Any cyclist who takes part in any meticulous or rigorous cycling session such as road biking, or even mountain biking will benefit from a speedy energy bar that can be easily broken down in the body. Energy gels come in handy in providing you with a reinvigorating energy source as you cycle.
For many years now. I have pushed my trainees enforcing their bodies to attain great limits as they cycle ensuring that they are always ready to tackle a race, however, even with all this, they are still at risk of under-performing.
I had to find a way to ensure that my trainee’s body remains fueled even when taking part in extensive cycling marathons. Energy gel packs are one of the best options, perfect for any kind of cyclist. These packs are proven to give you all the vigor that you need for any kind of activity. In this article, I have mentioned the most ideal energy packs in today’s market. I have also highlighted their features as well as their advantages giving you the chance to select exactly what works for you.
The Best Energy Gels for Cycling: Comparison Table
Product |
Number of Gels |
Buy Here |
The Chia Energy Premier Sports Nutrition Gel from Huma Gel |
12 Gel Packs |
|
The Energy Gel Pack from GU |
24 Gel Packs |
|
The Isotonic Energy Gel Packs from Science in Sport |
20 Gel Packs |
|
The Endurance Energy Gel Packs from Gatorade |
21 Gel Packs |
|
The Variety Energy Gel Pack from Clif Shot |
24 Gel Packs |
|
The Organic Energy Gel Pack from Honey Stinger |
24 Gel Packs |
|
The Electroride Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Pack from Spring Energy |
20 Gel Packs |
|
The Energy Gel Mixed Box from High 5 |
20 Gel Packs |
|
The Organic Energy Gel Pack from Mulebar |
24 Gel Packs |
The Best Energy Gels for Cycling Comparison overview
The Chia Energy Premier Sports Nutrition Gel from Huma Gel
[amazon box=”B00LXK8Y0E” template=”horizontal” ]This Chia sports nutrition gel comes with a variety of 8 gel packs. These gel packs are of different flavors which are all very tasty. The packs can be used simply, by gently squeezing it making the consumption so easy. The 8 different flavors include lemonade, strawberry, raspberry, mango, chocolate, blueberry, cade mocha, cinnamon, and finally apple.
These energy gels are manufactured from natural products working well in healing your depleted muscles. The energy gels are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free because they have been manufactured from herbal and floral ingredients. Another great advantage is that the gels are not made from any dairy products, making it an excellent choice for individuals who do not want to indulge in any products made from lactose. They are an excellent option for carrying around while you are cycling, exercising or dealing with different activities throughout the day. The pack is designed with very attractive colors.
Pros
- It is made with fruits as well as 9 important amino acids
- Does not leave an after taste in your mouth
- The energy pack is made from finely grounded chia seeds ensuring the even distribution of energy
- The ratio of short and long-chained glucose is 2:1
- The caffeine is quite low with a maximum of only 50mg.
Cons
- Some users have mentioned that the flavor is highly concentrated.
The Energy Gel Pack from GU
[amazon box=”B00CQ7QDQA” template=”horizontal” ]This energy gel pack form GU comes with 24 gel packets. All of the gel packs come with a mixture of amazing flavors. Some of the flavors here are blackberry, gingerade, hoppy trails. Expresso love. Campfire smores, caramel macchiato, birthday cake, and many other mixed fruity flavors.
The gel packs come in an amazing package making it easy to carry around as you cycle. The amount of caffeine in each gel pack greatly varies, giving users a chance to pick out what suits them when it comes to the intake of caffeine.
Pros
- Each of the gel packs has 100 calories and are also manufactured with important vital electrolytes
- You are provided with a dual source of energy from fructose and maltodextrin contents.
- Provides users with enough absorption and long-lasting energy
- To help eliminate muscle damage and mental fatigue the gels are manufactured with branched-chain amino acids.
Cons
- This energy gel is a little too viscous.
The Isotonic Energy Gel Packs from Science in Sport
[amazon box=”B07RLNX94F” template=”horizontal” ]The Isotonic Energy Gel Pack comes with 20 energy gels. The isotonic components in the gel allow the content to get absorbed as the muscles easily muscles. The gels are manufactured with 22g of carbs that perform quickly and are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream.
