Best Energy Bars for HYROX

HYROX is not a traditional endurance race, but it still places a huge demand on your glycogen stores. Eight 1km runs combined with sled pushes, lunges and wall balls means you are working close to threshold for 60 to 90 minutes.

Energy bars are not usually something you eat mid-race in HYROX. Instead, they play a crucial role in the build-up. The right bar can top up carbohydrate stores in the hours before you compete, helping you start strong and avoid early fatigue.

When Should You Eat An Energy Bar For HYROX?

Energy bars are best used:

• 2 to 3 hours before racing as part of your main pre-race meal
• 60 to 90 minutes before the start if you need a carbohydrate top-up
• Immediately after racing if recovery options are limited

Avoid eating a full bar in the final 20 to 30 minutes before the start unless you have practised this in training. HYROX intensity can make late solid food uncomfortable.

What To Look For In A HYROX Energy Bar

Before a high-intensity event like HYROX, your bar should:

• Provide a solid carbohydrate base
• Be easy to digest
• Avoid excessive fibre or fat close to race time
• Be practical and easy to portion

Most athletes will eat a carbohydrate-focused meal 2 to 3 hours before racing, then use an energy bar 60 to 90 minutes before the start if needed.

Here are some great bars that work great at HYROX events:

STYRKR BAR30

STYRKR BAR30 is built around delivering 30g of carbohydrate in a compact, performance-focused format. It is designed to complement STYRKR’s dual-carb fuelling range, making it easy to slot into a structured race plan.

The bar provides a meaningful carbohydrate hit without being overly large, which is helpful before high-intensity indoor events like HYROX. Because the carb amount is clearly defined, it is simple to plan around your pre-race intake targets.

Luchos Guava Energy Blocks

Luchos Guava Energy Blocks are made from real guava paste, offering a simple carbohydrate source in a soft, chewable block format. They are naturally flavoured and provide easily accessible carbs without an overly sweet taste.

Although often used during longer endurance sessions, they also work well pre-HYROX. Because the blocks can be portioned easily, you can eat one or two in the hour before racing to top up carbohydrate stores without committing to a full bar.

OTE Duo Bar

The OTE Duo Bar is a purpose-built performance snack designed for clear, measurable fuelling. Each bar contains 40 g of carbohydrate split into two 20 g halves, making it easy to match fuelling to your needs.

With a low-fibre formula and no artificial colours, sweeteners or flavours, Duo Bar is easy to digest and reliable in the hours leading up to HYROX.

FAQs

Can I eat an energy bar during HYROX?

Usually not. Solid bars are best before or after the event. Chews or gels are easier to consume mid-race.

Is more protein better in a bar for HYROX?

Pre-race, carbohydrates matter most. Protein helps more with recovery after training or racing.

Are natural blocks as effective as performance bars?

They can be, as long as they provide digestible carbohydrate and you have tested them in training.

Summary

Energy bars are a valuable part of a HYROX fuelling strategy, primarily before the event rather than during it. A well-timed bar or block can help top up glycogen stores, stabilise energy levels and support strong output across all eight runs and stations.

Choose an option that delivers clear carbohydrate amounts, practise your timing in training, and keep your race-day nutrition simple and repeatable.

You can also use our Nutrition Calculator to create a personalized plan for your next event.