Best Energy Chews for an Ultra Marathon

Ultra marathons demand a fuelling strategy that is practical, efficient and kind to your stomach. When you are hours into a race, climbing, descending and navigating technical terrain, the last thing you want is flavour fatigue or digestive discomfort.

Energy chews offer a solid alternative to gels and drinks. They are easy to portion, simple to carry and often more satisfying over long distances. For many ultra runners, they provide a steady carbohydrate intake without the sweetness overload that can build up over time.

Building Your Ultra Fuelling Plan

In ultra marathons, variety often becomes your secret weapon. Many runners rotate between gels, chews and drink mixes to avoid flavour fatigue and keep the gut happy.

Consider:

• Higher carb chews for steady, sustained sections
• Ginger-based options if you are prone to nausea
• Flexible formats that allow you to nibble little and often

Practise your strategy in long training runs, paying attention to how your stomach responds after four, six or eight hours.

If you want to fine-tune your carbohydrate targets for race day, our Nutrition Calculator can help you dial in your hourly needs based on your bodyweight, race duration and expected finish time.

What to Look for in Ultra Marathon Chews

In an ultra, your carbohydrate needs typically sit between 60g and 120g per hour, depending on intensity and experience. The right chew should help you:

• Hit consistent carb targets without overwhelming your gut
• Avoid excessive fat, fibre or protein during racing
• Manage flavour fatigue over many hours
• Pair easily with your hydration and electrolyte plan

Testing in training is key. The longer the race, the more important gut tolerance becomes.

Here are some great options well suited to ultras:

Active Root Energy Chews

Active Root Energy Chews offer a natural and refreshing way to fuel long efforts. Made with real crystallised ginger, they provide a clean energy boost while also helping to soothe the stomach.

Each chew delivers energy alongside electrolytes, supporting hydration as you move through the miles. The ginger is particularly valuable in ultras where nausea and digestive discomfort can creep in, especially during hotter races or after prolonged effort.

SiS Beta Fuel Energy Chews

SiS Beta Fuel Energy Chews are designed for athletes targeting high carbohydrate intakes. Each bar delivers up to 46g of fast-absorbing carbohydrates in a soft chewable format, making it easier to work towards the recommended 80 to 120g of carbs per hour during demanding events.

They use a scientifically developed 1:0.8 carbohydrate ratio, which has been shown to increase carbohydrate oxidation by 17% compared to standard 2:1 formulas.

Precision Fuel PF 60 Chew Bars

Precision Fuel PF 60 Chew Bars are purpose-built for big energy demands. Each 68g bar delivers 60g of fast-absorbing carbohydrate, making it one of the most efficient ways to fuel during long sessions or ultra-distance races.

It offers the highest carb-to-weight ratio in the PF&H range, meaning you can carry fewer items while still hitting your carbohydrate targets. This is particularly useful in races with long gaps between aid stations.

FAQs

Are energy chews better than gels for ultras?

It depends on personal preference. Many runners find chews easier to portion and more satisfying over long durations, but both can work effectively when tested in training.

How many chews should I take per hour?

This depends on the carbohydrate content of the product and your target intake. Check the grams of carbohydrate per serving and aim to meet your hourly carb goal.

Can I combine energy chews with electrolyte drinks?

Yes. Many chews contain carbohydrates only, so pairing them with a suitable electrolyte drink can help cover both energy and hydration needs.

Summary

Energy chews can be a highly effective fuelling option for ultra marathons. They offer flexibility, portability and, in many cases, improved gut comfort over very long distances.

Whether you need a natural ginger-based chew to calm the stomach, a scientifically advanced high-carb option to maximise fuel delivery, or a compact bar that delivers serious carbohydrate in one go, the right choice can help you stay strong deep into your race.