These Healthy Snacks Will Actually Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For optimal performance, nutritious fuel is of utmost importance for athletes like us. It’s key to consume nutrient-dense foods, ones that have the right amount of carbs, fat, protein, and electrolytes to help you power through a challenging ride, explains Leslie Bonci, MHP, RD, CSSD, LDN, a nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs and Carnegie Mellon University athletics, and author of Bike Your Butt Off. “Energy-dense foods that provide enough calories with minimal volume, such as dried fruit bites or bars, that are not low-carb, can provide the energy needed to fuel a ride or refuel post-ride,” she says.

But with all that cycling comes frequent excessive caloric burn, leading to the need for replenishment, as well as the ability to indulge every once in a while. If you have a sweet tooth, need some quick energy during a ride, or want something to replenish with after a tough climb, we’ve rounded up some healthy sweet snacks to enjoy both on and off the bike.