Carbs are one of the three macronutrients (along with protein and fat) and are the body’s preferred source of energy. Carbs are broken down into glucose, which is then used by the muscles for energy.
During exercise, the body will burn through its glycogen (stored glucose) stores and will need to replenish those stores in order to maintain performance. That’s why carbs are so important for athletes – they provide the energy needed to perform at a high level.
There are two main types of carbs – simple and complex. Simple carbs are made up of simple sugars and are found in foods like candy, soda, and fruit. Complex carbs are made up of longer chains of sugars and are found in foods like rice, pasta, and bread.
Complex carbs are generally better for athletes because they provide a more sustained release of energy.
The amount of carbs an athlete needs depends on a number of factors, including the type of sport, intensity of training, and body composition. Generally, athletes need to consume more carbs than sedentary people in order to support their training.
The best way to determine how many carbs you need is to experiment and see how your body responds.
20 Best Carbs For Athletes
Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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Mikuni VM38-9 Round Slide VM Series Carburetor – 38mm Carburetor |
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Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar, Great Tasting High Protein and Low Carb Snack, Caramel Chaos, (Pack of 12) |
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Jet Performance 35002 Rochester Quadrajet Stage 2 Carburetor |
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Gatorade Whey Protein Bar Mint Chocolate Crunch – 12 Pack |
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Palmini Low Carb Rice | 4G of Carbs, Hearts of Palm Rice,14 Ounce (Pack of 3) |
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Gatorade Whey Protein Bar Chocolate Chip – 12 Pack |
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Clif Shot – Energy Gels – Vanilla Flavor – Non-GMO – Non-Caffeinated – Fast Carbs for Energy – High Performance & Endurance – Fast Fuel for Cycling |
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NutraBio – Super Carb Raspberry Lemonade |
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Quest Nutrition Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars |
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5% Nutrition | Real Carbs 60 Servings – Blueberry Cobbler |
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5% Nutrition | Real Carbs + Protein 22 Servings – Banana Nut Bread |
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Bare Performance Nutrition G.1.M Sport Endurance Formula (25 Servings, Lemon Lime … |
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Universal Nutrition Carb Max – 30 Servings Unflavored |
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New Palmini Low Carb Pasta | 4G of Carbs | As Seen on Shark Tank | 1 Unit Pouch |
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Universal Carbo Plus Dietary Supplement, High-Performance and Endurance, Natural Flavor – 2.2 lb |
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Natrol Carb Intercept, White Kidney Bean, Phase 2, Capsules – 60 capsules |
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Maurten Gel 100 – Case of 12 |
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Maurten Drink Mix 320 Box of 14 |
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Rebel Ice Cream, Mint Chip – one pint (473 ml) |
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- Bore Size : 38mm
- Spigot Mount : 43mm
- Main Jet : 330
- Caramel Chaos
- Includes all features of Stage 1 Q-jet
- Offers improved idle quality as well as instant throttle response
- Offers maximum torque and horsepower
- 14 Ounce (Pack Of 3)
- Your performance will be anything but vanilla with this sweet + smooth shot at your side.
- DESIGNED BY ATHLETES FOR ATHLETES: CLIF SHOT Energy Gel provides quick energy for training and racing.
- Contains: Almonds, Milk
- May Contain: Eggs, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Soy, Peanuts
- Consistency: Chewy
- Hydrating and improving the performance of your training session
- Full electrolyte profile to replenish what is lost during training
- Vegetarian, Keto, Paleo, Gluten Free, Sugar Free. can fit seamlessly into every diet and are suitable for children!
- Low in calories rich in fibre and minerals.
- Description
- Dietary Supplement
- Scientifically-Balanced 100% Pure Complex Carbohydrates
- Helps reduce the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates by up to 66%.
- Promotes healthy body weight.
- Reduces the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches.
- Hydrogel technology helps in absorbing the carbohydrates easily in your intestine
- Enhance your athletic performance with this power boosting gel
- Maurten’s Drink Mix 320 is the endurance sports drink mix for your hardest efforts.
- Mix contents of each packet with 500 ml of water.
