Powerbar

We've tested Powerbar's flagship energy drink on road.cc before, but back then it was called 'Energize'. It's recently been replaced by this new 'PowerBar Isoactive Isotonic Sports Drink' variety, so we're testing it again.

The formulation is slightly different, but overall the principle is the same: this product comes as a powder which you add to water to get a drink that contains a mix of carbohydrates to deliver and sustain energy, plus a bundle of essential minerals to help you avoid cramp.

PowerBar is well known for its range of heavily performance-slanted sports bars, drinks and gels, so this new 'all natural' fruit and nut Natural Energy bar may be an unexpected addition to the range. But PowerBar is part of the Nestle empire, so it's not too surprising to see a product that's more like confectionary than a performance enhancer. Without doubt it's tasty and healthy snack, but as a source of energy for most performance-orientated cyclists there are better options out there.

With two types of carbohydrate to provide energy, five essential minerals to help you avoid cramp and the addition of protein and caffeine, Powerbar Isomax energy drink is a very effective all-in-one package.

Let's look at the key ingredients one by one.

In the supermarket the other other day I spotted a PowerBar ride bar, retails at around £1 per bar. I then later saw a 6 pack of nature valley Chewy Trail Mix bars for £2.39 so I did a little compare of the nutritional info that I consider must be the most crucial DURING a ride.
Per 100g, the nature valley has 7 more calories, 22.3g more Carbs, and 1.3g more Carb of which sugars.
The Ride bar has more than twice as much protein which I always understood was more vital for recovery.

Powerbar Energize isotonic drink

Powerbar Natural Energy bar