An edible energy tablet containing at least 80 weight % carbohydrates for consumption during exercise, is fabricated by a process including providing tablet material free of hydrophobic and/or PEG lubricants and free of CO2 sources. The tablet material includes a sucrose and dextrose mixture of 77-95 wt. %, maltodextrin of 2-13 wt. %, an edible soluble oil of 0.2-2.0 wt. %, and an edible acid of 1-4 wt. %. The tablet material is introduced to a tablet press that alternately moves first and second punches towards and away from one another to compress the tablet material to form and release a tablet. A punch cleaner engaged with the first and second punches removes tablet material from the punches after tablet release. The tablet has a diameter of 1.2 to 3.8 cm, a thickness of 0.6 cm to 2.3 cm, and a resistance to breakage forces of 8.5 to 30 kilopounds.