On short bike rides (anything under two hours) you are probably just fine with carbohydrate gels and/or energy drinks. However, after two hours of exercise your body needs some protein. It is very rare for me to go on a bike ride that lasts less than two hours and by the time I’ve been riding for three hours I want something that tastes and feels like real food—and Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars fit the bill perfectly. These bars are soft, full of flavor, and taste great. Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars are an all-natural energy and protein bar that are made without dairy, gluten or soy products. These bars are designed for endurance athletes (cyclists, runners, mountain climbers, etc.).
Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars
Because I am a distance cyclist I sometimes have to consume over 2,500 calories on a ride—and because I like variety I never confine myself to using just one brand of energy product. However, Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars are one of the few “must have” foods I take with me on long rides.
Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars
Bonk Breaker has two high protein bars (Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Almond Cherry Chunk). Since the Almond Cherry Chunk is my favorite I’ll give you the ingredients list for it. Ingredients: Rice Nectar (Brown Rice, Water), Almond Butter (Almonds, Sea Salt), Organic Gluten Free Oats, Honey, Non-GMO Brown Rice Protein, Bing Cherries, Dark Chocolate Chips (Cocoa, Cocoa Butter, Cane Sugar), Flaxseed Meal, Sea Salt, and Almaretto Flavor.
One 2.2-ounce Almond Cherry Chunk Bonk Breaker High Protein Bar has 245 calories (90 from fat) and has 15 grams of protein. Each bar also contains 140mg of sodium, 100mg of potassium, 24g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber.
Bonk Breaker High Protein Energy Bars retail for $33 for a box of 12 and if your local bike shop does not have them in stock I am sure they can order them for you. You can also order these bars from the Bonk Breaker Online Store and other online retailers, such as Amazon.com, REI, and Colorado Cyclist. By the way, Bonk Breaker is the official energy, protein and nutritional bar of USA Cycling and the USA Cycling Team.
Southern Girl on a Mission
August 3, 2013 at 1:54 PM
Had one today because we rode for almost three hours. I actually prefer them over Clif bars.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 3, 2013 at 9:38 PM
I’ve used Clif Bars for many years and still like them — but Bonk Breakers do taste better!
Sandra
August 3, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Do they just have two flavors?
The cherry/chocolate version sounds phenomenal.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 3, 2013 at 9:40 PM
They only have two in the “high protein” bars (15g per bar), but they have a lot of other flavors in the regular bars (7g protein per bar). The Almond Cherry Chunk is FANTASTIC!
Sandra
August 3, 2013 at 9:52 PM
Thanks for the tip’. I so love your blog!
All Seasons Cyclist
August 3, 2013 at 11:02 PM
Thank you so much!
Lisa
August 3, 2013 at 3:15 PM
I’ve taken these on more than one long ride or run. And Adventure races. Fig flavor.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 3, 2013 at 9:40 PM
These go on every long ride I take!
oneluckiegirl
August 3, 2013 at 8:06 PM
I agree with Lisa, these are definitely one of my “must haves” in my bento box, or the pocket of my bike jersey! What I especially like is they sit well in my gut! Nothing worse than having all the blood diverted to your gut when you need the oxygenation in your legs!!!
All Seasons Cyclist
August 3, 2013 at 9:42 PM
I had to look up “bento box” (I am a guy after all). You are so right about he nightmare of having blood diverted to the stomach during exercise — really can ruin the day.
Colin's Blog
August 4, 2013 at 2:51 AM
I think these bars sound great, but they are a bit pricey for me. Do you have any recommendations for folk on a budget? At the moment, I consume sardines and lots of lucozade whilst on long cycle rides. I tend to get belly ache though…
All Seasons Cyclist
August 4, 2013 at 4:49 PM
My three favorite “low budget” cycling food: Fig bars, raisins, and bananas. The all provide the sugar you need and are fairly easy to carry with you on a ride.
Colin's Blog
August 5, 2013 at 1:21 AM
Thanks for the tip. I’ll give these a try
DummyDiva
August 4, 2013 at 12:42 PM
I tried these earlier in the summer and did not like them. Though they come in a variety of flavors, they all tasted the same to me. It’s not that they taste that bad, it’s more like no taste. )-:
All Seasons Cyclist
August 4, 2013 at 4:50 PM
I guess no food is ever going to satisfy everyone — but I like this bars a lot better than most — they are moist and provide a good shot of protein.
Dante
August 5, 2013 at 2:28 AM
This looks like what I need after a long ride. Looks like a very tasty power bar…Thanks for posting. I will buy some indeed.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 5, 2013 at 5:53 PM
This is a tasty bar indeed! Please let me know what you think of them after you’ve had a couple.
whybike
August 5, 2013 at 1:27 PM
I just tried these for the first time this weekend – a friend threw me one before the ride. I love that they are very easy to chew (a lot easier than Clif bars). We had the blueberry oat and it was really tasty!
I think my friend picked them up because they are gluten and dairy free – which is always a plus.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 5, 2013 at 5:55 PM
You must have good friends! The Blueberry Oat is one of my favorite bars (its really hard to beat the Almond Cherry Chunk though).
Gina
August 5, 2013 at 4:28 PM
I love these. They’re my go-to.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 5, 2013 at 5:55 PM
Great to hear! The local bike shop sells a lot of these bars!
Gina
August 5, 2013 at 6:05 PM
If I remember correctly, you’re a fan of coffee flavor? You should DEFINITELY try their Espresso Chip. It’s not high-protein, but it is pretty darn good!
All Seasons Cyclist
August 5, 2013 at 6:11 PM
Sorry, I am not a coffee fan (but I did mention a coffee flavored bar the other day). I decided to not start drinking coffee until I grow up (and my wife said I still have a ways to go).
meixneram
August 5, 2013 at 7:45 PM
love the peanut butter flavor
All Seasons Cyclist
August 5, 2013 at 8:41 PM
You can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter!
Joboo
August 6, 2013 at 7:25 AM
Interesting, never heard of these, thanks for sharing!!
I’ve always liked Clif bars or Gu’s for longer rides. I may just have to try these!!
Thanks again!!
Pedal On!!
Peace
All Seasons Cyclist
August 6, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Joboo — as an added bonus, Bonk Breaker Bars are easier to eat than the Clif Bars when they are nearly frozen (some people won’t understand, but I am sure you do!)
Steve
September 11, 2013 at 9:36 AM
I love the Bonk Breakers, too. Almond Cherry Chunk is delicious, the chocolate in it doesn’t get too melty, and even in scorching heat when my appetite isn’t as high, they taste great and digest well.
I’m glad that you mentioned that you can order them from your local bike shop. With the convenience of online retailers, it’s easy to forget that almost every item can be delivered to your LBS. Not only do they get the business, you can pick up the package at your convenience.
Also, another one that is easy to eat when frozen is the Hammer Nutrition Cashew Coconut Chocolate Chip bar. This one, however, will bring back childhood memories of messy, melted chocolate bars if you bring it along on a hot ride.
Thanks for all the work you put into your great site!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 11, 2013 at 10:06 PM
The Almond Cherry Chunk Bonk Breaker is my favorite flavor! However, I’ve not tried the Hammer bars — I will have to look for them since I love their gels!