Table of Contents
What Is a Running Chew?
A running chew is a relatively new, convenient way of fueling during long runs that are over 90 minutes. They are like a giant gummy bear but with caffeine and electrolytes. Some even have whey protein.
Supposedly, they were created by two moms who were sick of feeding their kids too much candy &2dash; these chews are perfect for people who want the benefits of an energy gel without the sugar high and crash.
Do You Need Running Chews?
Running chews can be useful for athletes who struggle with eating food or drinking energy gels during exercise because they feel nauseous. The chewy texture is also easy to eat on the go as it doesn’t get caught in your teeth like some gels do. As compared to regular candy, running chews offer more sustained energy because they have carbohydrates mixed with caffeine and other electrolytes which help you avoid hitting the wall.
Why do you need them?
In addition to providing a quick source of carbs and electrolytes, chews are easy to carry and consume during a run. They’re also easier on your digestive system than gels or liquid.
You should make sure you have about 250 calories’ worth of energy chews for every hour you run. This means if you plan to do a three-hour run, you’ll need 750 total calories in chews. Depending on what type of chews you buy, each chew will contain between 20 and 40 calories each. If the packaging says that there are 20 calories per chew in a package, then it will take four servings to equal 80 calories (20 x 4 = 80), meaning that you’ll need nine packs to total 720 calories (80 x 9 = 720).
It is best not to use energy chews until you’ve worked up your tolerance for running with food in your system—it may take some experimentation before finding the right combination that works best for your body specifically when running long distances.
How many calories should you eat when running?
How many calories should you eat?
This depends on:
- The duration of your run
- Your fitness level
- Weather conditions
- The type of running (e.g. a long distance marathon, or a “fun run”)
- Running speed
- Whether you have eaten before or not.
How many calories are in running chews?
- The average size of running chews is 1.3 ounces, and most contain between 20 to 30 calories per piece.
- This calorie range varies by brand and the specific flavor, but typically, you’ll get 25-30 calories per 1/2 ounce serving.
- Most running chews also contain high fructose corn syrup or dextrose as a sweetener.
What do they taste like?
The fruit flavors are the most popular, and they tend to be sweeter. The apple flavor is the sweetest of all, with an almost candy-like taste. The lemon-lime flavor is the most refreshing choice and has a strong hint of citrus. The raspberry flavor does not have a strong flavor profile but it does have a nice range of color. The strawberry orange flavor tastes like a creamsicle and is one of our favorites as it’s not too sweet and also has some nice fruity notes.
If you like something with more spice or even saltiness, then we can recommend you try the ginger or salted caramel flavors instead. If neither of these are your cup of tea though, then don’t worry as there are plenty more options available on our site to choose from!
What are they made of?
The next step in choosing the right running chews is to find out what they’re made of and how that will impact your performance. The ingredients of common running chews include carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle recovery, natural sugars for sweetness, and electrolytes to replenish the body with sodium and potassium. Some chews also contain vitamins, minerals, or caffeine to enhance their effects.
Once you’ve determined which ingredients are important to you, you can narrow down your options by researching the nutritional content of specific products. Make sure that your search criteria include both speed (how quickly they raise your blood glucose level) and duration (how long they keep it elevated).
Does the flavor matter?
People are more likely to use something if they like the taste of it. If you know that the texture and flavor of minty orange is what will inspire you to use your running chews, then go for it! But if your running chews are coming in contact with a lot of water or other substances that could affect their taste and smell, that can impact how effective they are. For instance, a runner who has been sweating all day might have trouble tasting his or her running chews because their sweat is overpowering the minty orange flavor. This means that he or she needs an odorless running chew, which could be flavored differently than usual. You can also find ways around this issue by using different types of chew bags or keeping them in something airtight so there’s no chance for outside odors to affect them, but those methods aren’t always practical when you’re on-the-go.
These guidelines will help you choose the right chews for your next run.
There are certain factors that you need to consider when choosing running chews. The following guidelines will help you choose the right chews for your next run:
- Choose the right amount of calories. The number of calories in each chew varies by brand and flavor, but it is usually between 25 and 40 calories per chew. As a general guideline, experts recommend that you consume 100-300 calories for every 60 minutes of running. It is also important to note that the time it takes for your body to metabolize food varies from person to person, so consider your own body’s process before making decisions about calorie consumption during exercise. If you’re looking for something lower in sugar, try Jelly Belly Sport Beans, which have just 6g per serving (30 beans). If you prefer less processed ingredients, try Nuun Energy Chews or Gatorade Prime Chews.
- Try different flavors and see what works for you! Many runners find that gels make them feel queasy during their runs because they’re very concentrated; chews offer a more easily digestible way to get carbs into your system without having to stop at water fountains or carry water with you on every run. If you’ve never tried chews before, start with something simple like Clif Shot Bloks (they come in six flavors) or Honey Stinger Organic Chews (five flavors), both of which have no added colors or preservatives these can be hard on sensitive stomachs if consumed too often over long periods of time without rest days!
