste, providing the energetic boost you crave while navigating the great outdoors.
What sets them apart is their commitment to using wholesome ingredients obtained through natural processes, ensuring they are free from pesticides, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners.
In fact, they proudly carry a full organic certification, a testament to their quality. Additionally, these flapjacks are crafted with a vegan-friendly approach, making them suitable for a broad range of dietary preferences.
From a nutritional perspective, Torq Explore Flapjacks certainly hold their own. Each bar packs around 40g of carbohydrates (depending on your chosen flavor), providing a valuable energy source.
Depending on the flavor you pick, they have 1093-1108 KJ of energy, 8.1-8.9g of fat, 2.9-3.8g of fiber, and a handy 3.2-3.7g of protein, these bars are well-balanced to fuel your long rides. Whether you’re embarking on club rides, sportives, or multi-day bike packing adventures, they excel at keeping you energized for up to an hour or more.
Practicality is another key feature of the Torq Explore Flapjacks. Their square shape makes them effortless to slide into your jersey pocket, and their solid composition ensures they won’t crumble during those extended rides. You can count on these flapjacks to withstand the rigors of your being in your back pocket during a long cycle.
The natural and organic ingredients used for the Explore Flapjacks results in a genuinely delicious and wholesome taste. They strike an ideal balance in terms of macronutrients, ensuring you stay fueled during your rides, making them a top choice for cyclists seeking both taste and performance in their energy bars.
2. Skratch Labs Energy Bar
When it comes to keeping your energy levels up during a demanding ride, Skratch Labs Energy Bars have got you covered. Crafted from natural ingredients, these bars are a cyclist’s dream come true.
The Choc Chip and Almond flavor, in particular, is a delightful treat for your taste buds. Not only do they taste amazing, but these bars also come in a convenient size, making them easy to store in your jersey pockets. However, it’s worth noting that the choc chips can get a bit melty on warmer days.
One standout feature of Skratch Labs Energy Bars is their commitment to natural ingredients. These bars are crafted primarily from whole foods, ensuring that your body gets the quality fuel it needs.
Moreover, they are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. By avoiding synthetic ingredients that are common in many other sports bars, Skratch Labs prioritizes gut-friendly, wholesome nutrition.
Skratch Labs offers a diverse range of flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s palate. And if you’ve ever struggled with stubborn wrappers while on the move, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly these bars open.
In terms of nutrition, each Skratch Labs Energy Bar provides around 200-250 calories, 30g of carbohydrates, 8g of healthy fats, 125mg of sodium, and 5g of protein, depending on the flavor. These bars are not only nourishing but also easy to stash in your rear pockets due to their convenient shape.
3. Rawvelo Organic Energy Bar
Rawvelo Organic Energy Bars are a top choice for cyclists seeking a balanced and nutritious source of energy. Each 45g bar delivers around 24g of carbohydrates with a 3:1 ratio of carbs to fats. What sets these bars apart is their low glycemic index, which prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Available in five enticing flavors, such as Chocolate Orange and Peanut Butter, these bars are crafted primarily from dates, cold-pressed to preserve their natural nutritional value. They are organic, vegan, and free from preservatives, artificial flavorings, and refined sugar, though they do contain nuts. The eco-conscious packaging is also recyclable.
With around 180-200kcal per bar, mostly from carbohydrates (approximately 20g), complemented by fats (7-8g) and a touch of protein (3g), these bars are ideal for sustained energy during long rides. A pinch of salt aids in hydration.
What sets Rawvelo Organic Energy Bars apart is their ‘real food’ feel, making them easier to digest than gels and sweets on extended rides. They provide the necessary carbs for quick energy, fats for sustained endurance, and protein for recovery.
These bars excel for riders who prioritize organic, whole-food options. Their flavors maintain a consistent, sweet essence of dates, making them a wholesome choice for eco-conscious cyclists looking for reliable, slow-release energy during their journeys.
4. Clif Bar
For avid cyclists, Clif Bar has held its position as a reliable energy companion, and there’s a good reason why. You can conveniently find them at most cycling and outdoor stores, and they boast an extensive array of flavors to cater to your palate preferences.
What sets Clif Bar apart is its commitment to using organic and whole ingredients. Ingredients like rolled oats, oat fiber, and dates form the backbone of these bars, assuring you that you’re fueling your ride with real, wholesome food.
One distinguishing feature of Clif Bars is their substantial size. Take, for example, the 68g White Chocolate Macadamia Nut bar – it packs a hearty punch with 266 calories, 7.5g of fat, 37g of carbs, and a substantial 10g of protein.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill carb-focused bar; it offers a more balanced nutritional profile. Moreover, its elevated protein content makes it an excellent choice as a post-ride recovery snack, aiding in muscle repair and replenishment of energy stores.
