L360’s resident running enthusiast Evelyn Richards trained using different gels — here she reviews their taste, energy-boosting ability and overall quality to find out which is best.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, hitting the trails or simply aiming to boost your endurance on a casual run, finding the right fuel is key.
Running gels have become a staple for many runners, helping to maintain energy levels and fend off dreaded fatigue.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
To help, ahead of my next half marathon, I’ve personally tested some of the most popular running gels available so you don’t have to.
What is the best running gel?
After putting these gels to the test, here’s how they stack up:
- Best overall: SIS GO Isotonic for its combination of convenience, hydration, and easy digestion. This is the one I’m going to be using during my half-marathon.
- Best for high-intensity workouts: GU Energy Gel with its high carb content and caffeine boost.
- Best budget option: High5 Energy Gel provides reliable performance at a lower cost.
- Best for natural ingredients: Torq Gel delivers great flavour and natural energy for health-conscious runners.
SIS GO Isotonic energy gel
Best for: Long-distance runners looking for both hydration and energy
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The SIS GO Isotonic gel was one of my favourites. It’s light, refreshing and easy to digest — perfect for those who struggle with gels that feel heavy or sticky.
The isotonic formula means you don’t need to take it with water, so it’s super convenient on long runs when you’re on the move.
I tested the tropical flavour, and while it wasn’t overly sweet, it had just enough zing to feel like a quick pick-me-up.
Best of all? No upset stomach or cramps, which can be a common concern when trying new gels.
- Flavour rating: 8/10
- Energy boost: 9/10
- Price: 99p per gel
Buy a pack of 35 gels from Amazon (£34.69).
GU Energy Gel
Best for: Intense workouts or interval training
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GU Energy Gels are very popular in the running world, and after testing the salted caramel flavour, I can see why they’ve got a loyal fan base.
Most running gels are fruity, so having a wider range of flavours to choose from was a welcome change.
It’s thick and rich, almost like a treat, which was great during colder runs when I wanted something a bit more substantial
These gels pack a serious punch, delivering 100 calories and 22g of carbs per serving, making them ideal for high-intensity workouts or races.
However, the texture is quite dense, so it’s best to have some water on hand to wash it down.
- Flavour rating: 9/10
- Energy boost: 10/10
- Price: £1.54 per gel
Buy a pack of 24 gels from Amazon (£37).
High5 Energy Gel
Best for: A budget-friendly option without compromising on performance
Read more: How to run a marathon if you’re a newbie
The High5 Energy Gel is a more affordable option but still delivers on performance.
I took the orange flavour out on a few mid-distance runs, and it gave me a solid energy boost without any jitters or stomach discomfort.
The texture is quite smooth and easy to consume mid-stride. I like the berry flavour best as it feels more like drinking a yoghurt than slurping back a gel.
It doesn’t have as much of a caffeine kick as some other gels, so it’s ideal for runners who are sensitive to stimulants or are looking for something lighter.
- Flavour Rating: 6/10
- Energy Boost: 8/10
- Price: 85p per gel
Buy a pack of 20 on Amazon (£16.96).
Maurten Gel 100
Best for: Serious athletes seeking clean, efficient energy
Maurten is the new kid on the block and has already become a favourite among elite runners — so naturally, I was curious.
The Gel 100 has a unique texture, more like a jelly than the sticky consistency you’d expect. It’s flavourless, which is great if you’re sick of the overly sweet options that dominate the market.
I found this gel provided a steady energy release, perfect for longer runs, but it’s definitely on the pricier side.
That said, the natural ingredients and lack of artificial flavours make it a great choice if you’re looking for a cleaner, more efficient fuel.
- Flavour rating: 5/10 (because there is no flavour)
- Energy boost: 9/10
- Price: £3.67 per gel
Buy a pack of 12 on Amazon (£43.99).
Torq Gel
Best for: Natural ingredients and flavour variety
If you prefer gels made with natural ingredients, Torq is a fantastic option. I tested the raspberry ripple flavour and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and palatable it was.
Torq gels are made with organic ingredients and provide a two-to-one ratio of glucose to fructose, ensuring quick and efficient energy uptake.
They also come with a hit of electrolytes, which helped me feel refreshed on a particularly warm run.
With flavours like banoffee and apple crumble, Torq gels bring a little joy to your long-distance training.
- Flavour rating: 9/10
- Energy boost: 8/10
- Price: £1.60 per gel
Buy a pack of 15 on Amazon (£24).
Clif Shot Energy Gel
Best for: Caffeine-lovers looking for a quick pick-me-up
Clif gels are known for their higher caffeine content, and the mocha flavour didn’t disappoint.
With 50mg of caffeine, this gel gave me an instant boost, perfect for a pre-run kick or when I was starting to flag during a long session.
The consistency is a bit thicker than some other gels, so you’ll want to follow it up with water.
While the taste was rich, almost like a coffee-flavoured dessert, it might be a bit too much for runners who prefer a lighter, fruitier option.
- Flavour rating: 7/10
- Energy boost: 9/10
- Price: £1.60 per gel
