1 Gel 100
The best running gels of 2026
The right running gel can make all the difference during a long-distance run or a marathon. But with so many options – from gels containing caffeine to those with electrolytes or extra carbohydrates – it’s not always easy to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best running gels of 2026 for you, so you can quickly work out which gel is best suited to your training or race.
Running gels at a glance
During intense or longer runs, you use up a lot of carbohydrates. This energy reserve is limited and is usually depleted after 60 to 90 minutes. Fortunately, a running gel offers a solution. This form of sports nutrition replenishes your energy levels whilst you’re on the move, thanks to rapidly absorbed carbohydrates. Partly due to the growing number of runners worldwide, gels have become significantly more popular in recent years.
What types of energy gels are there?
Isotonic gels They’re ideal if you don’t have a refreshment station nearby or don’t want to carry water with you. They’re already diluted with extra liquid, so you can take them as they are, without any water.
Caffeine nails As well as carbohydrates, they also contain caffeine, to give you an extra energy boost as fatigue starts to set in during the second half of your training session or competition.
Electrolyte gels They’re a good choice for hot races, summer running events or training sessions where you work up a good sweat. They contain extra minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium to replenish the salts you lose.
High-carbohydrate gels They often contain 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates per packet, which is ideal if you want to maintain a high hourly carbohydrate intake during a marathon or ultra-run without having to carry lots of gels with you.
Hydrogels They are a good choice if you use several gels in quick succession during a long race and find that your stomach has trouble coping with them. Thanks to a special hydrogel structure, they are easier on the stomach and are less sweet or sticky than other gels.
The top 10 running gels
Below you’ll find our selection of the best running gels, chosen by our experts and listed in no particular order.
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1 Gel 100
Shop nowThe Maurten Gel 100 is a sports drink which is packed per portion. It can be used before, during and after your runs. The sports drink is easily digestible and ensures a fast supply of carbohydrates for direct energy. Maurten Gel 100 is the first gel in the world that has been produced with a base of Hydrogel technology.
The Hydrogel technology in Maurten's sports drink ensures that the sports drink is converted directly into hydrogel by the acids in the stomach. Hydrogel allows nutrients to be easily transported through the stomach and intestines. This ensures that the nutrients are absorbed as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Details:- 25 grams of carbohydrates per bag
- Content per gel: 40 grams
- Provides energy quickly
- Easy to bring along
- Hydrogel technology ensures easy nutrient absorption
Why Choose this Gel?
The reduction of your supply of carbohydrates in your body is one of the main causes of fatigue during running. In addition to these supplies and by safeguarding your carbohydrate reserves, this gel provides a quick energy boost. Thanks to this you will be able to perform better and fatigue will be postponed. Recommended Use: take the Maurten Gel 100 Sports Gel just before, during or after your training or run. It's recommended to take between one and three gels per hour and to not exceed the maximum of three gels. The gels are easy to bring along in a pocket or a belt. -
2 Go Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml
Shop nowGo Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml gives you that shot of energy you need to get the most out of your workout. The gel is absorbed by the body at lightning speed, giving you a quick mental and physical boost.
- 22 grams of carbohydrates per gel
- Easily digestible
- Reduced risk of bloating
- Can be opened with one hand
- No water needed
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3 Gel 160
Shop nowThe Maurten Gel 160 is a portion pack of sports gel that can be used before, during and after running. The gel is easily digestible and provides a quick supply of carbohydrates for energy.
The Hydrogel technology in Maurten's gel ensures that the sports gel is directly converted into hydrogel by the acid in the stomach. The hydrogel ensures that the nutrients are easily transported through the stomach and intestines. This ensures that the nutrients are absorbed as quickly and effectively as possible.
Characteristics:- Number of gels: 1 piece
- 40 grams of carbohydrates per gel
- Content per gel: 65 grams
- Provides energy quickly
- Easy to carry
- Hydrogel technology ensures easy absorption of nutrients
Why should I take this gel?
