Written by David Guest

Effective and potent, TORQ energy bars come in a wide range of often unusual flavours that don’t sit too heavy on your stomach.

What they say: TORQ bar has been formulated to be ultra high in carbohydrate, very low in fat and with ingredients wide-ranging in glycaemic index.

What it is: Finding an efficient fuelling method to suit your riding is perhaps one of the most important and underrated things you can do as a cyclist. It’s vital to know what works for you and your routine. Thankfully there are plenty of choices available – including these energy bars from relatively new name on the scene TORQ.

One problem many have with energy bars is that they are too sweet and sickly for you to eat at times when you feel like you are in need of an energy boost. That’s one of the key selling points of TORQ. The bars don’t feel as stodgy or chewy as others on the market and are also available in some interesting and often pleasantly surprising flavours including: raspberry and apple, tangy apricot and our personal favourite pineapple and ginger. The company’s own description describes them as just as at home with a cup of tea as out on a ride – perfect!

There is just a little over one gram of fat in each bar and over 45 grams of carbohydrate, making them ideal for giving you a speedy energy boost to prevent the dreaded bonk.

In our testing, we found the bars to deliver an energy hit within only around five minutes of consumption and even a quarter or half a bar is enough to perk you up when you are feeling a bit of a drag.

One final benefit is that the bars are approved by Fair Trade – a nice touch for the ethical cyclists among us.

Who it’s good for: Perfect to keep on your person in case of a mid-commute bonk, for a sportive or longer weekend ride. A smart alternative to some other bars out there.