1. Mikuni VM38-9 Round Slide VM Series Carburetor – 38mm Carburetor
- Bore Size : 38mm
- Spigot Mount : 43mm
- Main Jet : 330
- Pilot Jet : 30
- Needle Jet : Q-2
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Autoplicity.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Bore Size | 38mm |
Spigot Mount | 43mm |
Main Jet | 330 |
Throttle Valve | 2.5 |
Reviews From Real Customers
2. Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar, Great Tasting High Protein and Low Carb Snack, Caramel Chaos, (Pack of 12)
- Caramel Chaos
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Amazon.com – Seller | |
Grocery.com Store |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 6 x 2.25 inches; 1.59 Pounds |
Number of Pieces | 12 |
Protein | 23 Grams |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.5 x 6 x 2.25 inches |
Reviews From Real Customers
3. Jet Performance 35002 Rochester Quadrajet Stage 2 Carburetor
- Includes all features of Stage 1 Q-jet
- Offers improved idle quality as well as instant throttle response
- Offers maximum torque and horsepower
- Consists of high speed circuits
- Easy to install and use
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Amazon.com | |
eBay | |
Automotive Stuff | |
Autoplicity.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Length | 14 in |
Height | 14 in |
Width | 10 in |
Weight | 14 lb |
Reviews From Real Customers
4. Gatorade Whey Protein Bar Mint Chocolate Crunch – 12 Pack
- 12 Count (Pack Of 1)
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Amazon.com | |
Gatorade |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Package Dimensions | 8.66 x 7.17 x 3.27 inches; 0.03 Ounces |
Country of Origin | USA |
Protein | 20 Grams |
Protein Source | Whey |
Reviews From Real Customers
5. Palmini Low Carb Rice | 4G of Carbs, Hearts of Palm Rice,14 Ounce (Pack of 3)
- 14 Ounce (Pack Of 3)
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Walmart | |
Grocery.com Store |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Package Dimensions | 9.65 x 4.8 x 3.27 inches; 2.63 Pounds |
Unit Count | 3.00 Count |
Reviews From Real Customers
6. Gatorade Whey Protein Bar Chocolate Chip – 12 Pack
- 2.8 Ounce Bars (12 Count)
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Amazon.com | |
Gatorade | |
Vitacost.com | |
Round Eye Supply |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Weight | 3 lb |
Reviews From Real Customers
7. Clif Shot – Energy Gels – Vanilla Flavor – Non-GMO – Non-Caffeinated – Fast Carbs for Energy – High Performance & Endurance – Fast Fuel for Cycling
- Your performance will be anything but vanilla with this sweet + smooth shot at your side.
- DESIGNED BY ATHLETES FOR ATHLETES: CLIF SHOT Energy Gel provides quick energy for training and racing.
- FLAVORS YOU’LL LOVE: Available in a variety of delicious flavors.
- CUSTOMIZABLE CAFFEINE LEVELS: Available in different caffeine levels (from 0 to 100mg) to help customize your energy boost.
- CONVENIENT PACKAGING: Litter Leash top stays attached to the packaging so you can help keep our roads and trails pristine.
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Amazon.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Product Dimensions | 6.75 x 4.63 x 2.5 inches; 1.8 Pounds |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Number of Pieces | 24 |
Reviews From Real Customers
8. NutraBio – Super Carb Raspberry Lemonade
- Raspberry Lemonade
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Amazon.com – Seller | |
Health Central USA | |
iHerb | |
Discount Nutrition Shop |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Servings Per Container | 30 |
Calories | 100 |
Total Carbohydrate | 25 g |
Calcium | 95 mg |
Phosphorus | 81 mg |
9. Quest Nutrition Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
- Contains: Almonds, Milk
- May Contain: Eggs, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Soy, Peanuts
- Consistency: Chewy
- Protein Grams per Serving: 8 Grams
- State of Readiness: Ready to Eat
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Walmart | |
Quest Nutrition |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Food Serving Size Description | 1 bar |
Food Serving Size Measure | 23g |
Food Servings Per Container | 14 |
Allergens | CONTAINS: MILK, ALMONDS. PROCESSED IN A FACILITY THAT ALSO PROCESSES PEANUTS, SOY, WHEAT, AND OTHER TREE NUTS. |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Reviews From Real Customers
10. 5% Nutrition | Real Carbs 60 Servings – Blueberry Cobbler
- Blueberry Cobbler
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Amazon | |
Get Yok’d Sports Nutrition | |
Best Price Nutrition | |
IllPumpYouUp.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Digital Assistance | Contact us at anytime |
Quality Products | Top Quality and branded Products |
Secured Payments | We ensure secured payments |
Reviews From Real Customers
11. 5% Nutrition | Real Carbs + Protein 22 Servings – Banana Nut Bread
- Banana Nut Bread
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Amazon | |
5 Percent Nutrition | |
Best Price Nutrition | |
IllPumpYouUp.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Stacks | 5% Nutrition Eat Dirty Train Dirty Stack |
Reviews From Real Customers
12. Bare Performance Nutrition G.1.M Sport Endurance Formula (25 Servings, Lemon Lime …
- Hydrating and improving the performance of your training session
- Full electrolyte profile to replenish what is lost during training
- Supports endurance training by improving training time and reducing fatigue
Check Latest Price
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Amazon | |
Bare Performance Nutrition | |
Bicycle World | |
Rogue Fitness |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Vitamin u0026 Supplement Type | Carb |
13. Universal Nutrition Carb Max – 30 Servings Unflavored
- Unflavored
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eBay – forzasports | |
Walmart | |
Best Price Nutrition |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Multipack Quantity | 1 |
Body Part | Body |
Assembled Product Weight | 1.615 oz |
14. New Palmini Low Carb Pasta | 4G of Carbs | As Seen on Shark Tank | 1 Unit Pouch
- Vegetarian, Keto, Paleo, Gluten Free, Sugar Free. can fit seamlessly into every diet and are suitable for children!
