Ranking of the best energy gels for sports for 2022

Energy gels belong to the category of sports nutrition, which is needed by people whose lifestyle is associated with a constant expenditure of energy. This applies to runners, triathletes and other athletes. Replenishing carbohydrates is necessary to maintain pace over a long distance, so as not only not to fall from fatigue in the middle of the path, but also to undertake the finishing acceleration.

History of occurrence

The first mention of the gel refers to the mid-80s of the 19th century. It was called Leppin Squeezy. Physiologist Timom Noaksom (Cape Town) and multiple Comrades Ultra Marathon winner Bruce Fordisom are considered to be the discoverers. The composition was used to restore strength. A little time passed, and the market was filled with another analogue - Gu Energy Gel. Until today, the name of the drink has been preserved, thanks to its wide popularity among athletes.

What it is

Athletes begin to accumulate energy reserves seven to ten days before the start of the competition. There is an adjustment in nutrition associated with an increase in the amount of carbohydrates in the body. Some of them settle in the blood as glucose (approximately 80 kC), some accumulate in the muscles (1200 - 1800 kC) and the liver (300 - 400 kC). Constant daily stress leads to the consumption of carbohydrates.This is fraught with loss of strength, especially for runners: the legs become lethargic and heavy, dizziness appears, concentration worsens, the pulse rises, the pace decreases, which leads to the need to retire early from the race.

To restore strength, open a second wind, help to cross the finish line and climb the pedestal will help energy gels that have both positive and negative properties:

Advantages	Flaws
They are quickly digested.	High price.
Comfortable to swallow.	Need to drink.
No need to chew.	They do not restore chlorine, potassium and sodium, the volume of which in the body decreases with significant loads.
Carbohydrates are compactly concentrated.	There are problems with the disposal of containers.
The stomach is not full.
Withstand low and high temperatures.
Variety of flavors.
Facilitate calculations before the start.

Rules of use

Experts recommend following these rules to achieve the best result:

1. The first sachet is consumed one hour after the start of the competition. Don't wait for hunger. The main thing is to carry out energy replenishment in a timely manner.
2. Subsequent sachets are consumed every half an hour or at other intervals indicated on the package.
3. Drink water to speed up the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Enough 150 - 250 g of pure water.
4. The advice of professionals is not to wash down the gel with an energy drink. This will lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
5. You need to develop a meal plan in advance. For a marathon or running, it is not necessary to use such compounds. Novice athletes receive nourishment from representatives of advertising companies only at food stations.
6. Distances from 5 to 10 km do not include the use of gel.

Energy gel is useless for those people who exercise at a low intensity. In this case, the energy released from fats is quite enough for training with a minimum or medium load.

How to choose and what to look for

Energy compositions differ in the scope of use. They are released:

• for fitness;
• for running;
• for a marathon;
• for cyclists;
• universal.

Despite the variety of options offered, their composition is almost identical. The main components are:

• sugar;
• taurine;
• caffeine;
• fructose;
• flavor enhancer;
• fixative;
• extracts of vitamins E and C.

Mistakes in the selection should not be allowed. This is fraught with deterioration of well-being. Before making a final purchase decision, in addition to studying reviews and ratings, you need to pay attention to the following main components:

1. Compound. The presence of caffeine will cheer you up, but you can not overdo it. An overdose can lead to problems with the adrenal gland and stomach. It is worth paying attention to the type of sugar. It is better to choose a popular model based on maltodextrin, which has a mild taste. Obtained artificially. In some formulations, fructose may be present, but not as the main element, but only as an additional one. If a person has intolerance to this component, you should not abuse such a gel.
2. Package. The best manufacturers use two options: resealable tubes and sachets. Available sizes: 25, 50, 75, 125 and 500 ml.

Alternative energy sources

Gels cannot be the sole source of nutrition for athletes. They are comfortable, but you should not forget about other options. The best help will be nuts, bananas, oranges, exotic foods, potatoes.It is not recommended to eat junk food: chips, sweets, cookies, cola.

The alternatives are considered to be:

1. Fruit purees. They are natural and easy to digest. Faster than maltodextin and faster than honey. Easily digestible, have a pleasant taste.
2. Nut paste. There are many calories. Delicious, but digested slowly.
3. Baby food. The main difference is the absence of additives. It is superior in price to its counterparts.

Everyone has different selection criteria. There is only one main rule: you can’t experiment in competitions, it’s better to test during training.

What other substitutes for energy gels are there? We offer common options:

• dried apricots;
• raisin;
• marmalade;
• almond;
• variety of hard foods.

Food should be high-calorie, easy to digest, not lead to heaviness of the stomach. Equally important is the personal intolerance of individual components.

