Brand Recognition

CLIF was founded in 1986 when a hiker found the need for compact energy to bring along with him on a 175 mile hike. Since then, the brand had grown to be one of the most trusted brands in endurance energy supplements.

Ingredients

90% of the ingredients found in this energy gel are organic. Ingredients found in this gel include products such as organic evaporated cane juice, sea salt, and green tea extract. This gel also contains small amounts of caffeine.

Flavors and Taste

CLIF Energy Gel is available in three different flavors: Chocolate, Chocolate Cherry, and Strawberry. The gel is not too thick, and although it is recommended to consume this gels with plenty of water, many athletes find that the gel is smooth enough that excess water is not necessary to get it down.

Performance

No complaints on performance here. We love the versatility of single packs or a variety. Some of the packs contain caffeine and others do not. Depending on your daily exercise or caffeine tolerance, there is an energy gel here for you.

Summary

If you are in the market to improve your distance, these are the very best energy gels that one could currently buy on the market. They offer plenty of caffeine to give athletes that extra boost, they are thin enough to easily fit in a pocket or backpack, and tastes great.

Brand Recognition

HUMA was the brainchild of a US Army 1st Lieutenant stationed in Iraq who was looking for a healthy energy boost for the grueling missions in harsh climates. Many athletes prefer this brand over CLIF due in part to it’s added benefits of chia seeds.

Ingredients

In addition to the iron, calcium, protein and antioxidants found naturally in chia seeds, HUMA energy gel packets also contain natural ingredients such as lemon juice, grape juice concentrate, Powdered Chia Seeds, strawberry puree, and coconut water powder, The caffeine that is found in these gels is derived from natural means as well.

Flavors and Taste

A package of HUMA Energy Gels come with 8 different flavors, with unique flavors such as Berries and Pomegranate and Strawberry Lemonade. The texture is smooth and not too sticky, and doesn’t leave a gritty aftertaste they way some energy gels can.

Performance

HUMA Plus provides additional electrolytes in addition to caffeine to provide a substantial and even boost to long distance outdoor adventures. The addition of the chia seeds also makes the user feel fuller and more satisfied without being weighed down. Some users feel, however, that the supplements used with this product do not carry as much of a punch and kick as some of the more potent energy gels.

Summary

These energy gels are one of the best gels on the market for athletes looking for both persistent performance and added health benefits from chia seeds. They cost a little bit more than other gels to make this list, but many athletes are willing to pay a little bit more to receive a great energy boost for their long outdoor treks.

Brand Recognition

GU is well known within the energy gel world. It was established in 1993 by a doctor that was looking to give his daughter a unique performance formula to help her perform at her best during ultra-marathons. Since then, it has become a trusted brand for all endurance athletes that are looking to push themselves father than they thought possible.

Ingredients

In addition to the BCAA’s, GU also contains great ingredients such as L-Leucine and L-Valine, Sea Salt, and sunflower oil. It also contains natural vegetable and fruit juices to provide healthy energy levels from natural sources.

Flavors and Taste

A 24 pack of gels offer six different and unique flavors that include: salted caramel, chocolate outrage, vanilla bean, strawberry banana, tri-berry, and jet-blackberry. The gel is a bit thicker than previous gels posted on this list, so it is advisable to chase the gel with ample water.

Performance

The BCAA’s in this energy gel are what really set them apart from other gels on this list. Often, when traveling long distances, the body begins to borrow fuel from muscles and many endurance athletes struggle with decreased muscle mass. However, the BCAA’s found in this gel help fuel and repair muscles, and at the same time offer caffeine and energy to push athletes farther without sacrificing muscle mass.

Summary

GU energy gel is an excellent option for athletes looking to boost their performance who are unwilling to sacrifice muscle mass in the process. It is one of the most trusted brands you will find in the energy gel market.

Brand Recognition

As listed before, GU was originally formulated to supplement ultra-marathons, and has become a trusted brand among users that participate in endurance training. It is one of the highest rated and trusted companies currently on the market, and buyers know when they buy a GU product, that they are receiving the highest in quality in terms of ingredients, safety, and reliability.

Ingredients

In addition to the coveted BCAA’s found in this gel, other ingredients that pack a punch in this gel include L-Leucine, L-Valine, and Beta-Alanine. One great thing about these gels is that the caffeine found in this product is derived naturally from a green tea extract.

Flavors and Taste

A 24-pack of gels include five fruit flavors that include: blue pomegranate, strawberry kiwi, cherry lime, vanilla orange, and lemonade. Similarly to other GU gels, many users find that it is a tad thicker than other gels on the market, so be sure to have plenty of water to chase it down with.

