If you cycle for longer periods or at a higher intensity, you’ll find it hard to do without energy gels. The reason is simple: the body can only store a limited amount of carbohydrates. Once these reserves are depleted, you risk the dreaded ‘bonk’. Energy gels provide readily available energy in a compact form and are easy to consume even when cycling at high speed.
But not all gels are the same. Whilst traditional products usually provide around 20 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, modern high-carb gels now offer 40 to 50 grams per serving. This raises the question for many: which gel offers the best value for money? And which gel is right for me?
Conclusion
There is no such thing as the best gel. There is only the best gel for a particular person. Ultimately, however, it is not the amount of carbohydrates stated on the packaging that determines which is the best gel, but how well it suits the individual. Some cyclists get on very well with very sweet or thick gels, whilst others prefer thinner varieties or products with a more neutral flavour. That’s why it’s worth trying out different types during training before using them in a race.
Premium manufacturers: Maximum performance, higher price
Maurten Gel 100
Maurten is the undisputed premium brand on the market. The Swedish company uses hydrogel technology, which is said to ensure particularly good tolerability. For this reason, there are no flavours, as Maurten does not use any additives, including flavourings. The gel provides 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving. There is also a larger gel containing 40 grams of carbohydrates; the cost per gel is then €4.58.
- Price: approx. €3.37
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Mnstry Gel 40
The German brand Mnstry has made a name for itself in professional cycling in recent years. The gel provides 40 grams of carbohydrates and is available in a range of flavours. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that the flavours are absolutely brilliant – it’s just like biting into a real piece of fruit.
- Price: approx. €2.83
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gel
Precision Fuel & Hydration has made a name for itself in recent years, particularly in the world of triathlon. The concept is incredibly simple: the number in the product name directly indicates the carbohydrate content. This gel therefore provides 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The Precision Fuel gel is particularly well suited to cyclists who, at some point during long rides, simply can’t stand the sight of sweet gels any more. For anyone who wants to carry sachets to top up their water bottles, Precision Fuel offers a genuine alternative with its 90-gramme and 300-gramme variants.
- Price: approx. €2.67
- Carbohydrates: 30g
The high-carb specialists
SiS Beta Fuel
Science in Sport has developed its Beta Fuel Gel specifically for high carbohydrate intake. With 40 grams per gel, it is aimed at cyclists who wish to consume at least 80 to 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour. There are two flavours to choose from, plus a neutral version. This is a limited selection compared to other manufacturers; here,
- Price: approx. €2.63
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Enervit C2:1 Pro
Enervit is also following the trend towards highly concentrated gels. The C2:1 Pro also provides 40 grams of carbohydrates. With UAE Team Emirates – XRG, and thus Tadej Pogačar, the manufacturer has arguably the most successful partner in cycling at its side.
- Price: approx. €2.51
- Carbohydrates: 40g
226ERS High Energy Gel
With 45 grams of carbohydrates per gel, 226ERS is one of the highest-energy products on the market. Among other things, the Spanish brand uses cyclodextrin as a source of carbohydrates. There is another unique feature of the brand: 226ERS even offers a gel containing 76 grams.
- Price: approx. €2.50
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Squeezy Energy Gel
The German manufacturer offers a stomach-friendly formula and a range of carbohydrate blends to suit different needs. The larger 67-gram gels have only recently become available; they contain 40 grams of carbohydrates.
- Price: approx. €2.74
- Carbohydrates: 40g
RocketFuel Energy Gel
RocketFuel is also becoming increasingly popular amongst ambitious cyclists. This manufacturer, which is still relatively new to the European market, promotes its product on the basis of a particularly simple formula and a very high carbohydrate density. The gel provides 40 grams of carbohydrates, placing it firmly in the category of modern high-carb gels.
- Price: approx. €2.33
- Carbohydrates: 40g
The best value for money
4Endurance Nrgy Gel 45
At first glance, the value for money doesn’t look all that impressive. However, there’s almost always a 50 per cent discount on many of the manufacturer’s products. So if you’re not fussy about flavour, or can wait for the right moment, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The gel provides 45 grams of carbohydrates at a very low price for that amount, at least if you buy the gels on special offer.
- Price: approx. €2.50
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Powerbar PowerGel Original
This classic energy gel has been on the market for decades. Whilst the gel provides fewer carbohydrates than modern high-carb products, the price is right. A great choice for people with low energy requirements.
- Price: approx. €2.24
- Carbohydrates: 26g
Xenofit Energy Gel
Xenofit is one of Germany’s longest-established suppliers in the field of sports nutrition. The classic Energy Gel features a blend of short- and long-chain carbohydrates and is aimed primarily at recreational and amateur cyclists looking for a straightforward source of energy. Although it contains a relatively low amount of carbohydrates – 25 grams – the price is equally low. Another advantage is that the pack size is really small, barely half the size of a comparable gel from other manufacturers containing the same amount of carbohydrates.
- Price: approx. €1.30
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Conclusion
There is no such thing as the best gel. There is only the best gel for a particular person. Ultimately, however, it is not the amount of carbohydrates stated on the packaging that determines which gel is best, but how well the individual tolerates it. Some riders get on very well with very sweet or thick gels, whilst others prefer thinner varieties or products with a more neutral flavour. That’s why it’s worth trying out different types during training before using them in a race.
If you’re looking for as many carbohydrates as possible for little money, your best bet at the moment is 4Endurance, Powerbar or Xenofit. On long rides or in races, these are the most budget-friendly options for cyclists who burn a lot of carbohydrates. Those who prefer modern high-carb concepts will find suitable solutions in SiS, Enervit, 226ERS, RocketFuel and Squeezy. Just like with 4Endurance, these offer a generous amount of carbs at reasonable prices. Mnstry, Maurten and Precision Fuel remain the premium options, though they do come at a price. Those willing to spend a bit more will find absolutely top-quality gels from these manufacturers. Maurten stands out even more clearly when it comes to price.
Leon Weidner
Editor