Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll

  • Meal
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Beef Sausage Roll by Woolworths has 270 kcal, 20 g carbs, 10.2 g protein and 17.1 g fat per serving (1 sausage roll).

Calories270kcal
Carbs20g
Protein10.2g
Fat17.1g
About it

The Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll is a convenient, high-energy snack featuring a beef filling encased in puff pastry. With a per-serving energy content of 269.6 kcal, it provides 20 g of carbohydrates, 10.2 g of protein, and 17.1 g of fat. This composition makes it more suitable for general snacking rather than targeted endurance fueling. The high fat content may slow gastric emptying, making it less ideal for pre-race or mid-race consumption. It can serve as a calorie-dense option for athletes needing a quick meal but lacks the fast-acting carbohydrates necessary for immediate energy replenishment during intense endurance activities.

  • High calorie content for energy
  • Moderate protein for muscle repair
  • Convenient on-the-go snack

On the label per serving, 1 sausage roll

Energy1128 kJ
Calories270 kcal
Carbs20.0 g
Sugar5.6 g
Fibre7.2 g
Protein10.2 g
Fat17.1 g
Saturated fat9.5 g
Cholesterol11 mg
Sodium792 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density13%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 kcal294 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density7.5 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour3How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileThe glycemic impact is likely moderate due to the pastry's carbohydrate content. However, the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, leading to a delayed blood sugar response.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

While the Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll offers a convenient, calorie-dense snack, its high fat content and moderate carbohydrate profile make it unsuitable for pre-race or during-race fueling. It's better suited for general snacking or less intense training days. Athletes should focus on foods with higher carbohydrate density and lower fat for optimal endurance performance.

Who it is for

The Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll is best suited for athletes seeking a high-calorie snack during less intense training days or as a general meal option. It is not ideal for those looking for quick-digesting carbohydrates during endurance events. Athletes who prefer savory snacks and are not in the midst of peak training or racing periods may find it convenient.

Best sessions

This product is more suitable for easy training days or as a post-training snack when immediate carbohydrate replenishment is not critical. It is not recommended for high-intensity sessions or endurance races.

Pros
  • High calorie content per serving for energy
  • Moderate protein content for muscle repair
  • Convenient and portable snack option
  • Contains a significant amount of sodium for electrolyte replenishment
Cons
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying
  • Moderate carbohydrate content not ideal for endurance
  • High sodium content may not suit all athletes
Watch out for
  • Potential for GI distress due to high fat content
  • High sodium content may affect blood pressure in sensitive individuals

Fuelling science in short

During a session

No, the high fat content may slow digestion and absorption, making it impractical for mid-workout fueling.

Glycaemic profile

The glycemic impact is likely moderate due to the pastry's carbohydrate content. However, the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, leading to a delayed blood sugar response.

Electrolytes

Contains 792 mg of sodium per serving, which could aid in sodium replenishment but is high for a single snack. Potassium content is unspecified.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
20 g
Hourly capacity
60-90 g/h with mixed carb sources

Race day before, during and after

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

The Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll is high in fat, which can slow gastric emptying and delay carbohydrate absorption, making it unsuitable for pre-race and during-race contexts. Its moderate protein content is beneficial for muscle repair, but the lack of sufficient carbohydrates limits its use in recovery. Everyday training use is acceptable when immediate energy needs are not critical.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because high fat content can slow gastric emptying and delay carbohydrate absorption, which is suboptimal for pre-race fueling.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a banana for quick-digesting carbs
  • Combine with a sports drink for electrolyte balance
  • Add a protein shake for enhanced recovery post-training

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The analysis is based on general nutritional principles and mechanistic extrapolation rather than direct endurance-specific research.

In a carb load

The Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll has a carbohydrate density of 13 g per 100 g, which is low for carb loading. A single serving provides 20 g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally to the 600-840 g/day target for a 70 kg athlete. The high fat content and moderate carbohydrate density make it unsuitable for effective carbohydrate loading due to potential satiety and delayed gastric emptying.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content in the Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll slows gastric emptying, delaying the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. Carbohydrates are primarily absorbed via the SGLT1 transporter for glucose. The presence of fat and protein can further delay gastric emptying, leading to a slower rise in blood glucose levels. The fiber content may also contribute to slower digestion and potential fermentation in the colon, increasing the risk of GI distress.

Recovery

The Woolworths Beef Sausage Roll provides some protein (10.2 g per serving) which can aid in muscle repair. However, it lacks the optimal carbohydrate-to-protein ratio needed for effective glycogen resynthesis post-exercise. The high fat content does not support rapid glycogen replenishment, and the absence of significant electrolytes limits its role in rehydration. It is inadequate as a standalone recovery food.

Downsides

The high fat content can slow gastric emptying, delaying carbohydrate absorption and potentially causing GI distress if consumed pre- or mid-exercise. The sodium content is high, which may not be suitable for athletes with hypertension or those on sodium-restricted diets. The pastry's sugar content poses a risk for dental erosion, especially if consumed frequently.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content slowing gastric emptying.
  • Do not use during high-intensity sessions as it lacks quick-digesting carbohydrates.
  • Do not use for recovery if rapid glycogen replenishment is required.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying, delaying carbohydrate absorption and causing GI distress.
  • Sodium content is high, potentially affecting blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
  • Sugar content poses a risk for dental erosion with frequent consumption.
  • High fat and calorie content may contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.

Questions about Beef Sausage Roll

How many carbs are in Beef Sausage Roll by Woolworths?

20 g of carbs per serving (1 sausage roll), with 270 kcal and 10.2 g protein.

When should I consume this product?

Consume as a general snack or meal replacement on less intense training days. Not suitable for pre-race or during-race fueling.

Is this product suitable for carbohydrate loading?

No, the high fat content and moderate carbohydrate density make it unsuitable for carbohydrate loading.

Can this be used for recovery after a workout?

It provides some protein and calories, but lacks the optimal carbohydrate-to-protein ratio for effective recovery.

Are there any allergens in this product?

Yes, it contains wheat and eggs, and may contain traces of other allergens due to processing.

How does this product behave in hot weather?

The pastry may become greasy or soggy in hot weather, affecting texture and palatability.

What are some alternatives for endurance fueling?

Consider energy gels, chews, or drinks with high carbohydrate content and low fat for effective endurance fueling.

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