- Low in calories rich in fibre and minerals.
- Drain and Rinse with plenty of water with a colander to remove the naturally pronounced smell of heart of palm.
- One packet contains 338g (drained weight 227g).
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Fred Meyer | |
Vegan Black Market |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Food Serving Size Measure | 75g |
Food Servings Per Container | 3 |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Nitrite Free |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Fat Free |
Reviews From Real Customers
15. Universal Carbo Plus Dietary Supplement, High-Performance and Endurance, Natural Flavor – 2.2 lb
- Description
- Dietary Supplement
- Scientifically-Balanced 100% Pure Complex Carbohydrates
- Suggested Use
- Other Ingredients
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AllStarHealth.com | |
Netrition.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Units in Package | 1 |
Unit Size | 2.2 lb |
Directions | Slowly blend 1/2 cup of Carbo Plus into 8 ounces of water, juice, milk or beverage of your choice. For best results use at least twice daily. One serving should be consumed within 2 hours after completion of your training or competition. |
Ingredients | Other Ingredients: 100% Pure High Performance Complex Carbohydrates (Consisting of Granulated Medium Length Complex Carbohydrates (Glucose Polymers) Extracted from Premium Grain Sources and Maltodextrin.) |
Warnings | Please consult your physician before starting any exercise or nutritional program. If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia or are under a physician’s care for any reason, please consult your physician before using this product. Use this product as a supplement to your normal diet, not as a sole source of nutrition. Keep out of reach of children. Store bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, moisture and sunlight. |
16. Natrol Carb Intercept, White Kidney Bean, Phase 2, Capsules – 60 capsules
- Helps reduce the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates by up to 66%.
- Promotes healthy body weight.
- Reduces the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches.
- Helps the body digest carbohydrate, fat and protein for energy.
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Natrol | |
Swanson Health Products |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Ingredients | OTHER INGREDIENTS: GELATIN, WATER, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, SILICA, MALTODEXTRIN, GUM ARABIC. |
Other Information | MANUFACTURED BY NATROL LLC CHATSWORTH, CA 91311, USA |
Warnings | CONTAINS: MILK, SOY. |
Food Facts | Shell Fish Free |
Food Facts | No Added Sugar |
Reviews From Real Customers
17. Maurten Gel 100 – Case of 12
- Hydrogel technology helps in absorbing the carbohydrates easily in your intestine
- Enhance your athletic performance with this power boosting gel
- The gel formulation makes it convenient to consume
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eBay – runningfanatic | |
Maurten | |
The Feed | |
Bikeinn.com |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Product Type | Sports nutrition |
Technology | Hydrogel |
Product Form | Gel |
Purpose | Energy boost |
Flavor | Unflavored |
18. Maurten Drink Mix 320 Box of 14
- Maurten’s Drink Mix 320 is the endurance sports drink mix for your hardest efforts.
- Mix contents of each packet with 500 ml of water.
- Shake well to dissolve.
- Drink just before, during or directly after activity.
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The Feed | |
Maurten | |
Portland Running Company |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Total Fat 0g | 0% |
Sodium 500mg | 21% |
Total Carb 79g | 27% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
Calcium | 0% |
Potassium | 0% |
19. Rebel Ice Cream, Mint Chip – one pint (473 ml)
- Mint
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Walmart | |
Target | |
Fred Meyer |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Food Serving Size Measure | 71g |
Food Servings Per Container | 4 |
Allergens | CONTAINS: MILK, EGG, COCONUT |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Low Carb |
Derived Nutrition Claim | Soy Free |
Reviews From Real Customers
20. 5% Nutrition | Freak Show 180C
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My Supplement Store | |
Nuhealth Supplement Hamburg |
Product Details
Specifications
Details | |
Serving Size | 6 Capsules |
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Conclusion
Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient for athletes. They are the body’s main source of fuel and are necessary for optimal performance. Athletes need to consume enough carbohydrates to meet their energy needs and to replenish glycogen stores.
There are a variety of carbohydrate-containing foods that can be part of an athlete’s diet, including breads, cereals, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The type and amount of carbohydrates that an athlete consumes will depend on their individual energy needs and training goals.
The bottom line is that carbohydrates are an essential part of an athlete’s diet and are necessary for optimal performance. Athletes need to consume enough carbohydrates to meet their energy needs and to replenish glycogen stores.