How to Consume Energy Chews: A Comprehensive Guide 

When you’re pushing yourself during a long run, bike ride, or any high-endurance activity, the last thing you want is to run out of energy. That’s where energy chews come in. These small, compact sources of carbohydrates and electrolytes are designed to fuel your body and keep you going longer. But knowing how and when to consume energy chews can make all the difference in maximizing their benefits. 

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about energy chews—how they work, when to take them, and how to find the best energy chews near me to fuel your workout sessions. 

What Are Energy Chews? 

Energy chews are a type of sports nutrition product specifically designed for athletes and people engaging in long-duration physical activities. They’re made of concentrated carbohydrates that provide quick energy to the body when glycogen stores run low during exercise. Many energy chews also contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help replace what’s lost through sweat. 

Unlike energy gels, which are more fluid, energy chews come in small, bite-sized gummy forms, making them easy to chew and digest. Their portability and convenience make them a favorite among runners, cyclists, and hikers. 

How Energy Chews Work 

Energy chews provide a quick source of carbohydrates, which are the primary fuel your body uses during moderate to intense exercise. The carbohydrates in energy chews are often glucose, sucrose, or maltodextrin—sugars that are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing almost immediate energy. 

In addition to carbs, energy chews often include: 

• Electrolytes: These are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function. Sodium and potassium are the most common electrolytes found in energy chews, helping prevent cramping and dehydration. 

• Caffeine (optional): Some energy chews are infused with caffeine for an extra energy boost. Caffeine can improve mental focus and delay fatigue during endurance activities. 

Now that you know what energy chews are and how they work, let’s get into how to consume them effectively for maximum benefit. 

How to Consume Energy Chews 

The key to getting the most out of energy chews is timing. You don’t want to take them too early or too late during your workout or race. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to consume energy chews: 

1. Plan Ahead 

Before you even begin your activity, it’s important to plan how and when you’ll consume your energy chews. If you’re going for a long run or participating in a marathon, calculate the length of your activity and how often you’ll need to refuel. 

Most athletes aim to consume 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour during prolonged exercise. Check the label of your energy chews to see how many grams of carbohydrates each serving provides. Most brands offer around 20-25 grams of carbs per serving (about 4-5 chews). 

2. Start Before You Feel Tired 

One of the most common mistakes athletes make is waiting until they feel fatigued to consume energy chews. By that time, their glycogen stores are already depleted, and it will take longer for the chews to kick in. Instead, start consuming energy chews 30-45 minutes into your workout before you feel drained. 

3. Consume Every 30-45 Minutes 

Once you start consuming energy chews, it’s important to keep up the intake throughout your workout. Every 30-45 minutes, take another serving to maintain a steady flow of carbohydrates and prevent glycogen depletion. Depending on your workout’s intensity and duration, you may need to adjust this slightly, but the 30–45-minute rule works for most endurance athletes. 

4. Chase with Water 

Energy chews are dense in carbohydrates, and consuming them without adequate water can lead to digestive discomfort. After chewing, make sure to follow up with at least 4-6 ounces of water. This will help with absorption and prevent stomach issues like cramping or bloating. 

5. Listen to Your Body 

While most guidelines suggest consuming energy chews at regular intervals, it’s also important to listen to your body. If you feel your energy levels dropping sooner than expected, don’t hesitate to take an extra serving. Your body will signal when it needs more fuel, so adjust accordingly. 

When to Use Energy Chews 

While energy chews can be helpful for any extended physical activity, there are certain scenarios when they’re particularly beneficial. Here’s when you should consider using energy chews: 

1. During Long Runs or Rides 

If you’re running or cycling for more than 90 minutes, energy chews are a great way to maintain energy levels. Around the 60–90-minute mark, your body starts depleting glycogen stores, and energy chews will help prevent the dreaded “bonk” or “hitting the wall.” 

2. Before a Tough Workout 

For high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or long-distance sprints, consider consuming a serving of energy chews 15-30 minutes before you start. This will give you an initial energy boost and ensure your body has the fuel it needs for sustained performance. 

3. For Endurance Races 

If you’re participating in a half-marathon, marathon, or triathlon, energy chews are an essential part of your fueling strategy. Plan to take them at regular intervals throughout the race to maintain steady energy levels. 

4. During Hikes or Long Outdoor Adventures 

When you’re hiking for hours, especially in remote areas where access to food may be limited, energy chews provide a lightweight and convenient way to refuel. 

Benefits of Energy Chews 

Now that we’ve covered how to consume energy chews, let’s look at some of their benefits: 

1. Convenience 

Energy chews are small and portable, making them easy to carry in your pocket, hydration pack, or cycling jersey. Their bite-sized form means you can take as many or as few as you need at any given time. 

2. Easy to Digest 

Because energy chews are made from simple sugars, they are easily digestible and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This makes them an ideal energy source during exercise when your digestive system might be more sensitive. 

3. Fast-Acting 

The carbohydrates in energy chews provide an almost immediate energy boost, making them perfect for endurance athletes who need quick fuel during long workouts. 

4. Electrolyte Replacement 

Many energy chews contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining hydration and muscle function during long workouts. This can help prevent cramping and dehydration. 

5. Caffeine Boost 

If you opt for caffeinated energy chews, you’ll benefit from increased mental focus and delayed fatigue, which is especially helpful in long races or intense training sessions. 

Finding the Best Energy Chews Near You 

Now that you’re ready to incorporate energy chews into your training or racing regimen, the next step is finding the best energy chews. The good news is that energy chews are widely available, and you can easily search for “energy chews near me” to find local retailers or online stores that carry them. 

1. Sporting Goods Stores 

Major sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Academy Sports often carry a variety of energy chews in the nutrition section. Popular brands include GU Energy, Clif Shot Bloks, Honey Stinger, and Skratch Labs. 

2. Local Bike Shops 

Many local bike shops stock energy chews as part of their sports nutrition offerings. These stores often cater specifically to cyclists, making them a great place to find chews that are ideal for long rides and endurance races. 

3. Running Stores 

Dedicated running stores are another excellent option. They tend to stock products that long-distance runners rely on, such as energy chews, gels, and hydration solutions. 

4. Online Retailers 

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your home, online retailers like Amazon, REI, or specialized sports nutrition websites offer a wide selection of energy chews. You can often find deals or bulk packs to save money. 

5. Local Gyms and Fitness Centers 

Some gyms and fitness centers offer energy chews for sale, especially those that cater to endurance athletes. You can ask your gym staff if they stock any energy supplements that may suit your workout needs. 

Conclusion 

Energy chews are a convenient, effective way to fuel your body during long, intense workouts or endurance events. By consuming them at the right time and in the right amounts, you can maintain steady energy levels, prevent glycogen depletion, and improve your overall performance. 

Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon, a century ride, or a long hike, energy chews can be an essential part of your fueling strategy. So, next time you’re planning a big workout, be sure to find the best energy chews near me and stock up for your next adventure. With proper planning and the right approach, energy chews can help you go the extra mile—literally!