At Zenit, our snacks are sweetened with simple ingredients that are local whenever possible: maple syrup, Quebec honey, and dates. They provide the carbohydrates muscles need during exercise, with a little something extra.
In short
- Maple syrup, honey, and dates provide carbohydrates, the main source of energy during exercise.
- Maple syrup is a source of manganese and contains polyphenols.
- Honey soothes coughs in children over one year old; never give it to babies under one year old.
- Dates add fiber and potassium.
- They’re still sugars: enjoy them in moderation in everyday life, and more generously around exercise.
Quebec maple syrup
A true national treasure, maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese and contains zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also contains several polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds. For athletes, it’s a natural, local source of carbohydrates, perfect for making your own sports drink at home.
Quebec honey
Honey contains antioxidant flavonoids and has long been used to soothe sore throats and coughs. A Cochrane review also shows that it can reduce coughing in children. Warning: never give honey to babies under one year old, due to the risk of infant botulism.
Dates
This delicious fruit, originally from the Middle East, is a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. Dates are easy to digest during exercise and provide energy quickly: the perfect ingredient for energy balls!
And what about sugar?
Even when natural, maple syrup and honey are still added sugars. Enjoy them in moderation day to day. During exercise, however, carbohydrates are our allies: that’s where Zenit snacks really come into their own. To learn more, read what to eat during exercise.
Frequently asked questions
Is maple syrup better than white sugar?
It provides some minerals (especially manganese) and polyphenols that white sugar does not, but it is still a sugar to be consumed in moderation.
Can you give honey to a baby?
No. Never give honey to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
Are dates good during exercise?
Yes. They provide easily digestible carbohydrates: about 5 dried dates provide 30 g of carbohydrates, the minimum target per hour of prolonged exertion.
Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., nutritionist
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition
References
- Oduwole O, Udoh EE, Oyo-Ita A, Meremikwu MM. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4(4):CD007094. cochrane.org
- Health Canada. Infant botulism and honey: do not give honey to babies under one year old. canada.ca
- Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016;48(3):543-568. PMID: 26891166
- Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Quebec Maple Syrup – Benefits (section written by Stéphanie Côté, nutritionist).
- The Visual Encyclopedia of Food, new edition. Québec Amérique, 2017.