Sure there are.  Just as with all foods  ...  what works for one might not for another.  Experiment during your training.

I have used a variety of GUs (flavors and brands).  I find that after 2 or 3 I struggle with them.  Not sure why.  I just do.

Lately, I've been testing Power Bars.  They make some that are thick and pliable that seem to work for me.  Last week, I ate 2 before a 22 mile run  ...  had one after 10 miles.  Too much.  I felt they kept my energy up  ...  but also that I ate too much.  They are also a little hard to chew while running and you definitely need fluids afterwards.  But like I said  ...  experiment during training.  I'll try many things  ...  once or twice.

i'm a big fan of the nature valley granola bars for three reasons 1. they taste good. 2. you don't need 2 gallons of water to wash them down. 3. they are a lot cheaper.

power bars while running? i know i couldn't do that..but gu chomps are easy to eat and taste good compared to other products and are a lot less messy then the gels. just practice whatever you plan on using during your training runs. a race is is a bad time to find out a gel or bar makes you nauseous.

This is exactly what my doctor told me.  When I started working out, I would drink a 32oz sports drink (Gatorade or Powerade) and then one of those bigger workout bars (300-350cal) after my workout.  Well, when I was a new runner -- that actually had me consuming more calories than I was expending.  Years later, I typically drink G2 (Gatoraides 70cal in 20oz) and a workout bar with about 200 calories, 25% daily protein, etc.  This is good for moderate workouts where I burn between 900 - 1400 calories.  Its only when I do a hard workout 1400 - 2000 carolies that I'll consider the larger caloric items.

Note: This is what my doctor helped me figure out based on my weight, age, physicals and workout sytle  -- please do not think I have any medical knowledge.

I hadn't seen these yet but will definintely look for them next time I'm at the store -- thanks.

Ill have to check that out.  I am hesitant trying some of the bars because of the bad "reputation" that they have for high calories and not great taste.  That is probably why the energy drinks that I won at the last race - they are still sitting here.  I have not seen the bites, I will have to keep an eye out for it.

Thanks

I usually eat 1/2 a Zone Perfect bar (at most grocery stores) pre run but only if its 7 or more miles, less than that I don't eat anything. I also will drink about 1/3 of a bottle of G2 during a 6+ mile run about 1/2 way.  On less of a run, I don't use the G2 and just stick to water.  I do use Whey Protein (Isomax, 30 grams of protein mixed with water about 111 calories) and recently switched from Designer Whey and found that the switch is helping the GI problems Designer Whey was giving me.  Also I'm an Accel Gel fan for long runs, less thick than GU but only gel for runs over 10 miles.  I'm very careful that I don't consume more "energy" friendly calories than I'm expending which is why I only add the products at certain times.