Maurten Solid C 160 Bar (40g Carbs)

A chewy bar with a chocolate flavour. It's based on oats and rice, with added cocoa. That makes it a little less sweet than many gels and bars. Over long distances that's a welcome change, because after a few hours you mostly want to taste something different.

You notice it most when fatigue kicks in and everything starts to taste sweet. During a long race in the Alps or on the Veluwe, a cocoa bar works as a flavour break between gels. The two mini bars are easy to split: eat one on an easy section or a climb and save the other for later. That way you keep better control of your intake.

The bar has a light texture and contains little fibre, so it sits well in your stomach. You do need water with it, as it's still a dry, chewy product. It's also handy after a long training session when you want to eat something before you get home.

Not sure? Choose this bar if you run long distances and want variety in your fuelling. On a descent or at a high pace, chewing is less practical and a gel works faster. If you carry little water or don't like cocoa, the version without cocoa is a better choice.

In short: a chewy cocoa bar for long runs where you want something to chew and some variety.