Do-it-yourself gel preparation at home

Popular sports gel models are expensive. For a pack of 30 bags, you will have to pay $ 180. Budget models are less high quality and efficient. According to buyers, the composition can be prepared independently, using step-by-step instructions posted on the Internet. The benefits of homemade energy drinks are:

• insignificant costs;
• no chemical impurities.

Recommended Ingredients:

• honey;
• agave nectar;
• maple syrup;
• brown rice syrup;
• molasses black.

They can be purchased at the supermarket at an affordable price.

Where to buy energy gels

The athlete needs to decide which company is better to purchase products and visit a specialized outlet.There will offer a choice of different types, depending on the taste preferences and material well-being of the buyer. The average price of popular branded models "bites", however, they are superior in terms of characteristics to similar products.

You can order the gel online in the online store, having previously studied the rating of quality products, functionality, and review the options offered. The main thing is to decide what they are for. This type of acquisition is fraught with misunderstandings. Poor quality fakes or the wrong set may come. Will have to cancel the order.

Ratings of the best energy gels for sports for 2022

Vegan

Energy Gel Elite

The use of products is supposed to provide a lightning boost of vivacity thanks to the nutritional formula containing fructose and maltodextrin. Designed for sports. Helps you get the most out of your workouts. Tested by the Informed-Sport program. The results showed the absence of prohibited components of natural origin. The check was carried out taking into account the requirements of WADA. Brand: Myprotein. Is issued in packing from 0,5 to 1 kg. Contains vitamins B6 and B12, carbohydrates, maltodextrin, fructose. Used by athletes for running.

How much does the item cost? Sellers offer buyers at a price of 1650 rubles.

• taste variety;
• relieves fatigue;
• increases endurance;
• improves well-being;
• liquid;
• easily digestible;
• instant action;
• normalizes the functioning of the immune system;
• safe;
• does not require drinking;
• fast delivery.

• not installed.

Marathon

Pineapple, cherry, apple, fruit, orange, chocolate and so on gel is produced. Belongs to the isotonic category.Developed and patented by British scientists. Fluid. Provides a person with additional energy. You can not drink water. Differs in instant action, efficiency, quickly absorbed by the body, penetrating through the walls of the stomach. The maximum dose is 3 sachets per hour.

The average cost is 1270 rubles.

• pleasant taste;
• fast action;
• availability of a quality certificate;
• every batch is tested;
• absence of prohibited substances;
• no steroids;
• improves well-being;
• fills with energy.

• missing.

GU Energy Gel

It is purchased by those who need a quick and convenient way to restore the energy lost during training and competitions. Easily digested, promote a surge of energy, provide long-term support for the body. The composition includes electrolytes, carbohydrates, fructose. BCAAs are used to eliminate muscle fatigue. Available with and without caffeine. A serving contains 100 calories.

The price is negotiable, depending on the batch of purchased goods.

• different tastes;
• lack of gluten;
• fast digestibility;
• carbohydrate;
• environmentally friendly material used in the manufacture;
• copes with muscle fatigue;
• replenishes the supply of electrolytes;
• simple opening.

• missing.

GO Isotonic Energy Gels

Isotonic carbohydrate-based gel is the brainchild of British scientists. The product has been patented. The composition is liquid, it is not necessary to drink water. source of additional energy. The assistant for participants of competitions and at long trainings. Does not take up much space, you can take it with you.Thanks to a special digestible form, it instantly penetrates into the human body through the walls of the stomach, increasing the energy potential. Easy to swallow, pleasant aftertaste. More than three sachets per hour is not recommended. Stored in a cool place. The products have been tested and certified by Informed Sport.

The average cost is 2367 rubles.

• availability of a quality certificate;
• safety;
• comfort of use;
• fast action;
• absence of prohibited substances;
• does not apply to steroids;
• complies with WADA requirements.

• not installed.

Vegetarian

HIGH5

The manufacturer has launched the production of banana, orange, citrus, mango compositions. Which is better to buy depends on the individual preferences of the person. A description of each tube is on the company's website. There is also a comparison table on display. It has a light texture with a delicate aftertaste of exotic fruits. The composition includes natural juice. The sweetness index is optimal. Suitable for cyclocross, time trials, turing.

You can buy at a price of 1157 rubles.

• easy to open;
• quickly absorbed;
• does not harm the stomach;
• lack of caffeine and gluten;
• instant burst of energy;
• naturalness;
• pleasant taste;
• consistency.

• not identified.

Carbosnack (apricot)

It is used by people who feel physical and mental overwork. Good tasting. Available with various fruit additives: lemon, blueberry, green apple. Quickly provides the body with energy due to the presence of glycine and taurine. The basis of the product is monosaccharides.There are no minerals in the composition of the product, which allows it to be combined with sports drinks when participating in training. Contributes to postponing physical overwork, enhances neuromuscular function. The maximum dose is 1 tube per day. Store in a dry place, protect from direct sunlight, withstand room temperature up to 30 degrees.

