Kelsey HigginsonSports Nutrition Coach and Founder at Clutch Day Coaching

Should you eat skittles as an athlete?

20 Nov 2025 · 1 min

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0:35

In this brief spoken segment, the speaker explains that the sugar in Gatorade and Skittles is chemically identical, but Gatorade includes added salt that helps prevent muscle cramps. While applesauce or honey sticks are preferred quick-carbohydrate sources for athletes, the speaker acknowledges that if Skittles are the only option available during a game, they are better than nothing. The discussion also references common marathon fueling practices such as gummy bears and energy gels, emphasizing that these provide rapid carbs that replenish muscle glycogen. Overall, the speaker offers practical, coach‑style recommendations for mid‑game or endurance fueling, highlighting the importance of both carbohydrate and electrolyte intake.

Chapters

The sugar in Gatorade is the exact same as the sugar in Skittles. Gatorade gives you a little bit more salt, which keeps you from cramping. Is that the best? I'd probably tell you do an applesauce over Skittles. But if Skittles are the only thing you're gonna eat during the game, then that's better than nothing. You'll see a lot of runners do that. Like when they're running marathons, you'll see them eat gummy bears or gels. That is just like quick carbs that get right into those muscle tanks and keep you going. If I was coaching you, I'd say, "Let's try some applesauce or a honey stick." Guess you like those little honey sticks. A lot of people like those. Honey Sticks are fantastic when it comes to mid-game stuff because it doesn't make you feel gross either.