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[[File:Gels.JPG|right|thumb|300px|My supply of gels]]
Energy gels are a useful component of many endurance runners' training and racing. In marathon distance racing, energy gels can make an important difference - [[When to eat Energy Gels in the Marathon]]. __NOTOC__
=Gel Ingredients=
Here is an overview of the major ingredients in gels (see [[The Science of Energy Gels| The Science of Energy Gels]] for more details).
* [[Caffeine]] is great for improving performance and speeding the absorption of carbohydrate, but too much can upset the stomach.
* Flavor is important, as you won't want to take an unpalatable gel. Experiment with different flavors, as different people have different tastes, and what flavor appeals can vary with circumstance.
=Overview=
This table is a combination of the science of nutrition, personal experience and the experience of many runners I've talked to, with more details given below.
! class="unsortable" | Recommended for
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hammer&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHammerHammer-Single-Serve-Packets-Raspberry%2Fdp%2FB000RI2T4A /dp/B000RI2T4A Hammer Gel]
| 90
| 23
| Sensitive Stomachs
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB000FQ8DUS dp/B000FQ8DUS Carb BOOM]
| 110
| 27
| Hammer Alternative
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergyEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY /dp/B000CSCRHY Gu]
| 100
| 25
| General Use
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gur&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoctaneRoctane-Energy-Gel--Pack-Pomegranate%2Fdp%2FB002Y1XKW8 /dp/B002Y1XKW8 Gu Roctane]
| 100
| 25
| Those looking for every advantage
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergyEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY /dp/B000CSCRHY Gu] (Peanut Butter)
| 100
| 20
| A less sweet Gu
|-
| [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=ViEnd&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww://www.viendurance.com%2F / Vi Endurance]
| 100
| 23
| [[Fructose]] malabsorption
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clif&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FClifClif-Shot-Mocha-1-2-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB0074B4IKG /dp/B0074B4IKG Clif Shot] (new formula)
| 100
| 24
| A Gu Alternative
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=PBeg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPowerBarPowerBar-Caffeinated-Strawberry-1-44-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB000A2BCIW /dp/B000A2BCIW PowerBar Gel]
| 110
| 27
| A PowerBar Gel Alternative
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=accel&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPacificPacific-Health-Accel-Vanilla-pack%2Fdp%2FB003CN5NL8 /dp/B003CN5NL8 Accel Gel]
| 100
| 20
| Improved Recovery and Ultradistances
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoneyHoney-Stinger-Gold-Energy-1-3-Ounce%2Fdp%2FB0010TGK18 /dp/B0010TGK18 Honey Stinger]
| 120
| 29
| Not Recommended
|-
| [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=ch9&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww://www.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F815338%2Fchocolate/product/815338/chocolate-9-energy-gel Chocolate #9]
| 70
| 15
| 256
| 30
| 0.50
| 2.33
| Not Generally Recommended
|-
| [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SecondSurge&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAccelAccel-Gel-2nd-Surge-Expresso%2Fdp%2FB004Y96R6Y /dp/B004Y96R6Y 2nd Surge]
| 90
| 18
| Not Recommended
|-
| [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww://www.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F837328%2Fvitalyte/product/837328/vitalyte-chia-surge-energy-gel Chia Surge]
| 75
| 17
* <sup>h</sup>The chocolate flavor has 2g
* <sup>I</sup>Viscosity, or thickness, varies enormously between gels. The thickest, Chocolate #9 is more like a paste than a gel, were the thinnest, PowerBar Gel is a liquid.
=Visual Comparison=
{| class="wikitable"
|[[File:Gels.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|Here the comparative the sizes of some of the gels.]]
|}
=Hammer Gel=
[http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hammer&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHammerHammer-Single-Serve-Packets-Raspberry%2Fdp%2FB000RI2T4A /dp/B000RI2T4A 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://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergyEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY /dp/B000CSCRHY 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://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gu&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEnergyEnergy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count%2Fdp%2FB000CSCRHY /dp/B000CSCRHY 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://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=gur&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoctaneRoctane-Energy-Gel--Pack-Pomegranate%2Fdp%2FB002Y1XKW8 /dp/B002Y1XKW8 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.)
=Clif Shot (new formula)=
The new formula [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clif&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FClifClif-Shot-Mocha-1-2-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB0074B4IKG /dp/B0074B4IKG 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://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=PBeg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPowerBarPowerBar-Caffeinated-Strawberry-1-44-Ounce-Packets%2Fdp%2FB000A2BCIW /dp/B000A2BCIW 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://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=accel&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPacificPacific-Health-Accel-Vanilla-pack%2Fdp%2FB003CN5NL8 /dp/B003CN5NL8 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.
''<br/>Ingredients (Vanilla): Water, [[Fructose]], Sucrose, Whey [[Protein]] Isolate and Hydrolysate, [[Maltodextrin]], Glycerin, Natural Flavors, Salt, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Acetate, Soy Lecithin.''
