5 Gut-Friendly Options You Need To Try

When it comes to fuelling long runs, hard sessions, or all day adventures, your gut can make or break your performance. Many athletes struggle with gels or drinks that feel heavy, cause bloating, or disrupt the stomach when intensity rises. The good news is that there are now smarter, gentler options designed to deliver energy without the discomfort. Here are five gut-friendly choices trusted by endurance athletes who want reliable fuel that is easy to tolerate, even during tough efforts.

Mountain Fuel Hydrogel Sports Jelly

Mountain Fuel Hydrogel Sports Jelly is a light, liquid style alternative to standard gels, giving you quick energy in a format that feels far easier on the stomach. The natural hydrogel makes it smooth to take, simple to absorb, and ideal when your gut feels sensitive or intensity is high.

• 20g multi-source carbohydrate blend
• Natural hydrogel for fast, gentle absorption
• Cola flavour includes 30mg caffeine
• Contains electrolytes for focus and hydration
• Easy to consume without needing water

It's great for athletes who want fast, reliable energy without the heaviness of traditional gels.

Active Root Sports Drink Mix

Active Root Sports Drink Mix uses real ginger and slow-release carbohydrates to deliver steady energy while actively settling the stomach. It mixes easily, tastes clean, and supports hydration with a naturally balanced electrolyte profile, making it ideal for longer, more demanding sessions.

• Slow-release cane sugar for sustained energy
• Over 200mg high gingerol ginger to support gut comfort
• Sea salt for strong electrolyte balance
• Helps reduce cramps and nausea
• All natural and free from artificial additives

Perfect for athletes who want a soothing, gut friendly drink that fuels and hydrates at the same time.

Näak Ultra Energy Purée

Näak Ultra Energy Purée is a semi liquid, real-food option created for long distance athletes who need dependable fuel that goes down easily. With a blend of carbs, electrolytes, and plant based protein, it delivers lasting energy without upsetting the stomach during big days out.

• 200 calories of slow burning energy
• 325mg electrolytes to support hydration
• 5g protein with natural BCAAs
• Balanced simple and complex carbs
• Smooth, easy to digest texture

Ideal for endurance athletes who prefer real ingredients and steady, stomach friendly energy.

Precision Fuel PF 30 Energy Chews

Precision Fuel PF 30 Energy Chews offer a soft, easy to chew alternative to gels, giving you simple, predictable carbohydrate intake without any gut stress. They are light in flavour, clean in formulation, and pair easily with your hydration strategy.

• 30g carbohydrate per pack
• 1:1 glucose to fructose ratio
• Vegan and gluten free
• Soft, quick to chew texture
• Gentle, minimal ingredient formula

Great for athletes who want portable energy that is easy to manage on the move.

OTE Anytime Bar

The OTE Anytime Bar is a natural, wholesome snack designed to give you steady, gentle energy from real ingredients. It is easy to digest, tastes great, and works just as well before training as it does during lower intensity or all day efforts.

• Up to 40g of carbohydrates
• Includes protein for recovery support
• 100 percent natural ingredients
• Gluten free, nut free, vegetarian
• Mild, easy to digest texture

A top choice for active individuals who prefer real food fuelling that feels comfortable, simple, and reliable.

Summary

Gut friendly fuelling can make a huge difference to how you feel during training and racing, but it is essential to practise your strategy long before event day. Every athlete absorbs and tolerates fuel differently, so testing what works for you is key.

To make sure you are taking on enough energy for the intensity and duration of your sessions, use our Nutrition Calculator for personalised fuelling targets that support both performance and comfort.