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Best Energy Chews for Cycling Events
Cycling events demand precision. Whether you are lining up for a fast sportive, a punchy road race, or a long gravel epic, your fuelling needs to match the intensity and duration of the ride.
Energy chews are a popular choice for cyclists because they are easy to carry, simple to dose, and quick to eat on the move. They sit neatly between gels and bars, offering concentrated carbohydrates in a format that is less messy and easier to manage at speed.
Why Energy Chews Work for Cyclists
In most cycling events lasting longer than 90 minutes, you will benefit from a consistent carbohydrate intake. Chews make this simple.
They allow you to:
- Take in smaller amounts more frequently
- Adjust your intake based on terrain and intensity
- Avoid the stickiness of gels
- Carry multiple servings in a compact pack
For road races and crits, chews can be tucked into a jersey pocket. For sportives and gravel events, they fit easily into a top tube bag.
What to Look for in Energy Chews
When choosing chews for cycling, consider:
Carbohydrate content per serving: Aim to support your overall target of 60 to 90g of carbs per hour, depending on your tolerance and event duration.
Texture and ease of chewing: You want something that is easy to eat while riding, especially on technical terrain.
Electrolytes or caffeine: Some chews include added electrolytes or caffeine for extra support during harder efforts.
Pack size and portability: For longer events, resealable packs or portioned chews make fuelling more manageable.
Here are some great chews to take on your next ride:
TORQ Jellies are part of TORQ’s fuelling system and are formulated to deliver 30g of multiple transportable carbohydrates per pack. They use a 2:1 glucose to fructose formulation and also contain 5 key electrolytes.
Each pack contains six jellies, making it easy to take one at a time and build towards your hourly carbohydrate target. For cyclists who want a structured approach to fuelling, this makes planning simple.
OTE Energy Chews provide 23g of carbohydrate per pack and are designed to be consumed before or during exercise. They are easy to chew and digest, making them suitable for moderate to high intensity efforts.
They can be used as part of a broader fuelling strategy or as a simple top up when you feel energy levels starting to dip. For shorter races or early in a longer ride, they offer a straightforward way to maintain carbohydrate intake.
SiS Beta Fuel Energy Chews are designed to support high carbohydrate intake during training and racing. Each pack provides 45-46g of carbohydrate, using a dual source carbohydrate blend in a 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, which is formulated to help increase carbohydrate absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
The chews are soft, easy to consume and practical for riders aiming for higher carbohydrate targets per hour.
FAQs
Are energy chews suitable for high intensity cycling events?
Yes. Many chews are designed for use during moderate to high intensity exercise and can help maintain carbohydrate availability.
Can I mix different brands of chews in one event?
You can, but test this in training first to ensure your stomach tolerates the combination well.
How many grams of carbohydrate per hour should I aim for when cycling?
Most endurance cyclists target between 60 and 90g per hour, depending on duration, intensity and individual tolerance.
Summary
Energy chews are a practical, cyclist-friendly fuelling option for everything from road races to long gravel adventures. They allow you to take in carbohydrates consistently and flexibly, supporting sustained power output across your event.
To dial in your fuelling for your next cycling event, you can use our Nutrition Calculator to work out what you need.
It’s your choice - with our knowledge.