Beef Burger Pie

Woolworths Beef Burger Pie

  • Meal
  • Checked
  • Grade D
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The short answer

Beef Burger Pie by Woolworths has 612 kcal, 35 g carbs, 13.5 g protein and 44.9 g fat per serving (1 pie (average mass)).

Calories612kcal
Carbs35g
Protein13.5g
Fat44.9g
About it

The Woolworths Beef Burger Pie is a savory pastry featuring a beef patty, tomato relish, and cheese sauce encased in shortcrust pastry. With 611.7 kcal per serving (195g), it is high in fat (44.9g) and sodium (1147mg), and offers moderate carbohydrates (35g) and protein (13.5g). This product is not ideal for endurance athletes seeking efficient energy sources. The high fat content slows gastric emptying, making it unsuitable for pre-race or during-race consumption. Its low sugar content (0.1g) minimizes immediate blood sugar spikes, but the overall nutritional profile is not aligned with rapid glycogen replenishment needs. This pie may serve as an occasional indulgence but lacks the nutritional composition to support high-intensity or long-duration endurance activities effectively.

  • High protein content
  • Rich in flavor
  • Convenient meal option

On the label per serving, 1 pie (average mass)

Energy2560 kJ
Calories612 kcal
Carbs35.0 g
Sugar0.1 g
Fibre9.2 g
Protein13.5 g
Fat44.9 g
Saturated fat24.0 g
Cholesterol37 mg
Sodium1147 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density17.9%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 kcal188 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density13.1 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour1.7How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileThe pie's high fat content likely results in a low glycemic index, leading to a slower, more sustained energy release rather than quick glycogen replenishment.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

For endurance athletes, the Woolworths Beef Burger Pie is not an ideal fuel source due to its high fat content and low carbohydrate density. It may serve as an occasional meal option but lacks the quick energy release needed for optimal performance during races or intense training sessions.

Who it is for

The Woolworths Beef Burger Pie is more suited for athletes in off-season or those engaging in low-intensity activities where rapid energy replenishment is not a priority. It is not ideal for those with high carbohydrate needs or those managing sodium intake due to its high fat and sodium content.

Best sessions

Best consumed during low-intensity training days or as a post-training treat when immediate glycogen replenishment is not critical.

Pros
  • High protein content for muscle maintenance
  • Convenient and ready-to-eat
  • Rich, savory flavor profile
  • Moderate carbohydrate content
Cons
  • High in saturated fat
  • Excessive sodium per serving
  • Low carbohydrate density
  • Not suitable for pre-race or during-race use
Watch out for
  • High sodium content can lead to hypertension risk
  • Excessive fat may cause gastrointestinal distress during exercise

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to high fat content and slow gastric emptying, which can impede performance.

Glycaemic profile

The pie's high fat content likely results in a low glycemic index, leading to a slower, more sustained energy release rather than quick glycogen replenishment.

Electrolytes

With 1147mg sodium per serving, it exceeds typical hourly sweat losses (300-600mg), posing a risk of sodium overload if consumed frequently.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
35 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 dayCAUTION

The pie's high fat and sodium content make it unsuitable for pre-race or during-race consumption, as these factors can slow digestion and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Its low carbohydrate density and moderate protein content do not meet the nutritional needs for effective recovery or carb-loading, making it a poor choice for these contexts. For everyday training, it may be consumed with caution, especially if sodium and fat intake are monitored.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fat content slows gastric emptying, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress and delaying energy availability.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a low-fat, high-carb snack to balance macronutrient intake
  • Consume with a hydration drink to manage sodium levels
  • Follow with a light, low-fat dessert to aid digestion

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The analysis is based on general nutritional principles and extrapolation from known sports nutrition guidelines.

In a carb load

The Woolworths Beef Burger Pie, with 35g of carbohydrates per serving (195g), has a low carbohydrate density of approximately 18g per 100g. This makes it unsuitable for effective carb-loading, which requires foods with higher carbohydrate density to meet the 600-840g/day target for a 70kg athlete. The pie's high fat content and satiety effect further reduce its practicality for carb-loading, as it would require consuming multiple servings, leading to excessive fat and calorie intake.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content in the pie slows gastric emptying, delaying carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine. The carbohydrates present are likely absorbed via SGLT1 transporters for glucose, but the presence of fats may interfere with this process. The low sugar content suggests minimal rapid glucose availability, leading to a slower insulin response. Any unabsorbed carbohydrates could undergo fermentation in the colon, potentially causing GI discomfort.

Recovery

The pie provides 35g of carbohydrates and 13.5g of protein per serving, which is inadequate for optimal post-exercise recovery. Effective recovery requires 1.0-1.2g/kg/h of carbohydrates and 0.3-0.4g/kg of protein. The high fat content further impedes rapid glycogen resynthesis, and the sodium level, while high, does not contribute to effective rehydration without adequate fluid intake.

Downsides

The high saturated fat content can slow gastric emptying and lead to GI distress if consumed close to exercise. The sodium level is excessive, potentially leading to hypertension or electrolyte imbalance if consumed frequently. The low carbohydrate density fails to provide rapid energy, and the high caloric content may contribute to unwanted weight gain if not managed carefully.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during carb-loading phases due to low carbohydrate density.
  • Not suitable for recovery meals lacking sufficient carbs and protein.
Clinical risks
  • High sodium content may exacerbate hypertension risk in sensitive individuals.
  • Excessive saturated fat intake can contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Low carbohydrate density fails to support glycogen replenishment needs.
  • High fat content may cause gastrointestinal distress during exercise.

Questions about Beef Burger Pie

How many carbs are in Beef Burger Pie by Woolworths?

35 g of carbs per serving (1 pie (average mass)), with 612 kcal and 13.5 g protein.

Is the Beef Burger Pie suitable for pre-race fueling?

No, due to its high fat content, it is not suitable for pre-race fueling as it slows gastric emptying.

Can I eat the pie during a workout?

It is not recommended to consume during workouts due to its high fat content and slow digestion.

How does the pie affect recovery?

The pie is not ideal for recovery as it lacks sufficient carbohydrates and protein for effective glycogen replenishment and muscle repair.

What are the allergen risks?

While no specific allergens are listed, the pie contains ingredients like wheat and dairy which may pose risks to those with allergies.

Is the pie suitable for hot weather training?

The high sodium content may exacerbate dehydration risks in hot weather, so it is not recommended.

What are alternative foods for endurance athletes?

Consider high-carb, low-fat options like bananas, energy gels, or sports drinks for better endurance support.

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