Clif BLOKS Energy Chews

Clif BLOKS Energy Chews are chewable carbohydrate and electrolyte cubes for endurance training and racing, at 33 calories each. Nine flavours are stocked, including four with caffeine at 25 mg or 50 mg per serving and a Margarita version with three times the sodium. They come as single packets, six packs, a mixed seven pack and boxes of eighteen.

What it is and when to use it

Runners and riders who want fuel they can take a bite of rather than swallow whole. A cube at a time makes it easy to pace intake by the clock instead of committing to a whole gel, and the packet makes it simple to keep count of calories and electrolytes on a long day.

Clif's timing is half a packet about 15 minutes before you start, then 1-2 packets an hour once you are moving, each time with a mouthful of water. Clif lists green tea extract as the caffeine source in Orange.

Caffeine, sodium and what varies

• No caffeine - Strawberry, Mountain Berry, Sour Green Apple, Salted Watermelon, Margarita.
• 25 mg caffeine per serving - Orange, Tropical Punch, Sour Strawberry Lemonade.
• 50 mg caffeine per serving - Black Cherry, the highest dose in the range.
• Extra sodium - Margarita with three times the sodium and Salted Watermelon with twice the sodium.

Formats

Each packet is 60 g. Single packets are for trying a flavour or topping up a race kit. Six packs and boxes of 18 are the way to buy once you know what agrees with you, and the mixed seven pack lets you find out which that is before committing to a full box.