ENERGY CHEWS

Energy chews and gummies have burst onto the scene as the more substantial alternative to liquid gels. For anyone who finds gels too sickly, chews can be a more pleasant eating experience – though you’ll often need to consume a few to get the same carb hit as one gel.

Healthspan Elite Kick-Start Caffeine Gum £10.39 (40 pieces), healthspanelite.co.uk

Minty and refreshing, the best bit is that the caffeine is absorbed in your mouth (as opposed to through your digestive system) so you will get that energy lift quicker than from a caffeine product you have to ingest. That makes it a helpful weapon to have when experiencing a sudden dip. In the past, I have recommended this product to clients who need/want a caffeine strategy but don’t like coffee. Start chewing 15 minutes before your session (remove before you start if you're doing high intensity) and see how you fly!

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Hits quickly

• Great taste – often you can taste added caffeine, but not here

• Informed Sport approved, so suitable for professional athletes

WHAT YOU GET

• 100mg caffeine in each piece of gum

• Quick absorption through lining of the mouth

• Vegan-friendly

Science in Sport Beta Fuel Energy Chew £14.40 (6 servings), scienceinsport.com

Kind of like the texture of raw jelly, if you ever ate that as a child (just me?), with a whopping 46g carb per serving. This chew really packs a big fuelling punch, while being small in volume. That makes it perfect for those who struggle to eat/fuel on the move. It’s easy to get down, not too chewy, and the flavour is easy to handle on the go.

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Big hit of carbs

• Easy to consume – not too chewy or sticky

• I found myself actively looking forward to these chews over others I tried

WHAT YOU GET

• 45g carbs

• 190 calories

• Vegan-friendly