Shop Carbohydrate Supplements at Myprotein
Carbohydrates are one of the three essential macronutrients your body needs, alongside protein and fat. They're found naturally in foods like oats, rice, and fruit, but carbohydrate supplements offer a convenient way to increase your intake when whole foods aren't practical. Whether you're fuelling intense training sessions or simply looking to meet your daily energy needs, carb supplements come in various forms to suit different lifestyles and goals.
From instant oats and pancake mixes to weight gainers and flapjacks, our range of carbohydrate products makes it easy to add quality carbs to your routine. These supplements are designed for flexibility, whether you need a quick shake between meals, a post-workout option, or a satisfying snack that fits your macros.
Who Should Try These
Carb supplements work for anyone who finds it challenging to meet their daily carbohydrate requirements through food alone. Athletes with high training volumes often use them to replenish energy stores quickly, while those with busy schedules appreciate the convenience of a shake or ready-to-eat snack. They're also popular among people looking to increase their overall calorie intake in a structured way.
From endurance runners to gym-goers to anyone managing a demanding routine, carbohydrate nutrition fits wherever you need reliable energy. The variety available means you can choose formats that match your preferences, whether that's a powder you can blend, a flapjack you can grab on the go, or instant oats you can prepare in seconds.
When to Use Carbohydrate Supplements
The timing of your carb intake depends on your routine and objectives. Many people use carbohydrate powder or instant oats in the morning to start the day with sustained energy, while others prefer them around training sessions to support their workout schedule. Post-exercise is another common time, particularly for those following intense or prolonged activity.
Between meals is another practical option, especially if you're aiming to increase your daily intake but struggle with large portions. The flexibility of carbs supplements means you can adapt them to your day, whether that's blending a shake, baking with pancake mix, or keeping flapjacks in your bag for when you're on the move.
Carbohydrate Supplements Benefits
Convenient Energy Source
Carb supplements provide a quick and practical way to increase your carbohydrate intake without meal prep. Whether you're short on time or need something portable, formats like powders, flapjacks, and instant oats make it simple to meet your macros wherever you are.
Versatile Formats
From pancake mixes you can cook fresh to ready-to-eat bakes and shakes you can blend in seconds, carbohydrate products come in various forms to suit different preferences. This variety means you can rotate options based on what fits your day, whether you're at home, at work, or travelling.
Supports Training Routines
Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function after highly intensive and prolonged physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle1. For trained adults, carbohydrate solutions contribute to the improvement of physical performance during high-intensity and long-lasting physical exercise2.
Easy to Track
Pre-portioned products and scooped powders make it straightforward to monitor your carbohydrate intake accurately. This is particularly useful if you're following a structured nutrition plan or tracking your macros, as you know exactly what you're consuming with each serving.
Popular Picks
Looking for a satisfying snack? Protein Flapjack lets you prepare fresh pancakes packed with carbs and protein. Just add water, cook, and enjoy a satisfying option that works for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout meals.
FAQs
What are carbohydrate supplements?
Carbohydrate supplements are products designed to provide concentrated sources of carbs in convenient formats. They include powders like instant oats and weight gainers, ready-to-eat options like flapjacks and bakes, and mixes like pancake blends. These supplements make it easier to increase your carbohydrate intake when whole foods aren't practical or when you need precise macro tracking.
What's the difference between carbohydrate powder and whole food carbs?
Carbohydrate powder typically offers faster preparation and easier portability compared to whole food sources like rice or potatoes. Powders like instant oats can be mixed into shakes or prepared quickly, while whole foods require cooking and planning. Both provide carbohydrates, but supplements offer convenience and consistent portioning, making them useful for structured nutrition plans or busy schedules.
How do I choose the right carbohydrate product?
Consider your routine, preferences, and goals. If you want something you can drink quickly, instant oats or weight gainers work well. For grab-and-go options, flapjacks and bakes are practical. If you enjoy cooking, pancake mixes offer variety. Think about when you need carbs most—around training, between meals, or as part of breakfast—and choose formats that fit those moments naturally.
Can I use carb supplements every day?
Yes, carb supplements can be part of your daily routine. Many people use them consistently as a convenient way to meet their carbohydrate requirements, particularly if they have high energy demands or limited time for meal preparation. They're designed to complement whole foods rather than replace them entirely, so you can use them as often as suits your lifestyle.
How much carbohydrate powder should I use per serving?
Serving sizes vary by product and your individual needs. Most carbohydrate powders provide recommended serving guidelines on the packaging, typically ranging from 50g to 100g per shake. Your ideal amount depends on your daily carbohydrate targets, training schedule, and how you're using the supplement—whether as a snack, meal addition, or post-workout option.
What's the best time to have carbohydrate supplements?
Timing depends on your routine and preferences. Common times include first thing in the morning for breakfast, around training sessions, or between meals when you need convenient energy. Some people use them post-exercise, while others prefer them as snacks throughout the day. The flexibility of carbs supplements means you can adapt them to whenever suits you best.
Can I combine different carbohydrate products?
Absolutely. Many people rotate between different carb supplements based on convenience and variety. You might use instant oats for breakfast shakes, flapjacks as mid-morning snacks, and pancake mix for weekend meals. Combining different formats keeps your routine interesting while ensuring you're meeting your carbohydrate nutrition needs in ways that fit different situations.
Are these carbohydrate supplements suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Many carbohydrate products are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, but it's worth checking individual product labels. Instant oats and oat-based bakes are typically plant-based, while some flapjacks and gainers may contain dairy-derived ingredients. Each product page includes detailed nutritional and allergen information to help you make informed choices.
Who developed these carbohydrate products?
These carbohydrate supplements were developed by Myprotein's expert nutritionists. They're designed to provide quality carbs in formats that suit different lifestyles, whether you need quick shakes, ready-to-eat snacks, or versatile mixes. The range has been created to offer convenience without compromising on nutritional value.
How should I store carb supplements?
Store powders like instant oats in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed to maintain freshness. Ready-to-eat products like flapjacks and bakes should be kept in their packaging until consumed, and checked for best-before dates. Avoid exposing any carbohydrate products to excessive heat or moisture, which can affect texture and quality over time.
1. Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle.
2. Carbohydrate solutions contribute to the improvement of physical performance during a high-intensity and long-lasting physical exercise in trained adults.