7 Energy Gels You Need to Try

Energy gels are a great way to fuel yourself on the go. Lightweight and conveniently packaged, they are perfect for putting in your pocket and taking with you just about anywhere. They provide simple sugars that are absorbed into the bloodstream as glucose, giving you an energy boost. Usually, one gel can provide 15-45 minutes of energy with around 25g of carbohydrates.

Depending on the gel, there may also be other added ingredients to give you an extra boost:

CAFFEINE - Improves alertness and concentration, reaction times, and the ability to keep pushing for longer.

SODIUM (ELECTROLYTES) - Lack of sodium can lead to muscle cramping, dehydration, heat stroke.

AMINO ACIDS (BCAAs) - The building blocks of muscle. Low levels of amino acids can contribute to fatigue.

Take a look below through our recommended energy gels:

Huma Gel: Original

Made from all-natural ingredients, the Huma Chia Energy Gel combines superfood chia seeds with real fruit puree, brown rice syrup, and cane sugar, along with a little bit of water for a tasty gel that will give you all the energy you need for your best performance. Available in 8 flavors, all Huma gels use a natural glucose and fructose blend in the form of cane sugar and brown rice syrup. This increases the body's carb absorption rate, removing the need for maltodextrin, which can be harsh on the stomach.

• Take 1 gel 15 minutes before exercise, then once every 30-45 minutes during. Always consume alongside water.
• All natural ingredients, which are kind on your stomach.
• Ground chia seeds & packed with antioxidants.
• 100 calories
• 105mg sodium
• 21g carbs per 42g gel

Huma also has the enhanced electrolyte range Huma Chia Plus Energy Gel with double the electrolytes sourced from natural ingredients like coconut water and sea salt.

GU Energy Gel

This is the original energy gel. Using a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates, GU Energy Gel is formulated to provide energy and key nutrients to the body while exercising, popular amongst endurance athletes, they keep you going for longer while allowing faster absorption and being kinder on the stomach. Not to mention their huge range of flavors!

• All Vegan & Gluten Free
• Contains essential BCAA’s to reduce mental fatigue and muscle damage
• Sodium to maintain hydration levels
• Wide range of caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors
• Small and portable, these gels are smaller than most making them even easier to carry with you on all your adventures!
• 100 calories
• Up to 125mg sodium
• 22g carbs per 32g gel

TORQ Energy Gel

Light and syrupy, the TORQ Energy Gel is perfect for consuming on the go and won't stick to your mouth or need washing down with water like some gels. This energy gel uses an effective blend of carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep you fueled while working out, whether you’re going on a gentle run or an intense training session.

• Added electrolytes
• No artificial colours or sweeteners
• Vegan and Gluten Free
• 114 calories
• 49mg sodium
• 29g carbs per 45g gel

Also available in a caffeinated form. The TORQ Energy Gel w/ Guarana range contains 89mg of natural caffeine delivered via Guarana Extract.

Maurten GEL 100

The Maurten GEL 100 harnesses natural hydrogel technology using 6 natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any colouring or preservatives. The Maurten GEL 100 has a thicker more ‘gel like’ consistency than some gels that are syrupy and thin, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t go down easily. Hydrogel technology allows the GEL 100 to smoothly deliver key salt and carbohydrates to the intestine without dissolving in the stomach and causing GI upset.

• Unique hydrogel technology, which protects the stomach from upset.
• Can be consumed before, during and after activity.
• Also available in a caffeinated form Gel 100 CAF.
• 100 calories
• 50mg salt
• 25g carbs per 40g gel

Maurten also offers the Gel 160, which is a bigger hydrogel option, encapsulating 40 grams of carbohydrates in each serving. For athletes who want more energy in each gel to fuel their training and racing.

Mountain Fuel Hydrogel Sports Jelly

The Mountain Fuel Hydrogel Sports Jelly has a thicker consistency than a traditional gel, in the form of a liquid jelly, not a solid jelly, great for those who prefer something a bit more substantial. Easily digestible due to a unique formula that mimics the consistency and acidity of stomach acid making it easily absorbed in the stomach and reducing stomach distress.

• Three different flavours, available with caffeine too.
• Easily digestible so you can focus on your training.
• Tested to ensure effectiveness in all climates, and works great no matter where your next adventure might take you!
• 82 calories
• 68mg salt
• 20g carbs per 60g gel

Also available is the Mountain Fuel Hydrogel Sports Jelly Plus with 30g of carbohydrate per serving with added electrolytes, in the form of 46mg sodium for balancing water/blood levels, and 54mg potassium to aid nerve function.

Spring Energy Gel

Made from real food ingredients, Spring Energy gels are carefully crafted by expert nutritionists in collaboration with athletes. They're a delicious source of natural energy popular amongst runners, cyclists and swimmers alike. Each unique Spring gel flavour works slightly differently but they're all packed with a blend of carbs, plus sodium and vitamin C to provide constant energy during high-intensity activities.

The most popular flavour is Awesome Sauce delivering a Load of Healthy Carbs (45g) for quick and sustained energy during intense workouts and 85mg of sodium to help maintain electrolyte balance.

• One every 30-40 minutes while racing or training for longer than 1.5 hrs
• No added sugars. Avoid dips and spikes in blood sugar
• All natural food ingredients and a range of flavours to choose from!
• Hydrate with Electroride (electrolyte drink mix)

32Gi Sports Gel

Something a bit different, with the snap pack from 32Gi, an innovative and completely unique gel packaging. The product is easy to carry, easy to use, and is more environmentally friendly than conventional packaging. Just snap, and consume! The Sports Gels are created with the consumer in mind. Formulated, as clean as possible, with natural brown rice syrup, and without synthetic flavours. On top of a great energy kick, there are added electrolytes to assist with hydration.

• Tummy friendly. Made with simple ingredients.
• Consume 15 minutes prior to the start of a high intensity session & continue to consume every 45 minutes or as required.
• 84 calories
• 21g carbs per 27g gel