Pre-Workout Snacks

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Pre-workout snacks are designed for one job: getting you ready to train. Whether you're heading to the gym before work, squeezing in a lunchtime session, or fuelling up for an evening run, the right snack in the right window can make the difference between a session you cruise through and one you scrape through. Myprotein's range covers everything from protein-packed flapjacks and oatbakes to fast-acting gels and gummies — real food formats that fit around real training schedules.

The range spans solid snacks and convenient gels, so you're covered whether you prefer to eat 60–90 minutes out or grab something portable right before you head in. Each product is developed with protein, carbohydrates, and practical convenience front of mind — no fuss, no prep, just grab and go.

Who Pre-Workout Snacks Are For

Pre-workout snacks are built for anyone who trains with intent. That includes gym regulars chasing muscle growth¹, runners and cyclists building endurance, and team sport athletes who need quick, portable fuel between commitments. If you're training more than three times a week and struggling to time your nutrition around sessions, this category was made for you.

They're also a solid fit for people who don't want to use powders or shakes every day. Whole-food-style formats like flapjacks, oatbakes, and waffles give you a familiar eating experience with a nutritional profile built around training — higher in protein, balanced in carbs, low in unnecessary sugars.

When to Use Pre-Workout Snacks

Timing depends on format. Solid snacks — bars, flapjacks, oatbakes — work best eaten 60 to 90 minutes before training, giving your body time to process the food without leaving you feeling heavy mid-session. Gel formats are designed for closer to game time: 15 to 30 minutes out, or even during longer sessions when you need a fast top-up.

Morning trainers often find pre-workout snacks easier to stomach than a full meal first thing. A single flapjack or a couple of oatbakes hits the sweet spot — enough to feel fuelled without the discomfort of training on a full stomach. Keep a bar in your kit bag and the timing problem largely solves itself.

Pre-Workout Snacks Benefits

Real Food, Real Protein

These aren't confectionery with a protein label slapped on. Most snacks in this range deliver 15–20g of protein per serving in formats that actually taste like food — oats, waffles, rice, flapjack. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass¹, making it a key part of any training nutrition plan.

Portable and Ready to Go

No shaker, no blender, no measuring. Pre-workout snacks are single-serve, individually wrapped, and designed to live in your bag, desk drawer, or glove box. For people with unpredictable schedules, that kind of grab-and-go convenience is what keeps nutrition consistent.

Formats for Every Training Style

The range covers solid snacks for longer pre-session windows and gels for rapid intake closer to training. Whether you're a distance runner, a weightlifter, or a five-a-side regular, there's a format that fits your routine without forcing you to change it.

Low Sugar Options Available

Several products in the range — including the Protein Oatbakes — are low in sugar, making them a practical choice for anyone keeping an eye on their overall intake while still prioritising protein around training.

Popular Picks

Oat Protein Flapjack — Oat Protein Flapjack delivers 20g of protein per bar across three flavours, making it the straightforward choice for anyone who wants a proper protein hit without sacrificing taste.

Protein Oatbakes — Protein Oatbakes are built for life on the move — high in protein, low in sugar, and genuinely worth looking forward to.

THE Pre Workout Gel — THE Pre Workout Gel is the no-fuss, no-mixing option for those who want 200mg of caffeine and increased endurance capacity in a single convenient shot before training.

FAQs

What are pre-workout snacks?

Pre-workout snacks are food or gel products formulated specifically to be eaten before training. Unlike everyday snacks, they're built around a higher protein content and a carbohydrate profile suited to physical activity — designed to be easy to digest, portable, and effective as part of a training nutrition routine. Myprotein's range includes bars, flapjacks, oatbakes, waffles, gels, and gummies to suit different preferences and session types.

What are the best pre-workout snacks?

The best pre-workout snack depends on when you're eating and what you're training for. For a solid snack eaten 60–90 minutes before the gym, the Oat Protein Flapjack is a popular choice — it delivers 20g of protein per bar and is made with oats for a satisfying, real-food format. Protein Oatbakes are another strong option if you're looking for something high in protein and low in sugar. For training closer to kick-off, THE Pre Workout Gel provides a fast, portable option containing 200mg of caffeine per serving.

What should I eat as a pre gym snack?

A solid pre gym snack combines protein and carbohydrates in an easy-to-digest format. Something like a protein flapjack or a couple of oatbakes eaten around an hour before training gives you a practical, portable option without the need for preparation. Gel formats work well when time is tight — consume 15 to 30 minutes before your session starts.

How much protein should a pre-workout snack contain?

Most athletes aim for 15–25g of protein as part of their pre-session nutrition. Products like the Oat Protein Flapjack hit 20g per bar, which sits comfortably within that range. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass¹, so hitting your daily total — spread across meals and snacks — matters more than any single serving.

Can I use a pre-workout snack instead of a pre-workout supplement?

Pre-workout snacks and pre-workout supplements serve slightly different purposes. Snacks are whole-food-format products focused on protein and carbohydrates — ideal as part of everyday training nutrition. Pre-workout supplements like gels or gummies often contain additional active ingredients such as caffeine. Many people use both: a solid snack earlier in the pre-session window, then a gel or gummy closer to training time.

Are pre-workout snacks suitable for all types of training?

Pre-workout snacks work across a wide range of training types — weight training, running, cycling, team sports, and general fitness. Solid formats like bars and flapjacks suit strength and gym-based sessions well, while gel formats are commonly used by endurance athletes who need fast, easy-to-carry nutrition during longer activities. The format you choose should match both your sport and your timing window.

What's the difference between a pre-workout snack and a pre-workout gel?

Pre-workout snacks in solid formats — bars, flapjacks, oatbakes — are best eaten 60 to 90 minutes before training and provide a more substantial source of protein and carbohydrates. Pre-workout gels are designed for consumption much closer to or even during a session, delivering fast-acting ingredients in a compact, portable format. THE Pre Workout Gel, for example, contains 200mg of caffeine and is built for rapid intake without the bulk of a solid food.

Are Myprotein pre-workout snacks low in sugar?

Several products in the range are specifically low in sugar — Protein Oatbakes are one example. Other products use oats and natural ingredients to deliver carbohydrates in a more balanced format. If keeping sugar intake low is a priority, check the nutrition panel on individual products, as the range includes options across different sugar levels to suit different dietary preferences.

Who developed Myprotein's pre-workout snacks?

Myprotein's pre-workout snacks are developed by Myprotein's expert nutritionists, who work to create products that balance taste, nutritional quality, and practical convenience for people who train regularly. Every product in the range is formulated to fit real training schedules — from the ingredient selection through to the format and serving size.

How do I choose the right pre-workout snack for me?

Start with your training window. If you have 60–90 minutes before your session, a solid snack like a flapjack or oatbake gives you a more substantial option. If you're short on time or prefer not to eat before training, a gel or gummy format is easier on the stomach and quicker to consume. Consider your protein targets too — if hitting 20g of protein before a session matters to your routine, the Oat Protein Flapjack is a straightforward way to get there.

1. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.