Best Hydration & Energy Gels Reviewed for Performance

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 GU Energy
Test Winner: GU Energy
Amazon Link
An important part of running is maintaining both the fuel and hydration level of your body. Much like your car, your body isn't going to run properly without fuel. This doesn't mean you should eat right before you head out for a run. There are other ways to fuel your body before or even during your run. In the past, during long runs, runners would hit the smart water bottle and down something sugary. Doing this would give the runner that last blast of energy they needed to push through their run. Now with the changing times, runners have the advantage of using what is called energy gel. Here's our list of the best.

Standout Picks

 GU Energy
This gel happens to be one of the more popular choices among long-distance runners. It will give your body the calories and electrolytes needed to push yourself through to the end of your run.
Amazon Link
$35.49
 Huma Chia
For those with a sensitivity to hydration and energy gels, this gel was designed around you. Made from natural ingredients and packed with the essential amino acids, these are gentle on your digestive system.
Amazon Link
$29.95
 Clif Shot
For a quick pick me up, you could try this hydration and energy gel. Loaded with fuel for your endurance and hydration needs. You can rest assured that you will be able to make the last leg of the race with this gel.
Amazon Link
 GU Roctane Ultra Endurance
Next on the list comes a gel for those who enjoy an intense running session. Packed with much of the same ingredients as the original formula, but they added a twist for your benefit.
Amazon Link
$54.97
 Accel Gel Rapid
With their patented formula, this hydration and energy gel prides itself on being one of the best. They use their own formula ratio to improve both your performance and endurance at the same time.
Amazon Link
 Science in Sport
The manufacturers for this type of hydration and energy gel have put out all sorts of lines. Meaning you can find a product geared more toward the potential qualities you are looking for in a gel.
Amazon Link
$12.65
 PacificHealth 2nd Surge
For a boost to both your brain and body, this hydration and energy gel can combat the issue of fatigue in both of those areas. providing your body with the right combination of fuel to improve your performance and recovery time.
Amazon Link
 Gatorade Prime
As a trusted brand for years, this hydration, and energy gel gives you the electrolytes, carbohydrates, and vitamins you need to process the fuel into an energy supply. Add this gel along with your water intake, and you can keep up the pace throughout your run.
Amazon Link
 Spring Energy Gel
This is another great option for those who tend to have adverse effects form energy products. This one gives you your hydration and energy from real food ingredients. Which assures those who follow a clean way of eating, what they are consuming.
Amazon Link
$84.00
 Carb Boom
This hydration and energy gel adds real fruit to the mix for added flavor and nutrients. Enjoy the energy without the stomach issues that you sometimes get from other gels.
Amazon Link
$39.60

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Product Purity

The best thing you can do before choosing a hydration and energy gel is to check the ingredients used in the gel. Some will contain a form of caffeine, to give you an added boost. A gel that does contain caffeine, will be marked on the packet. People with caffeine sensitivities should opt to select a different gel. There are gels that provide you with electrolytes, which play an important role in your hydration. Electrolytes can normally found in the form of specific minerals, like sodium, potassium, or magnesium. Most of the gels will contain sugar, in one or more forms, some may have more sugar than others. Let me ask you this, what do you do about the ingredients you don't know? Just because you can't say it, doesn't mean that you should ignore that ingredient.

Taste

One could say that there are a plethora of flavor choices on the market when it comes to hydration and energy gels. This gives you the opportunity to select a flavor of your preference. However, it is not recommended to solely base your purchase decision just on flavor.

Bottom Line

It is a popular opinion that hydration and energy gels are your biggest lifesaver during a run. This statement has both truth and fiction to it. Sure, the gel will give you a boost, but really it is boosting your mind to get over the hurdle for the last stretch. Since your body uses the carbohydrates stored in your muscles, the gel itself doesn't have the time to affect your muscles. These gels will, in fact, help replace the electrolytes and calories lost during your run.

Potency

As we briefly touch on earlier, finding the hydration and energy gel that works best for you is typically done by elimination. Since we all spend electrolytes and energy at different rates, what works well for your friend may not work for you. What type of a runner you are will also be a factor in choosing a gel. Those who run more frequent for longer periods will need something stronger than a person who runs occasionally for short time frames. Be sure to check the ingredient list, this will allow you to rule out any brands that have ingredients you are sensitive to. It is recommended that you choose a brand that carries ingredients that are truly good for your body. This will add to the performance of your run, rather than hinder your run.

