Been experimenting with gummy bears for the first time last few workouts. Seems to be all upside (portability, easy to digest…) What do people like about them and what are some of the downsides? Do they melt in the Summer? Get too expensive?
They don’t really work for me, I have a hard time breathing when chewing and sometimes choked, even at z2 pace. I’ve found fluid to be much easier, but sometimes a solid treat is nice mentally in which case gummy bears succeed.
If you are talking about at a rest stop or before/after workout then I heavily approve.
I only looked at 1 brand but I assume most gummy bears do not have sodium (or other electrolytes) where something like Gu Chews does, not sure if that matters to you. Doubt they will melt unless you left them in your car on a 100 degree day and they should be a lot cheaper than sports nutrition, a single gel is like $2.
Perfectly fine for training, might be harder to eat quickly when in a race though. I also highly recommend trying dates, same general properties and very delicious. Medjool taste the best and have the best texture, can get them pitted as well.
I’d be worried about dropping them which is why I opt for gummy worms typically. Though I use them more as a ‘what’s palatable (and doesn’t melt) at this gas station’ vs a deliberate nutrition choice. It’s easy to keep the bag open and just reach back and grab a few worms.
I’m a Sour Patch Kids guy, myself
I think the added* zing!* keeps me mindful of getting fluids as well
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Been experimenting with gummy bears for the first time last few workouts. Seems to be all upside (portability, easy to digest…) What do people like about them and what are some of the downsides? Do they melt in the Summer? Get too expensive?
Don’t forget this reason if you grab the wrong formula of gummy bear!!!
The consistency doesn’t work well for me for the ‘gummy’ candy like bears, worms, etc. Too much chewing or something. The ones similar to Swedish Fish work really well for me though. Casey’s (I think specific to the Midwest USA) has ‘Juju Fish’ for pretty cheap. I sprinkle some salt over the top (available for free near the hot dogs if you’re on the road) and the cashier will evenly cut the top off the package if you ask nicely. 800 calories and 2 grams of salt for $3.33 is pretty hard to beat. They don’t leave my fingers sticky either.
I’d be worried about dropping them which is why I opt for gummy worms typically. Though I use them more as a ‘what’s palatable (and doesn’t melt) at this gas station’ vs a deliberate nutrition choice. It’s easy to keep the bag open and just reach back and grab a few worms.
Omg, didn’t think about that and you’re totally right. Big deal if you’re sweaty and running or biking and get bouncy. Thanks!
Albanese. The best. Add salt.
After reading, I would rather go the date route…
Been there, dated that. They are great for short durations, but once you go really long, you don’t want that much fiber - they have A LOT. And looking for sugar profile that mostly matches maurten for better uptake anyway.
Hey Doc - Just an update - I’ve been using the fuel mix you suggested on the other thread and holy cow it works. 300-350 cals per hour no problem, sodium citrate no problem, and the whole thing is super cheap. I’m blown away. Just doing gummy bears to keep mouth entertained and also as a backup for extra calories on long events. Have a 5+ hour bike race on Saturday and throwing a couple handfuls in a ziploc in the jersey pocket to go along with the bottles on the frame. 
Thanks again for all that info. You were right!
Up side is that they taste good!
Beautiful!!! I hope I can bring that experience to the world through our app. Working night and day to get it launched this month.
Albanese. The best. Add salt.
Can you suggest how much table salt to add to that 5 lb. bag?
I use Welch’s fruit snacks for most of my training, with some dates and other dried fruit mixed in. The fruit snacks are great, slightly more wholesome than gummy bears, usually less than 20 cents a pack and pre portioned to 80-100 calories or ~gel equivalent.
The downside I don’t think anyone has mentioned is your teeth. Little bits of gummy can get stuck and give you cavity/enamel problems over time. Im more careful washing them down well with water now after a couple bad dentist trips.
After reading, I would rather go the date route…
“Date: a social activity undertaken by two people to assess their suitability for a relationship. It is also a fruit that makes you poop…”
About 1/8th cup table salt, depending on sweat rate.
Could also do a quarter cup of sodium citrate.
Better way to think of it is how much water will you be drinking? 1/4 teaspoon salt has 500mg sodium, so that’s a good place to start per liter.