Best sports endurance & energy gels according to redditors

We found 98 Reddit comments discussing the best sports endurance & energy gels. We ranked the 45 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Top Reddit comments about Sports Nutrition Endurance & Energy Chews & Gels:

u/il-corridore · 10 pointsr/antiMLM

So it's like Gu, which is something athletes use. I run a lot, and I would never eat a box of these a day.

u/VegasGuy832 · 6 pointsr/AirForce

These are what you want for running fellas

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors, 24-Count Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6DLJDbY1Y60BQ

u/WeightAndGlory · 5 pointsr/diabetes

Good for you! Running can be one of the best ways to manage your blood sugar and A1c levels. I usually make sure to go running when my insulin's effects are the least, i.e. after 2 hours of taking Novolog. With that, intense cardio can still cause your blood sugar to drop. Therefore, I also always make sure to bring glucose tablets in case of lows on long runs. I ran a half marathon in 1 hour and 43 minutes last October, and I would take Gu Energy Gel every 4 miles (32 minutes) or so. My blood sugar stayed at a steady 150 because as it dropped, I'd compensate with the 20 or so grams of carbs in the gel. Good luck!

u/thirdmeasurement · 5 pointsr/artc

Tracksmith is doing spend $250, get a $50 gift card.

Amazon (as of 3 PM PST 11/20) has Double Expresso Clif gels 24 ct for 17.

u/vonbonbon · 5 pointsr/running

Pretty much any line of gels/shots/etc. has versions both with and without caffeine; it just depends on the flavor. It should be on the label.

I've been using Stinger Gold. It's more natural, or at least it makes me feel better. And they are 120 calories. The body can absorb 240 cal per hour when exercising, so taking one every 30 minutes is a simple way to set a nutrition schedule during races.

Most gels are 100 calories.

u/jdpatric · 4 pointsr/running

A lot of people use Gu. I personally use them, but only on long runs (generally speaking, I take 1-2 if I'm doing 16 miles or more, and I'll take 3 for 20.

You don't NEED to eat them, but you do need to hydrate well. Some people find them a little difficult to digest while running, but I've been pretty lucky with regards to that.

u/dfiner · 3 pointsr/diabetes

There's also glucose gels which are easy to get (often used by long distance runners) which are very easy to swallow and work extremely quickly. Something like this.

u/slingstone · 3 pointsr/Goruck

Big fan of Clif Bloks for electrolytes and peanut M&Ms for a little calorie/morale boost. Gloves, of course.

u/Duckycaster · 3 pointsr/triathlon

I've got both a 5.5 oz GU flask and a 5oz Salomon. Either works - the twisty top on the GU is a pain in the ass on a ride as it really requires two hands. Never got the hang of opening it with my teeth.

u/momoichigo · 3 pointsr/running

On Amazon.com

Honey Sticks

Honey Packets

200 9g packets for 21 dollars, or 50 honey sticks for 10 dollars.

A stick of honey seems to be about 5 grams, so it's either 1800 g for 21 dollars or 250g for 10 dollars/500 g for 20 dollars.

Packets are probably cheaper.

Edit: Thinking out loud... or thinking written down.

Gu pack: 32g, and 25g of carbs. 93 cents a pack, so 672 g for 20 dollars.

In order of cheapness:

Honey Packet > Gu Energy Gel > Honey Sticks

Assuming you get everything off Amazon.com of course.

u/BabyThatsMyJam · 3 pointsr/Firefighting

T1 (currently on a pump) in the process right now. It's not a DQ by NFPA standards for what that's worth. The big tips you'll know after having it for 20+ years, keep sugar on you like these. My plan is if I know I'm about to be physical down half a cliff bar or so and disconnect/suspend the pump. Adreline should cover it but worst case you need a correction bolus but it's a hell of a lot better than crashing.

If you pre bolus meals, don't do that at the station so you don't find yourself with too much insulin on board if you get toned out.

Only other concern I can think of is pump damage. As you know it can be a PITA to get it off if your infusion set is below the belt so if you can't get it off quick enough what happens if something breaks it? I have no idea on that one besides going back to MDI/inhaled. Inhaled would probably be best since you have less insulin on board at all times and it would easily fix the issue of eating food pre-call and ending up hyper.

u/blubberface_jr · 3 pointsr/bicycletouring

I don't have a lot of experience with recumbent bikes, but I imagine that they would be easier on the joints. That said, I'd highly recommend getting fit for that bike too, should you decide to buy one. The angle your knees and feet should be at the highest and lowest points of the stroke will vary by person, flexibility, prior injuries, etc.

