Adam Barber
Why the OTE Anytime Bar Is the Ultimate Pocket-Sized Fuelling Solution
Reach for "an energy bar", and you could pick up one of two very different products: a carbohydrate bar built to fuel a workout, or a protein bar built to support recovery afterwards. Choose the wrong one, and it can blunt a session instead of powering it. The benefits of energy bars come down to usable carbohydrate at the right moment, which is what OTE has spent years formulating its bars to deliver. And knowing how to tell a well-made energy bar from a poor one, and when to eat it, separates fuel from filler.
Energy Bars vs Protein Bars: What's the Difference?
The two bars solve different problems. An energy bar is carbohydrate-predominant, formulated to provide readily available carbohydrate before or during exercise. A protein bar is protein-predominant, built to support muscle repair and recovery afterwards. Energy bars prioritise carbohydrates, while protein bars emphasise protein and may contain less carbohydrate.
The practical rule is timing. Opt for an energy bar before or during exercise when you need fuel, and a protein bar after training to support recovery. A bar can provide both carbohydrate and protein, but the right balance depends on what you need at that point in your training. If you’re still unsure about the difference between the two, check out our guide on how to choose the right energy or protein bars for your goals.
The Benefits of Energy Bars: How Carbohydrate Fuels Performance
The benefits of energy bars are really just the benefits of carbohydrates delivered in a more convenient, digestible form. Once eaten, carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, including glucose, which can enter the bloodstream and be used for energy. Carbohydrates also contribute to glycogen stores, making them an important fuel source for exercise. OTE's guide to why you need carbohydrates for exercise explains how it works in more detail.
When you eat carbohydrates matters too. Before exercise,the International Society of Sports Nutrition points to 1–4 g of carbohydrate per kg of body weight in the one to four hours beforehand. During extended, high-intensity exercise, it recommends around 30–60 g of carbohydrate per hour, particularly when exercise continues beyond about 70 minutes.
What should you eat during a long endurance workout to stay fuelled? Digestible carbohydrates in a form you can stomach on the move, spread across drinks, gels and solid food like a bar, can help meet the target without overwhelming your gut.
