Top 5 cycling drinks
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When you’re working hard and sweating plenty, on-bike hydration is essential. Whether you use energy drinks as part of your refuelling strategy or just want low-calorie drinks for hydration only is up to you, but these are five of our favourite thirst quenchers for cycling.
1. High5 Energy Drink - 12x 47g Sachet Pack
High tech
Review
High Five Energy Source is one of the new generation of drinks to use a ratio of fructose and glucose in the ration 2:1. Research has shown that this magic blend lets you take on around 50% more carbs per hour – and more carbs means more fuel in your muscles.
This extra fuel boost makes it an ideal option for really long, hard rides where you’re placing a high demand on your body. Although it’s primarily for fuel, it’s electrolyte balanced too, so is also effective for hydration.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £14.99 |
| Servings per pack | 12 |
| Calories per serving | 188cal/50g |
| Cost per serving | 98p |
| Best for | Long distance |
| Type | Hydration and energy |
2. High5 Zero Hydration Tablets
Review
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £62.99 |
| Price | £40.26 |
| Servings | 160 (8x20) |
| Flavours | Berry, citrus, natural, cherry, orange, grapefruit |
| Contains caffeine? | No |
| Contains electrolytes? | Yes |
| Best for... | Avoiding cramp |
| Type | Drink |
3. SiS GO Electrolyte Drink Powder - 1.6 Kg Tub
High tech
Review
The SiS Go Electrolyte tub contains a whopping 40 portions when made up into 500ml servings. Even though the large quantity seems costly at first glance, this makes it pretty good value for a drink offering both hydration and energy.
Sis Go Electrolyte has 146 calories in a 40g serving which mixes up to 500ml of drink. This means a couple of bottles should keep you moving for about an hour of cycling. Not only does it have sodium to promote a healthy electrolyte balance and replace what you lose in sweat, it also encourages you to drink more.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £31.99 |
| Servings per pack | 40 |
| Calories per serving | 146cal/40g |
| Cost per serving | 51p |
| Type | Hydration and energy |
| Best for | Mixed use |
4. CNP Elite Pre Boost
Pro Level
Review
Elite Pre Boost is a bit different from other energy and hydration drinks as it’s designed for drinking before you actually head out on the bike. It has a modest amount of calories provided by a 5:1 maltodextrin-fructose mix to get you nicely topped up for a workout.
Pre Boost is also packed with lots of other goodies like pine bark extract and arginine aspartate which it says can help increase blood flow and oxygen supply to your muscles. It also says some people might feel ‘tingly’ from the beta alanine – you decide whether that’s a positive.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £24.99 |
| Servings per pack | 16 |
| Calories per serving | 62cal/19g serving |
| Cost per serving | £1.35 |
| Type | Pre-ride energy |
| Best for | Preparation |
5. Nuun Active Hydration Tabs
Review
Nuun Active tabs are great little servings to give your hydration a boost without adding calories. With just six calories per tab, these go straight in your water bottle for a great-tasting and refreshing top-up. The neat little plastic tube is really convenient for carrying with you too.
At just 50p a serving these are really cost effective, but as they contain minimal calories you will need to refuel from a different source. This is ideal if you prefer to get your energy from something substantial tasting, like an energy bar.
| Quick Look | |
|---|---|
| Price | £0.00 |
| Servings per pack | 12 |
| Calories per serving | 6cal/500ml |
| Cost per serving | 50p |
| Type | Hydration |
| Best for | Ease of use |