Carbohydrates
Optimise your performance with our hard-hitting carb products. The most common source of energy for your body, they should make up between 55-75% of your dietary intake — super-important whatever your goals.
Whether you prefer carbohydrate powders, gels, energy bars or good old-fashioned instant oats, our range of fast- and slow-release carbs is sure to have something for you.
Check out our best carbohydrates to find out more about the drinks, gels, bars, and snacks you need to keep training hard.
Shop Carbohydrates at Myprotein
Carbohydrate supplements are a straightforward way to hit your daily carb targets without relying solely on whole foods. Whether you're looking for fast-digesting options around training or slow-release sources to fuel longer sessions, the range here covers both — in formats that mix cleanly and fit into any routine.
From oat-based powders to cyclic dextrin and maltodextrin, each product is formulated to a specific carbohydrate profile. Carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function1 and, after intensive exercise, contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function following glycogen depletion2 — making the right carb source at the right time a key part of any serious training plan.
Who Carbohydrates Are For
Carbohydrate supplements aren't just for elite athletes — they're useful for anyone who trains regularly and wants precise control over their macro intake. If you're in a calorie surplus and finding it hard to hit your carb targets through food alone, a carb powder is one of the most efficient ways to close that gap.
They're also a staple for endurance athletes, those doing high-volume training, and anyone following a structured nutrition plan where timing and source matter. If you track your macros closely or need a quick, low-fat carb option that won't weigh you down before training, this range is built for you.
When to Use Carbohydrates
Timing matters with carbohydrate supplements, and the right window depends on which type you're using. Fast-digesting options like maltodextrin and cyclic dextrin are typically taken before or during training, when quick availability is a priority. Oat-based powders — being slower to digest — work well as part of a pre-training meal taken 60–90 minutes before you hit the gym.
Post-exercise is another key window. After intense or prolonged training, carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function when glycogen stores have been depleted2. Many athletes pair a carb powder with a protein source at this point to cover both bases in one go.
Carbohydrates Benefits
Flexible Macro Management
Carb powders make it easy to dial in your daily intake with precision. Each product delivers a defined amount of carbohydrates per serving — so you know exactly what you're getting, without the variability of whole food sources. That consistency is valuable when you're working to a specific nutrition plan.
Multiple Carb Sources to Choose From
Different carb types serve different purposes. Oats provide a slower-digesting carb profile, cyclic dextrin is engineered for rapid gastric emptying, and maltodextrin delivers a high-carb hit with minimal bulk. Having access to all three in powder form means you can match the source to the moment.
Brain Function Support
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source and contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function1. Keeping carbohydrate intake consistent throughout the day — not just around training — matters for focus and cognitive performance during demanding sessions or long working days.
Easy to Stack and Mix
Carb powders blend cleanly with protein shakes, mass gainers, or just water. That makes them easy to build into an existing supplement routine without adding complexity. Impact Whey Mass Gainer already combines both macros in one product, but standalone carb powders give you the flexibility to adjust the ratio on your own terms.
Popular Picks
Impact Whey Mass Gainer — If you're serious about packing in calories, Impact Whey Mass Gainer delivers 388 calories, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbs in a single serving.
100% Instant Oats — A no-nonsense carb source for anyone who wants real food fuelling their training, 100% Instant Oats packs 62g of carbs and 11g of protein per serving with the added bonus of fibre.
100% Maltodextrin Carbs — Stripped back and straightforward, 100% Maltodextrin Carbs gives you 50g of fast-acting carbs per serving in a vegan and vegetarian-friendly formula.
FAQs
What is a carbohydrate supplement?
A carbohydrate supplement is a powder or drink that delivers a concentrated and measured dose of carbohydrates, typically derived from sources like oats, maltodextrin, or cyclic dextrin. They're designed to make hitting daily carb targets more convenient — without the bulk or prep time of whole food sources. Most are unflavoured or lightly flavoured so they mix easily into shakes or can be taken with water.
What's the difference between maltodextrin and cyclic dextrin?
Maltodextrin is a fast-digesting carbohydrate derived from starch, commonly used for a quick carb hit around training. Cyclic dextrin — sometimes called cluster dextrin — has a different molecular structure that's engineered for rapid gastric emptying with lower osmolality, meaning it moves through the stomach quickly and is often better tolerated during exercise. Both are high-carb, low-fat options, but they suit slightly different use cases depending on timing and individual preference.
Are oat-based carb powders better than maltodextrin?
Neither is universally better — they serve different purposes. Oat powders like 100% Instant Oats and 100% Rolled Oats provide a slower-digesting carb profile, making them a solid choice for a pre-training meal taken well before exercise. Maltodextrin is faster-digesting and better suited to use directly before or during training. The right choice depends on your timing, training style, and overall nutrition plan.
How many carbs should I take per serving?
There's no single answer — it depends on your total daily carbohydrate target, your training volume, and where the supplement fits into your overall diet. Products in this range vary from around 50g of carbs per serving (100% Maltodextrin Carbs) to 62g per serving (100% Instant Oats). Most people use carb powders to fill the gap between what they get from whole foods and their daily macro target.
Can I use carbohydrate powders as part of a mass gaining plan?
Carbohydrate powders are a popular tool for anyone looking to increase their overall calorie and carb intake. They add significant carbohydrates to a shake without adding much fat or fibre — making it easier to consume a higher calorie total when appetite is a limiting factor. Impact Whey Mass Gainer, which delivers 30g of protein and 50g of carbs per serving, is a ready-made option that combines both macros. Standalone carb powders let you customise the ratio if you're already hitting protein targets through other sources.
When is the best time to take a carbohydrate supplement?
Timing depends on the carb source. Oat powders work well as part of a pre-training meal 60–90 minutes before exercise. Fast-digesting options like maltodextrin and cyclic dextrin are typically used closer to training — before, during, or immediately after. After intense or prolonged training that depletes glycogen stores, carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function2, making the post-workout window a key moment to refuel.
Do carbohydrate supplements contain protein?
Most standalone carb powders are primarily a carbohydrate source, though some — like 100% Instant Oats — naturally contain protein from the oats themselves (around 11g per serving). Products like Impact Whey Mass Gainer are formulated specifically to deliver both macros in one serving. If you want full control over protein and carb ratios independently, using a dedicated carb powder alongside a separate protein supplement gives you that flexibility.
Who developed the carbohydrate supplements at Myprotein?
Myprotein's expert nutritionists developed the carbohydrate range, selecting ingredient sources and serving sizes based on the needs of people training at a range of levels. Each product is formulated to a defined nutritional profile, with straightforward ingredients lists that make them easy to fit into any structured nutrition plan.
Are Myprotein carbohydrate supplements suitable for vegans?
Many products in the carbohydrate range are suitable for vegans, including oat-based options and maltodextrin. Ingredient and suitability information is listed on each individual product page, so it's worth checking there for confirmation before purchasing. The range is broad enough that most dietary preferences are well catered for.
What carbohydrate supplements does Myprotein offer?
The range includes six products covering different carb sources and formats: Impact Whey Mass Gainer, 100% Instant Oats, 100% Maltodextrin Carbs, 100% Rolled Oats, Protein Pancake Mix, and 100% Cyclic-Dextrin Carbs. That mix covers everything from whole food-derived oat powders to highly refined carb sources like cyclic dextrin, giving you options across different use cases and training goals.
1. Carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function.
2. Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle.