provided by Quantum

With their real-food approach and natural caffeine, Quantum Energy Squares are a nod to sports nutrition before the days of complicated ingredients and formulas. As one of the newer bars on the scene and now selected as the official energy bar for all U.S. IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events in 2020, Quantum is charging into the triathlon world armed with plant-based nutrition that provides clean, slow-burn energy.

If you’re planning on hitting any start lines next year where Quantum squares will be served road-side, or even if you’re just looking for something new to hide in your desk, read on for the low-down on why these bars are tough to beat.

Natural caffeine

Whether you choose to use it in training and racing yourself, caffeine has long been studied for its performance-enhancing attributes. Anyone who likes a regular cup of Joe in the morning doesn’t need a study to tell them about caffeine’s benefits, but let’s spell out a few.

In a white paper for Quantum by Doctor Bob Murray Ph.D, Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and former director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), entitled The Scientific Rationale Behind Combining Caffeine and Macronutrients for Sustained Energy Delivery Required in Endurance Sports, Murray says that while there is variability in responses to caffeine, “it is abundantly clear that caffeine ingestion is associated with ergogenic benefits in most people”. Physically, caffeine has been found to increase the ability of muscles to contract harder for longer, thereby improving endurance performance. It also has been shown to reduce the perception of pain and perceived exertion.

But the benefits don’t end there. Research has shown that caffeine contributes to an increased sense of energy, focus, and alertness. Anyone who’s raced an IRONMAN knows that an extra mental boost–especially come mile 20 of the marathon–goes a long way.

Hello slow-burn energy, goodbye jitters

A unique attribute of Quantum Energy Squares is the intent that caffeine delivery into the bloodstream be slower thanks to the macronutrient content of the bars (complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, plant proteins). Science suggests this can help ensure that plasma caffeine concentrations are maintained for longer, a benefit that could be described as “sustained energy by design” (when caffeine is consumed in a liquid, capsule, or in chewing gum, there is a rapid rise in blood caffeine levels, which some call the “jitters,” often followed by a caffeine “crash”). An additional intent of Quantum Energy Squares is to prolong the positive effects of caffeine on focus, alertness, and performance by slowing its entry into the blood.

Why green coffee?

Though the amounts of caffeine remain the same, green or unroasted coffee beans contain a variety of natural compounds that include polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid (CGA). Some studies of daily CGA consumption in humans have reported benefits to weight loss, blood sugar control, inflammation, and blood pressure.

The real good fats

Move over, avocado—Quantum packs their bars with nuts, grains, and seeds that boast healthy fat profiles that would be the envy of most salads. Almonds, peanuts, organic quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut in the bars provide just the right type of mono- and polyunsaturated fats endurance athletes (or anyone looking to follow a healthier diet) should look for.

Scared of fat? Don’t forget that the fat we consume is an important energy source both when we’re pounding out intervals on the trainer, or recovering with our favorite Netflix show. Fatty acids from the foods we eat and from the fat we store is metabolized (oxidized) by our active muscles to provide the fuel (ATP) required to sustain muscle contractions during exercise. Basically, if you’re training for anything, healthy fat can help you meet your daily caloric needs.

Still crazy for carbs

Despite popular fad diets, experienced athletes, coaches, and nutritionists know that endurance athletes must fuel their workouts and recovery with good old-fashioned carbohydrates. But we’re not talking potato chips and beer. The 20 grams of carbs in each Quantum Energy Square is derived from organic quinoa, dates, chia seeds, organic agave, and organic, dairy-free dark chocolate, ingredients that offer both simple and complex carbohydrates. This means we get that quick hit of energy we need during training and racing, but also the kind that are absorbed more slowly, help us feel full longer, and can be used later in the race or session when needed.

Give peas a chance

As if organic green coffee, complex carbs and healthy fats weren’t enough, Quantum throws in easily-digested, plant-based protein to round out the incredible benefits of these bars. As one of the foundational macronutrients we need in our daily diet, protein supports the repair of muscle tissue after it’s broken down during training, plus it serves as an important fuel source during endurance events, avoiding tissue cannibalization as glycogen stores get depleted. The 10 grams of plant protein found in Quantum Energy Squares is derived from peas, pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, and quinoa. Not only will these bars fuel and energize you to the finish line, they’ll help you recover better for your next race.

Healthy, slow-burn fuel from the official on-course bar

Look for Quantum Energy Squares on IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 courses in the U.S. through 2020. They are available in three flavors: Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (not on course due to peanut allergies), Caffe Mocha Almond Chip, and Coconut Almond Chip. Each 1.69-oz (48-g) bar contains 200-220 kcal, 19-21 grams carbohydrate (including 11 grams sugar), 10 grams protein, 10-12 grams fat, 26-47 milligrams calcium, 1-3 mg iron, 205-239 milligrams potassium, and 100 milligrams of caffeine from organic green coffee (similar to the caffeine content of an espresso shot). In addition, the bars are 100 percent vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified Gluten-Free, certified Kosher, dairy-free and soy-free.