Energy & recovery bars

Getting enough protein is vital if you want the maximum benefit from your training, and that’s where a concentrated source like this Recovery Bar comes in handy. Each 45g bar contains a useful 14g of protein – mostly milk protein – along with 17.1g of carbs and 5.2g of fat. You also get a decent amount of antioxidants to support the recovery process.

Opinion was divided among testers on the taste of this energy bar. It’s got a lemon tang but it’s also very sweet; too sweet for some, just right for others – taste is a matter of taste, after all. Soft and quick to chew, It’s certainly easy to eat on the go, even when you’re working hard in the saddle.

I LOVE these! For the week or two running up to last summer's Marmotte in the French Alps, these bars were worth their weight in gold – perhaps ZipVit should change their silver wrapping to suit. Some seriously long and hard days on the South Downs were always followed swiftly with one of these moist bars and a suitable rehydration drink. The result - they helped produce a fresh rider ready for the following morning! Unbelievable. Every time.

I've tried a few energy bars in my time and the ZV8 is one of the best of its type. Although it got a little sloppy in my pocket on the hottest days I never found it a chore to eat and enjoyed its chocolatey taste – unlike other energy bars I could mention.

I'm more of a gel kinda guy but always take one or two energy bars if it's going to be a long day in the saddle... and The Marmotte was certainly one of those. I ate one halfway up Galibier and I'm sure it was my saving grace... I wish I'd taken a few more!