Best Energy Gels
Energy gels (sports gels) are arguably the best thing to come along in sports nutrition over the last 20 years. Energy gels are easily digestible and give quick energy lasting between 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Popular in endurance sports such as running, cycling and triathlon for years. Recently, they have been popping up at soccer, football, hockey and baseball. Expect this trend to continue as the benefits of extra energy during exertion is universal.
Many athletes use energy gels 5 to 15 minutes before workout/event and then every 30 to 45 minutes during. I often use an energy gel if my workout is in the middle or the end of the day rather than eat solid food. The solid food at worst causes digestive distress and at best recruits precious blood flow to the digestion system from my muscles being used in exercise. Believe me, I need all the help at the muscles!
All Energy Gels are not created equal! We strongly believe that the top energy gels should be low in simple sugars. An abundance of simple sugars can create an insulin spike causing a “sugar high” and subsequent “sugar crash.” This “crash” puts the athlete at a net energy deficit. That is why we rated the energy gels by simple sugar content, ability to be easily digested, flavor (you’ve got to like the taste or you won’t use it) and price.
Hammer Gel
Rating:
Price at Time of Rating: $30
- This Expert Rater has used it for over 15 years and loves him some Hammer Gel!
- No “sugar crash” because to the very low amounts of simple sugars.
- Very easy to digest.
- One of the most viscous energy gels on the market.
- Available in the following flavors: Apple-Cinnamon, Banana, Chocolate, Espresso (contains caffeine), Montana Huckleberry, Nocciola, Orange, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter/Chocolate, Raspberry, Tropical (contains caffeine), Vanilla, and Unflavored.
- Available in more affordable and environmentally friendly bottles.
- Price per 24 packets.
Rating by Jim on July 18, 2016
Gu Energy Gel
Rating:
Price at Time of Rating: $28
- The biggest name in sports gels and consistently provides a good product.
- Has between 6 grams and 7 grams of simple sugar per packet.
- Strawberry Banana, Lemon Lime, Peanut Butter, and Root Beer (all have zero caffeine)
- Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Outrage, Triberry, Tastefully Nude, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Salted Watermelon (all have 20mg of caffeine)
- Espresso Love, Caramel Macchiato, and Jet Blackberry flavors(all have 40mg of caffeine)
- Price per 24 packets.
Rating by Jim on July 18, 2016
SiS GO Energy Gel
Rating:
Price at Time of Rating: $39
- Wow, only 1 gram of sugar per serving!
- The only isotonic energy gel. Meaning you don’t have to drink water with the gel to get the benefits.
- Very, very viscous! It takes a bit to get used to after using standard sports gels. I ended up liking this feature.
- Price per 30 packet.
Rating by Jim on July 19, 2016
Carb Boom Energy Gel
Rating:
Price at Time of Rating: $35
Price per 24 packets.
Rating by Jim on July 19, 2016
VFuel Energy Gel
Rating:
Price at Time of Rating: $38
Price per 24 packets.
Rating by Jim on July 19, 2016