Depleting your body's supply of carbohydrates is one of the main causes of fatigue while running. To supplement these supplies and safeguard your carbohydrate reserves, the gel provides energy quickly. This allows you to perform better and reduces fatigue. Recommended use: You can take a Maurten Gel 160 Sportgel just before, during or immediately after your training or run. It is recommended to consume one to a maximum of three gels per hour. The gels can easily be carried in a bag or in a belt. -
4 Powergel Shots Orange 60g
Shop nowPowerbar Powergel Shots are gums filled with Powergel for quick energy. The gums are an easy and tasty way to replenish energy during exercise.
- Contains C2MAX: special carbohydrate mix of glucose-fructose
- 5 gums contain the same energy as 1 Powergel
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Contains 75mg of caffeine
- Taste: Orange
- Contents: 60 grams, 9 gums per bag
"""""""""""""""Nutritional value per bag (60 g) Energy kJ (kcal) 894 (211) Protein 3.8g Carbohydrates 48g of which sugars 36g Fats <0.3g of which saturated 0.0g Salty 0.10g Caffeine 75mg -
5 Energy Bloks Chew Tropical Punch
Clif Energy Bloks are semi-solid, easy-to-chew sources of carbohydrates. Half a pack of Bloks can be eaten 15 minutes before activity to boost blood sugar levels. For optimal performance, you should eat one to two packs per hour. Bloks should always be eaten with a large drink of water.Shop now
Features:- Train harder with the taste of Tropical Punch
- Handy packaging
- Easy to chew due to the soft substance
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6 Go Energy + Electrolyte Gel Raspberry 60ml
Shop nowGo Energy + Electrolyte Gel Raspberry 60ml gives you the boost you need to get the most out of your workout. The easily digestible carbohydrates provide you with the energy needed to maintain a constant level of high concentration and muscle performance.
- 22 grams of carbohydrates per gel
- Contains electrolytes
- Do not mix with water
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7 Gel 100 CAF 100
Shop nowThe Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100 is a sports drink which is packed per portion. It can be used before, during and after your runs. This special gel combines Maurten's innovative Hydrogel technology with the power of caffeine. The Gel is easily digestible and ensures a fast supply of carbohydrates for direct energy, especially because of the added caffeine.
Caffeine tastes slightly bitter, because of this sweeteners are often added to sports gels and drinks. Maurten knows to bypass this problem with their Hydrogel Technology. They have used this technology in such a way that the matrix encapsulating the carbohydrate mix is strong enough and has sufficient density to also encapsulate the caffeine. This lets the Gel 100 CAF 100 give you a lot of energy without the addition of extra sweeteners. It also reduces the bitter taste of caffeine. Like this you can fully enjoy the benefits of added caffeine.
The Hydrogel technology in Maurten's products ensures that the gel is converted directly into hydrogel by the acids in the stomach. Hydrogel allows nutrients to be easily transported through the stomach and intestines. This ensures that the nutrients are absorbed as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Details:- Provides a lot of energy thanks to the addition of caffeine
- No added flavours or sweeteners
- Made of natural products
- Hydrogel technology ensures that the nutrients are easily absorbed
Why Choose this Gel?
The reduction of your supply of carbohydrates in your body is one of the main causes of fatigue during running. In addition to these supplies and by safeguarding your carbohydrate reserves, this sports drink provides a quick energy boost. Thanks to this you will be able to perform better and fatigue will be postponed.
Recommended Use: take the Maurten Gel 100 Sports Gel just before, during or after your training or run. It's recommended to take between one and three gels per hour and to not exceed the maximum of three gels. The gels are easy to bring along in a pocket or a belt. -
8 Super Liquid Gel Forest Fruits - 55 ml
The Born Super Liquid Gel 55 ml is an energy gel with a forest fruit flavor. It contains 21.5 grams of carbohydrates and maximizes glycogen replenishment in your body, providing immediate and maximum energy. The gel also contains sodium and potassium to keep your body optimally hydrated, replenishes salt lost through sweat, and is easily digestible, making it gentle on the stomach.Shop nowThe key features of Born Super Liquid Gel 55 ml Forest Fruits at a glance:
- Contents: 55 ml
- Fresh forest fruit flavor
- Rapid absorption for immediate energy
- Mix of fast and complex carbohydrates
- Helps prevent hunger pangs during exercise
- Rapid absorption into the bloodstream
- Energy gel with a 2:1 glucose to fructose ratio
- Easily digestible
- Package can be quickly torn open without stopping
- Suitable for use during exercise
- Very suitable for endurance athletes
- Gluten and lactose free
Recommended Directions: 1-3 Born Super Liquid Gels per hour during active exercise. Maximum amount: 15 gels per day during intense exercise.
