PRODUCT
TORQ ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 9 / ENERGY: 9 / PRACTICALITY: 8
Deciding between apple crumble or rhubarb and custard is normally an end-of-dinner choice, but Torq have a range of unusual and naturally flavoured gels. A ‘medium’ consistency means these gels are easy to swallow and contain Torq’s 2:1 Maltodextrin:Fructose formula, releasing plenty of carbs and electrolytes quickly.
£22.80 (pack of 15), torqfitness.co.uk
PRODUCT
HIGH5 ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 8 / ENERGY: 9 / PRACTICALITY: 8
High5 gels have a lot going for them: they are good value, easy to take due to their thin consistency, contain real fruit juice and are light rather than sickly in taste. Opt for one with added caffeine for extra energy.
£19.80 (pack of 20), highfive.co.uk
PRODUCT
CLIF SHOT ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 7 / ENERGY: 8 / PRACTICALITY: 10
These gels come in several flavours with varying levels of caffeine content (Double Espresso = 100mg). The gels are pretty thick, but the packaging includes a neat ‘litter leash’, which stops the torn top from being thrown to the floor.
£28.98 (pack of 24), wiggle.co.uk
PRODUCT
SIS GO ISOTONIC GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 8 / ENERGY: 8 / PRACTICALITY: 8
A reliable source of energy that’s easy to have on the run and is easily digestible without additional liquid, although that does mean the energy content isn’t as high as it could be (87kcal per 60g sachet).
£28 (pack of 20), scienceinsport.com/uk
PRODUCT
LUCOZADE SPORT ELITE GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 8 / ENERGY: 8 / PRACTICALITY: 8
These taste like strong orange squash, which goes down a treat mid-run. Easy to open, full of energy (30g of carbs!) with a 2:1 glucose/fructose ratio, and a nice, smooth consistency.
£26.99 (pack of 24), lucozadesport.com
PRODUCT
STEALTH REAL FRUIT ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 6 / ENERGY: 7 / PRACTICALITY: 7
As the name suggests, this gel contains real fruit and it does actually taste like the real thing. The gel isn’t especially thick and goes down easily on the run but, be warned, it’s extra sweet and might not suit everyone’s tastes during a long run.
£24.50 (pack of 15), secret-training.com
PRODUCT
GU ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 8 / ENERGY: 8 / PRACTICALITY: 9
Gu gels come in a range of flavours, from the conventional – Big Apple – to the anything but – Maple Bacon. All are easy to open, easy to gulp down and perfectly portable.
£18 (pack of 15), guenergy.co.uk
PRODUCT
HONEY STINGER ENERGY GEL
MARKS OUT OF 10
TASTE: 7 / ENERGY: 9 / PRACTICALITY: 8
These all-natural gels deliver a near-instant hit of energy and, thanks to the wholesome contents, go down without drama. The flavour is very sweet, though, so more than one may not appeal.
£38.40 (pack of 24), honeystingeruk.co.uk
