Fresno, CA — Raisins provide the same energy boost as sports chews for 5K runners, according to researchers at the University of California-Davis.

Researchers found that runners who ate raisins before a 5K had similar results as those who ate commercial carbohydrate supplements, compared with runners who ate neither product.

James Painter, nutrition research adviser for the California Raisin Marketing Board, says: “Raisins are a great alternative to sport chews as they also provide fiber and micronutrients, such as potassium and iron, and they do not have any added sugar, artificial flavor or colors.”