Testing and rating energy chews from a runner's point of view (unsponsored review)
As a runner who was nervous about using energy gels for a long time, energy chews were my first step into proper fuelling. They felt less intimidating, easier to digest and more familiar than gels, which made them much easier to introduce into my training.
Over the years I have tested several brands and now use both gels and chews depending on the session. Energy chews still play an important role in my routine, especially as pre-run fuel or when I want something gentle and reliable before heading out.
This is my honest runner-focused review of the energy chews I have personally tried, including what works, what doesn’t and which ones are actually worth buying if you are training for long runs, races or simply trying to fuel better.
What are the benefits of energy chews for running?
Energy chews are one of the easiest ways to fuel your runs without relying entirely on gels.
They provide a fast source of carbohydrates, usually through glucose, fructose or maltodextrin, which helps maintain blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes during longer efforts. This is particularly useful for long runs, tempo sessions or race preparation.
They are also generally gentle on the stomach because they are designed specifically for endurance sports. Many runners who struggle with gels find chews easier to tolerate and less overwhelming during exercise.
Another advantage is variety. Energy chews come in different textures, flavours and carb amounts, and some include electrolytes or caffeine. This makes it easier to find a fuelling option that fits your training and personal preference.
Not sure whether energy chews are for you or which ones you’d like most? You can order samples from different brands on XMiles (and save an extra 5% here) instead of buying full packs. This way, you can try an array of products without breaking the bank.
How I personally use energy chews
I used to be really scared of taking gels and relied almost entirely on energy chews to fuel my long runs.
Now that I have found gels I like, I mostly use energy chews as pre-run fuel or as a quick energy boost before heading out. I often run early in the morning before breakfast, and having a couple of chews just before leaving gives me immediate energy and stops me from running completely fasted.
On long run days, I usually eat a piece of toast about an hour before and then take a few chews just before I head out. This gives me a quick carbohydrate boost without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.
Energy chews feel like a safe and reliable option when I want something simple, predictable and easy to digest, which is why they are still part of my routine.
Testing and rating energy chews
These are the energy chews I have personally tested so far and regularly use in training. I will keep updating this post as I try new brands.
Find out more about these below.
Precision Fuel 30 Energy Chews
These are some of the most reliable energy chews I have tried and the ones I trust the most from a stomach comfort point of view.
Each pack provides 30g of carbohydrates, which makes fuelling very easy to plan. The flavour is very mild and slightly citrus-based, which I actually really appreciate because there is no flavour fatigue even on longer runs or early mornings.
What stands out the most for me is how gentle they are on the stomach. I know I can take them before a run without worrying about digestion, and that reliability is a big reason why I keep using them regularly.
They are slightly easier to chew with water, especially when running, but that is a minor downside compared to how consistent they are.
Check out my unsponsored Precision Fuel gels & chews review here.
Overall rating: 9.5/10
Best for runners who want reliable and stomach-friendly pre-run fuel
RRP: £27.99 for 15 packs - Save an extra 5% here
Veloforte Energy Chews
Veloforte chews are easily the most enjoyable to eat in terms of flavour and texture.
They are very soft and melt in the mouth, which makes them extremely easy to chew while running. Each pack contains over 40g of carbohydrates as well as electrolytes, and some flavours include caffeine which can be helpful for longer sessions.
I really like that they are made with natural ingredients and genuinely taste like real fruit rather than a typical sports nutrition product. Fresco is very refreshing and Citro has a subtle ginger note that feels gentle on the stomach.
I tend to reach for these when I want something that feels enjoyable and slightly more indulgent while still being effective. The only downside is that the pack is a bit bulky to carry in smaller pockets.
You can read my dedicated Veloforte chews review here.
Overall rating: 9/10
Best for runners who want natural ingredients and refreshing, fruity flavours
RRP: £30.79 for 12 packs but if you use code CHLOE-AV20 you’ll get 20% off your first order! One use per email address, for one-time purchases of £10 minimum.
OTE Energy Chews
OTE energy chews come in a chewy bar format that can be split into three pieces, which makes it easy to spread your carbohydrate intake before or during a run.
Each serving provides 23g of carbohydrates along with electrolytes, making them a solid and straightforward fuelling option. The texture reminds me of soft gelatin sweets, which makes them easy to eat, although the strawberry flavour is quite sweet.
I enjoyed using them and they work well, but I personally feel they are better as an occasional option rather than something I would use every week because the flavour could become repetitive over time.
Overall rating: 8/10
Best for runners looking for a simple and affordable fuelling option
RRP: £20 for 10 packs - Find them here or save an extra 5% here
Science in Sport Beta Fuel Energy Chews
These chews are designed for higher carbohydrate intake and improved absorption, which makes them particularly useful for longer or more intense training sessions.
Each serving contains 46g of carbohydrates and uses a glucose to fructose ratio designed to reduce stomach discomfort and improve energy delivery. I tried the orange flavour and liked it more than expected, even though it tastes slightly more artificial than Veloforte.
The bar format is practical, but the jelly texture is firmer than other chews, which makes it slightly harder to bite into while running. Still, they are a strong option if you need higher carbohydrate fuelling.
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Best for long runs and higher carbohydrate fuelling
RRP: £12 for 6 packs - Find them here
Which energy chews are worth buying?
Precision Fuel and Veloforte are the two I personally reach for the most.
Precision Fuel is my go-to for reliability and stomach comfort, especially before long runs or important training sessions. Veloforte is the one I pick when I want something enjoyable and natural that still delivers strong performance.
Energy chews are a great entry point into proper fuelling and a useful addition to any runner’s routine. If you are nervous about gels or want a gentler alternative, they are definitely worth trying. Head over to XMiles to order samples from different brands with an extra 5% off and see which ones you prefer!
Energy Chews FAQ
Are energy chews better than gels for running?
Energy chews are not necessarily better than gels, but some runners may find them easier to digest and more enjoyable. They are a great alternative or complement to gels, and make a great fuel option.
When should you take energy chews before running?
You can take energy chews 5 to 10 minutes before a run or during longer runs to maintain energy levels.
Are energy chews good for beginners?
Yes, energy chews are often a good starting point for runners who are new to fuelling because they feel less intimidating than gels.
How many energy chews should you take on a long run?
This depends on the carbohydrate content, but most runners aim for around 30 to 60g of carbohydrates per hour during long runs.
Do energy chews cause stomach issues?
They are designed to be stomach-friendly and some runners find them easier to fuel with than gels.
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