Energy bars for cycling
Our Energy Bars page brings together our tips for eating while cycling: carbohydrate-rich or protein bars, the best time to eat them, cutting them up, combining them with gels and drinks, and how to manage refuelling during long rides and cycling events.
The solid fuel for long rides.
Solid Fuel
On should eat regularly during a ride of more than two hours to avoid getting hungry. The energy bar, compact and filling, provides carbohydrates that release more gradually than a gel, sometimes with a bit of protein and fibre. It is best eaten in the first part of the ride, at a moderate intensity, when digesting solid food is still easy.
The Rest of Nutrition
Bicycle nutrition also includes:
All nutrition options are gathered on the nutrition page.
Two Families
The performance bar, rich in carbohydrates and made from cereal, dried fruits, or fruit paste, provides energy during the ride. The protein bar, higher in protein, is more suited to recovery after exercise, or as a snack. Check the ingredients: a bar that is too fatty or too high in fibre doesn't digest well while cycling.
Organising Your Supplies
The aim is to consume about sixty grams of carbohydrates per hour on long rides, by combining bars, gels, and drinks. Eat a small piece every twenty to thirty minutes, rather than one whole bar at once. Pre-cut your bars and open the packaging before you start, so you can easily grab them from your jersey pocket. Keep the empty wrappers until the next bin.
Good Deals
Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you eat an energy bar while cycling?
It’s best eaten in the first part of the ride, at a moderate intensity, when digesting solid food remains easy. On long rides, break it into small pieces taken regularly.
Energy bar or gel: what's the difference?
The bar releases its carbohydrates more gradually and is filling, making it ideal at the start of a ride. The gel, which is faster to absorb, takes over at the end of effort or on climbs, when chewing becomes difficult.
How many bars should you plan for a long ride?
For rides over two hours, aim for a regular intake of carbohydrates each hour, combining bars, gels, and drinks. About one bar per hour, along with drinks, meets the needs of many cyclists.
Protein or energy bar for cycling?
The energy bar, rich in carbohydrates, fuels the effort. The protein bar, which is slower to digest, is better eaten after the ride to assist muscle recovery.
Can you make your own energy bars?
Yes, using oats, dried fruits, honey, and nut butter. They are tasty but less compact and don't last as long as store-bought bars.