Flavors

We're also on the lookout for the gels that are going to go down easiest. It's actually a big deal, if you're in you're zone the last thing you want to have to do is have to choke down some ultra-sugary or just gross tasting junk so we're working to make sure the gel you get is going to be easy on the tongue.

Best Hydration and Energy Gels

1. GU Energy

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$35.49
 GU Energy
Amazon Link

This gel happens to be one of the more popular choices among long-distance runners. It will give your body the calories and electrolytes needed to push yourself through to the end of your run.

Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for remaining hydrated during your run. Sometimes you will need a little boost along with your water intake, to keep your body balanced. A hydration and energy gel like this one will provide you with added electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are great for combating muscle damage, but will also aid in your overall run recovery. This gel comes with 450 milligrams of amino acids in each packet. Your muscles will thank you for the help with their recovery.

Cost and Value
For a sliding price range, this hydration and energy gel can be purchased in bulk or in a lesser quantity. It is also available in a multitude of flavor profiles as well. Aiding your body with hydration, recovery, and endurance that to me is a lot of bang for your buck.

Amazon Link
$35.49

2. Huma Chia

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$29.95
 Huma Chia
Amazon Link

For those with a sensitivity to hydration and energy gels, this gel was designed around you. Made from natural ingredients and packed with the essential amino acids, these are gentle on your digestive system.

Natural Ingredients
Made mostly from fruit puree, chia, and coconut water this gel is said to be easy to digest. Making it suitable even for those that are sensitive to this type of product.

Chia
A steady source of energy, instead of a sugar rush sounds like it is more practical. That is why this gel uses chia as one of the main ingredients, chia is known for being a more stable energy source. So you get the same great benefits, without the crash that happens after consuming too much sugar.

Cost and Value
This hydration and energy gel will cost more than some of the others, due to the natural ingredients used to make the gel. If you're looking to avoid the issue of stomach sensitivity, you won't mind paying the extra to get your hands on this gel.

Amazon Link
$29.95

3. Clif Shot

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Clif Shot
Amazon Link

For a quick pick me up, you could try this hydration and energy gel. Loaded with fuel for your endurance and hydration needs. You can rest assured that you will be able to make the last leg of the race with this gel.

Endurance
Loaded with 50 milligrams of caffeine, which comes from green tea extract, this gel will push you through the race. Even when your body doesn't feel like it can go any further.

Hydration
Included in the gel packet is both sodium and potassium. These two minerals are not only essential for hydration but can help reduce muscle cramping caused by fatigue.

Cost And Value
A powerful way to give your body the boost it needs, this gel will carry through the weakest of moments. Packed with electrolytes and caffeine, your body will benefit from this hydration and energy gel.

Amazon Link

4. GU Roctane Ultra Endurance

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$54.97
 GU Roctane Ultra Endurance
Amazon Link

Next on the list comes a gel for those who enjoy an intense running session. Packed with much of the same ingredients as the original formula, but they added a twist for your benefit.

Amino Acids
I know we went over the effects of amino acids earlier, so I will cut to the chase. This gel has over three times the milligrams of amino acids as it's original formula. What that means for you, even more, prevention against muscle damage.

Flavors
With plenty of flavor options to select from, you are sure to find one or even two that you will enjoy. Each flavor comes with its own caffeine content, so it is wise to check the label before you purchase.

Cost and Value
A little higher in price, this gel is definitely for the more hardcore runner. Packed with extra electrolytes and amino acids, your body will recover much quicker with the help of this gel.

Amazon Link
$54.97

5. Accel Gel Rapid

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Accel Gel Rapid
Amazon Link

With their patented formula, this hydration and energy gel prides itself on being one of the best. They use their own formula ratio to improve both your performance and endurance at the same time.

4:1 Ratio
The formula for this gel is a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates and protein. This formula is backed by a study that proves this gel will improve your recovery time, lengthen your endurance, and improve your overall performance.

Endurance
For those training for a marathon, looking to improve their endurance, this gel would be worth a try. With it's combined ingredients, some users have seen as much as a 13% improvement in their endurance level.

Cost and Value
With a study to back its claims, runners who have tried this hydration and energy gel have gotten their money's worth. Looking to improve your performance or endurance for the next big race? I'd give this gel a shot.

