Woolworths Halaal Free Range Beef Frikkadels

Meal
Checked
Grade C

Woolworths

The short answer

Halaal Free Range Beef Frikkadels by Woolworths has 143 kcal, 1 g carbs, 8.3 g protein and 11.8 g fat per serving (1 frikkadel (50g)).

Calories143kcal

Carbs1g

Protein8.3g

Fat11.8g

About it

Woolworths Halaal Free Range Beef Frikkadels are uncooked beef patties seasoned with spices and herbs. Each 50g serving provides 8.3g of protein and 11.8g of fat, making them a potential option for endurance athletes seeking protein-rich snacks. However, with only 1g of carbohydrates per serving, they are not suitable for carb-loading or mid-race fueling. These frikkadels are best consumed post-training for muscle repair, given their high protein content. The sodium content is 230mg per serving, which can aid in replacing sodium lost through sweat, but it's necessary to pair them with higher-carb foods for complete recovery.

High protein for muscle repair
Moderate sodium for sweat replacement
Convenient protein source

On the label per serving, 1 frikkadel (50g)

Energy	598 kJ
Calories	143 kcal
Carbs	1.0 g
Fibre	0.7 g
Protein	8.3 g
Fat	11.8 g
Saturated fat	5.8 g
Cholesterol	28 mg
Sodium	230 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density2%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 kcal161 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.

Energy density12 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.

Servings for 60 g an hour60How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.

Glycaemic profileWith only 1g of carbs per serving, these frikkadels have a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making them unsuitable for quick energy needs during exercise.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Halaal Beef Frikkadels are a convenient protein source for post-exercise recovery but lack the carbohydrates necessary for effective glycogen replenishment. They should be paired with carbohydrate-rich foods to meet recovery needs. Their high protein content supports muscle repair, but they are not suitable for pre-race or mid-race consumption due to low carb density and solid form.

Who it is for

These frikkadels are suitable for endurance athletes who need a protein boost post-training. They are ideal for those who focus on muscle repair after long sessions or races. Athletes who prefer high-protein, low-carb snacks will find these beneficial, especially when paired with carbohydrate-rich foods.

Best sessions

Best consumed after long endurance sessions or strength training when muscle repair is a priority. Not suitable for consumption during high-intensity or long-duration workouts due to low carbohydrate content.

Pros

High protein content supports muscle repair
Moderate sodium aids in sweat replacement
Convenient and easy to store
Halaal certified, suitable for specific dietary needs

Cons

Low carbohydrate content, not for carb-loading
High fat content may slow gastric emptying
Solid form impractical for mid-race fueling

Watch out for

Potential for high fat to slow gastric emptying
Low carb content may not support glycogen replenishment

Fuelling science in short

During a session

No, due to low carbohydrate content and solid form, they are impractical for mid-workout fueling.

Glycaemic profile

With only 1g of carbs per serving, these frikkadels have a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making them unsuitable for quick energy needs during exercise.

Electrolytes

Contains 230mg sodium per serving, which is moderate compared to the 300-600mg/hr sweat losses typical in endurance athletes. Potassium content is unspecified.

Carb breakdown

Total carbs: 1 g
Hourly capacity: 60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for

BeforeDO NOT USE
DuringDO NOT USE
AfterCAUTION
Carb loadDO NOT USE
Every dayUSE

These frikkadels are not suitable for pre-race or during-race consumption due to their low carbohydrate content and solid form, which can slow gastric emptying. They are useful for post-exercise recovery when paired with carbohydrates, providing protein for muscle repair. However, they do not contribute significantly to carb-loading due to their low carbohydrate density.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because of low carbohydrate content and potential for high fat to slow gastric emptying.

Pair it with

Pair with rice for a balanced post-workout meal
Combine with a carbohydrate-rich smoothie for recovery
Serve with a side of vegetables for added nutrients

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited evidence supports specific endurance claims; primarily based on macronutrient content analysis.

In a carb load

The frikkadels have a low carbohydrate density of 2g per 100g, making them unsuitable for carb-loading. A 50g serving provides only 1g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally towards a target of 600-840g/day for a 70kg athlete. The high fat content (23.5g per 100g) further limits their use in carb-loading as it can slow gastric emptying and increase satiety, making it difficult to consume the necessary volume for effective glycogen storage.

Digestion and absorption

The high fat content (11.8g per serving) may slow gastric emptying, delaying nutrient absorption. The protein is digested in the stomach and small intestine, with amino acids absorbed via active transport. The low carbohydrate content means minimal glucose absorption through SGLT1 transporters. The high fat content may also delay the time to bloodstream, impacting quick energy availability. The presence of wheat fibre could contribute to fermentation in the colon if not fully digested.

Recovery

These frikkadels provide protein (8.3g per serving) for muscle repair but lack sufficient carbohydrates for optimal glycogen resynthesis, which targets 1.0-1.2g/kg/h in the first 4 hours post-exercise. The moderate sodium content (230mg per serving) can aid in rehydration but is not sufficient alone. Pairing with carbohydrate-rich foods is necessary to meet recovery needs.

Downsides

High fat content can slow gastric emptying and may cause GI distress if consumed before or during exercise. The low carbohydrate content limits their use for glycogen replenishment. The presence of wheat may pose a risk for those with gluten intolerance. The solid form and high fat content make them unsuitable for quick energy needs during exercise.

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 they provide insufficient carbohydrates.
Do not use if gluten intolerant due to wheat content.

Clinical risks

High fat content may slow gastric emptying, affecting nutrient absorption timing.
Low carbohydrate content limits glycogen replenishment during recovery.
Presence of wheat poses a risk for those with gluten intolerance.
Solid form unsuitable for mid-race fueling due to digestion time.

Key references