The gel packs also come in a ton of different flavors. These include the mint, lemon. Salted strawberry, tutti fruity, and vanilla flavor. The Isotonic gel packs are also one of the most affordable gel packs in the market. It energizes your body, fueling you as you take part in enduring cycling activities.
Pros
- It is an isotonic energy bar, which means that users will not have to consume an additional amount of water for any digestion purposes.
- Each packet is made with only 1g of sugar
- The texture is not thick or sticky in any kind of way
Cons
- Some users have complained of suffering from a stomach ache after indulging in these gel packs.
The Endurance Energy Gel Packs from Gatorade
[amazon box=”B06ZZ61V1K” template=”horizontal” ]For years the Gatorade industry has made a great name for itself by producing amazing energy drinks that are easily available and consumed by many across the globe. Therefore, it is only fitting that the industry will produce its energy gel bar. There are a ton of different flavors such as vanilla, mango, lemon, blackberry, strawberry, and even apple.
The gels are affordable and are an ideal source for giving you quick bursts of energy necessary for your cycling session. It is advisable to indulge in this energy gel pack right before your cycling session or any other enduring physical activity.
Pros
- It is manufactured with 20g of carbohydrates and 80 calories. This provides you with an excellent mix of energy.
- Indulging in this energy bar is so easy as it has a very smooth feeling
- Contains 21 energy packets per box
Cons
- You cannot consume this gel without washing it down with water.
The Variety Energy Gel Pack from Clif Shot
[amazon box=”B00IGRFTA0″ template=”horizontal” ]Just as the name suggests, this energy gel pack from Clif Shot comes in a variety of different flavors. The gel packs come in very attractive packaging and the flavors include mocha, razz, chocolate, citrus, strawberry, vanilla, and even expresso. This gel provides you with a ton of energy, enhancing your endurance as you take part in long cycling sessions and other strenuous activities.
The gel packs are manufactured from organic products. This is great especially if you do not want to ingest any kind of genetically modified organisms that may be harmful to your health. The gel is also an excellent source for recharging your electrolytes. All the ingredients used to manufacture this gel are from a reliable source.
Pros
- Each flavor is manufactured with different caffeine levels.
- The carbs work instantly quickly energizing your body during your cycling session
- The gel contains healthy nutrients such as potassium and sodium
- The ingredients used in this gel are all-natural
Cons
- Some of the flavors contain a lot of caffeine up to 100mg.
The Organic Energy Gel Pack from Honey Stinger
[amazon box=”B0095FCPKY” template=”horizontal” ]The organic gel pack is gluten-free which is a great choice for those who are dealing with celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten products. The gel pack is manufactured from an amalgamation of electrolytes, honey, and tapioca syrup. These ingredients provide the gel pack with a very unique texture.
The Honey Stinger industry guarantees cyclists that they will benefit from this gel pack before their cycling session, during the activity, and even after the cycling session. If digested five to ten minutes before the cycling session this gel will give you a great energy boost for all your physical activities. When taken during the session, you are provided with enough energy to keep cycling and when indulged after your cycling session, your body is refueled and the glycogen stores are replenished.
Pros
- The packaging is nice and convenient a great option for cyclists who are always on the go
- Manufactured from Glycemic properties that provide you with an energy boost that increases any cyclist’s performance
- Each of the gel packs come with 100 calories.
Cons
- You should drink water after ingesting this gel.
The Electroride Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Pack from Spring Energy
[amazon box=”B06XGH6T1Q” template=”horizontal” ]This Nutrition Energy Gel Pack is just like real food and the industry only uses a minimal amount of processing and preservatives on this gel. Additional preservatives such as colors, soya, sugar, and any other dairy products are absent. Consumers are guaranteed that they will not experience any kind of stomach problem or gastrointestinal effect that could lead to a crash in energy.
This gel is manufactured with 65mg of sodium, 20g of carbs, and 100 calories that rejuvenate your electrolytes during any cycling session. There are many different flavors available and the packaging is quite attractive, and easy to tear enhancing the convenience for users.
