If you’ve ever hit mile 40 and couldn’t stomach another gel, you’re not alone. It’s also typically where the stomach issues hit if you haven’t eaten real food. There’s only so much sugar sludge a runner can handle before your taste buds (and gut) wave the white flag. That’s where tortellini comes in! Fuel your trail run with tortellini! Salty, chewy, real food that hits different when you’re deep into the grind. Toss some in a baggie with some olive oil, eat it cold, and you’ve got real food you can actually eat on your Saturday long run.

What makes it perfect?

Carb-dense + easy to chew
Each little pasta ring packs simple, digestible carbs that replenish glycogen mid-run without wrecking your stomach. They go down smooth, even when your body’s tired of sweet stuff, giving you steady fuel without the sugar crash. 1 cup is about 15-18 pieces. There are around 25-28g carbs, 6-12g of fat and 6-12g of protein per cup. That’s a dense little treat.

Salty & satisfying
If you cook it in salted water or toss it with olive oil and salt, it delivers sodium to help replace electrolytes, which is key for endurance efforts. Tortellini can provide a modest boost of sodium, with about 400–600 mg per cup depending on the filling and brand. Pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods helps support overall recovery and energy levels.

Optional protein/fat balance
If it’s filled with cheese or meat, you get a small boost of protein and fat, about 6–12 g of fat and 6–12 g of protein per cup, enough to keep you fuller longer on mountain or ultra efforts, without feeling heavy. You can adjust the balance depending on your needs: cheese fillings add more fat, meat fillings boost protein, and you can toss with olive oil or pair with extra veggies for even more energy. This flexibility makes tortellini an easy, customizable option for fueling long runs or hikes.

Real food you can grab
Cold tortellini travels well in a small baggie or reusable container. Runners love it because it’s bite-sized, doesn’t crumble, and tastes good even when it’s lukewarm and you’re 4 hours deep in the pain cave. It’s an easy way to get carbs, protein, and a bit of fat on the go without extra fuss.

How to Prep:

Boil water.
Add tortellini. Leave it a little Al dente so it holds up better on the go.
Drain and toss in olive oil.
Throw in a ziploc bag and you’re ready to rumble! We suggest either a cup or an hour’s worth of nutrition so it’s easier to keep track of.

Have I convinced you to give it a try? *heavy breathing*

This one’s been field tested and I can confirm, this is an AWESOME trail running snack. It really snags all the major requirements that make me happy out in the woods. And pasta as ultra running fuel? You really don’t have to convince me. Pairing Idea: Add a handful of almonds (7g protein) for a trail-ready power pack to REALLY nail it home with the real trail running food. If you try it out, come back and drop it in the comments to let us know how it goes! Tag @cbmrunning on IG with your run snack pic & win a CBM sticker!
Interested in more fueling hacks? Check out our Fuel Station.