Which product best replaces energy and sweat loss?
Torq Energy£37.95 (for 1.5kg)
Carbohydrates per serving 30g per 500ml Carb ratio 2:1 maltodextrin to fructose Electrolytes Yes Flavours Orange, Lemon, Lime & lemon, Pink grapefruit, Blackcurrant, Vanilla pod, Cola caffeine, Organic flavourless
Per 500ml serving, Torq Energy is among the best-value and pleasantly drinkable energy drinks around. Despite the large bag with black-heavy branding that doesn’t exactly scream ‘natural’, there are no artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours. The idea with Torq is that you use the drink as part of the brand’s ‘Torq’ energy unit system. One 30g/500ml bottle is one unit, which you can top up with gels, bars or chews to add up to three units, or 90g carbs. Well-trained cyclists might need this much on rides of two hours or more (less fit riders need less – no more than 60g up to four hours – as they’re less powerful). You can scan the QR code on the package to check out the peer-reviewed studies Torq says corroborate the efficacy of the product. It has a tasty flavour (I reviewed Lime & lemon here, but have also sampled others), yet is light enough that I didn’t feel the need to swig water as well. There’s also a cola flavour with caffeine, should you want an extra kick. Ashley Quinlan
OTE Energy Drink£32.50 (for 1.2kg)
Carbohydrates per serving 40g per 500ml Carb ratio 2:1 maltodextrin to fructose Electrolytes Yes Flavours Neutral, Orange, Lemon & lime, Blackcurrant
I found that OTE Energy Mix works well for moderate exercise and is easy on the stomach. It uses a 2:1 blend of maltodextrin and fructose – 40g per 500ml serving – to provide the necessary carbs to see you through ‘40-60 minutes of moderate to intense exercise’ according to OTE. This is within the 30-60g per hour general recommendation for carbohydrate intake. It doesn’t have specific Informed Sport certification (albeit OTE says it’s produced in a factory that does) to reassure you of its quality and that it doesn’t contain banned substances, but it does offer a genuinely neutral-tasting option as well as its fruity flavours. It’s also pH neutral to be gentler on the stomach and is free from