=Honey Stinger=
Honey contains only simple sugars rather than the [[Maltodextrin]] that other Gels use. This makes [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoneyHoney-Stinger-Gold-Energy-1-3-Ounce%2Fdp%2FB0010TGK18 /dp/B0010TGK18 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://www.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F815338%2Fchocolate/product/815338/chocolate-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).
''<br/>Ingredients: organic agave nectar, cocoa processed with alkali''
=2<sup>nd</sup> Surge=
The ingredients in [http://gowww.fellrnramazon.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SecondSurge&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAccelAccel-Gel-2nd-Surge-Expresso%2Fdp%2FB004Y96R6Y /dp/B004Y96R6Y 2nd Surge] are rather grim, with Agave providing [[Fructose]] and Brown Rice Syrup providing glucose (as disaccharides and trisaccharides). While this may sound better than simply using all sugar, it's chemically not an improvement, especially as Brown Rice Syrup has a bitter aftertaste and unfortunately may contain [http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/23/147294466/in-rice-how-much-arsenic-is-too-much arsenic]. I found that 2<sup>nd</sup> surge was overly sweet, with a slightly bitter undertones and rather gritty in texture. 2<sup>nd</sup> Surge has a higher dose of [[Caffeine]] than most gels. It's unlikely that you'd want to take a 2<sup>nd</sup> surge every 30 minutes, but if you did, you'd have 800mg of [[Caffeine]] during a four hour marathon, which is rather high. (For a 150 pound/75Kg person, that would be nearly 11mg/Kg, far more than seems prudent.) The ratio of carbohydrate to [[Protein]] can have some benefits, but it's a 6:1 ratio, rather than 4:1 which the manufacturer claims is ideal in their Accel Gel. Overall, there seems nothing to recommend these gels.
''<br/>Ingredients (chocolate flavor): Agave syrup, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane sugar, water, whey [[Protein]] isolate, glycerin, pea [[Protein]] isolate, cocoa, natural flavors, green tea extract, d-alpha-tocopheryl, salt, grape, pomegranate, mangosteen, goji berry, blueberry, chokeberry, cranberry, apple and bilberry extracts.''
=Chia Surge=
[http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww://www.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F837328%2Fvitalyte/product/837328/vitalyte-chia-surge-energy-gel Chia surge] is one of the more unusual gels as it contains chia seeds which give it a bitty texture. I found that these seeds got caught in my teeth, even when I tried to swallow without chewing or mixing with saliva, which was amazingly annoying. Chia surge also has relatively few calories, too much glucose, not enough [[Maltodextrin]] and almost no sodium. Chia Surge contains beta-Alanine which has been shown to improve sprint performance, though you'd likely need to take 4-12 packets a day for some days to see the benefit (see [[The Science of Energy Gels]] for more details). Overall it's hard to recommend Chia Surge.
''</br>Ingredients(Raspberry): Water, Dextrose, [[Maltodextrin]], Citric Acid, Fruit And Vegetable Juice (For Color), Natural Flavors, ULS (Organic Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Stevia).''
[[File:Chia Surge.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Here you can see the seeds in the Chia Surge.]]
=Other 'energy gels'=
These products are similar to energy gels, but are not carbohydrate based.
==PocketFuel==
Unlike energy gels, [http://pocketfuelnaturals.com/ PocketFuel] is a peanut butter like paste in an energy gel like packet. They are similar in size a little larger than most other gels (about 1.8oz/32g52g) but have far more calories (~170280) due to their higher fat content. (Be careful of the nutrition label, which quotes values for a 32 gram serving, even though the packet contains 52g. The label says each packet contains "about 2" servings, but is actually 1.6 servings.) I would not generally recommend PocketFuel for runs shorter than about 40 miles, but for longer races they make a convenient form of food. Note that for some flavors the ingredients tend to settle and it's worth squishing the packet before your run to mix things up.
''<br/>Ingredients (chocolate haze):Hazelnuts, almonds, sugar, cocoa powder, sunflower oil, organic palm fruit oil, sea salt.''
==Vespa ==
{{Main|Vespa Gel}}
[[Vespa Gel| Vespa]] claims to improve endurance performance by improving fat burning rather than providing fuel like other gels. The science does not seem to back this up, and they are remarkably expensive ($6.75 each).
=Chewable Carbohydrates=
An alternative to energy gels is the solid blocks of carbohydrate, such as Clif Bloks, or Gu Chomps. I don't generally recommend these alternatives for a number of reasons. The biggest problem is that it's harder to chew a block than to swallow a gel while running, especially if you're [[Breathing]] hard. A mistake can result in choking, which will really upset your running. The ingredients in the chewables are not as good as the gels – the primary ingredient in Clif Bloks is brown rice syrup and Gu Chomps use Tapioca Syrup. Sport Beans may be more convenient than the Clif Bloks or Gu Chomps but are nearly all sugar rather than the more easily digested [[Maltodextrin]].