The right shoes, clips, and inserts can all make a difference if you're having knee troubles.

As is probably obvious, changing bikes won't help your energy problems substantially. Personally I ate Gu for a long time, but have recently moved to making my own energy gel because it's a lot more cost efficient if you go through a LOT of gel.

Gu: http://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Labs-Original-Nutrition/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396217366&sr=8-1&keywords=gu

DIY Energy Gel Recipe: http://www.instructables.com/id/Energy-Gel/

Maltodextrine: http://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Feast-Malto-Maltodextrin-Pounds/dp/B008P5QBX2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396217270&sr=8-3&keywords=maltodextrin

EDIT: formatting.

u/harry_chronic_jr · 2 pointsr/CampingandHiking

Type 1 pump user and backpacker. Definitely look into the Frio wallet for your insulin. Amazing piece of kit, considering all you need is water. It's served me well on multiday trips through Joshua Tree, as well as the Nevada desert (Black Rock City).

I also love these for hiking. They're low profile enough to be stashed just about anywhere, and taste pretty great.

Probably goes without saying, but take care or your feet as well. Splurge on some nice socks if you don't have some, and if you start feeling hotspots on your feet, make adjustments before things escalate.

The biggest advice (and it may come off as heady) is try to be present. Take extra time to manage your BG, but don't dwell on it. Enjoy what you're doing. Like the rest of our lives, you can do anything you want with T1D, it just takes extra planning. Strangely enough, backpacking's regimented eating reminds me a lot of pre-pump days.

Happy to answer any other questions you man have as well!

u/stssz · 2 pointsr/migraine

I am also a college student in a similar predicament. There are these "gel energy packs" that I first found in a bicycle shop, as they are designed for athletes to eat while doing intense workouts, such as a long bike ride. I always keep a couple in my bag because they take about 5 seconds to eat, and will hold me over until I can have a proper bite to eat. Heres a link to them on amazon. Good luck.

u/skyrunner00 · 2 pointsr/running

Gu gels taste disgusting to me - overly sweat. I can't stand them.

Here are 3 gels brands that have much better taste and much easier on the stomach, although they are more expensive than Gu brand gels:

u/readeym · 2 pointsr/diabetes_t1

Basketball shorts have pockets, right? Buy a few gels/gus and keep them on you. Cyclists use them all the time. Quick energy on the go.

CLIF SHOT - Energy Gels - Mocha Flavor - 50mg Caffeine (1.2 Ounce Packet, 24 Count) (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074B4IKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1iP2DbZQA4K12

u/Constntine · 2 pointsr/running

Bring a guest with all the supplies you will need in a backpack. Water / Ice / Banana's.


Bring during race fuel. I prefer


https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-BLOKS-Energy-Cherry-Caffeine/dp/B007X5BNFQ?th=1


over the goo packs. They taste really good and you can take a block off and eat it SLOWLY while leaving it tucked in your cheek. The goo packs always turn my stomach.

u/ashab85 · 2 pointsr/diabetes_t1

I use these Honey Stinger Energy Gel, Gold, 1.2 Ounce (Pack of 24) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010TGK18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SxEOAb2WVVSCQ
Shelf stable. Works fast.

u/Dragovic · 2 pointsr/ShitTheFalseSay

> been exchange students or backpackers.

That explains it. Americans can't stand those people either. That's the demographic all the rich white person stereotypes come from and the tumblr stereotype come from.

>Having a bit of a problem as he's probably gonna be on my Christmas shopping list.

Alcohol is always a good gift. Even better if it's something he normally doesn't have access to or if it's some novelty kind he can display. You could also get him one of those novelty version of something everyone eats like chewable cubes of coffee.

u/OppositeFeature · 2 pointsr/loseit

I know they're usually targeted at athletes but energy gels such as this one (but there's many other brands) could be up your alley. They're not very high in calories but they give you a good boost and given you're in construction, that's equal to working out I'd say! They give you quick energy and a nice boost.

u/I_cut_my_own_jib · 2 pointsr/Fitness

GU

It's the best there is, made for runners.

u/ToughQuirk · 2 pointsr/diabetes

My partner (type 1) likes these Gatorade chews - you can bring them anywhere, even planes. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HC76NW8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

u/Jeanne23x · 2 pointsr/orangetheory

I used to have issues working out early in the morning. Caffeinated gummies helped. I got the caffeine, and I got a burst of carbs for energy, and it never upset my stomach.

