Torq Chew 15 x 39g

There's a huge amount of choice when it comes to shopping for nutrition products for your next cycling adventure, and one of the latest is Torq's Chew energy bar. They're a healthy alternative to supermarket bought chewy bars, with a great taste and enough carbs to keep you fuelled for longer rides.

The Torq Chew bars are different from the company's regular energy bars in that they have a sticky and chewy consistency, instead of being soft and moist like its normal bars. They do take some getting used to – there isn't much I can compare them to – they're closer to a sweet bar than any cycling-specific energy product I've ever tried.

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I found them easy on the taste buds and the stomach, and easy to digest even towards the end of a long and tiring ride. They're a good alternative to regular energy bars, which can be dry and stodgy, and gels, which are sticky and messy. They're also good for that mid-afternoon snack as well. I'm eating one at my desk as I type this review...

Made by cold-pressing just four Soil Association certified organic ingredients, including dried fruit and agave syrup, with a 2:1 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, each 39g bar provides 30g of carbs. That's the same amount of carbohydrate as Torq's regular energy bar, so they can be used alongside those (fitting easily into Torq's 'Fuelling System') or on their own – it's really just another choice for getting your energy requirements during a ride.

One thing I particularly like about the Torq Chew bar, especially for longer rides, is the smaller size, which means they take up less space in your jersey pocket (and you're less likely to end up with half-eaten bars). Some are smaller than others too – they're marketed as 39g, but weighing a few on my scales, they ranged from 24 to 34g… The packaging is mostly pretty easy to open on the move, but could be improved.

The Torq Chew bars are a nice alternative to other energy bars and the chewy consistency really grew on me. They are affected by temperature to a small degree, firming up in the cold and softening in the warmth, but they're quick to get down and easily digested, sitting well on the stomach.

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Both flavour options, mango or pineapple, are pleasant and subtle enough to not offend the taste buds, and I didn't tire of eating multiple bars on longer rides. As a bonus, there are no added colours, flavours, preservatives or artificial sweeteners, and they are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians.

Torq Chew bars are sold in boxes of 15 and cost £27.70, or £1.85 per bar. Torq does offer a second box discount on its online shop that brings the price per bar down to £1.48. That's still on the pricey side, and it's certainly possible to buy cheaper energy bars, but they are tasty and worth a try.

Verdict

A tasty, chewy energy bar but it's not cheap