Sellers offer goods at a price of 124 rubles per tube.

• flap valve on the package;
• fast supply of energy to the body;
• you can open the package several times;
• fast action;
• without GMO;
• has a positive effect on the brain;
• is not doping;
• optimizes neuromuscular transmission.

• must be consumed within a day;
• requires the use of a large amount of liquid;
• not allowed for children under 3 years of age.

Liquid Energy BCAA Sponsor

A highly concentrated product containing fructose, glucose, taurine and BCAAs, enriched with potassium and sodium. The BCAA amino acid supplies the muscles with "fuel", is stored in the body for a long time, supports muscle synthesis, and helps the athlete recover after training.

The average cost is 254 rubles per tube.

• helps muscles work;
• reduces fatigue;
• has regenerative properties;
• restores strength;
• lack of preservatives;
• inexpensive;
• convenient packaging of 70 g.

• not installed.

Aspartame Free

PULS

The package contains 24 sachets of 40 g. The gel belongs to the category of universal. Does not contain aspartame. The composition includes sodium chloride, citric acid, maltodextrin, fructose, water, preservatives, flavors. A little sickening.Promotes recuperation, improves the immune system. Belongs to the category of sports nutrition. Apply one sachet per hour.

The price is negotiable.

• delicious;
• comfortable in using;
• expiration date - 24 months;
• medium consistency;
• does not require drinking;
• beautiful packaging;
• sweet but not cloying;
• there is no addiction;
• sold in specialized stores.

• not installed.

Multipower Multi Carbo Boost

New from the manufacturer. The composition contains carbohydrates with varying degrees of digestibility, as well as BCAAs, citric acid, B vitamins, flavorings. Designed to restore energy potential, improve leg muscles. Gives strength, improves endurance. Accepted by both professional athletes and beginners.

The average cost is 330 rubles per bag.

• increases physical activity;
• fast acting agent
• inexpensive;
• convenient to use;
• safety;
• quickly absorbed.

• not installed.

GU Roctane Energy gel +

Suitable for training with significant loads and competitions. Preference is given to vanilla-orange flavor. The box contains 24 sticks of 32 g each. The company also produces the product with the taste of pineapple, chocolate - coconut, strawberry - kiwi, cherry - lime, lemonade, tutti - frutti. The composition of Gu Energy gel is taken as a basis, where a large amount of sodium is added, which allows maintaining the water-salt balance of the athlete. The presence of branched chain amino acids prevents the possibility of muscle damage and helps reduce fatigue.Taurine amino acid supports the heart rate during long-term sports.

Sellers offer the product at a price of 3920 rubles per package.

• restores water-salt balance;
• high content of amino acids;
• does not adversely affect the stomach;
• stabilizes the work of the heart;
• forms an intramuscular buffer;
• accelerates the absorption of carbohydrates;
• increases endurance;
• suitable for playing and combat sports, running, crossfit, swimming.

• missing.

Liquid Energy DCAA (strawberry-banana)

The energy gel contains complex carbohydrates, taurine, potassium, sodium, BCAAs. The capacity of one tube is 70 g, the quantity in the package is 20 pieces. Highly concentrated product. It is used for active long-term loads that take strength and energy. It helps to restore strength, improve health, restore the correct functioning of the heart. It is used once every 120 minutes, without a doctor's prescription. Drinks water.

The package is sold at a price of 5080 rubles.

• lack of preservatives;
• safety;
• ease of use;
• supports muscle synthesis;
• reduces fatigue;
• restores strength;
• increases the indicator of endurance;
• the presence of regenerative qualities.

• not identified.

Liquid Energy Plus + caffeine 50 mg (caramel)

Promotes a uniform and gradual expenditure of energy. A high concentration energy drink without a pronounced taste. The form of production is liquid. The presence of functional components: inositol, caffeine, taurine, vitamins. Long lasting source of energy.It is used by athletes to increase endurance and improve energy supply.

The average price is 4450 rubles per pack.

• portion bags;
• convenient packaging;
• balances the carbohydrate spectrum;
• easily digestible;
• instantly supplies the body with energy;
• not afraid of temperature changes;
• improves cell nutrition;
• normalizes blood glucose levels;
• removes toxins;
• stabilizes the work of the central nervous system;
• Swiss quality.

• significant price.

Gel Endurance B.C.A.A. (strawberry and grenadine)

The composition contains complex and simple carbohydrates, natural flavors, vitamins, amino acids, acidity regulator, stabilizers, ginseng extract, guarana and sodium. The main task is to convert nutrients into energy, reduce fatigue, and restore strength. Apply every 30 minutes. Drinks water.

