
Cadence started as a dedicated hydration company, debuting with a canned and carbonated beverage packed full of electrolytes to fuel performance, endurance, and hydration. The sports nutrition brand didn’t make things too complicated, very simply combining spring water with half a gram of salt per can, plus no sugar or calories. The product has proven popular with Cadence also adding hydration stick packs, and just this month, it’s put itself into a whole different business with the Core 40 Bar.
The approach seen in the company’s original hydration drink has been carried over into the Cadence Core 40 Bar. The edible product is not packed full of protein like most functional foods in the industry; it is instead all about driving performance and endurance, starting with 40g of carbohydrates per piece, as per the name. In addition to the carbs, there are some electrolytes in the snack by way of 400mg of sodium, 180mg of potassium, and 50mg of magnesium, for a combined 730mg.

Cadence has actually taken quite a purposeful approach to the carbohydrates in the Core 40 Bar, relying on puffed rice for rapid energy due to its high glycemic index and easy digestibility, and dried fruits like dates for a dual glucose-fructose fuel composition. Organic honey, with a similar carbohydrate profile to dates, is in the mix too to sustain performance like sports gels, but it also demonstrates potential benefits in reducing inflammation, elevating antioxidant capacity, and maintaining immune function.
We don’t often see functional foods in the sports nutrition sector that aren’t all about protein; in fact, we can’t recall the last time we saw that in North America. The Cadence Core 40 Bar does precisely that, and in a thoughtful way as opposed to doing something just for the sake of standing out. The brand has launched its first ever edible item this month through its website and there are two flavors to choose from for the puffed rice-based bar in a traditional Chocolate and a classic Peanut Butter & Jelly.