Best Energy Chews for Swimming

Open water swimming and long pool sessions demand more than just strong technique. Whether you are lining up at the Great North Swim or building endurance for a marathon swim, your fuelling strategy plays a major role in how strong you feel in the water.

Energy chews offer a practical middle ground between gels and solid bars. They are compact, easy to portion, and ideal for swimmers who want controlled carbohydrate intake before or during longer efforts.

Why Energy Chews Work Well for Swimmers

Swimming presents unique fuelling challenges. You cannot easily refuel mid-length in the pool, and in open water you may only have brief feed stops. Energy chews solve several problems:

• They are easy to carry in a swim bag or feed pouch
• They allow you to take in carbs gradually rather than all at once
• They are simple to chew and swallow quickly between efforts
• They are less messy than gels

From a physiological perspective, most chews provide fast-absorbing carbohydrates, helping maintain blood glucose levels and delay fatigue. For sessions over 60 to 90 minutes, or races exceeding an hour, aiming for 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate per hour is a good starting point. For longer marathon swims, that number may rise to 60 to 90 grams per hour, depending on tolerance and intensity.

What to Look for in Energy Chews for Swimming

Not all chews are equal. For swimmers, focus on:

Carbohydrate content per serving: Check how many grams of carbohydrate each chew provides. This makes it easier to plan intake during feed breaks.

Texture and chewability: You want something that is easy to chew quickly without sticking to your teeth, especially if you are taking them before entering the water.

Electrolytes: For open water swims, especially in warmer conditions, sodium content can support hydration and reduce cramp risk.

Stomach comfort: Swimming can place pressure on the stomach due to body position and breathing patterns. Look for options that are known for being gentle and easy to digest.

Here some great options for those about to hit the water:

SiS Beta Fuel Energy Chews

SiS Beta Fuel Energy Chews are designed for high carbohydrate delivery in a convenient chew format. Using a scientifically formulated dual-source carbohydrate blend, they are built to help athletes absorb more carbs efficiently during prolonged efforts.

Each serving provides a substantial carbohydrate hit, making them particularly useful for longer open water events or hard training blocks where maintaining energy output is critical.

VOOM Pocket Rocket

VOOM Pocket Rocket offers a compact, fruit-based option for swimmers who prefer a slightly lighter feel. Each pack delivers a balanced carbohydrate supply in bite-sized pieces that are easy to portion out.

They are particularly useful for pre-swim fuelling or shorter open water races where you want a quick top-up without overloading the stomach. Their format makes them easy to carry in a kit bag or hand to a support crew during longer swims.

OTE Energy Chew

OTE Energy Chew provides a steady carbohydrate source in an easy-to-digest format. Designed for endurance athletes, these chews are straightforward to use and simple to integrate into a broader fuelling plan.

They work well for pool-based endurance sessions where you can take a short break between sets, as well as for structured feed points in open water events.

FAQs

Are energy chews better than gels for swimming?

It depends on preference. Chews allow more gradual intake and can feel easier on the stomach, while gels provide a faster, more concentrated carbohydrate hit.

Can I take energy chews during a pool session?

Yes. For longer sessions, you can take chews between sets. Keep them poolside and plan intake during structured breaks.

Do I still need electrolytes when swimming?

Yes, especially in longer or warmer open water events. Even though you are surrounded by water, you still sweat and lose sodium, so pairing chews with a hydration strategy is important.

Bringing It All Together

Energy chews offer swimmers a flexible, practical way to fuel longer sessions and races. They provide measurable carbohydrate intake, are easy to portion, and can be integrated seamlessly into both pool and open water strategies.

The key is understanding your carbohydrate needs, practising your intake, and selecting a chew that works with your stomach and your event demands.

If you are unsure how much carbohydrate you should be targeting per hour, try our Nutrition Calculator to build a personalised fuelling plan