I was wondering which type of candy/food is best for the SAT to stay energized throughout the day. My friend brought a huge bag of candy for the old SAT, and scored a 2400, and I noticed that candy does help a little bit. Can anyone advise on which candy is the best?
@jonhcoogan I suggest against bringing lots of candy/sugary foods since there is the risk of a sugar crash (you might feel energized at first, but then feel really groggy later on).
Not chocolate. It says in your teeth and makes your mouth dry if you eat loads of it. Not sour candy; it’ll be distracting. Just go with some simple Skittles if you are set on bringing candy to stuff yourself with.
If that’s what you normally thrive on, then sure. Just don’t try something new on that day.
Google brain foods. Candy is not one of them.
Try a light snack with a little protein and carbohydrates. Despite the commercials, a snickers bar will probably not be a good idea.
I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you must dark chocolate might be ok . .
When I took the old one I didn’t consume large amounts of chocolate or candy, just a small hard candy which I sucked on for a couple of minutes usually every break. is this type of candy eating during the test bad?
My three oldest have all taken hard candy (like Jolly Ranchers or some peppermints) and water to the standardized tests w/o incident. They are usually done by around noon so risk of “crashing” from a sugar high seems pretty minimal. Any exhaustion would be later in the day once the adrenaline wears off.
I don’t think you are allowed to eat during the test but during the breaks it should be ok. It should be something reasonably non-messy and easy to unwrap. You don’t want to have to excuse yourself to go wash your hands right before the test resumes! When I was a student we were told “candy corn, life savers, butterscotch disks etc. are fine” (ok this was the olden days, folks!).
Definitely use the practice tests to figure out what can work for you. Have your “fueling strategy” nailed down by test day, just like you would if you were planning to run a long race that day 
Peer reviewed double blind studies clearly demonstrate that peanut M&M’s are the optimal SAT snack. Except the orange ones, of course. Interestingly, anecdotal evidence suggests that if you’re taking the ACT, the orange ones are fine, but the yellow ones should be avoided.
Sugar highs are a myth and sugar is not a stimulant. It’s a common misconception.
High protein snacks are better - jerky, nuts, high protein bars, etc. I would avoid taking peanuts because many students have allergies to them. Fruit is better than candy.
I would personally stick with granola bars, pretzels, almonds, peanuts, trail mix, etc. I would also bring water AND a “sugary” drink such as iced tea, lemonade, or soda.
My tutor told me: Whatever you eat for breakfast, add a banana. So I had some healthy cereal with milk and added a banana. I felt great during the test (and got a 2400).
Stay away from candy and eat a banana—it’s a better energy boost because it lasts over time.
@Sam998 I sometimes will eat a lot of pure sugar snacks, such as Mike & Ike, and not long afterwards I get incredibly tired. I enjoy eating the sugar, but it makes me sleepy in the worst way.
I suggest eating a light but full breakfast and taking an apple and bottle of water or a soft drink to have during the break. This should be enough.
I second Earl, but I’m wondering whether one has time to eat so much sugar during the break anyway. The apple, however, should provide appropriate amounts of carbs. w/o overloading. Same with the banana. Both easy to digest and filled with carbs.
The only advice I’d change from above is to skip the soft drinks if they make you pee more often. THAT is something you don’t need during a long test with minimal breaks! Water should be fine.
Apple slices (already cut) or a banana. ALWAYS bring a bottle of water and take a sip during the break (don’t drink the whole bottle :p)
A chocolate bar (your favorite) you reward yourself and give you a boost during the second break.
Try eating fruit, nuts, or a protein bar - something that has nutritional value.
Dark chocolate is good for you… but not in excess, of course. I personally love Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. I always feel more sharp/focused after eating them for some strange reason, but that might just be my imagination. I personally do not feel more energized after eating junk food, but if that method has worked for you and/or your friend go ahead. Just know your limits. Consuming caffeine is the best way to be energized.