Pros
- It is manufactured with no additional preservatives
- The Gingerol flavor contains medicine-like properties that come in handy in preventing any case of gastric diseases and inflammation
- The Menthol additive that is the mint flavor works well in aiding digestion
Cons
- Many users have mentioned that this energy gel tastes like baby food.
The Energy Gel Mixed Box from High 5
[amazon box=”B00BFS6LAE” template=”horizontal” ]This is an advanced sports energy gel that is vegan providing you with 40 grams of gel and 23 grams of carbohydrates. The gel is made of an amalgamation of real fruits giving the cyclist a smooth, fresh, and light feeling.
The flavors available with this gel are Raspberry Plus, the Apple flavor, Orange flavor, Citrus, and Banana. One of the first things that you will notice about this gel is that it comes in an unset jelly style. This means that getting used to the consistency will take some time. It is also important that drink some water while indulging in this energy bar.
Pros
- The gel is manufactured from real fruit juice
- Each pack comes with 25g of carbohydrate energy
- The box is colorful and attractive
Cons
- The consistency is much thicker than other gels in the market.
The Organic Energy Gel Pack from Mulebar
[amazon box=”B00NIPSQHS” template=”horizontal” ]This is a vegan energy gel pack available in 5 different flavors. There is the Café Cortado, the Apple Strudel, the caramel flavor, lemon, and cheery flavor. This gel pack is manufactured from a Himalayan crystal salt base, agave syrup, and organic brown rice. It also comes in a very attractive and safe package.
Some gels spill on your hands or jersey and indulging in these types of energy packs can get messy, however, with this package cyclists will not have to deal with any spillage. As you cycle, you may be tempted to dispose of these packs on the side of the track, however, it is advisable that you place them in your pockets or your bags until you find a reliable trash can.
Pros
- All of the flavors are really tasty
- Energize you when you need a great boost
- The energy pack is of great quality
Cons
- This pack is not available in many parts of the world.
What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Energy Gels for Cycling
The Nutrition Levels
One of the first things that must be put into consideration when browsing through different types of energy bars is the number of nutrients in an energy bar. You must remember that if an energy bar is manufactured without the necessary nutrients, it is basically useless. The nutrients available in an energy bar must increase your cycling strength and also improve your health. In addition, the nutrients used should not affect your health negatively.
The Taste
The flavor or taste of an energy bar is a factor that all cyclists consider when selecting their most preferred option. No one wants to indulge in a gel that leaves a bitter or sour taste in their mouth. All of the energy gels mentioned in this review have amazing flavors because they are manufactured using very tasty ingredients.
The Side Effects
Energy gels are great at replenishing and rejuvenating your body functions, however, it is important that you remember that not all the energy gels in the market are the best for your health. Some energy gels are manufactured with toxic elements and this means that you must be careful when purchasing your ideal gel. The energy gels listed in this article have been examined by a number of professionals and experts in the field and you are guaranteed that all of the products mentioned will not pose any kind of problem to your health.
The Price
Just like most of the products in the market, energy gels are available at different prices. It is important to note that an expensive energy gel does not necessarily mean that it is healthy or it is the best in the market, and a cheaper energy gel does not mean that it does not boost your system. There are a ton of affordable energy gels that are manufactured with all the necessary ingredients, taste nice and rejuvenate your organs. In this review, I have listed affordable options that are available in the market.
Conclusion
From all the energy gels and energy gel industries mentioned in this article, a lot of focus was placed on mentioning products that are manufactured with a lot of energy while keeping you healthy. The gels listed are guaranteed to replenish your electrolytes if they are exhausted whether before or after your cycling session. The gels are manufactured with calories that come in handy during your training activities. All of the items mentioned here are worth your time and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do energy gels work when you are partaking in strenuous cycling activities?
Energy gels come in quite handy especially because most of these gels are manufactured with carb sugars. This means that ingesting these gels will boost your body with a quick form of energy even when you are in the middle of any work out session including cycling.
How much time do energy gels take before they start working?
The amount of time energy gels takes before they start functioning depends on your body type. Different individuals absorb carbohydrates at different amounts of time. The amount of time taken varies between 3-15 minutes.
How many energy gels should I take when cycling?
It is recommended that you indulge in only one or two energy gels per hour.