Comparison of different brands of energy gels for endurance sports

During an exercise the body uses fat and carbohydrates as a source of energy. While fat is abundant, it is ineffective if the exercise intensity is above the aerobic threshold (70% maximum heart rate). Thus the major fuel source in high intensity exercises is from carbohydrates. The problem with carbohydrates is that we can only store a limited amount. For example, we use them up in 2 hours when running at marathon pace.

This is where energy gels come in place - to replenish carbohydrate stores that are used up. Unfortunately, energy gels don’t provide a simple one-to-one replacement and so timing and type of gel could be important. Most recommend taking a gel 45 to 60 minutes into the race and every 45-60 minutes thereafter. And now for the most difficult part - not all energy gels are the same. Some are more viscous, some taste better, and contains different ingredients. 

I have compiled a list of energy gels that are available in Singapore, prices correct as of posting and will vary during promotions.

Ranking of Highest energy per g of sachet

1	GU Energy Gel	3.13 Kcal/g
2	32Gi	3.07 Kcal/g
3	Clif Shot	2.94 Kcal/g

Ranking of Highest energy per dollar

1	Weider in Jelly	62 Kcal/$
2	PowerGel (PowerBar)	52.91 Kcal/$
3	GU Energy Gel	48.10 Kcal/$

Ranking of Highest simple sugar by % carbohydrate

1	Honey Stinger	100%
2	Accel Gel	65%
3	32Gi	61%

Ranking of Cheapest per sachet or serving pack

1	High5 Energy Gel	$2.00
2	Clif Shot , GU Energy Gel, Hammer Gel, PowerGel (PowerBar Gel)	$2.08
3	Honey Stinger	$2.20

Key points of various energy gels in alphabetical order

Brand	Carbohydrate source	Other feature
32Gi Sports Gel	rice syrup	Packaging is easy to carry
Accel Gel	maltodextrin, fructose, sucrose	Patented 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein.  Accel Gel users performed 13% longer vs. GU gel users, and 50% better muscle recovery. Also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Whey Protein Isolate & Hydrolysate 5g
Clif Shot	maltodextrin, cane syrup	Patented design allows the tear tab to stay attached to the bottom of the packet after use.
GU Energy Gel	maltodextrin, fructose	Patented carbohydrate blend (70%-80% maltodextrin and 30-20% fructose). Also contains Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin E
Hammer Gel	maltodextrin, dextrin	Concentrated source of complex carbohydrates with four amino acids, trace amount of sugar
High5 Energy Gel	maltodextrin, glucose	Light consistency, not overly sweet
Honey Stinger Gel	honey	Only honey, honey is comprised of glucose, fructose, maltose, trisaccharides, and sucrose. The glucose to fructose ratio for honey is the same as fruits, 1:1. Also contains Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid
Maxifuel Viper Active Energy Gel	4 carbohydrate blend	Contains Maxcarb, an exclusive fast-acting blend of four energyboosting carbohydrates
PowerGel (PowerBar Gel)	maltodextrin, fructose	C2MAX 2:1 glucose to fructose blend, found to deliver 20 to 50 percent more energy to muscles than glucose alone and improve endurance performance by 8 percent.
Shotz Energy Gel	maltodextrin
Weider in Jelly	dextrin, fructose	Also contains Vitamin C, Calcium pantothenate,Niacin,Vitamin E, Vitamin B1,Vitamin B2,Vitamin B6,Vitamin A,Folic acid,Vitamin D,Vitamin B12

Which gel works best for you? If you’d like to have my compiled list in excel file, do drop me a note. If you’d like me to list your store as one selling energy gels, do drop me a note too.