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! Sodium
(mg)
! [[Potassium]]
(mg)
! class="unsortable" | [[Caffeine]]
* <sup>c</sup>The unusual nature of the ingredients in 2<sup>nd</sup> surge makes it harder to estimate the types of carbohydrates included.
* <sup>d</sup>The sugar value includes sucrose, [[Fructose]], glucose and other 'sugars'.
* <sup>e</sup>This is an approximation based on the amount of sugar, [[Maltodextrin]], sodium and [[Potassium|potassium]], ignoring other ingredients. The water included in the gel is assumed to be the overall weight less the weight of the carbs, fat and [[Protein]]. See [[The Science of Energy Gels]] for details on the isotonic calculations.
* <sup>f</sup>This is the net weight of the gel; generally the packaging added 2-3g to the gels according to my scales.
* <sup>g</sup>The chocolate flavor has 1.5g
=Hammer Gel=
[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hammer&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHammer-Single-Serve-Packets-Raspberry%2Fdp%2FB000RI2T4A Hammer Gel] is noteworthy as one of the easiest to digest gels. It is nearly all [[Maltodextrin]] dissolved in a greater volume of fluid than other gels. The low level of sugars and electrolytes makes this far easier on the digestive system, and is recommended for runners who have issues with other types of gel. Note the low level of [[Fructose]], which makes the maximum carbohydrate absorption lower than other gels. Therefore use Hammer only if Gu is difficult to digest.
''<br/>Ingredients (Vanilla): [[Maltodextrin]], Filtered Water, Energy Smart (Grape juice and Rice dextrins), [[Potassium ]] Sorbate (as a preservative), Vanilla Extract, Citric Acid, [[Potassium ]] Chloride, Salt, Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Alanine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine).''
=Carb BOOM=
Carb BOOM is similar to Hammer Gel. Each packet of Carb BOOM is about 25% larger than Hammer Gel, but contains similar ingredients (slightly more electrolytes).
''</br>Ingredients (Apple Cinnamon): [[Maltodextrin]], Water, Apple Puree, Apple Concentrate, Citric Acid, [[Potassium ]] Citrate, Sea Salt, Cinnamon, [[Potassium ]] Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate.''
=Gu=
For marathon distance racing, I prefer [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY Gu] over all other gels I've tried. You could think of Gu as the Honda Civic of energy gels; it's not perfect for everyone in every situation, but it's a great all-rounder. It contains 5g of [[Fructose]], with the rest of the calories coming from the easily digested [[Maltodextrin]]. I find that Gu can be consumed without any extra water as long as it is taken a bit at a time and [[How to eat a Gel| mixed with saliva]]. Some of the flavors can be a little strong, but the 'plain' Gu has a light cola flavor. Gu is slightly thicker than other gels, which I find makes it easier to mix the gel with saliva, but it can become overly thick in colder conditions.
''<br/>Ingredients (Vanilla): [[Maltodextrin]], water, [[Fructose]], Gu Amino acids (leucine, valine, histidine, isoleucine), [[Potassium|potassium ]] and sodium citrate, antioxidants (vitamin E and C),citric acid, calcium carbonate, vanilla, sea salt, preservatives (sodium benzoate, [[Potassium|potassium ]] sorbate), fumaric acid, herbal blend (chamomile, kola nut, ginger), pectin.''
=Gu (Peanut Butter)=
The peanut butter flavored [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY Gu] is different enough to justify its own section. The peanut butter flavor is far less sweet than the regular Gu flavors, but if you like peanut butter it can be a lot more palatable. It also substitutes a little bit of fat and [[Protein]] for the carbohydrate, as well as having a tiny bit more sodium and [[Potassium|potassium]]. I find this flavor digests particularly well and I'd recommend trying get if you're a fan of peanut butter. Obviously, if you hate peanut butter or you have a peanut allergy this is not going to work for you. The Peanut Butter flavor is one of the thickest gels, and is quite a bit thicker than the other flavors of Gu. Even in warm conditions it tends to be a little too thick, and in cold conditions it can become bit like a chewy candy such as taffy, toffee, etc.''<br/>Ingredients: [[Maltodextrin]], water, [[Fructose]], Peanut butter (peanuts, salt), Gu Amino acids (leucine, valine, histidine, isoleucine), [[Potassium|potassium ]] and sodium citrate, antioxidants (vitamin E and C), preservatives (sodium benzoate, [[Potassium|potassium ]] sorbate), calcium carbonate, sea salt, fumaric acid, calcium chloride, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, herbal blend (chamomile, ginger).''
=Gu Roctane=
[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gur&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoctane-Energy-Gel--Pack-Pomegranate%2Fdp%2FB002Y1XKW8 Roctane] is a more expensive variant on Gu, though the price has reduced significantly since its introduction. The main difference is the addition of 1.7g of amino acids, which may help slightly. Roctane is not as thick as the standard Gu. I've not noticed any difference when using it, but if you like Gu and are looking for even a slight advantage, it may be worthwhile. If you are paying hundreds of dollars for a race entry and travel, then the extra cost is minor. If you take 8 gels in a 4-hour marathon, Roctane only adds $4-5 to the cost of the race. Of course, you'll need to practice with Roctane in your training, so you'll have to factor that cost in as well.
''<br/>Ingredients (Blueberry flavor): [[Maltodextrin]], water, [[Fructose]], Roctane Amino acids (Histidine, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine), Ornithine Alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG), sodium citrate, malic acid, citric acid, [[Potassium|potassium ]] citrate, natural pomegranate flavor, natural berry flavor, calcium carbonate, sea salt, [[Caffeine]], sodium benzoate, [[Potassium|potassium ]] sorbate.''
