When you are out running, you are going to burn a lot of calories and energy. If you are going on really long runs, you will want to have something with you to help replenish your energy, and energy gels can do that. Energy gels can easily be placed inside a zippered pocket or even in your jacket pocket. These gels will have nutrients to help to replenish your body which will allow you to continue your run.
What To Look For In An Energy Gel
When you are looking at energy gels, there are several things you will want to consider:
- Natural ingredients. You will want to find a gel that has the most natural ingredients in it for your overall health.
- Cost. You will want to take into consideration the cost of energy gels. More high-end gels can be very expensive.
- Quantity. You will want to choose the best quantity for you. If you run frequently, you will want to get the biggest box you can find.
- Flavor. There are many options for flavor. You will want to find gels that taste good to you so that you will be able to use them while you are running.
Below are our top ten picks for energy gels.
1. Best Energy Gels – Maurten Energy Gel 100
This gel is very dense and has a unique blend of glucose and fructose. It has twenty five grams of carbohydrates in one serving and has six all natural ingredients. It does not have any preservatives or added colors. You can get this brand in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties.
2. GU Energy Running Gels
GU energy gels are one of the most common energy gels out there. They are well known for their quality ingredients and have some wild flavors to choose from. They have a salted watermelon flavor and more. These gels are made of complex and simple carbs. You will get 100 calories per serving. These gels come in a box, and you can choose a variety pack or a pack of just one flavor.
3. CLIF Bar Shot Energy
CLIF Bar makes a great running gel that has eight flavors. It gives you potassium, sodium, and electrolytes. It also has a dose of sugars, carbs, and calories. Each flavor has a different level of caffeine and carbs, so you can make sure you are getting what you need. There are caffeine free options with these gels. CLIF Bar has stated that they are highly committed to sustainability. Eighty percent of their ingredients are sustainably sourced and organic.
4. GU Roctane Energy Gels
The GU Roctane energy gels are a bit different from GU’s other running gels. These are targeted as those who need super endurance. It is packed with twice the amount of electrolytes your body needs. It also has the amino acid known as taurine. Taurine helps your heart work more effectively during a run. It does have the same amount of carbs and calories as other gels. You will want to chase this gel down with lots of water before starting your run. This gel is best for those runners who are going to be on the trail for several hours.
5. Huma Chia Energy Gel for Runners
If you love chia seeds, you will love this energy gel. It is created in eight different flavors, and the added chia seeds make it go down a bit better. It has brown rice syrup and fruit puree. The great thing about these is that they are vegan. If you need caffeine, you will not find them in these gels. However, if you want an all-natural gel to give you an energy boost, these are for you.
6. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel
Honey Stingers are very popular in the energy gel making world. These gels come in a variety of different flavors. Their main sugar component is honey which will give you a sugar boost and will give you all the health benefits of honey. These only organic ingredients will give you enough calories and carbs to function throughout your run.
7. Science In Sport Energy Gel Pack
These are lesser-known in the energy gel world, but they are just as good as any other energy gel. Each one of these gels has 90 calories and 22 grams of carbs. They do not contain electrolytes or caffeine. They are very affordable and are a great pick me up while you are out running.
8. Spring Energy Gels
Spring energy gels are created for runners who have sensitive digestive systems. Some energy gels out there are way too acidic, and that can cause problems for the digestive system, especially if you are already sensitive. These gels are easy on your stomach and are made with nutrients to prevent GI problems. They have a good calorie level and a good carb level. They are organic and affordable.
9. Glukos Energy Liquid Gel 2oz Packets
The Glukos energy liquid gel works great. It is in a single serve pack that you can easily down on the run. It has water, electrolytes, and glucose. There is no lactic acid or byproducts in this gel, so you do not have to worry about it upsetting your stomach. It has sodium and potassium to help support your body and help you to avoid nausea, brain fog, and muscle cramps.
10. Boom Nutrition – Carb Boom Energy Gel
This energy gel is perfect for boosting your overall performance. It has 26 grams of carbs and two to three grams of sugar. It tastes just like real fruit because it uses a blend of fruit purees and fruit juices. These gels do not contain any sweeteners or artificial colors. Boom Nutrition gel was designed by athletes to offer a full gel that will help to give you that energy boost you need while running.
If you plan on heading out on the trail, consider taking one or two energy gels with you. They can help to boost your energy and keep you feeling great while on your run.
