Home > Fitness & Sports Nutrition > Intra-Workout Nutrition
Best Energy Chews for Fitness and Sports Performance
- Published on:
- Written by: Tweaksly Staff
- Read Time: 6 Min.
Disclaimer: This site may earn commission from qualified products purchased from third party links. Click here for more information.
In This Article
Maintaining high energy levels is essential for anyone engaged in fitness or sports. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, or weightlifter, you need a quick and convenient way to stay energized. For this reason, energy chews have become a popular choice. Unlike energy drinks or gels, these bite-sized chews provide a fast-absorbing source of carbohydrates and electrolytes, giving you the boost you need without the mess.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best energy chews for your needs? This guide will help you understand their benefits, how they work, and which products are truly worth trying.
What Are Energy Chews?
Energy chews are small, chewy supplements designed to provide a quick source of energy. Typically, they are made from fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as glucose or maltodextrin, which can rapidly fuel your muscles. In addition, many energy chews contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium to help maintain hydration and muscle function.
But why are energy chews so popular among athletes and active individuals? The answer lies in their unique benefits, which make them far more convenient and effective than other energy sources.
Why Athletes Use Energy Chews
For those who lead an active lifestyle, staying energized is essential. Unlike energy drinks or protein bars, energy chews offer a fast, mess-free solution for maintaining energy levels. Because they are small and portable, they can be easily carried in a gym bag, backpack, or even a pocket. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts choose energy chews for several reasons:
- Quick Energy Boost: Carbohydrates are absorbed rapidly for immediate energy.
- Portable and Convenient: They are easy to carry without creating a mess.
- No Sticky Gels: Unlike energy gels, they are clean and easy to eat.
- Customizable: Available in various flavors and formulations.
But how exactly do they enhance performance? Understanding their benefits can help you use them more effectively.
How Energy Chews Enhance Performance
These chews are not just a tasty treat — they are a powerful performance tool. When consumed during exercise, they provide a fast-absorbing source of glucose, which keeps your muscles fueled. Furthermore, many chews contain electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining hydration and preventing cramps.
Key Benefits of Energy Chews
It’s important to realize that while some energy sources are highly effective, others may fall short. Energy chews stand out because they offer targeted benefits that are perfect for active individuals. Here’s why they are so effective:
- Sustained Energy: The fast-absorbing carbohydrates keep you fueled for longer.
- Improved Endurance: They help you maintain intensity during extended workouts.
- Quick Recovery: Consuming energy chews during or after exercise can speed up recovery.
- Convenient and Mess-Free: Unlike energy gels, they don’t create sticky spills.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes who consumed carbohydrate-based energy chews during prolonged exercise experienced better performance and reduced fatigue compared to those who did not1.
But with so many options available, how do you know which energy chews are truly the best? Let’s take a look at the top five options that consistently deliver results.
Top 5 Best Energy Chews for Fitness and Sports Performance
With multiple products on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Some are designed for quick energy during short workouts, while others are packed with electrolytes for long endurance sessions. Ultimately, the best ones are those that match your fitness goals, taste preferences, and dietary needs.
To help you make an informed choice, we have carefully selected the top five energy chews for fitness and sports performance. Each of these has been chosen based on quality ingredients, user reviews, and proven performance benefits. Here’s what makes each of them stand out:
Clif Bloks Energy Chews
Among the most popular chews for athletes, this choice provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates and electrolytes, making them perfect for endurance activities. Additionally, they come in a convenient, easy-to-open package that lets you consume one or two chews at a time without making a mess.
These are available in a variety of flavors, including black cherry (with caffeine), Citrus, and Strawberry.
GU Energy Chews
These chews offer more than just carbohydrates; they also include branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) for muscle recovery and electrolytes to maintain hydration. This combination makes them ideal for anyone who trains hard and needs more than just a sugar boost. These chews are available in different flavors, including watermelon, blueberry-pomegranate, lemonade, salted lime, and more.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
If you prefer a more natural option, Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews are an excellent choice. Made with organic ingredients and sweetened with honey, these chews offer a clean energy source without artificial additives. Because they are gluten-free and non-GMO, they are perfect for health-conscious athletes.
Flavor options include Orange Blosson, Pomegrante Passionfruit, Fruit Smoothie, and more.
Skratch Labs Energy Chews
Known for their clean ingredients and balanced carbohydrate blend, Skratch Labs are a great choice for energy. They are made with real fruit for natural flavor, and they avoid artificial colors or preservatives. These chews are also easy on the stomach, making them a favorite among endurance athletes.
There are multiple flavors available such as Raspberry, Orange, and Matcha Green Tea with caffeine.
ProBar Bolt Organic Energy Chews
These chews are made with organic ingredients, including natural sweeteners and real fruit. They also contain B vitamins, which help support energy metabolism. As a bonus, they are certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. There are multiple flavors available.
*Check sales price
When to Use Energy Chews for Best Results
Knowing when to use energy chews is just as important as choosing the right product. Ideally, they should be consumed at specific times to maximize their benefits. Here are the best times to use them:
- Before a Workout: For an energy boost to start strong.
- During Prolonged Exercise: Every 30-45 minutes to maintain energy.
- After a Workout: For quick recovery, especially if they contain BCAAs.
However, it is important to test them during training sessions rather than trying them for the first time during a race or competition. This helps you understand how your body responds.
Conclusion
To sum up, energy chews are an excellent option for anyone who needs a quick, portable energy source. Whether you are an endurance athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply need a boost during a busy day, the right energy chews can make a big difference. By choosing high-quality options, like Clif Bloks or ProBar Bolt, you can keep your energy levels up without the crash.
Ready to Boost Your Performance with Energy Chews?
Try one of our top 5 picks mentioned here and see how they can enhance your workouts. Have a favorite? Share it in the comments below!
Share This:
Related Articles
The Best Creatine Monohydrate Powders for Muscle Gain
What Are BCAAs and Do You Really Need Them?
References:
Guest, N.S., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Nelson, M.T. et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18, 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4
