Baby Carrots

Woolworths Baby Carrots

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
Log this foodSource
The short answer

Baby Carrots by Woolworths has 41 kcal, 6 g carbs, 0.9 g protein and 0 g fat per serving (100g).

Calories41kcal
Carbs6g
Protein0.9g
Fat0g
About it

Woolworths Baby Carrots are a convenient, low-calorie vegetable option, providing 32.5 kcal per 100g serving. With 5g of carbohydrates and 2.2g of fiber per serving, they are a crunchy, hydrating snack for endurance athletes. While not a primary fuel source due to their low carbohydrate density, they can be a refreshing addition to a light pre-training meal. Their high water content aids hydration, and the natural sugars provide a mild energy boost. Suitable for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while managing weight, they are best consumed in conjunction with more carb-dense foods for optimal performance.

  • Low-calorie, high-fiber snack
  • Hydrating with natural sugars
  • Vegan and gluten-free

On the label per serving, 100g

Energy170 kJ
Calories41 kcal
Carbs6.0 g
Sugar6.0 g
Fibre2.7 g
Protein0.9 g
Fat0.0 g
Saturated fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium24 mg
Potassium320 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density6%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal59 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density1.7 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour10How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileLow glycemic impact with slow gastric emptying due to fiber content. Provides a steady, mild energy release.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

While baby carrots are not a primary fuel source, they offer a low-calorie, hydrating snack option for endurance athletes. Their high fiber content makes them unsuitable for consumption during high-intensity activities but can be a refreshing addition to a light pre-workout meal. Pair with more carb-dense foods for optimal performance.

Who it is for

Endurance athletes seeking a low-calorie, hydrating snack. Ideal for those managing weight or requiring a light pre-workout snack. Suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, making it a versatile option for athletes with dietary restrictions.

Best sessions

Ideal for easy runs or as a light snack during long rides. Not suitable as a primary fuel source for high-intensity sessions or long-duration events due to low carbohydrate content.

Pros
  • Low-calorie, high-fiber content supports satiety
  • Hydrating with natural sugars for mild energy
  • Vegan and gluten-free, suitable for various diets
  • High in potassium, supporting muscle function
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate density, not suitable for fueling
  • High fiber content may cause GI distress during exercise
  • Insufficient sodium for electrolyte replacement
Watch out for
  • High fiber content may cause GI distress if consumed during exercise
  • Low sodium content inadequate for electrolyte replacement

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended for use during workouts due to low carbohydrate density. Best consumed as a pre-workout snack or during low-intensity activities.

Glycaemic profile

Low glycemic impact with slow gastric emptying due to fiber content. Provides a steady, mild energy release.

Electrolytes

Contains 19 mg of sodium per serving, insufficient to meet the 300-600 mg/hr sweat loss. High in potassium (320 mg/serving) which supports muscle function.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
5 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

Baby carrots are not suitable for pre-race or during-race consumption due to their low carbohydrate density and high fiber content, which can slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress. They also lack sufficient carbohydrates and protein for effective recovery. However, they can be used as a low-calorie, hydrating snack during everyday training.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because of low carbohydrate density and high fiber content, which may slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress.

Pair it with
  • Pair with bananas for quick energy boost
  • Combine with nut butter for added protein and fats
  • Include in a mixed salad for a balanced meal

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited evidence supports their use in endurance contexts, primarily based on general nutritional guidelines.

In a carb load

Baby carrots have a low carbohydrate density of 6g per 100g, making them unsuitable for carb-loading. A 100g serving provides only 5g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally towards the 600-840g daily target for a 70kg athlete. The athlete would need to consume impractically large quantities to meet carb-loading requirements, which is not feasible due to the high fiber content and low energy density.

Digestion and absorption

Baby carrots undergo slow gastric emptying due to their high fiber content. Carbohydrates are absorbed in the small intestine, primarily via the SGLT1 transporter for glucose. The fiber content may delay absorption and lead to fermentation in the colon if consumed in excess, potentially causing GI distress. The low glycemic index suggests a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, minimizing insulin spikes.

Recovery

Baby carrots provide minimal carbohydrates and no protein, failing to meet the glycogen resynthesis rate of 1.0-1.2g/kg/h needed post-exercise. They do not contribute to muscle protein synthesis due to the absence of protein. Their high water content aids hydration but does not compensate for the lack of sodium, which is essential for effective rehydration.

Downsides

The high fiber content of baby carrots can cause GI distress if consumed in large quantities during exercise. Their low carbohydrate density makes them unsuitable for fueling high-intensity activities. The lack of sodium may lead to inadequate electrolyte replacement during prolonged exercise. They are not a significant source of protein, limiting their recovery benefits.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fiber content and potential GI distress.
  • Do not rely on baby carrots for electrolyte replacement during prolonged exercise.
  • Do not use as a primary carbohydrate source for high-intensity training sessions.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may cause GI distress during exercise if consumed in large quantities.
  • Low sodium content may lead to inadequate electrolyte replacement, risking hyponatremia.
  • Low carbohydrate density limits their use as a primary fuel source for endurance events.
  • Lack of protein makes them inadequate for post-exercise muscle recovery.

Questions about Baby Carrots

How many carbs are in Baby Carrots by Woolworths?

6 g of carbs per serving (100g), with 41 kcal and 0.9 g protein.

Can I eat baby carrots before a race?

Not recommended due to low carbohydrate density and high fiber, which may slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress.

Are baby carrots suitable during a workout?

No, they are not suitable during workouts due to low carbohydrate density and potential for GI distress.

How do baby carrots fit into recovery nutrition?

They do not provide sufficient carbohydrates or protein for effective recovery post-exercise.

Can baby carrots be part of a carb-loading strategy?

No, due to their low carbohydrate density, they are not suitable for carb-loading.

Are there any allergens in baby carrots?

No known allergens, suitable for most diets including vegan and gluten-free.

How should I store baby carrots?

Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few days.

In the app

Eating this today? Log it in one tap.

Say "Baby Carrots" and it lands in your diary, counted against today's carbs and protein.

Say what you ate, in the Glyco app