Sharkies

[Kalidurga]

I'm also a real food fan. Fig Newtons and quartered oranges are great, as is trail mix.

Though I'll admit I've gotten hooked on Sports Beans because they taste so much like Jelly Belly jelly beans...

[GLC1968]

I don't mean to pick a fight - but those of you who say you prefer "real food"...since when are fig newtons real food?

Check this out ~

Fig Newton's ingredients (not the fat free version, either):
ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), FIGS PRESERVED WITH SULFUR DIOXIDE, CORN SYRUP, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WHEY (FROM MILK), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED OIL, SALT, BAKING SODA, CALCIUM LACTATE, MALIC ACID, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER), POTASSIUM SORBATE ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.

Sharkies ingredients:
ORGANIC RICE SYRUP, ORGANIC RICE SYRUP SOLIDS, ORGANIC EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, PECTIN, ORGANIC WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE, CITRIC ACID, SEA SALT, COLORS ADDED (BLACK CARROT JUICE CONCENTRATE), NATURAL FLAVORS, ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL, CARNAUBA WAX.

Which one seems more 'real' to you?

[Kalidurga]

Which one seems more 'real' to you?

The one that at least has flour and figs in it along with all the other crap.

[shootingstar]

Hey, GLC, probably alot of us know the reality of chemicals used for food preservation. Often unavoidable especially for food portability or if unrefrigerated.

I guess for myself I just stick to fruit, a sandwich (or part of one), natural fruit juices, ice cream (not so bad if ride is long), etc. to replenish my energy.

I'm also cheap. At this time in life, we can't afford to experiment with these energy gels, etc. I also want to keep life simple and some of these foods, require more experimentation. I'd rather experiment with different cuisines...alot more to explore there!

And the way how I replenish my food energy on rides hasn't hurt me from the standpoint of maintaining my weight. But maybe it doesn't work for some folks.

[GLC1968]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't care if people choose to eat fig newtons! Everyone is free to make their own choices.

I just picked up a distinct disdain for anyone who chooses Sharkies because they are not 'real' food and I wanted to point out that in fact, they are quite real.

That is often the case here and maybe I am more sensitive to this because I find I have to catch myself often in real life. It's great to choose organic, home grown, local, sustainable, etc when we eat. It's something entirely different to turn our noses up at someone (or worse, to 'correct' them) for wanting to drink Coke or eat Power bars.

[ny biker]

I can't eat solid food during most long bikes. My stomach can't tolerate it. Just looking at it makes me sick and I can't force myself to choke it down. So my choices are have the Gu or stay home.

[Kalidurga]

Speaking only for myself, I think my distinction is between "real food" having at least marginal (imaginary?) nutritional value, vs. something that bears more similarity to candy (like gummies, jelly beans, etc).

[redrhodie]

When I need a fig bar, I go for a Fig Newman.

http://www.newmansownorganics.com/funfacts3.html

I don't usually eat on the bike, though, so even the Fig Newmans are a once in a blue moon treat.

[katluvr]

So what if I LIKE gels?
Actaully I don't really like gels--I ONLY LOVE Chocolate GU! It is like eating a packet of fudge choc icing (when it is cool) or warm, melted chocolate (when it is warm). It is kinda like a treat.

I, too, prefer "real" food like subtances for longer rides. But a chocolate gu gets me going mid ride!

(Ok, off topic, I know. But not all gel's makes one gag! )

Oh and while I am kinda off topci...there is this one organized bike trail ride I do and the volunteers make these wonderful treats:
oreo, with peanut butter on top, then a slice of banna and 1 little raisin to top it off. OMG they are delicious. What a treat! I swear one day I'll start a little resturant/brew pub with a bike theme and you'll find that little treat on the dessert menu!

[nscrbug]

I'm a fan of Sharkies...along with all the other "chews" out there - Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, Honey Stinger, GU Chomps, etc.) I like the portability of them, plus they hold up well in the heat (no melting or getting soggy). My favorite is the Honey Stinger chews...they don't stick to your teeth like the others do sometimes. But I keep a stash of all of them on hand and use them religiously on long rides. I also like the "mini" Clif Bars, too. They fit nicely into my bento box, and at 100 calories each...are perfect for me to replenish calories.

[sarahspins]

I'm a fan of Sharkies...along with all the other "chews" out there - Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, Honey Stinger, GU Chomps, etc.) I like the portability of them, plus they hold up well in the heat (no melting or getting soggy).

Ditto this... anything "solid" really upsets my stomach because it just sits there on a ride... especially if I am drinking a lot too - not fun! But gels, gummies, and similar don't bother me much at all.

I personally prefer something that has ingredients that aren't just chemicals... and with fewer preservatives, even if it's form equates it to little more than 'candy' to most.

[Jolt]

I don't mean to pick a fight - but those of you who say you prefer "real food"...since when are fig newtons real food?

Check this out ~

Fig Newton's ingredients (not the fat free version, either):
ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), FIGS PRESERVED WITH SULFUR DIOXIDE, CORN SYRUP, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WHEY (FROM MILK), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED OIL, SALT, BAKING SODA, CALCIUM LACTATE, MALIC ACID, SOY LECITHIN (EMULSIFIER), POTASSIUM SORBATE ADDED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.

Sharkies ingredients:
ORGANIC RICE SYRUP, ORGANIC RICE SYRUP SOLIDS, ORGANIC EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, PECTIN, ORGANIC WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE, CITRIC ACID, SEA SALT, COLORS ADDED (BLACK CARROT JUICE CONCENTRATE), NATURAL FLAVORS, ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL, CARNAUBA WAX.

Which one seems more 'real' to you?

I was thinking the same thing about the Fig Newtons! As far as the convenience issue relating to real food, wouldn't trail mix/dried fruit work well as far as being real food that can be stored in a drawer and ready to grab and go?