Power Bar - Gels vs Chews

lancelsu

Just tried the chewables last night for the first time and while they weren't bad, I'm just not sure why they exist?  Isn't a 2 gels the same as 1 pouch of chews?  Are the chews simply for those that can't stomach a straight gel or am I missing something? 

Just seems a lot easier to rip open a gel and suck it down vs having to open a pouch of chews and chew and chew and chew (and keep up with how many you've chewed).

Is there something else I might be missing?  Does anyone think one is better than the other in terms of boosting performance and getting down the calories?

Robert Sabo

It is purely a personal thing. You would have to check the specific electrolytes, but assuming they are the same, then it is just how well you tolerate them both taste and digestion. I personally like gels only on the run. Therefore, in order not to become too bored/disgusted with gels halfway through the marathon, I try to avoid them on the bike. I might have one or two for the caffiene. You also might find that something more solid makes you feel better while others feel too full. You also have to carry them and be able to open and eat them while running or biking. So double check the nutrition label and if your happy during workouts ,make sure they work during your race rehearsals.

Brenda Ross

I like to have different textures sometimes. I sometimes use gels only or chews only or mix them up. The chews have different flavours than the gels. I love the Cherry Chocolate. Yum.

Keith Wick

The gels and chews are NOT the same nutritionally. The chews have 200 cal, but only 30 mg of sodium and 46 g of carbs (36 g of sugar) while the gels have 100 cal, but 200 mg of sodium and 27 g of carbs (10 g from sugar). While many assume they are the same, there is a big nutritional difference, especially in terms of sodium.

drjohnson08

I carry some chews on the bike and run in an IM. I try to use liquid nutrition throughout the entire day but it's a long day and sometimes I get a hungry feeling. Putting something in my stomach that is easily digestible (for me) like the chews takes that hunger feeling away.

Robert Sabo

Coach P started pushing the gatorade chews at the camps and those are the ones I have used sparingly. those are 100cal and 90 mg Na. I use them as more of a snack/treat to break up the perform and powerbars while on the bike.