That’s It

For runners and cyclists, fueling during long training sessions or races is just as critical as the training itself. The debate between whole-food snacks and engineered sports nutrition has never been more relevant. On one side, you have energy gels—portable, fast-acting, and loaded with simple sugars and electrolytes. On the other, you have fruit bars for runners like the Apple + Pineapple Fruit Bars, which offer real fruit, fiber, and a more complex energy release. In this article, we’ll break down the differences in ingredients, digestibility, performance impact, and taste to help you decide which option deserves a spot in your jersey pocket or running belt.

What Are Energy Gels?

Energy gels are concentrated carbohydrate packets designed to deliver a rapid blood sugar spike. They typically contain maltodextrin, fructose, or a blend of both, along with electrolytes, caffeine, and sometimes amino acids. Their main advantage is speed: they are easy to carry, require no chewing, and can be consumed mid-race without stopping. However, many gels rely on refined sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, which can cause stomach distress for some athletes—especially during high-intensity efforts.

What Are Fruit Bars?

Fruit bars, specifically those made from whole fruits like apples, mangoes, and blueberries, provide a natural alternative. They contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that are absent in most gels. The Mango Probiotic Fruit Bars, for example, combine the energy of real fruit with gut-friendly probiotics, which can aid digestion during prolonged exercise. Because fruit bars require chewing, they also promote slower consumption, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the dreaded “bonk” followed by a crash.

Ingredient Comparison: Clean vs. Engineered

Criteria	Energy Gels	Fruit Bars (e.g., That’s It)
Primary source of carbs	Maltodextrin, fructose syrup	Whole fruit (dates, apples, etc.)
Fiber content	0g (usually)	2-3g per bar
Additives	Preservatives, artificial flavors, gels	None (100% fruit)
Electrolytes	Often added (sodium, potassium)	Naturally present in fruits
Digestion ease	Fast but can cause GI upset	Gentler for many athletes

As you can see, fruit bars offer a cleaner ingredient profile. For cyclists and runners who prioritize clean-label nutrition, natural fuel for cycling like fruit bars is a compelling choice. They deliver energy without the synthetic additives that can disrupt gut health.

Digestibility and Stomach Comfort

Gastrointestinal issues are a common complaint during endurance events. Energy gels, with their high concentration of simple sugars, can cause cramping, bloating, or diarrhea—especially if taken without enough water. Fruit bars, on the other hand, contain fiber and natural sugars that are easier on the stomach for many athletes. The probiotics in the Mango Probiotic Fruit Bars may further support digestion by maintaining a healthy gut microbiome during stress. However, because fruit bars require more chewing and take longer to digest, they may not be ideal for high-intensity intervals where quick energy is needed.

Performance: Steady Energy vs. Quick Spike

For a marathon or century ride, the goal is to maintain steady blood glucose levels. Energy gels provide a rapid spike, but if not timed properly, you may crash soon after. Fruit bars, thanks to their fiber, release energy more gradually. This makes them excellent for clean energy snacks during long, moderate-pace efforts. Many endurance athletes report feeling more consistent energy and fewer cravings when using fruit bars compared to gels. That said, for a last-mile surge or a steep climb, a gel might still have an edge in speed of absorption.

Portability and Convenience

Energy gels win on portability: they are small, lightweight, and can be consumed with one hand. Fruit bars require unwrapping and chewing, which can be a distraction on technical trails or in a peloton. However, many fruit bars—especially mini versions—fit easily in a jersey pocket. The Double Espresso Organic Energy Mini Bars offer a compact size with caffeine for an extra boost. For ultra-endurance events where you need real food, fruit bars are a superior choice because they provide satiety and nutrients that gels lack.

Taste and Mental Satisfaction

Let’s be honest: most energy gels are not a culinary delight. They are designed for function, not flavor. Fruit bars, on the other hand, taste like real fruit because they contain nothing else. The Apple + Pineapple Fruit Bars deliver a refreshing, natural sweetness that can be a mental boost during a long ride or run. The act of chewing also signals to your brain that you are eating, which can improve satiety and mood. For many athletes, this psychological benefit is not trivial.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Energy Gels If:

• You need rapid, high-concentration carbs during high-intensity efforts (e.g., racing, intervals).
• You are short on time and need a quick refuel during a short break.
• You can tolerate the artificial ingredients without GI upset.

Choose Fruit Bars If:

• You prefer whole foods and clean labels.
• You are doing moderate-paced endurance sessions (e.g., long runs, century rides).
• You struggle with stomach issues during exercise.
• You want additional nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and probiotics.

Many athletes use a hybrid approach: start with fruit bars for the first few hours, then switch to gels for the final push. This provides steady energy early and a quick boost when you need it most.

Real-World Tips for Using Fruit Bars During Exercise

If you decide to try fruit bars as your primary fuel, here are a few tips:

1. Experiment during training runs/rides—never test new food on race day.
2. Take small bites and chew thoroughly to aid digestion.
3. Drink water with each bar to help fiber break down.
4. Try mini bars for easier handling and portion control.
5. For hot weather, keep bars in a cool place to prevent them from getting too soft.

Conclusion: The Verdict

Both fruit bars and energy gels have their place in an athlete’s nutrition toolbox. However, if you value clean energy snacks that support long-term health while still delivering performance, fruit bars are the clear winner. They offer real fruit nutrition, fiber, and often probiotics—all without the synthetic ingredients. For runners and cyclists looking to fuel naturally, the Apple + Pineapple Fruit Bars are an excellent starting point.

Ready to make the switch from gels to real fruit? Explore the full range of Mango Probiotic Fruit Bars and other delicious options at That’s It. Your body will thank you on race day.