The cost of energy chews can really add up, especially if your training for a big race or doing regular endurance workouts. So I started making my own. I love that I can customise them depending on what workout or training I’m doing and can make them my favorite flavors. In the video below today I’m making Orange & Lemon Energy Chews.
This recipe is super easy! Just take the following:
- 1/2 Cup Orange & Lemon Juice
- 75g Brown Rice Syrup
- 15g Gelatine (1.5 tablespoons)
Add them all together into a small saucepan and heat them on medium to high heat. Let the mixture boil for 1-2 minutes while stirring and then take it off the heat. Pour the mix into a mould or like me use a silicon baking tray and then cut into cubes once set. Leave in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until the mix becomes solid. Cut into portions and your ready to go!
So what is gelatine and why do we use it in our homemade chews?
Well we use gelatin to give the chew its consistency but gelatine actually has a range of health benefits. So much so that its even included by some vegetarians as a source of protein in their diet. That’s because gelatin is made from all the bits of the cow that aren’t otherwise usually used. Basically it’s dehydrated bone broth powder made up of bones, cartilage, collagen and minerals and has some great health benefits similar to those of the ever more and more popular bone broth. Don’t have time to make bone broth, gelatine doesn’t really have a taste and so can be added to hot drinks and taken that way. Traditional diets were very high in gelatin as people regularly ate bones & cartilage with their meat.
Gelatin can:
- Support skin, hair and nail growth
- Is great for you joints and can help improve cellulite
- Can improve digestion and is a great source of dietary collagen
- Is a source of protein
Not all gelatin is created equal however so try and go for a grass fed or organic brand such as this one.
Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite way to use gelatin or if you have started making bone broth. I would also love to hear how you went with the recipe!
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Hi Karen,
Thanks for your video. The chews look great!
Just a question. I am vegetarian and I stay away from gelatine and animal products in general.
Is there another product that you can suggest to use instead?
Thanks
Hi Nicole
I would use agar powder instead. Its made from an algae and I add a little more information on how to use it in this video http://realenergyfood.com/kiwi-fruit-vegan-energy-chews/. You need a lot less agar powder to get the same consistency though, try about 1/2 teaspoon of agar in place of the gelatine for the recipe above. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi Karen,
Thanks for sharing the energy chew recipe, I’m going to attempt them tonight. I’m curious, how long they can be out of the fridge? Also, how do you wrap them for easy use on the trails?
Thanks
Hi Cyndi
I have them out of the fridge most of the day when I take them out mountain biking, I usually take them out of the fridge in the morning and sometimes don’t eat them until the afternoon and they are still fine. I actually just put a few in a small zip lock bag or sometimes just wrap them in some glad wrap.
Hope that helps 🙂