=Vi Endurance=
Vi Endurance has no [[Fructose]], so it's ideal for those that suffer from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructose_malabsorption fructose malabsorption]. It has a little fat in the form of Medium Chain Triglycerides, as well as some Taurine, which I think are good things, but probably the amount is not significant enough to make much of a difference. There is a little [[Caffeine]], intended to increase the carbohydrate absorption rather than to improve performance. I found the Vi Endurance very easy on the stomach and a worthy alternative to Hammer Gel, though it's only from the manufacturer and so it a little more pricy ($1.64 with shipping.)
''<br/>Ingredients (Vanilla): [[Maltodextrin]], water, dextrose, Vi Endurance Formula (MCT Oil, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG), citrulline malate, [[Magnesium]] aspartate, sodium citrate, [[Potassium|potassium ]] aspartate), pure vanilla flavor, [[Potassium|potassium ]] sorbate, sea salt, [[Caffeine]]''
=Clif Shot (new formula)=
The new formula [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clif&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FClif-Shot-Mocha-1-2-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB0074B4IKG Clif Shot] uses [[Maltodextrin]] like other Gels and is similar to Gu. However, it has slightly more sugar making it a little more difficult to digest. One nice thing about Clif Shots is their 'litter leash', which is a thin strip that holds the top to the body of the packet so that you're less lightly to drop the top. I found in practice that I often break the leash when opening the gels, but the idea is a noble one.
''<br/>Ingredients (Vanilla): Organic [[Maltodextrin]], Organic Sugar, Water, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, [[Potassium ]] Citrate.''
=PowerBar Gel=
[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=PBeg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPowerBar-Caffeinated-Strawberry-1-44-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB000A2BCIW PowerBar Gel] is noteworthy because of its higher sodium content that may help alleviate [[Hyponatremia]] and [[Cramps]]. I found the flavor stronger than Hammer, Gu or Cliff, but still quite pleasant. The level of [[Fructose]] is higher than I'd like to see for digestibility. You may need to drink some water near the time you take PowerBar Gel due to the extra electrolytes. PowerBar Gel has a noticeably thinner consistency than most other gels, and is almost a liquid. This makes it far easier to take in cold weather as it does not go so thick, but it also make it trickier to mix with saliva in your mouth.
''<br/>Ingredients (vanilla): Carbohydrate blend ([[Maltodextrin]], [[Fructose]]), water, electrolytes (sodium chloride, sodium citrate, [[Potassium|potassium ]] chloride), natural flavor, citric acid, sodium benzoate and [[Potassium|potassium ]] sorbate.''
=eGel=
The main ingredients in eGel are close to Gu, which is no bad thing. The main differences are that eGel is twice the size of Gu, does not come in caffeinated varieties and has more electrolytes. While eGel has more electrolytes per packet than PowerBar Gel, if you take into account then PowerBar Gel has the most concentrated electrolytes. The size of eGel may appeal to some people, but I generally find the usual size more convenient. The flavors of eGel are somewhat unusual in that they taste quite sour or 'tart', possibly because of the citric acid content. Flavor is a personal thing, so if you like sour, tart tastes, then you may get on well with eGel, but I found it overwhelming. However, it's possible that eGel may be acidic enough to help with [[ Cramps| cramping]]. An oddity of eGel is that they contain coloring, which is strange given that most people will never actually see the gel.
''</br>Ingredients (Mountain Rush): [[Maltodextrin]], Filtered Water, [[Fructose]], Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, [[Potassium ]] Citrate, Natural Flavor, Amino Acid Blend (Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (Tocopherol acetate), Sodium Benzoate And [[Potassium ]] Sorbate, Yellow 5, Vitamin B6''
=Accel Gel=
I like the 4:1 carbohydrate to [[Protein]] ratio of [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=accel&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPacific-Health-Accel-Vanilla-pack%2Fdp%2FB003CN5NL8 Accel Gel], and I often use it in ultramarathon races. There is more sugar than I would like at 13g and the thin consistency makes it harder to eat slowly and mix with saliva.
=Honey Stinger=
Honey contains only simple sugars rather than the [[Maltodextrin]] that other Gels use. This makes [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoney-Stinger-Gold-Energy-1-3-Ounce%2Fdp%2FB0010TGK18 Honey Stinger] much harder to digest than other Gels, and much sweater. This is the one of the few Gels I've tried that has given me digestive problems when taken slowly. I also found the sweetness overpowering and unpleasant, though the honey aftertaste was quite nice. I would not recommend Honey Stinger Gels.
''<br/>Ingredients (Gold flavor): Honey, Water, [[Potassium ]] Citrate, Salt, Natural Flavors, Vitamins & Minerals, Niacinamide (Vit B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vit B5), Pyridoxine, Hydrochloride (Vit B6), Riboflavin (Vit B2), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vit B1), Cyanocobalamin (Vit B12)''
=#9 Chocolate=
The only ingredients in this [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=ch9&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F815338%2Fchocolate-9-energy-gel #9] are Agave and Cocoa, and Agave is predominantly [[Fructose]] (55% [[Fructose]] to 20% glucose). This amount of [[Fructose]] is slow to be absorbed and can be difficult to digest, making it a poor choice for most runners. The Agave makes this gel intensely sweet, which I did not like and the '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_process_chocolate processed with alkali]' means that most of the antioxidants are destroyed. This is also by far the thickest gel that I've tested so far, being more like a paste than a gel. This gel may be suitable for runners that suffer from a blood sugar drop after taking more conventional gels prior to exercise (see [[The Science of Energy Gels| The Science of Energy Gels]] for more details).