Here's an example: http://amzn.to/2tK9QOQ

I still use the Clif Bar Blocks (or the Stingers) when I'm doing a 90 minute class that starts at noon. It's late enough that I need something to eat, but I still don't want to put food in my stomach.

u/silentvoyager · 2 pointsr/running

I would very highly recommend Huma gel - in my opinion the most palatable of all gels. Look at Amazon reviews. The only downside is that it is fairly expensive compared to Gu.

u/the_tortfeasor · 2 pointsr/Fitness

These are the bloks I like to use on long runs. I also like to bring a bag of peanuts or peanut M&Ms. If I'm going to be out all day, then I'll actually make a pb&j sandwich and put it in my running vest. Uncrustables work great too. They're delicious.

u/diabeticdiablito · 2 pointsr/diabetes

So sorry to hear that-- sounds terrifying. Do you have an insulin pump? Better yet, a CGM? That can help a tremendous amount.

Also, rather than candy I recommend using pure glucose. I don't like the tabs, but use these. They work within 10-15 minutes and are easy to keep down. Try rubbing into gums for faster absorption.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019O036HU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499048176&sr=8-1&keywords=glucose+gel&dpPl=1&dpID=51lPsX4DgCL&ref=plSrch

u/scnickel · 2 pointsr/rva

Energy gels, like these: https://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/?th=1

I think buying them is kind of a ripoff though, so I found a recipe for homemade gels and my wife makes them for me.

u/NotDavidWooderson · 2 pointsr/cycling

I carry a Larabar and a banana on long rides, and consume those first, and only eat a gel if I think I might need it.

I get the 24 count of GU. They all taste fine to me, but I'm not very particular. I've been told that GU works faster, because it's sugar does't need to be processed by the liver, whereas the sugar in ClifShots does. Take that for what it's worth.

u/stranglerz · 2 pointsr/bjj

sometimes when I dont have enough fruit that day ill take a couple of these https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-BLOKS-Energy-Chews-Cherry/dp/B007X5BNFQ/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467776799&sr=8-1&keywords=cliff+shots+bloks

these are with caffeine. I take the one with out.

u/Glenathon · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Unfortunately, Level has been discontinued. I had an email conversation when I suddenly couldn't find it anywhere and they confirmed. They directed me to Transcend.

TRANSCEND 15g Glucose Gels - 12 Pouch Bulk Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019O036HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sSNmxbYTCG4TJ

The flavor is different. It almost tastes like strawberry jam...a more 'real' taste, imo. I don't know why more companies don't make these pouches. They invaluable for sports and physical activity.

u/SpartanSoCalTraining · 1 pointr/spartanrace

I would also add, bring electrolyte salt tablets with you to prevent leg cramps and guu packets/food in your running belt. Not so much of an issue in a Sprint since it's a short distance, but more of a concern in a longer race like Super or Beast. I like to set an automatic alarm timer on my Garmin to beep every 45 minutes to feed myself 200 calories and take 1 salt tablet. Never had cramps because of this strategy!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017O8EEAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

u/RunningMoto · 1 pointr/running

What kind of gels have you tried? I wasn't much of a fan until I found these, now I don't like to race without them.

u/IronTitsMcGuinty · 1 pointr/running

I use Gatorade Chews. They're a dollar a pack at WalMart and each pack comes with 6 blocks, so taking one every thirty minutes in your run keeps your carb level up and can last for 3.5 hour runs. Affordable and effective, I don't use anything else. (Oh, and take the chews out and put them in a ziploc bag before your run. Trying to open that package with sweaty hands is damn near impossible)

u/MiaK123 · 1 pointr/running

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count/dp/B000CSCRHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334971674&sr=8-1

gu! you can buy singles at most sporting good stores/running stores/etc.

the chocolate outrage is the best flavor imo. they give you fuel/calories/energy for longer runs. i usually don't use them unless i'm running double digits, and try to avoid them on training runs less than 17 miles or so, but during a race i'll take them every 6 miles.

u/vertigo3pc · 1 pointr/crossfit

Perhaps it's a similar situation, but I usually go to the box at 5pm when I was up at 4:30am, working 5:30a to 2:30p, and my only meal was 10:00a-ish. By 5:00p, I haven't eaten a meal in 6-7 hours, so I generally eat an energy gel packet lime this:

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Assorted Fruity Flavors, 24-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLY3HK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MmLYzb1MW9FKF

Caffeinated ones for days I get to the box at 12p or earlier, and uncaffeinated for 5p or later. Stomach isn't empty, but it hardly feels like you ate.

u/fly3rs18 · 1 pointr/hockeygoalies

I like taking one of these before a game. It has a bit of caffeine and sugar, but not enough to make me jittery or crash. I find that I have more energy with it compared to when I forget to bring one.

