When I first got into running, paying money for little packets of sugary goo made no sense to me. Then I started increasing my mileage and got humbled fast. It turns out Nerds Gummy Clusters and applesauce can only take you so far.
So I started trying running gels. A lot of them.
Gels have one job: get carbs into your body before it runs out of fuel. Most are designed to be tolerable at best. But a few out there are actually… dare I say… delicious?
I’ve tested every gel on this list during half and full marathon training, including long runs in 100-degree Midwest humidity, when warm, sugary jello is the last thing anyone wants. I know what I can stomach at mile 20, which textures make me gag, and which flavors I’d be happy to never taste again.
Below, I rank nine energy gels and one chew from GU, Precision Fuel, BPN and Amacx, including what I’d buy again, what I’d skip, and what’s worth trying yourself.
A quick note: These rankings are based on my own experience and preferences. Here’s what I consider when ranking each gel:
- Flavor: Does it actually taste good?
- Texture: Is it easy to get down while running?
- Carbs: How much fuel am I getting per packet?
- Sodium: Does it contain electrolytes?
- Convenience: Do I need water to take it?
- Overall experience: Would I use it on a long run or race day?
● At a glance
Gel rankings
| Rank | Gel | Rating | Carbs | Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  BPN Go Gel Mixed Berry | ★ 4.5 / 5 | 24 g | My all-time favorite |
| #2 |  BPN Go Gel Mango | ★ 4.5 / 5 | 24 g | Love the mango flavor, added sodium, and simple ingredients |
| #3 |  Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Chew Watermelon | ★ 4 / 5 | 30 g | My go-to when I want to chew instead of another gel |
| #4 |  Amacx Drink Gel | ★ 3.5 / 5 | 30 g | No water needed and 30g of carbs |
| #5 |  Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gel | ★ 3 / 5 | 30 g | An acquired taste, but the mild flavor and thin texture |
| #6 |  BPN Go Gel Apple Cinnamon | ★ 3 / 5 | 24 g | Like smooth applesauce |
| #7 |  GU Energy Gel Chocolate Outrage | ★ 3 / 5 | 21 g | Tasty and easy to get down |
| #8 |  GU Energy Gel Campfire S’mores | ★ 3 / 5 | 22 g | Perfect for chilly fall runs |
| #9 |  GU Energy Gel Tri-Berry | ★ 2.5 / 5 | 23 g | Great flavor, but the thick texture doesn’t do it for me |
| #10 |  GU Energy Gel Salted Caramel | ★ 0.5 / 5 | 24 g | Hard to get down without gagging |
Ranked favorite to least favorite. Full reviews below.
#10
GU Energy Gel Salted Caramel
Carbs
24 g
Caffeine
20 MG
Sodium
125 mg
Pros
+ Contains electrolytes
Cons
– Flavor is difficult to stomach
– Thick texture
– Only 24g of carbs
– Need to take with water
● Overall
My least favorite gel I’ve tried. I genuinely struggle to get these down without gagging, and on a hot day, they’re an absolute no-go for me.
#9
GU Energy Gel Tri-Berry
Carbs
23 g
Caffeine
20 mg
Sodium
60 mg
Pros
+ Nice flavor
+ Easy to get down
Cons
– Thick texture
– Only 23g of carbs
– Need to take with water
– Caffeinated version only
● Overall
I used this for my second half marathon, before realizing that caffeine can upset my stomach. The flavor is great, but the thick, chewy texture isn’t my favorite. I’d love an uncaffeinated version.
Fun flavor
#8
GU Energy Gel Campfire S’mores
Carbs
22 g
Caffeine
none
Sodium
60 mg
Pros
+ Great taste
+ Easy to get down
Cons
– Thick texture
– Only 22g of carbs
– Need to take with water
● Overall
This tastes just like a melted s’more, and I love it for chilly fall runs. My only real complaint is the lower carb count. I wish GU made a higher-carb version!
#7
GU Energy Gel Chocolate Outrage
Carbs
21 g
Caffeine
20 mg
Sodium
60 mg
Pros
+ Great taste
+ Easy to get down
Cons
– Thick texture
– Only 21g of carbs
– Need to take with water
– Caffeinated version only
● Overall
I ranked this above S’mores because I find the flavor less overwhelming on longer runs. I like the taste, and they’re pretty easy to get down. The lower carb count and caffeine are the main drawbacks for me.
#6
BPN Go Gel Apple Cinnamon
Carbs
24 g
Caffeine
None
Sodium
110 mg
Pros
+ Includes electrolytes
+ Natural ingredients
Cons
– Lower carb
– Can result in flavor fatigue
● Overall
This tastes exactly like it sounds, kind of like applesauce with a thinner, smoother consistency. It’s a nice change from the usual fruity gels, and I like the added sodium and lack of caffeine. I just wish it had a few more grams of carbs per packet.
Best high-carb option
#5
Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gel
Carbs
30 g
Caffeine
None
Sodium
0 mg
Pros
+ High carb
+ Thin, easy to swallow
+ No caffeine
Cons
– Acquired tase
– Best taken with water
● Overall
I think this gel is a bit of an acquired taste. The lime flavor was off-putting at first, but I’ve gotten used to it. When you’re four or five gels deep into a long run, something with a mild flavor and a thinner texture becomes much more appealing. The 30 grams of carbs are a big plus, too.
Best texture
#4
Amacx Drink Gel
Carbs
30 g
Caffeine
none or 75 mg
Sodium
200 mg
Pros
+ Can be taken without water
+ 30g of carbs
+ Electrolytes
Cons
– Tastes a bit like cough syrup due to the texture
– A lot of gel to get down
● Overall
The flavors have a bit of a cough syrup vibe, but I really like the texture, added sodium, and 30 grams of carbs. Being able to take these without water is a big plus, especially on runs or races with fewer aid stations.
Best gel alternative
#3
Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Chew Watermelon
Carbs
30 g
Caffeine
None
Sodium
0 mg
Pros
+ High carb
+ Easy to portion
+ Great flavor
Cons
– Have to chew
– Less convenient
● Overall
These are a great alternative when I want something to chew instead of another gel. The texture is more jelly-like than I expected, and the watermelon flavor is subtle and natural rather than something like Sour Patch Watermelon. I like being able to take a few at a time, although they’re less convenient than gels while running.
Best ingredients
#2
BPN Go Gel Mango
Carbs
24 g
Caffeine
None
Sodium
110 mg
Pros
+ Includes electrolytes
+ Natural Ingredients
Cons
– Lower carb
– Can result in flavor fatigue
● Overall
One of my favorites. I love the mango flavor, added sodium, and simple ingredient list, and I’ve had good experiences with these during training. The flavor is pretty strong, though, and can get tiring if I’m taking BPN gels back to back. I just wish they had 30 grams of carbs per packet!
Best overall
#1
BPN Go Gel Mixed Berry
Carbs
24 g
Caffeine
none or 75 mg
Sodium
110 mg
Pros
+ Includes electrolytes
+ Natural Ingredients
+ Caffeinated option
Cons
– Lower carb
– Can result in flavor fatigue
● Overall
The Mixed Berry BPN Go Gel is still my all-time favorite. I usually alternate these with Precision Fuel gels on long runs to get a mix of flavors and higher-carb fueling. The flavor reminds me of an extra-sweet berry smoothie, with a thin, slightly sticky consistency. They’re also a staple for my summer runs, when the added sodium is especially welcome.
