Sport Beans FAQs
General Questions
What are Sport Beans® jelly beans?
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Sport Beans® jelly beans are a first-of-its-kind new jelly bean product from the makers of Jelly Belly®! They have been specially formulated to fuel and replenish your body during exercise.
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What are the benefits of eating Sport Beans?
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A single pack of Sport Beans (1 oz.) contains 24 grams of carbohydrates to fuel your body during intense exercise, and a balanced supply of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) vital for maintaining fluid balance. In addition, Sport Beans contain Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Niacin (Vitamin B3) to help burn carbohydrates and fat, as well as Vitamin C to protect muscles and cells against oxidative damage.
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What makes Sport Beans different from regular jelly beans?
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Sport Beans are specially formulated with sports performance in mind. Sport Beans provide a source of easily digestible carbohydrate for fuel, the electrolytes sodium and potassium for proper fluid balance, and B1, B2, B3, and C vitamins for energy metabolism and good health.
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Where can I purchase Sport Beans?
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Sport Beans are available in a wide variety of stores including sporting goods stores, drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even health clubs. Click here to locate a store near you, or purchase Sport Beans online!
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Are Sport Beans Kosher Certified?
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YES! Both regular Sport Beans and Extreme Sport Beans™ have received the respected certification of the Orthodox Union. Look for the OU symbol on our Sport Beans bags.
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New Changes to Sport Beans
Sport Beans have a new look and the beans look different, can you explain what changes were made?
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We have recently made both packaging and formulation improvements to Sport Beans. The new Sport Beans bag is now easier to open, and it’s also re-sealable. We’ve also enhanced our formula. Sport beans are now made with real fruit juices – six in all -- and all natural flavors too. Evaporated cane juice has replaced sugar and tapioca syrup has replaced corn syrup. We also have moved to all natural ingredients for coloring, which is why the appearance has changed for some of the flavors.
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What changes have you made to Sport Beans? They look different.
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Sport Beans have been reformulated and now come in a new resealable bag made from a lighter and more portable material. The new formula includes 6 real fruit juices and all natural flavors. We have replaced sugar with evaporated cane juice (sucrose) and corn syrup with tapioca syrup (a mix of the sugars glucose and fructose). All the colors now come from natural sources.
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Will the new Sport Beans have any impact on performance?
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Research studies that investigate how carbohydrate enters into your system shows that a mix of carbohydrate sources, such as those from tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice, are better used by the body when compared to a single carbohydrate source like glucose alone in a sports product. Also, the real fruit juices used in Sport Beans add an extra carbohydrate source that your muscles can also use as fuel.
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Ingredients and Flavors
What carbohydrate source is used in Sport Beans and is this beneficial?
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The primary carbohydrate sources in this product are evaporated cane juice (sucrose) and tapioca syrup (a mix of the sugars glucose and fructose.) This carbohydrate blend is similar to what is used in sport drinks and other products designed for fueling during workouts and competition. Fruit juice is also added, bringing another new carb source into Sport Beans.. According to a variety of research studies, the mix of carbohydrate sources used in Sport Beans is well taken up by the body. In fact, a mixture of carbohydrate sources as found in Sport Beans gets into your system more efficiently compared to a single carbohydrate source, such as glucose alone, in a sports product.
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Why do Sport Beans contain sodium and potassium?
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Sport Beans offer a balanced supply of electrolytes vital for maintaining fluid balance. The 80 mg sodium /40 mg potassium split is optimal in aiding fluid balance by enhancing water absorption and water retention in cells.
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Do Sport Beans contain caffeine?
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No, Sport Beans® jelly beans are caffeine free. But Extreme Sport Beans™ jelly beans do contain caffeine. See the Extreme Sport Beans™ section below for details.
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Since Sport Beans contain sodium, how do they fit into the diet of a person with hypertension?
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All Sport Beans, both regular and Extreme are a low sodium food containing less than 100 milligrams of sodium per packet. People with hypertension should consult their physician regarding recommended sodium intake and other methods of controlling high blood pressure.
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What flavors of Sport Beans are available?
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Sport Beans come in four great flavors: Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry and Fruit Punch. Extreme Sport Beans™ come in two flavors: Cherry and Watermelon. In addition we also have an assorted pouch bag that features the four Sport Beans flavors of Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry and Fruit Punch.
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Science and Research
Have Sport Beans been scientifically tested as performance boosters?
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Yes! In a study conducted by the University of California Davis School of Medicine Sports Program, Sport Beans were proven just as effective as popular sports drinks and gels in maintaining blood sugar levels and improving exercise performance in competitive endurance athletes.
» Click here for complete details of the study.
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How were the levels of carbohydrate, electrolytes and other nutrients established for Sport Beans?
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The nutrient levels found in Sport Beans are based upon established recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ACSM guidelines recommend consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate per hour during exercise lasting 60 minutes or more. These guidelines also recommend drinking 1/2 to 3/4 cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes and to include the electrolyte sodium at a set level. Sport Beans also provide a good source of B1, B2, B3, and C vitamins for good health.
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Usage
How should Sport Beans® jelly beans be used?
Sport Beans are easy to use and they taste great, too!
Before workout - Eat one packet about 30 minutes before exercise with 1-2 cups of water.
During workout - Eat as needed, aiming for one packet every 45 minutes of activity.
After workout - Eat to help replenish muscle stores of carbohydrates. As always, consume with water to replace fluids lost through sweat.
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Who are Sport Beans jelly beans for?
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Sport Beans are made for a broad range of active people including endurance athletes, weekend warriors and sports enthusiasts. In fact, Sport Beans are appropriate for anyone engaged in prolonged exercise of 60 minutes or more.
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Can I eat Sport Beans with other sports products?
Yes, you can eat Sport Beans along with drinking sports drinks and other sports products such as carbohydrate gels or bars by managing your intake, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout.
The goal is to take in roughly 120 to 240 calories per hour of extended exercise or activity along with 1/2 cup of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.
You can meet the goal by consuming a combination of items or one alone - check the product label for calorie counts per serving and adjust accordingly. Sport Beans have 100 calories per packet.
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Sport Beans and Children
Are Sport Beans appropriate for use by children?
Sport Beans offer the same benefits to children as they do for adults. Children lose fluids and burn carbohydrates during sports and play. The amounts of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and vitamins in Sport Beans are safe and appropriate for children to use when participating in rigorous activities.
The electrolytes in Sport Beans - sodium and potassium, are present in very low amounts and are designed to aid in fluid balance. Children, like adults, need these electrolytes for good health.
The % Daily Value (DV) of nutrients set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a recommended intake set for various nutrients such as protein and carbohydrate. The DV is based on an average consumer (four years and older) who intakes 2000 calories daily. The Daily Values are considered appropriate for anyone that matches this description, including children.
However, Jelly Belly does NOT recommend Extreme Sport Beans™ for children, teens, or pregnant or nursing women. For them, we recommend our regular Sport Beans.
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Extreme Sport Beans™
How does the Extreme Sport Beans product differ from the regular Sport Beans energizing jelly beans?
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The formula used for both regular and Extreme Sport Beans is identical except that Extreme Sport Beans jelly beans include 50 mg of caffeine.
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What are the benefits of new Extreme Sport Beans Energizing Jelly Beans with caffeine?
Just like regular Sport Beans, new Extreme Sport Beans jelly beans are packed with power to maximize sports performance. Each one ounce bag delivers 24 grams of carbohydrates to fuel your body during intense exercise and a balanced supply of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) vital for maintaining fluid balance. Both regular and Extreme Sport Beans also contain Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Niacin (Vitamin B3) for carbohydrate and fat burning as well as Vitamin C to optimize energy release.
Each bag of Extreme Sport Beans includes 50 mg of caffeine, about the same amount as in a half cup of brewed coffee, for those times when you need an extra edge in a workout or competition. There are numerous clinical studies that have documented how caffeine improves sports performance including:
Improved endurance - Reduced perceived exertion (RPE) - Enhanced agility - Faster sprint speeds - Increased power output
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Is there anyone who should NOT use Extreme Sport Beans jelly beans?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified caffeine as Generally Recognized as Safe for adults and children in 1958. The American Medical Association (AMA) has a similar position on caffeine's safety, stating that "moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption, etc.) are moderate as well." The AMA defines moderate caffeine consumption as about 300 mg which is equal to about 3 to 4 cups of brewed coffee.
However, Jelly Belly does not recommend Extreme Sport Beans for children, teens, or pregnant or nursing women. For them, we recommend our regular Sport Beans.
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How does caffeine affect the body and sports performance?
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Caffeine is considered an "ergogenic" aid and acts as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. It temporarily speeds up your heart rate, increases brain activity and stimulates blood flow throughout the body. The result is an extra edge that can provide a range of documented benefits including improved endurance, reduced perceived exertion (RPE), enhanced agility, faster sprint speeds and increased power output.
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Do I need to worry about how many Extreme Sport Beans I consume in a competitive sporting event?