However, it’s worth noting that this generous size also means it takes up considerable jersey pocket space.
If you’re a proponent of ‘real’ food during your cycling adventures, Clif Bar aligns well with your preferences. Yet, this substantial size means it does require some effort to consume, especially if you’re pedaling away while indulging. A generous gulp or two of water becomes a necessity, particularly in colder weather conditions.
In essence, Clif Bar shines as an ideal companion for long rides, touring, bikepacking, and similar endeavors where endurance and sustained energy are paramount.
However, for high-intensity training sessions or competitive races, you might find its size and density less suitable.
5. Tribe Nut Butter Triple Decker
Tribe’s Nut Butter Triple Decker bars are a vegan-friendly and gluten-free snacking option that balances taste and nutrition. Each bar consists of three layers: a vegan chocolate top, a nut butter or caramel nut middle, and a granola-like bottom.
In the case of the Choc Maple bar, it offers 13g of fat (4g saturated), 8.7g of carbs (4.7g sugars), 8.3g of plant-based protein, and 3.8g of dietary fiber. These bars provide a source of sustained energy, with protein sourced from plants rather than dairy.
While they may not be ideal for high-intensity on-bike fueling due to their lower carbohydrate content, Tribe’s bars excel as well-rounded snacks between meals and post-ride recovery aids.
They are not carb-rich, containing only half the sugar of some competitors. However, the 8g of protein from peas makes them suitable for snacking and recovery.
These bars also boast 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including B2, B6, B12, C, iron, and zinc, which contribute to energy release and overall health. They are easy to digest, gluten-free, and suitable for vegans.
In summary, Tribe Nut Butter Triple Decker bars offer a nutritious and delicious snack option. While they may not provide maximum on-bike fuel, they excel as post-ride recovery aids and satiating snacks between meals, thanks to their low sugar content and plant-based protein.
6. High5 Energy Bar
The High5 Energy Bar is among the larger options on the market, weighing 55 grams. Its size contributes to its significant caloric content. However, it’s essential to scrutinize the nutritional values of each flavor, as they can vary considerably.
For instance, the banana flavor provides 180 calories, 36g of carbohydrates, 2.4g of protein, and 2.4g of fat. In contrast, the peanut-flavored option packs a punch with 255 calories, 25g of carbohydrates, 7.2g of protein, and 13g of fat. The former suits pre and mid-ride consumption, while the latter, with its higher protein content, is ideal for post-ride recovery.
High5 intentionally designs its energy bars for versatility, catering to both pre and mid-ride consumption needs. They also offer a separate recovery bar and an energy bar enriched with protein.
One standout feature of these bars is their ease of consumption. Unlike some bars that can be tough to chew during a ride, High5’s bars are rider-friendly. However, personal preferences vary, much like finding the perfect cycling saddle; experimentation is key.
The berry-flavored High5 Energy Bar offers a fruity taste, comprising 60 percent fruit, including sultanas, cranberries, pineapple, apricots, and apples. High5 claims this blend contributes to one of your daily fruit servings, with the remainder from oats, making it a wholesome choice for cycling.
7. SiS GO Energy Bake
Science in Sport (SiS) offers a refreshing take on energy bars with its SiS GO Energy Bake. Unlike the typical bar format, this unique creation resembles a cake, featuring a soft, chewable texture and a delicious fruit-filled center.
The standout feature of the SiS GO Energy Bake is its thoughtfully crafted formula. Each bake contains 30g of carbohydrates, including 11g of sugars, and a clever 2:1 ratio of fructose to glucose oligomers.
This ratio optimizes your gut’s alternative sugar absorption pathway, ensuring a steady release of energy during your ride. With a higher energy content of 190kcal, these bakes provide substantial fuel without adding excessive weight to your gear. Additionally, they pack in 3.5g of protein.
However, the cake-like consistency comes with a slight trade-off – a slightly higher fat content of 5g per bar. This differs from the leaner profiles of many traditional energy bars.
It’s important to note that while SiS GO Energy Bakes are easier to chew compared to traditional bars, they can be a bit challenging to swallow. The cake-like texture may stick to the back of your teeth, requiring a generous sip of water to wash down. This isn’t a significant concern during leisurely rides or when stationary, but it can be more cumbersome during intense cycling.
One outstanding aspect of these energy bakes is their moisture. Crafted with a blend of ingredients, including oats, soya, and fruit juices, they maintain a thick, chewy, yet soft consistency, regardless of the temperature during your ride.
They are also conveniently portable, easy to open while cycling, and boast a genuinely pleasing taste. Unlike some energy bars, they won’t burden you with excess weight, and they prove to be gentle on the digestive system.