These tend to be used as recovery drinks as they have a considerably higher concentration of carbohydrate (usually around 10%). They are used to supplement your daily carb intake, and sometimes are used by ultra-distance athletes but only in conjunction with hypotonic drinks. They help the body top up the muscle glycogen stores after a workout.

These drinks are not suitable during normal exercise because they draw water into the intestine, meaning they are absorbed very slowly.

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Many specially formulated recovery drinks also include plenty of protein (soy, whey or casein) for post-workout muscle recovery in addition to the replenishment of carbohydrate stores.

Carbohydrate and protein at a 3:1 ratio is the best for your recovery period.

Try these…

SiS Rego Rapid Recovery, Lucozade Energy, Etixx Recovery Shake, PowerBar Recovery Drink, skimmed milk.