2:1 Glucose/Fructose Ratio
When ingesting a mixture of glucose and fructose (in the analyzed literature, 1.2 and 0.6 g/min, respectively, 2:1 ratio, for total carbohydrate intake up to 1.8 g/min), there is less competition for intestinal absorption compared to ingesting an isoenergetic amount of glucose or fructose, which involves two different intestinal transporters. Furthermore, fructose absorption is stimulated by the presence of glucose. This increases carbohydrate absorption to 90 g/hour instead of the normal 60 g.
Ingredients:
Water, spray-dried glucose syrup, fructose, acidity regulator (citric acid), flavoring, thickener (xanthan gum), salt, preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate), vitamin B12.
Nutritional values per serving per 55 ml gel:Energy: 86 kcal
Protein: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 21.5 g
Of which sugars: 21.5 g
Fat: 0 g
Of which saturated: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Salt: 0.07 g -
9 Hydrogel Orange 67ml
Shop nowThe Hydrogel from Powerbar is for quick energy during training or competitions. The design is easy to open by hand or with the teeth. Easy to take, without the need for extra water.
- With C2MAX: special carbohydrate mix of glucose-fructose and provides extra energy.
- Extra high sodium gelatin to stimulate fluid intake and improve moisture absorption.
- Easy to take without water.
- Flavor: Orange
"Nutritional value per gel (67 ml) Energy kJ (kcal) 434 (102) Proteins <0.5 g Carbohydrates 25.5 g of which sugars 12.7 g Fats 0 g of which saturated 0 g Sodium 300 mg Caffeine 50 mg -
10 Beta Fuel Gel Orange 60ml
Shop nowBeta Fuel Gel Orange 60ml gives you that boost you need to get the most out of your training. The easily digestible carbohydrates provide you with the energy needed to maintain a constant level of high concentration and muscle performance. The gel has been created to improve physical and mental performance, stimulate carbohydrate absorption and to reduce stomach and intestinal complaints.
- Provide a complete energy source for body and mind
- 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose reduces symptoms of bloating
- Contains 40 gr carbohydrates per gel
Tips for using running gels
Test your strategy in training
Always try a new running gel during a long endurance run first; never try it for the first time on race day.
Get started easily
Do you have little experience, or are you prone to stomach problems? If so, start with an isotonic running gel. It’s easy to take whilst running.
Work to a regular routine
During a marathon, take a gel every 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and goal.
Plan your caffeine intake in good time
Take a caffeine gel about 30 to 45 minutes before you want to feel the effects, for example just before the second half of your race.
Bear in mind the heat and loss of sweat
Do you sweat a lot or do you go for a run in warm weather? If so, a running gel with extra electrolytes is a good choice.
Frequently asked questions about running gels
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What’s in a running gel?
A running gel contains rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, usually a combination of glucose and fructose. This combination ensures that your body can efficiently absorb energy whilst running. Some gels also contain caffeine or electrolytes.
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How quickly does a running gel work?
A running gel usually takes effect within 10 to 15 minutes. The carbohydrates then provide a fresh burst of energy, helping you to maintain your pace more effectively. Does the gel also contain caffeine? If so, you’ll notice the effect after about 30 to 45 minutes.
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Are there any alternatives to a running gel?
Yes, a gel isn’t the only way to replenish carbohydrates. You could also opt for energy chews or gummies, a carbohydrate-rich sports drink, or natural options such as dates or honey.
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How many energy gels should I take during a marathon?
The general guideline for a marathon is 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour. That usually means 1 to 2 gels per hour, depending on how many carbohydrates your gel contains. For many runners, this works out at around 5 to 7 gels during a marathon. It’s best to test this strategy first during a long training run, so you know what works on the day itself.
Written by:
By Menno Munster
Product Expert
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