You’ve no doubt noticed that quite a few athletes eat gummy sweets before a race, and this may well have left you puzzled. We’re used to associating athletes with a strict, personalised diet, and gummy sweets might seem out of place, but there’s an explanation for everything.

Athletes who take part in intense outdoor activities – particularly cyclists and those competing in ultra-endurance events – use gummy sweets as if they were a supplement, as an alternative to energy gels and similar products.

Benefits of gummy sweets for athletes

Gummy sweets can be useful before and during a race because they are, first and foremost, a good source of simple carbohydrates that are easily absorbed by the body (particularly glucose and fructose).
Their high glycaemic index rapidly raises blood glucose levels, and this particular characteristic makes them particularly suitable for intense, long-lasting activities. Gummy sweets also contain no fat or fibre and are very easy to digest.
Just think: 12 gummy bears have the same carbohydrate content as a gel supplement (which contains between 20 and 30 grams, depending on the type).

Another benefit athletes have found is the sense of gratification; gummy sweets are a sort of comfort food, and their sweetness ‘helps them cope with’ fatigue, whilst their taste is often more pleasant than that of single-dose energy gels.

Another aspect that should not be underestimated, from a practical point of view, is that during a race they are much more convenient to carry and consume than gels or other similar supplements.

Possible drawbacks of gummy sweets for athletes

Sweets instead of supplements… it sounds a bit too good to be true, and as with any other solution, it is essential to weigh up both the pros and the cons.

The secret is not to overdo it! Excessive consumption of gummy sweets can cause gastrointestinal problems, with negative consequences for sporting performance.

Gummy sweets do not contain electrolytes and therefore do not support proper hydration, which is essential during a race.

From a practical point of view, whilst it is true that sweets are more convenient to carry, for some people chewing them could have a negative impact on their breathing. Of course, we must emphasise the importance of not neglecting proper dental hygiene; the high sugar content helps during and after the race, but it may not be good for the health of your teeth.

Having made the necessary recommendations, you’ll find gummy sweets to suit all tastes in our online shop. Choose your favourites… and enjoy them in moderation.