Performance

The 100-calorie packets provide enough carbohydrates to propel you past your distance goals, and the addition of BCAA’s will ensure that users will not sacrifice muscle mass for distance. Also, added electrolytes aid in the movement of fluids throughout your body and muscles.

Summary

Users cannot go wrong with purchasing a GU product to supplement their workouts. However, at a slightly higher price point, athletes may want to decide if the added boost that this product provides over other GU products is really worth the higher price tag.

Brand Recognition

Unlike some of the other brands making this list, Honey Stinger tends to fly under the radar. The company is designed to fulfill a very specific need within the energy gel community: natural and organic energy sources.

Ingredients

As stated above, all of the ingredients in Honey Stinger Organic Gel are 100% USDA organic and natural. It is certified gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free, and is also a kosher food. It is made from a blend of organic tapioca syrup, organic honey, and electrolytes.

Flavors and Taste

This gel is available in three different flavors that include: acai pomegranate, chocolate, and fruit smoothie. The consistency is smooth and has been described to resemble eating chocolate syrup. Of all of the gels on this list, Honey Stinger is perhaps the best tasting of all of the other gels.

Performance

For users looking for a simple and organic kick to boost their workouts, Honey Stinger offers an excellent all-natural energy boost. For lower impact training, this gel is a perfect addition. It provides an excellent natural boost before training. However, because it doesn’t have as many of the hard-hitting ingredients, it is not ideal for athletes looking for the very best in terms of energy boosts.

Summary
If you are health-conscious and looking for an all natural, organic product to increase your stamina for a simple workout, this is for you. We love the ingredient list and taste.

Brand Recognition

Science in Sport (also referred to as SiS) is a trusted brand within the energy supplements industry. They were founded in 1992 and their products have been used by athletes in the 2012 London Olympic games. Users of this gel know that they are using a safe and trusted product that offers desired results.

Ingredients

Ingredients found in this gel pack quite a punch. Some of the more potent ingredients found in this gel are composed of isotonic blends. Unlike other gels, this product does not contain caffeine, and the ingredients that are used are for long-term effects instead of a short burst.

Flavors and Taste

SiS Go offers three different fruit flavors that are available in packs of 30. Flavors include: apple, berry, and citrus. The consistency of the gel is thinner than most of the other gels on this list, and users report the lower viscosity makes it easy to take and leaves little to no after-taste.

Performance

The isotonic blend provides extended energy for long bouts of training. However, this gel is more for sustained energy and doesn’t provide the typical boost that many gels on this list provide. This feature is purely subjective- some athletes prefer long sustained energy rather than a boost. Before purchasing, be sure that this type of energy gel offers the type of energy that you suits your training needs and preferences.

Summary

Science in Sport is a trusted brand in the sports supplement industry. You know that when you purchase a SiS product, that you are obtaining a quality product. This particular gel doesn’t offer BCAA’s, electrolytes, or caffeine-like many of the other gels on this list. Rather, this gel promotes a sustained energy to take you from the beginning to the end of your training.

Brand Recognition:

PowerBar was launched in 1986 by a Canadian athlete looking to make an energy bar to supplement long distance runs. It has since become a household name and a trusted company for athletes looking to supplement their training. Now, they have entered the energy gel arena bringing a proprietary blend called C2MAX.

Ingredients:

This energy gel is composed of a special blend that is made only by PowerBar. Some of the ingredients that make this blend so unique are ingredients such as an amino acid blend that contains leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The booster blend offers trusted and natural ingredients such as ginseng, antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin E), and also contains caffeine to offer a powerful punch.

Flavors and Taste:

Available flavors include: chocolate, double latte, and strawberry banana. Users find that the flavors do not tastes as good as some of the other gels on the market; the double latte being the least favorite of the three. However, users like that the gel isn’t as thick as some of the other gels on the market- making it easier to swallow without the need of much water.

Performance:

The C2MAX blend offers sustained energy, and the caffeine content offers that extra boost that athletes loves. This product offers more of a boost than most of the gels making this list, however users find that this gel is not ideal for long distances.

Summary:

PowerBar ProGel offers a boost to energy that rivals even some of the best gels found on this list, however it does not offer sustained energy needed for longer distances. This gel would be a better fit for new runners that can’t yet reach the distances of marathon runners. Before purchasing this product, be sure its effects match your specific needs for an energy gel.

Brand Recognition

Pacific Health Food is not a widely known brand in the performance supplements market. However, users find that their products deliver exactly what they say they will do and are generally a highly regarded company. For users looking to try something different, this product has received excellent reviews.

Ingredients

In addition to a whopping 100mg of caffeine, these energy gels also contain a proprietary blend of antioxidants, carbohydrates, and special proteins.

