Top 5 Energy Gels for Running

For runners, correct nutrition and a well-planned fuelling strategy are key to unlocking full performance potential.

Energy gels provide a convenient and portable fuelling solution for runners of all distances. We’re going to take a look at some of the best Energy Gels for runners, currently available at XMiles.

Our top 5 Energy Gels for Running

Styrkr Gel30 Dual-Carb Gel

The Styrkr Gel30 Dual-Carb Gel provides 30g of dual source carbohydrates for optimal absorption and maximum energy.

L-Arginine and L-Citrulline work together to convert L-arginine into nitric oxide which lowers the ‘oxygen cost’ of exercise, meaning you can work harder for longer.

Nutritional Composition:

• 128 Calories
• 30g Dual source carbs (1:0.8- maltodextrin: fructose)
• 5g L-Arginine
• 5g L-Citrulline

The Styrkr Gel30 is best taken before or during intense training sessions or races and is designed to perfectly combine with other products from the Styrkr range such as the SLT07 Hydration Drink Tablets. /products/slt07-hydration-drink-tablets-12-tablets

Other key features:

• Natural berry flavour & no added sugar.
• Gentle on the stomach.
• Vegan & Gluten-free.

Maurten Gel 160

The Maurten Gel 160 optimises a blend of glucose & fructose, delivered by Maurten’s patented hydrogel technology to provide an energy boost while training and racing.

Nutritional Composition:

• 160 Calories
• 40g Dual source carbs (0.8:1- fructose: glucose)

The Gel 160 is interchangeable with the Maurten Gel 100 using the same Hydrogel technology and Carb ratio.

However, the Gel 160 is better suited to longer endurance events where fuelling opportunities may be less frequent. The Gel 160 delivers more calories and more carbs per serve, allowing athletes to carry fewer gels.

Other key features:

• Made from just 6 natural ingredients.
• No preservatives, artificial colours, or flavours.

Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gel

The PF 30 Gel uses a scientifically proven blend of glucose & fructose to maximise carbohydrate uptake in the body.

Made from 100% natural ingredients and mild in flavour to reduce flavour fatigue, the PF 30 gel is ideal for runners of all distances.

Nutritional Composition:

• 120 Calories
• 30g Dual source carbs (2:1- glucose: fructose)

PF 30 gels are intended for use during exercise lasting more than 60 minutes. They can be taken alone during shorter sessions or combined with other products from the Precision Fuel & Hydration range such as the Electrolyte Drink Tablets to maintain proper hydration.

Other key features:

• Mild taste to combat flavour fatigue.
• Texture designed to minimise stickiness and eliminate the need for water.
• Informed Sport Certified
• No artificial ingredients.

GU Roctane Energy Gel

The GU Roctane energy gels are packed with all the carbs, electrolytes, and BCAA’s you need to achieve your best performance.

Roctane gels contain more sodium and more amino acids than the original GU Energy Gel, meaning they’re perfect for long intense activity.

Nutritional Composition:

• 100 Calories
• 21g Carbs- Maltodextrin & fructose blend.
• 125mg Sodium.
• 1425mg BCAA’s (Brand Chain Amino-Acids)

Roctane gels are ideal for longer training runs and races. Higher Sodium content helps to maintain hydration levels while BCAA’s help to reduce muscle fatigue and damage, allowing you to train harder and recover faster.

Consume one gel every 30-45 minutes during exercise lasting over 60 minutes.

Other key features:

• 8 Delicious flavours to choose from.
• Vegan & gluten-free.
• Informed Choice tested.

OTE Super Gel

OTE Super Gels are the ultimate high-carb energy boosting gel for runners. Providing double the energy of a standard OTE gel, the super gel utilises a blend of Maltodextrin and fructose to improve carb absorption and deliver 40g carbs per gel.

Nutritional Composition:

• 160 Calories
• 9g Carbs- Maltodextrin & fructose blend.
• 9mg Sodium

The OTE Super Gels are a perfect fast acting source of energy during intense training sessions and races lasting over 60 minutes.

Other key features:

• Natural flavours from real fruit juice concentrate.
• Designed for quick and easy consumption on the go.
• Informed Sport tested.

Honourable Mentions

Huma Chia Energy Gel

A brilliant gel worth considering if you’re looking for something with all-natural ingredients that is gentle on the stomach. Huma gels combine chia seeds, sodium and carbs to provide a well rounded energy source that will sustain you throughout your run.

Torq Energy Gel

Available in 8 delicious flavours inspired by classic deserts, the Torq energy gel are ideal for consumption during exercise of any length or intensity. These gels are light in texture, easy to consume on the go, and don’t need water to wash them down.

Energy Gel Selection Box

If you want to try out some new gels but don’t know where to start then the Energy Gel Selection box could be a great option for you.

The contents is updated every month just like our Monthly Nutrition Box, so you get to try as many new products as possible. 

Takeaway

Choosing the perfect Energy Gel for running can be difficult with so many options available. To make things easier, consider the following factors to help you decide.

• Nutritional Requirements- carb content, electrolytes, caffeine, etc.
• Flavour- Do you prefer strong fruity flavours, or something more neutral?
• Texture

Once you’ve considered these, you can then start experimenting with different options during your training to find the gels that work best for you.

And as always, don’t forget the importance of eating properly and staying hydrated.

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