Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables

Woolworths Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables

  • Snack
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables by Woolworths has 78 kcal, 18 g carbs, 0.7 g protein and 0.1 g fat per serving (Per 25 g serving).

Calories78kcal
Carbs18g
Protein0.7g
Fat0.1g
About it

Woolworths Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables are sweet, chewy candies with a soft filling, designed to deliver a quick sugar boost. With 18g of carbohydrates per 25g serving, they are primarily composed of sugars, making them a high-glycemic option for rapid energy replenishment. These cables are best suited for endurance athletes who need a quick energy hit during prolonged activities. Due to their high sugar content, they should be consumed strategically, ideally during or immediately after intense sessions to leverage the rapid glucose availability. Their compact size makes them easy to carry, but they should be used sparingly to avoid gastrointestinal distress or dental issues.

  • Quick energy source
  • Easy to carry
  • Rapid glucose availability

On the label per serving, Per 25 g serving

Energy326 kJ
Calories78 kcal
Carbs18.0 g
Sugar12.8 g
Fibre0.3 g
Protein0.7 g
Fat0.1 g
Saturated fat0.1 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium11 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density72%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 kcal14 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 hour3.3How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileHigh glycemic index due to sugar content, leading to rapid gastric emptying and quick blood-sugar spike. Suitable for immediate energy needs.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Passion and Pineapple Cables provide a quick sugar hit, suitable for mid-exercise energy replenishment. Their high sugar content makes them an effective but short-lived energy source. They should be used strategically, avoiding overconsumption to prevent GI distress. Not ideal for pre-race or recovery due to lack of complex carbs and protein.

Who it is for

These cables are suitable for endurance athletes like marathon runners, cyclists, or triathletes who need a quick energy boost during long sessions. They are particularly useful for those who experience energy dips mid-race or during extended training sessions. Athletes with high carbohydrate needs and those who tolerate sugars well can benefit from this product.

Best sessions

Ideal for long rides or runs where quick energy is needed. Useful during ultra-endurance events or as a quick sugar hit post-interval sessions.

Pros
  • Provides quick energy boost during exercise
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • High carbohydrate content per serving
  • Rapid absorption for immediate energy
Cons
  • High sugar content may cause GI distress
  • Low in protein and complex carbs
  • Insufficient sodium for electrolyte replacement
Watch out for
  • High sugar may lead to dental erosion
  • Potential for GI distress if consumed in excess

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Yes, consume during workouts for quick energy. The small serving size is practical for carrying and consuming on-the-go.

Glycaemic profile

High glycemic index due to sugar content, leading to rapid gastric emptying and quick blood-sugar spike. Suitable for immediate energy needs.

Electrolytes

Low sodium content at 11mg per serving, insufficient for significant electrolyte replenishment during sweat-heavy activities.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
18 g
Hourly capacity
60-90

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringUSE
  • AfterDO NOT USE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Pre-race use is discouraged due to potential blood-sugar spikes and lack of complex carbs. During race use is viable for quick energy, but not as a sole fuel source. Recovery is inadequate due to lack of protein and complex carbs. Not suitable for carb loading due to high sugar and low volume efficiency. Everyday training use should be cautious due to sugar content.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high sugar content can cause blood-sugar volatility and lacks complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Pair it with
  • Pair with water to aid digestion and absorption
  • Combine with a protein source for recovery
  • Use alongside a salt tablet for electrolyte balance

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The product's claims are based on general sugar metabolism knowledge, with limited direct evidence for endurance performance.

In a carb load

Woolworths Passion and Pineapple Cables have a high carb density of 73g per 100g, primarily from sugars. However, their small serving size and high sugar content make them unsuitable for carb loading. A 25g serving provides only 18g of carbs, contributing minimally to a 600g daily target for a 70kg athlete. Consuming enough servings to meet carb-loading needs would result in excessive sugar intake, increasing the risk of GI distress and dental erosion.

Digestion and absorption

These cables, high in sugars, are rapidly digested and absorbed. They empty quickly from the stomach due to low fibre and fat content. Glucose is absorbed via SGLT1 transporters, while fructose uses GLUT5. The high sugar content leads to a rapid insulin response, providing quick energy. However, excessive sugar can lead to osmotic diarrhoea if not balanced with other nutrients.

Recovery

These cables provide simple sugars but lack protein and complex carbs, making them inadequate for recovery. Effective recovery requires 1.0-1.2g/kg/h carbs and 0.3-0.4g/kg protein. The lack of protein means they do not support muscle protein synthesis, and the rapid sugar absorption does not sustain glycogen resynthesis effectively.

Downsides

High sugar content can cause GI distress, particularly if consumed in large quantities. The risk of dental erosion is increased due to sugar stickiness and prolonged contact with teeth. Rapid blood-glucose spikes may lead to rebound hypoglycaemia if consumed pre-exercise. Low sodium content fails to replenish electrolytes lost in sweat, posing a risk in hot conditions.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high sugar content and potential blood-sugar volatility.
  • Avoid during long, low-intensity sessions where sustained energy is needed.
  • Do not rely on for recovery due to lack of protein and complex carbs.
Clinical risks
  • High sugar intake can lead to dental erosion due to prolonged contact with teeth.
  • Exceeding 60g of fructose per hour without glucose can cause osmotic diarrhoea.
  • High glycemic index can cause rebound hypoglycaemia if consumed pre-exercise.
  • Low sodium content is inadequate for electrolyte replenishment during high sweat losses.

Questions about Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables

How many carbs are in Passion and Pineapple Flavoured Cables by Woolworths?

18 g of carbs per serving (Per 25 g serving), with 78 kcal and 0.7 g protein.

When should I consume these cables during a race?

Consume mid-race when you need a quick energy boost. They are best used sparingly to avoid GI distress.

How many servings can I take in an hour?

Limit to 1-2 servings per hour to avoid exceeding sugar intake and potential GI issues.

Do I need to gut-train with these?

Yes, practice consuming these during training to assess tolerance and avoid race-day surprises.

Are there alternatives for quick energy?

Consider gels or chews with a balanced glucose-fructose mix for better absorption and less GI risk.

Are these suitable for recovery?

No, they lack protein and complex carbs necessary for effective recovery and glycogen replenishment.

How do these behave in hot weather?

They may become sticky or melt in high temperatures; store in a cool place or use during cooler conditions.

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