Amazon Link

6. Science in Sport

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$12.65
 Science in Sport
Amazon Link

The manufacturers for this type of hydration and energy gel have put out all sorts of lines. Meaning you can find a product geared more toward the potential qualities you are looking for in a gel.

Product Lines
You can choose from products that are easier to digest, where you don't need as much water to consume the gel. Looking for electrolytes, there is a gel that provides you with both carbohydrates and three essential minerals for replacing electrolytes. If a serious boost is what you're after, try one with caffeine, or double the caffeine.

Carbohydrates
No matter which line of product you choose, you know for sure that you will be getting 22 grams of quick absorbing carbohydrates. The faster you can absorb the carbohydrates, the quicker your body can benefit from them.

Cost and Value
Since this manufacturer has covered all the benefits you might be looking for in a gel, I'd say they are worth your time to try. These come in at one of the lowest for cost on the list but have the potential to pack the biggest punch.

Amazon Link
$12.65

7. PacificHealth 2nd Surge

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 PacificHealth 2nd Surge
Amazon Link

For a boost to both your brain and body, this hydration and energy gel can combat the issue of fatigue in both of those areas. providing your body with the right combination of fuel to improve your performance and recovery time.

Caffeine
To fight the idea of fatigue in your mind, you might drink coffee or tea when you feel sluggish. Much like both of those, this gel provides you with the caffeine you need to fuel your mind for focus.

Essentials
Combining protein, carbohydrates, and calorie replacement, this gel has just what your body needs to fight that fatigue. Replacing those calories lost during a run are extremely important for your body to perform properly.

Cost and Value
With all the potential benefits found in this gel, paired with the great price point this gel offers you a ton of value. When you start to feel like you dragging, this hydration and energy gel has what you need in order to succeed.

Amazon Link

8. Gatorade Prime

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Gatorade Prime
Amazon Link

As a trusted brand for years, this hydration, and energy gel gives you the electrolytes, carbohydrates, and vitamins you need to process the fuel into an energy supply. Add this gel along with your water intake, and you can keep up the pace throughout your run.

Vitamins
Vitamin B is an essential aspect of breaking down the carbohydrates you consume. The faster you can break them down, the quicker your body can benefit from them. That is the reason this brand chooses to add vitamin B to the mix, for your benefit.

Balance
For the balance of your hydration system, this gel provides you with the electrolytes you need. It is crucial to your performance and recovery time to keep your electrolyte balance in check.

Cost and Value
For a great price, you can both hydrate and fuel your body through to the finish line with this gel. These come in packs of 20, with three flavors to choose from you can stock up on these without being a burden to your wallet.

Amazon Link

9. Spring Energy Gel

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$84.00
 Spring Energy Gel
Amazon Link

This is another great option for those who tend to have adverse effects form energy products. This one gives you your hydration and energy from real food ingredients. Which assures those who follow a clean way of eating, what they are consuming.

Real Food
Made from things such as organic bananas, chia, and beetroot just to name a few things. You can be sure that your electrolytes and carbohydrate sources in this gel are coming to you in a clean form.

No Crash
Since your carbohydrate source is more stable., than those that use sugar, you can be sure that you won't have that feeling of crashing. For those that don't know what that is, think back to when you were a child. Remember all the candy you ate at Halloween, and how you felt after? That my friends are a sugar crash.

Cost and Value
For a more natural approach to hydration and energy, this gel uses natural ingredients as their source. So naturally, the cost of this product will be slightly higher. For those who follow a cleaner eating style, the higher cost isn't normally an issue.

Amazon Link
$84.00

10. Carb Boom

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$39.60
 Carb Boom
Amazon Link

This hydration and energy gel adds real fruit to the mix for added flavor and nutrients. Enjoy the energy without the stomach issues that you sometimes get from other gels.

Sugar
For a steadier carbohydrate source, this gel has only 3 grams of sugar added to it. This means that your carbohydrate absorption will be much quicker, turning it into fuel faster.

Flavors
Comes in a wide variety of fruity flavors, which is great for those who are sick of the chocolate and caramel craze. With so many different flavors to choose from, you're sure to find one that will suit your flavor needs.

Cost and Value
This option comes in a pack of 24, with plenty of flavors to choose from. The price is decent, so after you have tried these out you can feel free to stock up on these.

Amazon Link
$39.60