For a two hour game I'd consider taking one in the middle. Might give you some energy for the second hour.

u/perrytferrell · 1 pointr/Fitness

I prefer the Clifs energy bloks

u/ruination27 · 1 pointr/Fitness

Carb loading the day prior is a must. I had to do a 20k hike in the Marines and carried one or two energy gel packets with me, they are a great source of quick energy to help you push through near the end if you're feeling drained. If you can get your hands on something similar to what I linked I would suggest using one right before you hit a water station. Good luck.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_a-Qgvb1RFSHE2

u/Frosted_Hippo · 1 pointr/diabetes

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4B88Ab0ZCKKP2

It’s an energy gel and I think it has about 22 g of carbs depending on what flavor you get. I haven’t personally used them yet but have friends who swear by them. I’m planning on testing them out in the week or so since I have a big race coming up!

u/popplersrv · 1 pointr/running

Seconded. I have this flask & add a bit of water to it also. The huckleberry flavor is surprisingly good. If you buy the big bottle (store it in the fridge), it's also a bit more cost-effective than the individual packets.

u/milky_donut · 1 pointr/diabetes

I use shot bloks but only if I'm coherent and am not freaked out by the low; 1-2 usually do the trick. If I'm having a frenzied low then that kinda goes out the window and I end up just drinking juice.

u/np8185 · 1 pointr/motorcycles

I use this gel Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel, Apple Pear, 21 Pack, 1.3 oz Pouches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CDMR4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aGFtDbGJCHEE6

u/zorkmids · 1 pointr/running

The SPIbelt with gel loops is good for a marathon.

A gel flask holder is good if you buy gel refills.

u/defeldus · 1 pointr/Goruck

Caffeinated Gu gels are a much better solution. Calories and caffeine in one easy to eat package.

https://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Chocolate/dp/B000CSCRHY?th=1

u/acisnot · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I took a sip of something poison, but I'll hold on tight.

[race season is upon us. I go through these like crazy.] (http://www.amazon.com/Clif-Shot-Bloks-Margarita-Ounces/dp/B007D4WM5W/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=EQJTOLVDS2H1&coliid=I1TA2MKI53G3A1)

u/LemonBearTheDragon · 1 pointr/running

Try the Gu gels instead of the chews:

https://smile.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525096879&sr=8-2&keywords=gu%2Bgels&th=1

Note that you should take it with water as it helps your body to absorb it quicker.

You can also try PowerGels (this is what the NYC Marathon provides on their course).

A lot of people's stomachs will like/dislike certain brands of gels so you should experiment with what works best for you before your race in a couple weeks. I would just try out the gels on your next run or bike ride to see how your stomach reacts (it doesn't even need to be a long run).

And general advice is to not try anything new on race day so you should bring the gel brand you know your stomach likes instead of relying on whatever the course will be handing out on that day. Good luck!

u/soccern00b · 1 pointr/running

I thought gels were pretty disgusting too until I tried mint chocolate. It's like freaking eating candy while running. I find it really difficult to eat anything before a run so what I normally do before a long run is eat a pack of Gu Chomps.

Ninja edit: Just realized it looks like I'm a Gu sales person. I internet promise I'm not.

u/Jordo_99 · 1 pointr/Ultralight

Looking at your consumables:

  • Water -- 1L -- 35.2 oz

  • Fuel -- solid fuel tabs - qty 4 -- 1.97 oz

    ...are those esbit tablets for cooking or "energy gels" like BLOKS

  • Food -- 1.44 ppppd -- 38.4 oz

    What's this?
u/ellocojorge · 1 pointr/MTB

Try some of this stuff. https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-SHOT-Energy-Double-Espresso/dp/B0074CDXHE . Works great for muscle fatigue and cramps

u/blooddidntwork · 1 pointr/loseit

haha, I signed up in November too! But mine is NEXT WEEK >: ] Just wait until you finish your 11 mile run. You're going to feel ecstatic. There is something about the 5 mile+ runs, it almost feels like I am able to transcend pain and worry and I am at this sort of zen like state. Or maybe it's all the dopamine being flushed into my brain. Once you start getting past like 7-8 miles, you should look into something like GU's or gels to keep your salts up as you are losing water.

https://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA

good luck on your half, and dont injure yourself training. are you aiming for a specific time or just looking to finish?

u/rkshoks · 1 pointr/cycling

Ooh, there's a few different kinds of gels. The ones I eat: https://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA

Are a little more goo-ey and not watery. You can probably head to a GNC or a sports nutrition shop and buy one to try. I know there's more watery "gels" out there. In Taiwan there's a brand called Energy Gel. I tried that once and instantly didn't like how it was too free flowing and watery.

u/motorboatlover · 1 pointr/keto

I suspect it differs for everyone, and I'm pretty lazy about my macros, but I find one of these every 40 minutes or so works well when combined with gatorade in the bottles:

https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-SHOT-Energy-Caffeine-Packet/dp/B0074B4IKG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499272519&sr=8-1&keywords=cliff%2Bshots&th=1

I suspect I could be consuming a lot more (I'm burning many times this), but these seem to keep me in the game.

u/ins4n1ty · 1 pointr/running

Yurbuds are surprisingly comfortable and will rarely, if ever, fall out of your ear.

Mmmmmm

Anywhere from 6-20miles typically depending on where my marathon training is at. From what I see, runners either swear by GPS watches or they have zero interest. Personally, I love being able to easily track my runs, see my routes mapped out, and seeing a real-time pace and other info right off my watch while I run.

u/Alfred_Brendel · 1 pointr/cycling

As far as drinks, I love the squincher zero packets. They come in individual packets that are perfect for dumping in a water bottle, and small enough you can take as many with you as you want. The Strawberry Lemonade is amazing - better than any other drink mix I've ever had (gatorade, G2, etc). The only other one I've tried is mixed berry, which is good (tastes like blue gatorade) but not nearly as good as strawberry lemonade.

I haven't tried very many gels (I don't usually eat anything on rides), but the Mocha flavored Clif Shot gels are fantastic. They're like drinking coffee-flavored syrup with a hint of chocolate.

> If I only ride for an hour at 5am and have breakfast after how necessary would it be to have that stuff handy? I figured it’d be mostly for my longer rides which I do on weekends?

You'll definitely be fine without anything for an hour-long ride. I've even gotten to where I do the first ~90 miles of my long weekend rides on nothing but a clif bar and a couple cups of coffee. Granted it's all zone 2 (long slow distance pace) and I worked up to it, but outside of a racing environment I've found the common advice to eat 150-250 calories/hour to be unnecessary. That being said, you're better off taking it with you and not needing it than needing it and not having it. Learn to listen to your body and you'll be fine

u/NoItsJustDoor · 1 pointr/diabetes

Before diabetes, I had several favorite candies, and disliked chocolate.

Now I LOVE chocolate, and dislike other kinds of candy.

I finally figured out why. It's because I often feel a little sick when I'm low. After I eat some kind of fast-acting sugar (smarties/nerds/gummy bears/jelly belly/skittles) enough times when I feel like I'm about to hurl, I can't stand it anymore. I never eat chocolate when I'm low, so I like it much more than I used to as a treat.

However, those glucose tabs keep forever, and in conditions that other candies will fall apart. I keep a bottle in my car in the driver side pocket, husband's car, kitchen, desk/locker at work, just as a safety net. They last for years.

To carry around with me during the day, I carry those fast acting athlete gels made of honey. They're 27g. For small top-ups, I keep whatever looks good and is just sugar, no fat. Right now it's those puffed peppermints, 5g each. I keep the spares at home or pass them off to family and friends, whatever I can't stomach at the time is some one's favorite somewhere.

u/mikewittmann · 1 pointr/HalfMarathon

I'm not super experienced (1 halfsy done, 1 in 3 weeks) but in my experience I really like the Clif energy shots (variety pack: https://www.amazon.com/Clif-Shot-Energy-Variety-Sampler/dp/B017A92YTS/) and the Honey Stinger Gold (https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Stinger-Classic-Energy-Nutrition/dp/B0010TGK18/). I've done the gummies before but they take forever to chew and they seem to get stuck in my teeth, which makes it harder to breathe.

Maybe you're a lot faster than me (shooting for 2:20:00) but I use one gel around 5 miles, 8 miles, and 11 miles. That's about one every 30 minutes starting almost an hour in. I would say to start using them on training runs ASAP to see how your body reacts to them. I've also heard that they work better if you don't have an empty stomach before taking the first one, so maybe eat something light a little bit before you start out so you're not running on an empty stomach.

u/trpnblies7 · 1 pointr/diabetes

If you don't already have some, you should get some glucose gel. It's super fast acting (15g per pouch), and I find them a lot easier to eat than glucose tablets.

u/SexyTimesAccount321 · 0 pointsr/bois

For on the go, you should look at these

GO CUBES Energy Chews https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BSZV3OC

I'm normally a tea person, but those aren't bad for on the go if I really need.