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Energy

The best running gels and tablets on the market today

24/05/20246 min read

Written byLaura Harcourt

Reviewed byHazel Clarke

If you’re looking for a running gel, you’re in the right place. Join us as we break down the best running gels on the market right now

Our top picks

Caffeine

Applied Nutrition

Applied Nutrition ABE Ultimate Pre Workout Gel Energy 60g

Save up to 1/2 price

18+

€1.80

€2.59

Jump to details below

Vegetarian

4.93

High5

High5 Cycle Kit

Save up to 1/2 price

16+

€14.00

€19.00

Jump to details below

Vegan

4.77

SiS

SiS GO Energy + Caffeine Gel Berry 60ml

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16+

€1.54

€2.25

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Shop all Energy Gels

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Energy

Running gels (or energy gels) are exactly that – gels that contain a highly concentrated amount of carbohydrates.¹ As your body uses carbohydrates to fuel high-intensity exercise, such as running, energy gels can be used to replenish your body’s stores of carbohydrates, helping fuel your run or allowing your body to recover.²

But, with so many brands to choose from, as well as flavours ranging from coffee or chocolate to berries, it can be hard to know which product is right for you.

While our advice would be to test a few different brands and styles, we’ve made the process a little easier, by ranking our favourites. So keep reading to find out which made the list.

Key factors to consider when choosing running gels

Before we get into the list itself, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a running gel.

After all, energy gels aren’t every runner’s favourite source of fuel. Their consistency and taste can vary a lot, with some being on the thicker, stronger-tasting side, while others can be thinner and more water-based.

What’s more, as well as carbohydrates, running gels can also contain a variety of other ingredients.^3,4 These include:

electrolytes – such as sodium, which may assist with thirst drive and fluid retention¹
caffeine – which can reduce fatigue and may inhibit the negative effects of pain perception and excitation in the central nervous system⁵
vitamins – such as vitamin C, which can contribute to the normal function of the immune system⁶
menthol – which may provide a cooling effect when exercising in hotter environments⁴

Our best running gels and tablets

Needless to say, it can be confusing trying to find the one that’s right for you. So, without further ado, here’s our top pick of running gels. We’ve also added some bonus running tablets too, if gels aren’t your thing.

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack 7 x 60ml

Vegan

SiS

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack 7 x 60ml

4.733 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€16.00

€11.52

€0.03/1 Sachet

About

With 22g of carbs per 60ml sachet, the GO Isotonic Energy Gel delivers an easily digestible and quick supply of carbohydrates to provide energy during exercise.⁷

This variety pack provides seven different flavours, which allows you to find out what works for you, including:

orange
blackcurrant
apple
lemon & lime
pineapple
pink grapefruit
tropical

Plus, as an isotonic formula, each gel is designed to be taken without water. This makes the gel more convenient and easily digestible so that it can provide a fast supply of carbohydrates for energy.⁷

Directions

Consume up to 3 sachets per 60 minutes during exercise as required.

Immediately replenishes energy

Dextro Energy

Dextro Energy Blackcurrant 47g

4.4715 reviews

€1.29

€0.27/10 ml

About

These 14 individually wrapped blackcurrant flavour tablets contain 88% dextrose. This is a fast energy provider that enters the bloodstream directly to immediately replenish your energy.^8,9

Plus, these tablets contain 120mg of vitamin C and 91g of carbohydrates.

Directions

So, simply dissolve one in your preferred amount of water to get the energy boost you need.⁸

Vegetarian

High5

HIGH5 Zero Orange & Cherry 80g

4.6414 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€10.00

€6.25

€7.81/100 g

About

High5 Zero is a zero-calorie electrolyte tablet which contains green tea, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and key electrolytes, including sodium and potassium.¹⁰ This means the Zero tablet not only hydrates you but it can also help to support your immune system during and after intense exercise.^4,10

Directions

Simply drop a tablet into your reusable water bottle (750ml of water is recommended, but it can be mixed to your preferred strength) and enjoy.

Vegan

Applied Nutrition

Applied Nutrition ABE Ultimate Pre Workout Gel Energy 60g

51 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€2.59

€1.80

€3.00/100 g

About

Applied Nutrition’s All Black Everything (ABE) Ultimate Pre Workout Gel is designed to enhance energy, focus and performance during your workout.¹¹

Available in a convenient 60g gel format, Applied Nutrition’s formula packs a powerful punch, combining essential vitamins B3 and B12 with caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine and citrulline malate to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.¹¹

The perfect choice for on-the-go athletes, these compact gels make a seamless addition to your gym bag, providing quick and easy access to the energy you need, whenever you need it most.

Directions

Consume one gel 15 minutes prior to exercise and ideally on an empty stomach. Don't consume more than one sachet per day.

