Energy Gels Comparison Table

Introduction

For any long distance race, it is essential for runners to find the type of fuel which works best for them. For many, it will be the energy gel. Energy gels are usually compact packets which contains about 100 calories each as well as the nutrition such as sodium, potassium and carbohydrate among others.

There are increasing number of brands in the market today for runners to choose from. From the all famous and well known GU, to the newer brands such as Huma and Maurten (but famous). We’ve compiled a total of 11 brands within the table below to help runners compare the specifications of the energy gels. Do note there are other fuels not included in this such as drink mixes or bars.

The 11 energy gel brands are:

1. Clif
2. GU
3. Huma
4. Koda Nutrition
5. Mag-On
6. Maurten Sports
7. Pure Nutrition
8. SiS
9. TORQ Gel
10. Unived
11. Veloforte

If there are brands which you love but not tabulated here, drop us the brand name and we will add it in. 😀

Which Nutrition & What Purpose?

Before buying any gel, what should a runner look out for in terms of nutrition and why? Here we will explain each in short details to provide you the quick answer you need.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are essential to help keep up your blood glucose levels and prevent you from “hitting the wall”. It is also a primary source of fuel to keep the runner going during prolong workouts.

Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Chloride)

There are in at least 5 different types of electrolytes. Electrolytes are crucial for runners as they are minerals that help us keep our performance. In specific, electrolytes is lost when we sweat and the lack of these electrolytes can result in muscular fatigue, cramping, or even hyponatremia (extremely low levels of sodium) among others. Therefore it is crucial for runners to keep hydrated but also consume enough of these nutrition to perform but also keep safe.

Sodium

This is one of the electrolytes that get lost in higher concentration. It is crucial to help with your muscle contractions and regulating of fluid to prevent dehydration.

Potassium

Potassium is another key electrolyte to help regulate the fluids within your cells, sodium regulates outside of the cells. With a lack of potassium, one could experience weakness and also muscle cramps.

Calcium

While we all know calcium is essential for our bones, it also serves as an electrolyte and help to regulate the extracellular fluid. It is needed to help prevent muscle weakness or muscle cramps. However, calcium is not the most important electrolyte as they are lost in smaller amount compared to the earlier two.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential to help transport blood sugar to your muscles and lactate out. It is involved the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – source of energy for use and storage at cellular level. There have also been studies that concluded the help of Magnesium in reducing cramping and increasing muscle oxygenation.

Chloride

Chloride is a electrolyte commonly found together with sodium. When put together as sodium chloride, you get salt. It serves much of the same functions as sodium and also help to maintain the pH level in your body.

Caffeine

Caffeine needs no introduction. One important point to note is to avoid overconsuming caffeine given its impact on the heart. Aside from that, caffeine is known to help boost your alertness as per normal coffee does.

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine helps to increase carnosine levels and help your muscles reduce their acid levels during exercise. This lessens overall fatigue. This is less common in the energy gel as you will observe below.

Energy Gel Nutrition Comparison Table

The table has a total of 11 columns, as such you will need to scroll across to see the full table on devices with smaller screen estate. This table is best viewed on the desktop and we apologize for mobile phone users with less than optimal experience. The table is arranged by Brand in alphabetical order starting with CLIF.