Fuel Buzz: Fig and Dark Chocolate Bites

If you enjoy Fig Newtons, then you’ll be a fan of these bite-sized fig bars by Enduro Bites.

High in carbohydrates, figs are a great source of sustained energy, and are often overlooked when it comes to pre- and mid-race fueling. For those who may not enjoy eating bananas, figs are a solid alternative in terms of nourishing the body with essential vitamins such as calcium and potassium, which help with muscle function and bone density. They’re also extremely fibrous—attributing to lower cholesterol, but more frequent bathroom stops. Thus, consume with caution.

An individual square “bite” in an Enduro Bites package (there’s 4 bites total) contains 100 calories with 19 grams of carbohydrates. Instead of compacting all 4 bites into a single 400-calorie bar though, the squares are designed for steadier fuel customization. Our testers found that consuming one to two squares before or during a 45- to 60-minute run provided sufficient energy (plus one for after as a post-run dessert).

Unlike Fig Newton cookies, Enduro Bites consist of all-natural, gluten-free ingredients including rice flower, honey, oat bran, coconut oil, vanilla extract, etc. The 70 percent organic dark chocolate also enhances the natural sweetness of the figs, making for a delectable snack regardless of a training run.

A single package costs $4.99 and can be purchased at The Feed. An Enduro Bites Chocolate variety pack is also available for $53.99 on the Enduro Bites website.