Vegetarian

High5

High5 Cycle Kit

4.9315 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€19.00

€14.00

€14.00/1 Bundle

About

The HIGH5 Cycle Kit contains a selection of energy gels ideal for any endurance sport. With a mixture of energy gels, energy bars, energy drinks, recovery drinks, ZERO hydration tablets and a 750ml bottle, it’s full of all your nutrition essentials.¹²

This pack is ideal whether you’re new to sports nutrition or stocking up for training sessions or an event. It’s also suitable for vegetarians and contains an assortment of bestselling flavours – both with and without caffeine.¹²

Vegan

SiS

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml

4.7177 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€2.00

€1.29

€2.15/100 ml

About

SiS GO Isotonic running gels are a practical solution to support your in-training and competition-fuelling strategy by providing you with a quick supply of 22g of carbohydrates per gel.¹³

These handy gels can be easily carried in your pocket or race belt without needing to carry a bulky bottle. Plus, as they’re isotonic, they can be taken without water. Convenient!¹³

Directions

Consume one to three gels per hour to deliver approximately 60 grams of carbohydrate and maximize carbohydrate utilization rates.

Where hydration is also important, SiS GO Isotonic Gels can also be consumed with SiS GO Hydro or with SiS GO Electrolyte to ensure a combination of both energy and fluid delivery during exercise.

Vegan

SiS

SiS GO Energy + Caffeine Gel Berry 60ml

4.7735 reviews

Save up to 1/2 price

€2.25

€1.54

€0.26/10 ml

About

SiS GO + Caffeine is a clean, easy-to-digest 60ml drink. It contains berry-flavoured carbohydrates for that boost to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.¹⁴

It also contains B vitamins which are proven to help support your immune system, as well as 75mg of caffeine, so it’s sure to give you a spring in your step.^14,15

Directions

Consume up to three sachets per 60 minutes during exercise as required. Don't consume more than four sachets per day. SiS GO Gels don't need to be consumed with water to be effective.

Ensure you keep hydrated. Where hydration is important, SiS GO Gels + Caffeine can also be consumed with SiS GO Hydro or GO Electrolyte to ensure a combination of energy, caffeine and fluid delivery during exercise.

The final say

Energy gels can provide an effective way for you to fuel your body with carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. While they’re popularly used for running, you can also use energy gels to fuel other endurance sports, such as cycling.

To find out more about energy gels, check out our article with everything you need to know about energy gels. Otherwise, take a look at our full running gel selection to discover your favourite and add it to your workout routine.

Importantly, if you’re looking for personalised nutritional advice, make sure to speak to a dietitian, healthcare professional or sports coach.

Disclaimer

While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Food supplements mustn’t be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

Sources

1. Pfeiffer, B., et al. ‘The effect of carbohydrate gels on gastrointestinal tolerance during a 16-km run.’ Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2009;19(5), 485-503. Available from: 10.1123/ijsnem.19.5.485.

2. Murray B, Rosenbloom C. Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes. Nutrition reviews [Internet]. 2018 Feb 10 [cited 2024 Jun 14];76(4):243–59. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6019055/

3. Guest, NS., et al. ‘International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance.’ Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4

4. Vogel, RM., et al. ‘Athlete perceptions of flavored, menthol-enhanced energy gels ingested prior to endurance exercise in the heat.’ Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2022;19(1):580–92. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2022.2117995

5. Mielgo-Ayuso, J., et al. ‘Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Sports Performance Based on Differences Between Sexes: A Systematic Review.’ Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2313. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102313

6. Jafari, D., et al. ‘Vitamin C and the Immune System.’ Nutrition and Immunity. 2019;81–102. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16073-9_5

7. Science in Sport. Go Isotonic Energy Gels - Variety Packs [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from:https://www.scienceinsport.com/eu/go-isotonic-energy-gels-variety-packs-sis

8. Holland & Barrett. Dextro Energy Blackcurrant. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from: https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/dextro-energy-blackcurrant-60022783

9. D. Glittenberg. Starch-Based Biopolymers in Paper, Corrugating, and Other Industrial Applications. Elsevier eBooks [Internet]. 2012 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Jun 14];165–93. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444533494002582

10. High Five. Zero [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from: https://highfive.co.uk/products/zero

11. Applied Nutrition. ABE (All Black Everything) Pre Workout Gel [Internet]. [Cited 2024 Jul 4]. Available from: https://appliednutrition.uk/products/abe-all-black-everything-pre-workout-gel

12. High Five. High5 Cycle Pack [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from: https://highfive.co.uk/products/high5-cycle-pack

13. Science in Sport. GO Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 15 Pack [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from: https://www.scienceinsport.com/go-isotonic-energy-gel-15-pack-orange

14. Science in Sport. GO Energy + Caffeine Gel - 30 Pack - Berry [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 6]. Available from: https://www.scienceinsport.com/go-energy-caffeine-gel-30pack-berry

15. Gombart, A., et al. ‘A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System – Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection’. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):236. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/1/236