Fed up of sweet tasting energy products? You’re not the only one – some people like the buzz of sugary sweet energy gels, but there are a lot of riders out there who would rather snack on savory energy bars.
Regardless what sort of flavours you favour, it’s absolutely crucial that you eat and drink on the bike to avoid the dreaded bonk.
In terms of energy, you can opt for bars, gels or drinks:
- Drinks are absorbed the quickest, and contain electrolytes
- Gels are second quickest and can contain electrolytes
- Bars still offer a quick energy drop, and you get something solid in your stomach
Of course, if you like the taste of your energy products, you’re probably more likely to keep up on your intake.
We went in search of some of the best savory energy products to help you stay topped up whilst you ride…
High5 Peanut Energy Bar
These bite sized energy bars contain simple, complex carbs which are quickly absorbed.
Designed specifically to be both easy to chew, and not too sweet, all the flavour is natural, with no artificial sweeteners at all.
The lack of oft-found sweet coating means that they’ll be no melting in the heat and 5% of the total 6% fat here is ‘healthy’ fat from oats, sunflower and coconut oil. The peanut variety is a personal favourite, but there’s also a banana, wild berry and coconut option.
Cliff Bar Banana Nut Bread
Cliff Bars are made from natural, organic ingredients and they taste surprisingly wholesome.
The Banana Nut Bread bar combines banana, walnuts, and some hints of chocolate chip. The result is a crunchy, full taste, with a hint of sweetness in the chocolate, which provides more of an occasional treat than a constant sweetness.
As you’d expect, carbs are king, with 42g in each bar, but you also get 9g or protein alongside the salty nutty contribution from the Walnuts, making this a well rounded nutritional offering.
Mule Bar Eastern Express
Mule Bar offer a wide range of flavours but this one is specifically designed for those moments when you’re just fed up of sweetness and want a savory kick on the bike.
This spicy bar is designed to taste just like the yummy Bombay Mix you tend to find yourself eating far too much of at parties – except on the bike the munching is 100% guilt free.
All bars made by Mule Bar, a company created by two hungry adventurers who got tired of traditional energy products, are organic, fairtrade, and suitable for vegetarians.
Power Bar Cereal Bar, Sweet ‘N Salty
This bar does have ‘sweet’ in the title, but it’s nothing like some of the sharply sweet options out there.
Designed to be eaten mid-ride, or munched in the office when you know there’s a ride on the way, this cereal bar uses wholegrain oats, real fruit pieces, pumkin seeds and a hint of cocoa to deliver a low fat, high carb (25g) energy boost with a small protein injection of 4g, too.
Oatopia Original Energy Bomb
We discovered Oatopia when we spoke to Sophie Coleman about her win at the Mallorca 312. She fueled her ride with lots of these little 50g balls, and we loved the sound of them.
Handmade in Sussex, they’re created from organic oats, flaked almonds, dates, almond butter, and seeds – with a little agave syrup to keep them squishy and chewy.
All the flavours are natural – and the mixture of carby oats and protein rich almonds (raw and butter!) will keep you powering on until your next pit stop.
All these options will provide you with energy on the bike (and off the bike if you fancy!) – but there’s nothing stopping you making your own versions – here are some of out favourite recipes:
