Large Carrots

Woolworths Large Carrots

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

Large Carrots by Woolworths has 33 kcal, 5.3 g carbs, 0.7 g protein and 0 g fat per serving (Per 80 g serving).

Calories33kcal
Carbs5.3g
Protein0.7g
Fat0g
About it

Woolworths Large Carrots are a versatile whole food option for endurance athletes, offering a crisp, sweet taste ideal for juicing or as a snack. With 5.3 g of carbohydrates per 80 g serving, primarily from natural sugars, they provide a modest energy boost. The 2.2 g of fiber per serving aids in digestive health, while the potassium content at 320 mg per serving supports electrolyte balance, crucial for muscle function during prolonged activities. Best consumed as part of a balanced meal post-training, they offer hydration benefits due to their high water content. However, their low carbohydrate density makes them less suitable as a primary fuel source during high-intensity sessions.

  • High in potassium for hydration
  • Low-calorie, nutrient-dense snack
  • Supports digestive health with fiber

On the label per serving, Per 80 g serving

Energy136 kJ
Calories33 kcal
Carbs5.3 g
Sugar4.8 g
Fibre2.2 g
Protein0.7 g
Fat0.0 g
Saturated fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium19 mg
Potassium320 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density6.6%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 kcal58 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 hour11.3How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileCarrots have a moderate glycemic index, which means they provide a steady release of energy without causing significant blood sugar spikes, making them suitable for post-exercise recovery.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Large Carrots are a nutritious addition to an endurance athlete's diet, particularly for recovery and hydration due to their potassium content. However, they are not suitable as a primary energy source during high-intensity activities due to their low carbohydrate density and fiber content, which can slow gastric emptying.

Who it is for

Woolworths Large Carrots are ideal for endurance athletes looking for a nutritious, low-calorie snack option. They suit those who need a potassium-rich food to aid hydration and muscle function, particularly during recovery phases. Athletes focused on maintaining digestive health will benefit from the fiber content.

Best sessions

Best suited for recovery sessions or light training days where hydration and nutrient intake are prioritized over immediate energy needs.

Pros
  • High potassium content supports hydration
  • Low calorie, nutrient-dense food
  • Good source of dietary fiber
  • Versatile for juicing or snacking
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate density for endurance fueling
  • High fiber may cause GI distress during exercise
  • Limited protein content for recovery
Watch out for
  • Potential GI distress if consumed in large quantities pre-exercise
  • Low sodium content may require supplementation

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carbohydrate density and potential for digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Glycaemic profile

Carrots have a moderate glycemic index, which means they provide a steady release of energy without causing significant blood sugar spikes, making them suitable for post-exercise recovery.

Electrolytes

Contains 320 mg of potassium per serving, aiding in muscle function and fluid balance, but low in sodium, which may require supplementation for heavy sweaters.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
5.3 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

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

Carrots are not suitable for pre-race or during-race fueling due to their low carb density and high fiber, which can slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress. They are beneficial for recovery due to their potassium content, aiding in rehydration, but should be paired with protein for optimal muscle recovery. For everyday training, they offer nutritional benefits without the need for immediate energy.

DO NOT USE pre-race due to its low carbohydrate content and high fiber, which may slow gastric emptying and lead to GI discomfort.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a protein source post-exercise for recovery
  • Combine with a high-carb food for pre-race carb loading
  • Include in smoothies for added hydration and nutrients

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: B — Supported by general nutritional guidelines and physiological principles, but lacks direct RCT evidence specific to endurance performance.

In a carb load

Carrots, with a carbohydrate density of 6.6 g per 100 g, fall into the low-density category. An 80 g serving provides only 5.3 g of carbohydrates, contributing minimally to the 600-840 g/day target for a 70 kg athlete. The high fiber content and low carbohydrate yield make carrots unsuitable for effective carb loading, as they would require excessive volume consumption, leading to potential satiety and GI issues.

Digestion and absorption

Carrots undergo mechanical breakdown in the oral phase, with fiber slowing gastric emptying. Carbohydrates are absorbed in the small intestine via SGLT1 transporters for glucose. The fiber content may lead to slower digestion and absorption, with potential fermentation in the colon, which can cause gas and bloating if consumed in large quantities pre-exercise.

Recovery

Carrots provide hydration and essential nutrients like potassium, aiding in electrolyte balance post-exercise. However, they lack sufficient carbohydrates and protein for optimal glycogen resynthesis and muscle protein synthesis. Pairing with a protein source is necessary to meet recovery nutrition targets.

Downsides

High fiber content can cause GI distress if consumed in large amounts pre-exercise. Carrots' low sodium content may not meet rehydration needs post-exercise for heavy sweaters. The natural sugars, while moderate, can contribute to dental erosion if consumed frequently without proper oral hygiene.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fiber content.
  • Avoid as a primary carb source during high-intensity sessions.
  • Not suitable for exclusive use in carb loading due to low carb density.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may cause GI distress during exercise.
  • Low sodium content may not support adequate rehydration post-exercise.
  • Natural sugars can contribute to dental erosion with frequent consumption.
  • Potential for gas and bloating if consumed in large quantities pre-exercise.

Questions about Large Carrots

How many carbs are in Large Carrots by Woolworths?

5.3 g of carbs per serving (Per 80 g serving), with 33 kcal and 0.7 g protein.

When should I eat carrots for best results?

Consume carrots post-exercise as part of a balanced meal to aid in hydration and nutrient replenishment.

Are carrots suitable for carb loading?

Carrots are not ideal for carb loading due to their low carbohydrate density and high fiber content.

Can carrots cause digestive issues?

High fiber content in carrots may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities, especially pre-exercise.

Are there alternatives to carrots for endurance athletes?

For higher carbohydrate needs, consider bananas or sports drinks, which offer more readily available energy.

How do carrots behave in hot weather?

Carrots are stable in hot weather but should be stored in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Can carrots aid in recovery?

Yes, they provide hydration and nutrients, but should be paired with protein for effective recovery.

In the app

Eating this today? Log it in one tap.

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

Say what you ate, in the Glyco app