First Impressions & Use Case

Flapjacks can be hit or miss for running. Many either crumble apart in your pack or turn into a sticky mess when you try to eat them mid-run.

The TORQ Explore flapjack immediately stood out for holding its shape well. It feels solid and well-made, without being overly dense or heavy.

I tested the Orange Carrot Cake flavour during a run where I wanted something more substantial than a gel.

Performance on the Run

The first thing I noticed was how well it held together. No crumbling, no cracking — which is a common issue with flapjacks.

When biting into it, it initially feels quite firm. But once in the mouth, it breaks down easily into soft, even pieces, making it much easier to chew and swallow while running.

That’s a big deal — eating mid-run is often awkward, and this made it much more manageable.

The texture is well balanced:

• Not dry
• Not sticky
• No hard or lumpy bits

It didn’t leave any residue in the mouth, and I didn’t need water to get it down — which isn’t always the case with solid fuel options.

What Works Well

• Holds together well (no crumbling or cracking)
• Breaks down easily in the mouth
• Not sticky in hands or packaging
• Easy to eat mid-run compared to most solid foods
• Pleasant taste — genuinely enjoyable
• Compact and easy to carry
• Provides steady, sustained energy
• No stomach issues

This is one of the more “runner-friendly” solid fuel options

What Could Be Better

• Slightly firm on the first bite
• Requires chewing (obviously), so less convenient than gels in very high-intensity efforts

👉 Best suited to steady efforts rather than all-out efforts

Energy & Stomach

Energy delivery was steady and sustained rather than immediate.

There were:

• No spikes
• No crashes
• No stomach discomfort

It worked well as a slow-release energy source during the run

Practicality

• Compact size — easy to carry when space is limited
• Clean to handle — no sticky fingers
• Easy to eat without needing water

These small things make a big difference on longer runs

Who This Is For

Ideal for:

• Long runs
• Ultra training
• Runners who prefer “real food” over gels
• Lower intensity or steady efforts

Less suited for:

• High-intensity sessions
• Situations where you need instant energy

Verdict: Would I Use It Again?

Yes — absolutely.

This is one of the few solid fuel options that actually works well while running. It’s easy to eat, not messy, and delivers steady energy without upsetting the stomach.

It’s also something I’d happily eat outside of running — which says a lot about how palatable it is.

A strong addition to your fuelling options, especially for longer efforts.