Best Energy Gels for Cycling

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Last Updated on June 29, 2021

Ever since the first breakthrough in sports nutrition, we’ve seen a variety of products designed to replenish cyclists’ energy come to the market.

 From flat cola and energy drinks to protein bar to the best energy gel for cycling, there’s seems to be quite a lot that you can add to your list of eats. 

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best energy gels that you can buy and eat before, during, or after your cycling session.

So if you’ve never tried gels before, or you’re looking for some more recommendations to add on to your existing options, you’ll love this guide on Healthy Power Packs to Chew on a Bike Ride. 

Contents

Top Rated Energy Gel for Cycling Comparison & Rating

Preview

Product Name

Flavor

Vegan Friendly?

Benefit

Price

Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel, Apple Pear, 21...

7

Made based on sports science research

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel,...

6

Six flavors, vegan friendly

Huma Plus (Double Electrolytes) Chia Energy Gel,...

6

Helps you achieve your best performance naturally

Boom Nutrition - Carb Boom Energy Gel -...

6

Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Soy Free. Vegan

PacificHealth Accel Gel, All Natural...

3

Delivers 100 calories, 20g of carbs, and 5g protein

Best Energy Gel for Cycling Reviews

1. Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel

Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel is one of my favorite for a reason: the brand made it based on important input from sports science.


With about 80 calories and 20 grams of carbohydrate, this energy gel makes a perfect choice for endurance cycling.


So if you’re looking for energy gels that can boost your energy and let you take your workout even further, this is the right one for you.

From an ingredient standpoint, we do think that this endurance gel has a good balance. It contains natural flavors, potassium citrate, brown rice, water, sugar, calcium citrate, salt, xanthan gum, and brown syrup rice.

Gatorade Endurance energy gel doesn’t just come in apple pear flavor. It’s also available in vanilla, mango, and blackberry. 

Pros

  • Tasty energy gel
  • It’s available in different flavors
  • You get it in a pack of 21 for the price point

Cons

  • Contains a very low amount of carbs
  • May be too sugary for some riders 

2. GU Energy Gel

Available in more than 10 flavors, from chocolate outrage to vanilla bean, with about 100 calories of energy, the GU Energy Gel is as good for endurance training as you want it to be.


With its energy sources from maltodextrin and fructose, GU provides you the energy you need when you need it the most.


The energy content isn’t the only reason why this one’s such a popular pick. It also contains a branched-chain of amino acid, which protect muscles from damages while ensuring you don’t fall into mental fatigue. 

GU recommends taking one packet at least 5 minutes before you start riding your bike. Then, take it every 45 minutes during activity. 

Pros

  • Tasty energy get with a good consistency
  • Good for different sports, including running and cycling
  • Easy to swallow
  • It comes in so many different flavors

Cons

  • Some flavors have excessively thick texture and may be difficult to swallow without water

3. Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel

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Huma has been in business since 2009. And for more than 10 years, they’ve engaged in making the best energy gels based on evidence-backed sports nutrition research. The special chia seed blend is where the power and efficiency of their gels comes from. Add to this the real food ingredients and what you get for the price point is an energy gel that’s worth it. 

Huma Gel became a household name among sports enthusiasts for all-natural ingredients. These include natural caffeine, fruit puree, grape juice, sea salt, coconut powder, chia seed, brown rice syrup, and lemon juice. 

For those cyclists who prefer vegan friendly, dairy free, and gluten free energy gels, this one is a perfect choice. Plus, the gel includes 9 essential amino acids, healthy carbs, and enough proteins to give you the health benefits it promises. 

Pros

  • Great for long distance cycling training
  • Has great flavor and is very easy to swallow
  • Available in 6 unique flavors

Cons

  • The consistency isn’t as good as it should be

4. Carb Boom Energy Gel

Carb Boom is a dream comes true for cyclists who want to more carb content  to supplement recovery drink for bike rides. While its packaging isn’t nearly as impressive as we wish it were, the content inside is all healthy and definitely good for your health.


With about 25 grams of carbohydrate and only 3 grams of sugar, Carb Boom is quite easy to digest and makes the best option to consider if you’re into intense, long distance cycling.


And remember, it includes some all-natural, healthy fruit flavor and a smooth consistency that makes it really easy to consume before, during, and after cycling. 

The list of ingredients used includes sodium benzoate, water, maltodextrin, concentrate, fruit puree, sea salt, cinnamon, and potassium sorbate.

You will love this cycling energy gel because it comes in different flavors, which means you can choose one that best suits you. The flavors are vanilla orange, apple cinnamon, grape pomegranate, strawberry kiwi, banana peach, and raspberry. 

Pros

  • It’s available in 6 different flavors
  • Low sugar content, only about 3 grams in total
  • Good amount of carbohydrates, about 25 grams per serving

Cons

  • The packaging could be better
  • Somewhat pricey compared to other options on this list

5. Pacific Health Accel Gel for Instant Energy 

One of the best things about Pacific Health is their focus on healthy sports nutrition. And they’ve really nailed it well with the Accel Gel.


With this one, Pacific Health’s goal was as simple as to give you an energy bar that would replenish your energy instantly. And they achieved that by combining protein and carbohydrate in just the right ratio.


With up to 75% more carbs the value of protein in the gel, the Accel easily facilitate quick energy transportation to strengthen your muscles.

Undeniably, Accel has proven quite effective in enhancing muscle recovery from intense activity. Taken 5 minutes before workout and every 45 minutes during workout, this instant energy gel can boost your cycling endurance by up to 15%. 

Pros

  • Has all-natural whey protein from milk
  • Has about a year expiry date, so you can buy in bulk if you wish
  • Contains amino acids, which not only improves performance but also helps with recovery

Cons

  • The packaging of this product isn’t up to the standard


Harold Whitford

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About the Author

My name is Harold Whitford, a husband, father, and avid cyclist with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Delaware. