Best Energy Gels of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

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Energy gels are a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a quick and convenient source of energy during intense workouts or endurance activities. These portable and easily digestible gel packs are designed to provide a concentrated burst of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and sometimes caffeine to support performance and maintain energy levels. With a range of flavors and formulations available, energy gels offer a practical solution for those seeking an instant boost during physical exertion without the need for bulky snacks or drinks.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neuro Energy & Focus Variety Gum Pack Cover #TOP 1
Neuro Energy & Focus Variety Gum Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel 12 Pack Cover #TOP 2
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel 12 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew Cover #TOP 3
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Energy Gels

#TOP 1

Neuro Energy & Focus Variety Gum Pack

NG_VP06_01
Variety
9 Count (Pack of 6)
Neuro Energy & Focus Variety Gum Pack Cover
Neuro Variety Pack Gum - Energy & Focus Gum (Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen) - Nootropic Supplement with Natural Caffeine + L-Theanine for Brain Health - Sugar Free, Vegan - 54 ct, 6 Pack

The Neuro Focus Energy Gum offers a convenient way to boost your mental sharpness with three tasty flavors: peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen. This variety pack keeps your routine fresh and enjoyable. Each piece contains natural caffeine, L-theanine, and B vitamins, providing a quick and portable energy lift without the need for pills or sugary drinks. Designed to help you stay focused without the jitters, this gum supports clearer thinking and better concentration. Plus, it’s sugar-free and free from artificial ingredients, making it a clean and guilt-free choice for your daily energy and focus needs.

What We Like
Clean, sustained energy boost
No crash or jitters
Portable and convenient packaging
Natural ingredients, sugar-free
Fresh, enjoyable flavors
What We Don't Like
Flavor fades quickly
Texture gets firmer over time
#TOP 2

Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel 12 Pack

70912
Fruit Smoothie
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel 12 Pack Cover
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel, Gluten Free & Caffeine Free, for Exercise, Running and Performance, Sports Nutrition for Home & Gym, Pre and Mid Workout, 12 Pack, 13.2 Ounce

The Honey Stinger Energy Gel offers a tasty fruit-flavored boost that’s perfect to grab on the go. It provides 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving, giving you a quick and lasting energy lift to keep you active during workouts or runs. Designed to be easy on your stomach, these gels digest quickly, so you won’t feel weighed down. Plus, they contain organic ingredients, including potassium to help replace electrolytes after exercise, and natural sweeteners to restore your energy stores. Whether you’re training at home or pushing through a race, this gel supports your endurance and keeps you fueled efficiently.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Easy on stomach
Balanced sweet-salty flavor
Convenient packaging
Sustained energy boost
What We Don't Like
Slightly bland or bitter taste
#TOP 3

Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew

72019
Various
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew Cover
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew, Gluten Free & Caffeine Free, for Exercise, Running and Performance, Sports Nutrition for Home & Gym, Pre and Mid Workout, 12 Pack, 21.6 Ounce

Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew is a perfect portable fuel with 23g carbs per serving that provides quick and sustained energy on the go. This energy chew has 3 flavors in a 12ct box: cherry, orange, and berry. It is easy to digest and contains quality ingredients such as an excellent source of Vitamin C, USDA Organic, and blend of natural sweeteners that improves the capacity for endurance. Honey Stinger Energy Chews are perfect to keep you going without weighing you down.

What We Like
Great taste
Quick energy boost
Easy to digest
Convenient for endurance sports
Alternative to energy gels
What We Don't Like
Poor pocket fit for some shorts
Packaging may arrive slightly damaged
#TOP 4

TRUEplus Glucose Tablets Tropical Fruit 50 Count

5614
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets Tropical Fruit 50 Count Cover
TRUEplus Glucose Tablets, Chewable, Tropical Fruit Flavor, 15g Fast-Acting Carbohydrates, Fat Free, Gluten Free, Raise Low Blood Sugar and Boost Energy, 50 Count

TRUEplus Glucose Tablets provide a quick and effective way to raise your blood sugar with 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates in just four chewable tablets. Whether you need a boost of energy during physical activity or a fast glucose source at any time of day, these tablets are designed to help. The easy-to-open bottle makes it simple to keep them handy at home, so you’re always prepared. Plus, the tasty tropical fruit flavor makes them pleasant to chew, especially if swallowing tablets is difficult for you. These tablets are also gluten and fat free, fitting well into various dietary needs and active lifestyles.

What We Like
Great taste
Fast-acting glucose boost
Easy to chew
Convenient packaging
Good value
What We Don't Like
Some flavors less popular
#TOP 5

GU Energy Gels, 24-Count Variety Pack

GU Energy
124803
GU Energy Gels, 24-Count Variety Pack Cover
GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gels, 24-Count, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, Assorted Caffeine-Free Flavors Variety Pack

Introducing the GU Energy Variety Pack - a must-have for athletes looking to enhance their performance. This pack contains 24 gels, including four delicious flavors: Birthday Cake, Campfire Smores, Lemon Sublime, and Strawberry Banana. The best part? All these flavors are vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. Each gel is packed with 100 calories and essential electrolytes, providing the energy boost you need to push through your training or racing sessions. With a unique combination of maltodextrin and fructose, these gels offer dual-source energy that is efficiently absorbed and provides long-lasting energy. Plus, the inclusion of branched-chain amino acids helps to reduce muscle damage and mental fatigue. Don't miss out on this convenient and effective fueling option - try the GU Energy Variety Pack today!

What We Like
Effective energy boost
Great flavor variety
Easy to carry
Gentle on stomach
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Thick texture may need water
Some flavors very sweet
#TOP 6

Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety 12 Pack

MIX12
Variety Pack
Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety 12 Pack Cover
Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety 12 Pack - Stomach Friendly, Real Food Energy Gels for Endurance Exercise

Huma Chia Energy Gel is a natural sports nutrition energy gel that provides stomach-friendly, real food energy for endurance exercise. Made with fruit puree, powdered chia seeds, and brown rice syrup, the gel is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. The finely milled chia seeds help modulate an even energy output, and the 2:1 ratio of short and long chain glucose to fructose maximizes carbohydrate uptake. With no dextrose or maltodextrin, Huma energy gels give your stomach real food it can easily process, and they taste great too!

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Natural, real food ingredients
Great taste and flavor variety
Easy to digest texture
Steady, reliable energy boost
What We Don't Like
Texture may surprise some users
Some flavors not for everyone
#TOP 7

CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews - Black Cherry with 50mg Caffeine

118064
Black Cherry
CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews - Black Cherry with 50mg Caffeine Cover
CLIF BLOKS - Black Cherry Flavor with Caffeine - Energy Chews - Non-GMO - Plant Based - Fast Fuel for Cycling and Running - Quick Carbohydrates and Electrolytes - 2.12 oz. (18 Count)

CLIF BLOKS Energy Chews with black cherry flavor and 50mg caffeine are designed for athletes to provide quick, chewable energy for training and racing. They are easy to handle, chew and customize, thanks to their sleek and portable packaging. They come in 33-calorie cubes and different flavors with sodium and caffeine levels to suit any goals.

What We Like
Quick energy boost
Delicious Black Cherry flavor
Soft, easy-to-chew texture
Convenient, non-sticky packaging
Plant-based, non-GMO ingredients
What We Don't Like
Price increase
Caffeine effect short-lasting
#TOP 8

TRUEplus Glucose Gel Fruit Punch 15g, 6 Pack

76502701
6-Pack (1 x 6-ct)
TRUEplus Glucose Gel Fruit Punch 15g, 6 Pack Cover
TRUEplus Glucose Gel Pouch, Fruit Punch Flavor, 15g Fast-Acting Carbohydrates, Fat Free, Gluten Free, Quick Support for Low Blood Sugar and Energy, 6 Pack

The TRUEplus Glucose Gel offers 15 grams of quick-acting carbohydrates in each pouch, helping you quickly raise low blood sugar levels and boost your energy whenever needed. Its compact, squeezable design makes it easy to carry and use on the go—no scissors required, just tear and squeeze. The fruit punch flavor is pleasant and smooth, ideal if you find it hard to chew tablets. Plus, this gel is both fat-free and gluten-free, fitting well into various dietary needs while supporting an active lifestyle. The TRUEplus Glucose Gel is a convenient and tasty way to manage your glucose levels efficiently.

What We Like
Fast-acting glucose boost
Pleasant fruit punch flavor
Convenient, portable pouch size
Fat-free and gluten-free
Reliable for emergencies
What We Don't Like
Unusual texture for some
Contains preservatives
#TOP 9

GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel

GU Energy
123072
Berry
GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel Cover
GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-The-Go Sports Nutrition for Running, Biking, Hiking or Skiing, Assorted Flavors,24-Count

The GU Energy Roctane Gel is a high-performance energy gel designed for endurance activities like running and cycling. With 100 calories and essential electrolytes, it provides a quick and convenient source of fuel during intense workouts. The gel contains 1425mg of amino acids, which help reduce muscle damage and mental fatigue, allowing you to push harder and go further. The dual-source energy from maltodextrin and fructose ensures efficient absorption and lasting energy, keeping you fueled throughout your activity. Whether you're racing or training, simply take one packet 5 minutes before your workout and another every 45 minutes during. The GU Energy Roctane Gel comes in a variety pack with different flavors, ensuring there's something for everyone.

What We Like
Steady long-lasting energy
Easy on the stomach
Variety of flavors
Quick absorption
Essential electrolytes and amino acids
What We Don't Like
Thick consistency
Taste requires adjustment
#TOP 10

Skratch Labs Energy Chews Variety Pack

SEC-VAR-50g/10
Skratch Labs Energy Chews Variety Pack Cover
Skratch Labs Energy Chews | Gummies for Running, Cycling, and Sports Preformance | Gel Alternative | Variety Pack (10 Pack) | Gluten Free, Vegan

Skratch Labs Energy Chews provide a delicious and effective way to fuel your workouts. Made with real fruit, they offer a refreshing taste that keeps you energized. Their unique design makes them easy to digest, unlike typical sticky energy gels, ensuring you can focus on your performance without stomach discomfort. Ideal for various activities like running or cycling, these chews help maintain your energy levels. With 80 calories and a blend of glucose and fructose, they deliver quick energy absorption, making them a smart choice for athletes seeking sustained performance.

What We Like
Clean ingredients
Great taste
Effective energy boost
Easy to digest
Variety of flavors
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Flimsy packaging
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should you take energy gels?

It is recommended to take energy gels around the 60-minute mark during a run, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. This allows for a gradual release of simple sugars into the bloodstream and prevents overwhelming the body with too much sugar at once.

2. Do you really need energy gels?

Energy gels are not necessary for runs under 60 minutes, easy-paced runs, or if you have already consumed a carbohydrate-rich meal before your run. However, they can be beneficial during longer runs when your carbohydrate stores start to deplete, providing a quick source of energy.

3. What are the disadvantages of energy gels?

Some disadvantages of energy gels include limited variety in textures, the potential for upset stomachs due to the high concentration of carbohydrates, especially if not consumed regularly or without sufficient water, and consuming them at the wrong time.

4. Do energy gels really work?

Yes, energy gels can be effective in replenishing your carbohydrate stores during long-distance running. They provide a quick source of energy, helping to fuel your muscles. During running, your body utilizes both fat and carbohydrates as fuel, and energy gels can help replenish the carbohydrates and give you an extra boost.

5. How many gels do I need for a 5-hour marathon?

For a 5-hour marathon, it is recommended to take 2 or 3 energy gels every hour from the start of the event. This strategy ensures that you have a sufficient supply of carbohydrates available for a strong finish by mile 17.

6. Do you need gels for 10 miles?

Gel training is suitable for intermediate distance runs of 8-12 miles. For these runs, it is recommended to use either one or two energy gel packs. The gel can be taken either immediately before or during the run.

7. How many gels are too many?

It is important not to exceed the absorption limit of around 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour. This is equivalent to approximately two or three energy gel sachets. Taking energy gels more frequently may provide better benefits, but moderation is key to avoid overwhelming the body's ability to absorb and utilize carbohydrates effectively.

Editor's Notes

During our energy gel research, we found 24 energy gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 306,502 customer reviews through our big data system to write the energy gels list. We found that most customers choose energy gels with an average price of $29.60.

The energy gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of energy gels, including Neuro, Honey Stinger, TRUEplus, GU Energy, Clif Bloks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,353 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Energy Gels Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Neuro Honey Stinger Honey Stinger TRUEplus GU Energy HÜMA CHIA ENERGY GEL Clif Bloks TRUEplus GU Energy Skratch Labs
Flavor Variety Fruit Smoothie Fruit Smoothie - Assorted Caffeine-Free Flavors Variety Pack Variety Pack Black Cherry - Assorted Flavors Variety Pack
Item Form Chewable Syrup Pastille Tablet Liquid, Powder, Tablet, Sticks, Balls Gel - - Gel Gummy
Unit Count 9.00 Count 26.2 Ounce 21.6 Ounce - - 18 Ounce 37.8 Ounce - 26.4 Ounce 17.6 Ounce
Product Benefits Energy Management Energy Boost Energy Management - - Portable and Convenient,Stomach-Friendly,Real Food Ingredients Energy Boost - Energy Management Energy Management, Glycogen Replenishment
Primary Supplement Type gum sodium Carbohydrates - - - - - Potassium Energy, Glucose
Item dimensions L x W x H 2.25 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches 5 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches 9.5 x 3 x 4.75 inches - - 6 x 2 x 4 inches - - 6.75 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches -
Diet Type Vegan - Gluten Free - - Gluten Free, Vegan - - Vegan Gluten Free, Plant Based, Vegan
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy