Sports Chews - Energy Sustaining Jelly Bar vs Race Fuel Bar - Raspberry vs Sport Gel Cola Lime
- 3 products side by side
- From each brand's label
Endurance athletes rely on efficient carbohydrate delivery during races. The 32Gi jelly bar offers high carbohydrates and sodium; the Raspberry race bar provides a glucose-fructose balance; Named Sport Gel delivers quick energy with a caffeine boost. Each presents unique benefits depending on race conditions.
| Figure |  Sports Chews - Energy Sustaining Jelly Bar32Gi | Race Fuel Bar - RaspberryNamed Sport | Sport Gel Cola LimeNamed Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Chew | Bar | Gel |
| Serving | 1 Jelly Bar | 60g | 25ml |
| Price per serving | R56.99 | — | R39.99 (best) |
| Carbs per R10 | 5.8 g (best) | — | 4.3 g |
| Value score | 5.9/10 (best) | — | 3/10 |
| Energy | 132 kcal | 189 kcal | 69 kcal |
| Carbs | 33 g | 46 g (best) | 17.2 g |
| Sugar | 27 g | 41 g | 11.2 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0.5 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0.5 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg | 110 mg | 70 mg |
| Caffeine | None | None | 50 mg |
| Carb type | Sucrose | Glucose, Fructose | Isomaltulose |
| Glucose to fructose | — | 1:0.8 | Not disclosed |
| Glycaemic index | — | — | — |
| Score | Sports Chews - Energy Sustaining Jelly Bar | Race Fuel Bar - Raspberry | Sport Gel Cola Lime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy delivery | 80 | 75 | 75 |
| Digestibility | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Taste | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Value | 0 | 0 | 85 |
| Convenience | 85 | 60 | 90 |
- 32Gi offers solid carbs via chews that are heat-resistant, unlike gels.
- The Named Sport Gel contains caffeine, unlike the other products.
- The Race Fuel Bar offers a higher single-serving carb load compared to the gel.
- The Sports Chews include more sodium, addressing electrolyte needs better than the gel.
How each one works, by distance
The Sport Gel Cola Lime is best for a 5K due to its fast carb release and caffeine boost for quick bursts of energy.
For a 5k race, the Sports Chews may not be necessary due to the short duration. However, consuming one block pre-race could provide a quick energy boost.
For a 5k race, this bar may be too heavy and slow to digest. Consider consuming half a bar 30 minutes before the race to top off glycogen stores.
For a 5k race, this gel might not be necessary due to the short duration. However, the caffeine could provide a mental boost if consumed 15 minutes before the start.
For a 10K, the Sports Chews Jelly Bar offers steady energy from its glucose-fructose blend, suitable for moderate distances.
In a 10k, consider consuming one block 5 minutes before the start to ensure glycogen stores are topped off. Additional intake during the race is typically unnecessary.
For a 10k, consume half a bar about 30 minutes before the start to ensure glycogen stores are maximized. During the race, focus on hydration.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the start to benefit from the caffeine and glucose boost. This can help maintain pace and focus throughout the race.
During half marathons, the Race Fuel Bar - Raspberry provides substantial carbs and efficient absorption to support sustained effort.
Consume one block 5 minutes before the race, then take one block every 30 minutes. This strategy ensures consistent energy delivery without overwhelming the gut.
Consume one bar 30-45 minutes before the race to ensure glycogen stores are full. During the race, consider another half bar around the 10-12 km mark if needed, to maintain energy levels.
Take one gel 15 minutes before the race and another at the 8-mile mark. This strategy leverages the caffeine for mental alertness and the glucose-fructose blend for sustained energy.
The Sports Chews or combination with Race Fuel Bars provide varied carb sources and essential sodium, ideal for maintaining energy in marathons.
Start with one block 5 minutes before the race. Consume one block every 20-30 minutes, aiming for 60-90g of carbs per hour. Pair with water for optimal absorption and to maintain hydration.
For marathon runners, consume one bar 30 minutes before the start. During the race, aim for one bar every 10 km, ensuring you stay within the 60-90g carbs/hr target. Pair with electrolyte drinks to balance sodium intake.
Begin with one gel 15 minutes pre-race, then consume one every 45 minutes. This ensures a consistent energy supply and caffeine boost, helping to delay fatigue and maintain performance.
The verdict by situation
The Sports Chews and Race Fuel Bar have a higher fructose content, which could pose a GI distress risk for sensitive athletes. The Sport Gel's moderate carb complexity may pose a lower risk when paired with sufficient hydration.
The multi-source carb products (32Gi and Named Sport) offer a higher g/h ceiling with glucose and fructose, supporting up to 90g/h. The Sport Gel's more complex carbs may not reach this ceiling without increased consumption.
Beginners might appreciate the simplicity of the Sports Chews Jelly Bar with its clear consumption guidelines and good mix of carbs. Its chewable format is easy to manage in races.
Experienced athletes may benefit from Named Sport Gel's caffeine content for a mental edge and controlled energy release. It's ideal for monitoring and adjusting caffeine and carb intake effectively.
For cost-effective carbohydrate intake, the Race Fuel Bar - Raspberry provides a high-carb content with a balanced glucose-fructose ratio, offering sustained energy appropriate for long races.
Each product suits different endurance needs. For short, intense races, the Sport Gel Cola Lime provides quick energy and mental alertness. The Sports Chews Jelly Bar combines multi-source carbs for those seeking consistent energy and electrolytes, while the Race Fuel Bar is a robust option with a glucose-fructose blend for prolonged efforts. Athletes should evaluate packaging convenience and any caffeine preference.
Questions about these products
Which fuel is best for high heat conditions?
The Sports Chews - Energy Sustaining Jelly Bar is ideal as it doesn’t melt easily.
How do caffeine levels impact race performance?
Caffeine can enhance alertness and performance, but too much can cause jitters and GI distress.
Is electrolyte supplementation necessary with these products?
Supplementation might be necessary, especially with the Sport Gel which is lower in sodium.
Which product offers the fastest energy release?
The Sport Gel Cola Lime, due to its multi-source carb and caffeine content, offers rapid energy boosts.
Picked your fuel? Put it in your plan.
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