Flavors and Taste

The Double Espresso flavor has a strong coffee flavor and isn’t overly sweet. They are a thinner consistency than most other gels, which makes them easier to swallow. Additionally, chocolate and strawberry flavors are available, however, they do not contain the caffeine content of the double espresso. If you are not a huge coffee lover, this energy gel may not be for you. There are other flavors of this gel available, however, they do not carry the same caffeine levels at the double espresso.

Performance

For the athletes looking for a simple caffeine boost at the end of a long training session, this is the perfect gel. It doesn’t contain many of the other features such as BCAA’s or electrolytes as some of the other gels located higher on this list, but it is a perfect match for the user looking for a simple gel to give them a significant boost.

Summary

Pacific Health Food 2nd Surge is an excellent addition for the athlete looking for a powerful caffeine boost that tastes good and goes down easy, but outside of that, they do not offer much else. This product may be more suited to athletes looking to travel a shorter distance, or for weightlifters and bodybuilders that would like a significant boost in the middle of their workout sessions.

Brand Recognition

This brand needs no introduction- everyone is familiar with the type of products that Gatorade has produced over the year. Founded in 1965, Gatorade is a company that has been dominating the sports supplements market before any other company on this list. For users afraid to try one of the more fringe companies, you can’t go wrong with Gatorade.

Ingredients

The first two ingredients in these chews are Corn Syrup and Sugar. These sugars can be beneficial when levels have become depleted on long runs. However, if you are diabetic or sugar sensitive, these may not be right for you.

Flavors and Taste

There are three flavors available: Fruit Punch, Cool Blue, Strawberry, and Green Apple. There are mixed reviews on the taste of these chews. The most common gripe and praise are actually the same; the chews are sweet. Could be perfect for children or an adult with a sweet tooth.

Performance

This chew doesn’t offer the caffeine boost that most gels or chews offer. Instead, sustained energy comes from the 24 grams of carbs and the 70mg of sodium. Thus, replenishing levels and offering a sustainable energy boost for long training sessions. This is a great energy chew for those that want constant and consistent energy without the jittery feelings that comes from gels or chews with caffeine.

Summary

Gatorade is a trusted company that has consistently made reliable products. For athletes who have never tried energy chews before- these would be a perfect chew to try to gauge exactly what your energy chew needs are. Furthermore, for athletes that are looking for a simple, caffeine-free, burst of energy, these energy chews would be a perfect fit.

Brand Recognition

Skratch Labs was designed from Dr. Allen Lee who was a cyclist tired of pre-packaged sports bars and energy drinks with artificial ingredients. Skratch Labs began making all-natural drink mixes to help give endurance to athletes. He opened a company in Boulder, Colorado making a secret drink mix using less sugar, more sodium and no artificial colours or sweeteners. For athletes interested in trying something different with great results, this product has received excellent reviews.

Ingredients

A single pouch contains ten drops of two 80 calories per serving. With natural ingredients including carbohydrates and 6mg of naturally occurring caffeine.

Flavors and Taste

Orange flavor does not have a strong taste but a good balance of freshness and sweetness. Raspberry flavor is very tasty and not overpowering with the flavor. They are recently selling two new flavors including Matcha Green Tea Leaf and Lemon which are said to be very good in taste.

Performance

This is a great match for any athlete looking for a good gel to give them a significant boost. With natural ingredients and great views, this is a good choice for athletes interested in a simple caffeine boost or in need of a faster absorption of quicker energy for their body.

Summary

Scratch Labs sport energy chews are a simple ingredient product flavored with natural ingredients. They are not coated in a wax so they do not have that sticky aftermath taste and give you a clean bite each time. They have recently used two new fuel sources including cane sugar and tapioca which help absorb the energy to your body faster and last for a longer period. This is a great energy gel for all athletes, cyclist, and runners.

Brand Recognition

Carb Boom! has been growing in popularity since 2014. They are a Cleveland based company and are just beginning to branch out internationally.

Ingredients

Each gel pack has nine ingredients with 24 grams of complex carbohydrates from maltodextrin. There are no added flavors, sugars, colors, or sweeteners. Even better, the packs are all vegan and gluten-free.

Flavors and Taste

There are six flavors available: Apple Cinnamon, Banana Peach, Grape Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberry Kiwi, and Vanilla Orange.
The most popular proves to be the Strawberry Kiwi flavor. These gels taste great but can be slightly thick.

Performance

Following the instructions of one gel every thirty minutes for endurance athletes, reviewers claim these gel work wonderfully. However, they do not contain caffeine which may be a downfall for some. Because of this, most people do not experience stomach aches while or after taking Carb Boom! energy gels.

Summary

If you are looking to try something new in an array of different flavors, Carb Boom! gel packs may be for you. With no caffeine and low sugar, you are unlikely to get a stomach ache, allowing you to continue your exercise for even longer.