Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads

Woolworths Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads

  • Meal
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads by Woolworths has 477 kcal, 61 g carbs, 16.4 g protein and 17.3 g fat per serving (1 naan (approx. 100g)).

Calories477kcal
Carbs61g
Protein16.4g
Fat17.3g
About it

Woolworths Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads are flame-baked flatbreads brushed with garlic and herb butter. Each 150g serving provides 61g of carbohydrates, making it a high-carb option for athletes looking to fuel up before endurance events. With 476.8 kcal per serving, these naans are energy-dense, but the high fat content (17.3g per serving) may slow gastric emptying, making them less ideal for immediate pre-race consumption. The sodium content is 636mg per serving, which helps replenish electrolytes lost during sweat-heavy activities. Best consumed as part of a meal several hours before training or racing, these naans can contribute to glycogen stores but should be balanced with lower-fat, protein-rich foods for optimal performance.

  • High carbohydrate content
  • Moderate protein source
  • Sodium replenishment

On the label per serving, 1 naan (approx. 100g)

Energy1995 kJ
Calories477 kcal
Carbs61.0 g
Sugar7.2 g
Fibre4.7 g
Protein16.4 g
Fat17.3 g
Saturated fat8.4 g
Cholesterol17 mg
Sodium636 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density40.7%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 kcal133 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density13.3 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour1How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileThe naan's high carbohydrate content suggests a moderate to high glycemic index, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, making it suitable for carb loading but not for pre-exercise consumption.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

While Woolworths Garlic Naan Breads provide a substantial carbohydrate load, their high fat content and solid form make them unsuitable for immediate pre-race or during-race consumption. They are best used for carb-loading phases or as part of a balanced meal several hours before endurance activities.

Who it is for

This product is suitable for endurance athletes such as marathon runners, cyclists, and triathletes who are in the carb-loading phase of their training. It is also appropriate for those looking to increase their carbohydrate intake as part of a balanced meal several hours before a long training session or competition.

Best sessions

Ideal for carb-loading days or as part of a post-training meal. Not recommended for consumption immediately before high-intensity sessions due to high fat content.

Pros
  • High in carbohydrates for energy storage
  • Contains sodium for electrolyte balance
  • Moderate protein content supports muscle maintenance
  • Convenient and easy to prepare
Cons
  • High fat content slows gastric emptying
  • Solid form not ideal for during-race fueling
  • Limited potassium content for electrolyte balance
Watch out for
  • High fat content may cause digestive discomfort
  • Potential for blood sugar spikes if consumed alone

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to high fat content and solid form, which can slow digestion and cause discomfort.

Glycaemic profile

The naan's high carbohydrate content suggests a moderate to high glycemic index, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, making it suitable for carb loading but not for pre-exercise consumption.

Electrolytes

Contains 636mg of sodium per serving, which is beneficial for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat, but potassium content is unspecified.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
61 g
Hourly capacity
60-90

Race day before, during and after

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

The high carbohydrate content makes these naans suitable for carb loading, but the fat content and solid form are unsuitable for pre-race and during-race consumption. They can be part of a recovery meal if paired with protein, but are not ideal as a standalone recovery food.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fat content can slow gastric emptying, potentially causing digestive discomfort if consumed too close to race time.

Pair it with
  • Pair with lean protein for balanced recovery
  • Combine with low-fat yogurt for added probiotics
  • Serve with a vegetable-rich curry for nutrient diversity

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: B — Supported by general carbohydrate and fat metabolism studies, but lacks specific research on this product.

In a carb load

With a carbohydrate density of 41g per 100g, Woolworths Garlic Naan Breads are considered high-density. A 150g serving provides 61g of carbohydrates, contributing significantly to a 600-840g daily target for a 70kg athlete. However, the high fat content and potential for satiety may limit the volume that can be consumed comfortably. While the naan can aid in carb loading, the athlete would need to balance it with lower-fat options to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Digestion and absorption

The digestion of this naan begins in the mouth with mechanical breakdown and salivary amylase action. The high fat content may slow gastric emptying, delaying carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine. Carbohydrates are absorbed via SGLT1 transporters, while fats undergo emulsification and absorption in the small intestine. The presence of both glucose and fat may modulate insulin and incretin responses, affecting blood sugar regulation. Unabsorbed residues could contribute to colonic fermentation, potentially causing bloating.

Recovery

This naan provides a substantial carbohydrate load for glycogen resynthesis but lacks adequate protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. The sodium content can aid rehydration, but the high fat content may slow digestion and nutrient absorption. For optimal recovery, it should be paired with a protein source to meet the leucine threshold and enhance muscle repair.

Downsides

The high fat content may cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed before or during exercise. The solid form and high sodium content could contribute to dehydration if not balanced with adequate fluid intake. Additionally, the high glycemic index may cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, potentially leading to rebound hypoglycemia if consumed alone.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fat content.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions to prevent digestive discomfort.
  • Not suitable for individuals with gluten or dairy allergies.
Clinical risks
  • High fat content may slow gastric emptying, leading to digestive discomfort.
  • Excessive sodium intake can exacerbate hypertension in sensitive individuals.
  • Rapid blood sugar spikes may lead to rebound hypoglycemia.
  • Potential for gastrointestinal distress if consumed in large quantities pre-exercise.

Questions about Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads

How many carbs are in Heat & Eat Garlic Naan Breads by Woolworths?

61 g of carbs per serving (1 naan (approx. 100g)), with 477 kcal and 16.4 g protein.

Can I eat this naan before a race?

It is not recommended to eat this naan immediately before a race due to its high fat content, which can slow gastric emptying and cause digestive discomfort.

How should I incorporate this naan into my training diet?

Use it during carb-loading phases or as part of a balanced meal several hours before long training sessions to maximize glycogen stores.

Is this naan suitable for recovery?

It can be part of a recovery meal if paired with a protein source to aid muscle repair and glycogen replenishment.

What are the potential digestive issues with this naan?

The high fat content may slow gastric emptying and cause digestive discomfort if consumed too close to exercise.

Are there any allergens in this naan?

Yes, it contains gluten and milk, and may contain traces of nuts.

Can this naan be used in hot weather conditions?

While it can be consumed in hot weather, ensure adequate hydration due to its sodium content, and avoid immediate pre-exercise consumption.

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