The average cost is 207 rubles per bag.

• improves muscle function;
• recommended for participants of all competitions in various sports;
• safety;
• naturalness;
• quickly absorbed;
• convenient to use.

• missing.

Energy Super gel (cola + caffeine)

Contains caffeine. An additional source of energy and mineral salts. It is necessary for recovery of forces after active exercises. Only the right ingredients are present. There are 33 sachets in the package. The total volume is 1250 ml. The effect is instant. The duration of action is long. It is quickly absorbed by the stomach due to its low osmolarity. Carries out mineral nourishment of muscles. Taken every 15-30 minutes.Be sure to drink clean water. To ensure comfortable use, the tip should be opened from top to bottom or parallel to the sachet.

The average cost is 130 rubles per stick.

• free of gluten, lactose and sweeteners;
• product of additional action;
• increases concentration;
• enhances the energy effect;
• easy to use;
• does not adversely affect the stomach;
• price quality.

• not identified.

Syformx - Plosiv gel (orange)

A concentrated product based on carbohydrates that vary in absorption rate. Taking the drug helps to replenish the body with energy for a long time. Prevents the appearance of muscle cramps during intense sports, leading to profuse sweating. The red grape extract present in the composition promotes vasodilation, abundantly saturates muscle tissue with oxygen. Small sachets are convenient to use without interrupting classes. It is supposed to drink a significant amount of liquid so as not to disrupt the digestive tract. Duration of admission - 1 month.

The average price is 152 rubles.

• contributes to the improvement of energy metabolism;
• prevents the occurrence of muscle spasms;
• convenient to use;
• source of magnesium and polyphenolic compounds;
• combined with many drugs;
• safe;
• quality;
• reliability.

• should not be taken during pregnancy, individual intolerance, breastfeeding.

Surge Pre-Match Gel (SIS) Tropical

The product line was produced under the guidance of Manchester United specialists.Used by athletes in team sports, athletes. The composition includes beta-alanine, arginine, caffeine, citrulline mallate, carbohydrates. A meal is taken half an hour before the start of the competition so that the caffeine level can reach its peak. It is recommended to use one sachet per day. Contains vitamins and carbohydrates. Reduces the feeling of fatigue before the final push.

The price is negotiable, depending on the quantity of the purchased goods.

• increases the energy reserve;
• reduces stress;
• certified;
• safe;
• used in conjunction with GO Hydro;
• does not contain prohibited substances.

• not installed.

Sucralose Free

Energy Super gel Squeezy mix (1250 ml)

The composition contains caffeine, as well as the most necessary components for the fruitful work of an athlete. Sold in a package (12 bags of 3 g each). Helps to endure high-intensity physical activity during long workouts. It has an instant energy effect that lasts for a long period of time. Promotes increased concentration, endurance. Easily digestible, does not adversely affect the functioning of the digestive tract.

The price is negotiable, depending on the volume of the order.

• lack of gluten, sweeteners, lactose;
• low osmolarity;
• energizes the muscles;
• easily squeezed out of the bag;
• convenient to dispose of the packaging;
• safety;
• reliability;
• quality.

• missing.

Gu Roctane Energy Gel + Energy Flask

The manufacturer has taken care of a variety of flavor combinations: pineapple, blueberry - pomegranate, strawberry - kiwi, chocolate - sea salt, vanilla - orange, cherry - lime, chocolate - coconut, tutti - frutti and so on. The ideal sports food for competition and intense workouts. Produced in sticks of 32 g. Pack of 24 pieces. The presence of a significant content of sodium electrolyte allows you to restore the water-salt balance. It has a high content of amino acids.

The average cost is 3965 rubles per pack.

• supports the work of the heart;
• forms an intramuscular buffer;
• eliminates the accumulation of decay products;
• increases endurance;
• suitable for runners, cyclists, swimmers, athletes involved in martial arts, crossfit, who are fond of team sports;
• helps to quickly absorb carbohydrates;
• no stomach problems.

• not identified.

Conclusion

The main purpose of energy gels is to provide the professional athlete, beginner or regular person leading an active lifestyle with easily digestible food to maintain physical activity for a long time. It is considered an excellent source of fast energy. Helps to improve well-being, increase vitality and physical capabilities, satisfy hunger. He is taken to training, jogging, marathon.

They are popular with athletes who are fond of team sports and long-distance races. Help people during aerobics.The composition includes mainly natural ingredients: maltodextrin, citric acid, caffeine, B vitamins, which will help to quickly restore strength, relieve muscle fatigue, make the heart work in a measured rhythm, and provide an opportunity to continue to perform physical exercises without reducing activity.

Products can be purchased at specialized outlets, place an order in an online store or make a composition at home. How to cook on your own, the Internet or experts in this field will tell you.