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Probably not. However, different organizations have different regulations regarding caffeine on board and you will need to understand these if you are competing in an event. Before using Extreme Sport Beans in an athletic competition, consult with your sports medicine physician, athletic trainer or sports dietitian. We also recommend experimenting with use of regular and Extreme Sport Beans to find your optimal combination - especially during longer competitions. Extreme Sport Beans do not need to be your only source of fuel during a competition.
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Does caffeine contribute to dehydration?
Caffeine does not contribute to dehydration. Because caffeine increases blood flow throughout the body, including the kidney, it can cause an increase in urine production. However, the body of scientific evidence on this issue confirms that caffeine in moderate doses (about 300 mg of caffeine) does not cause dehydration.
Reference. Caffeine, Fluid-Electrolyte Balance, Temperature Regulation, and Exercise-Heat Tolerance. Lawrence E. Armstrong; Douglas J. Casa; Carl M. Maresh; Matthew S. Ganio, Exercise Sport Science Review. 2007;35(3):135-140 © 2007 American College of Sports Medicine
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Have Extreme Sport Beans been scientifically proven to enhance sports performance?
Our new Extreme Sport Beans have not yet been tested, but our regular sport beans have been clinically tested. In a study conducted by the University of California Davis School of Medicine Sports Program, Sport Beans were proven just as effective as popular sport drinks and gels in maintaining blood sugar levels and improving exercise performance in competitive endurance athletes.
Additionally, there are many scientific studies that have tested the impact of caffeine on sports performance and documented its benefits.
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Are new Extreme Sport Beans Kosher Certified?
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YES. Both our regular and Extreme Sport Beans have received the respected certification of the Orthodox Union. Look for the OU symbol on our Sport Beans bags.
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What carbohydrate source is used in Extreme Sport Beans and is this beneficial?
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The primary carbohydrate sources in both our regular and Extreme Sport Beans products are evaporated cane juice (sucrose) and tapioca syrup (a mix of sugars, glucose and fructose.) This carbohydrate blend is similar to what is used in sport drinks and other products designed for fueling during workouts and competition. Added fruit juice puts a new carb source into Sport Beans as well. According to a variety of research studies, the mix of carbohydrate sources used in Sport Beans is well taken up by the body. In fact, a mixture of carbohydrate sources as found in Sport Beans gets into your system more efficiently compared to a single carbohydrate source, such as glucose alone, in a sports product.
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Can I eat Extreme Sport Beans with other sports products?
Yes, you can eat Extreme Sport Beans along with drinking sport drinks and other sport products such as regular Sport Beans, carbohydrate gels or bars by managing your intake, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout.
The goal is to take in approximately 120 to 240 calories (or 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates) per hour of extended exercise or activity along with ½ cup of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes. However, as you build your fuel plan, keep an eye on your total consumption of caffeine before and during your workout since many sport drinks, other sport products and soda also can contain caffeine.
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How were the levels of carbohydrates, electrolytes and other nutrients established for Extreme Sport Beans?
The nutrient levels found in all Sport Beans are based upon established recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ACSM guidelines recommend consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour during exercise lasting 60 minutes or more. These guidelines also recommend drinking fluid to prevent dehydration - approximately 1/4 to 3/4 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes and to include the electrolyte sodium at a set level. Sport Beans jelly beans also provide a good source of B1, B2, B3 and C vitamins for good health.
How does the caffeine content of a 1-ounce bag of Extreme Sport Beans compare to other foods and beverages with caffeine?
Here are just a few examples:
| Dark chocolate candy bar (1 oz) |
20 mg |
| Brewed coffee, 8 oz. |
65-120 mg* |
| Iced tea, 12 oz. |
70 mg* |
| Energy drinks, 12 oz. |
80-120 mg |
| Pain relievers, per dose |
64-130 mg |
| Diet cola, 12 oz. |
35-40 mg |
| Cola, 12 oz. |
34-38 mg |
| Caffeine tablets |
200 mg |
| Chocolate milk, 8 oz. |
5 mg |
Dark chocolate candy bar (1 oz) 20 mg
Brewed coffee, 8 oz. 65-120 mg*
Iced tea, 12 oz. 70 mg*
Energy drinks, 12 oz. 80-120 mg
Pain relievers, per dose 64-130 mg
Diet cola, 12 oz. 35-40 mg
Cola, 12 oz. 34-38 mg
Caffeine tablets 200 mg
Chocolate milk, 8 oz. 5 mg
* The level of caffeine in coffee and tea may vary by brewing method, brand, etc.
* The level of caffeine in pain relievers, soft drinks and dark chocolate candy bars also will vary by brand.
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What flavors of Extreme Sport Beans are available?
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Extreme Sport Beans™ come in two flavors: Cherry and Watermelon.
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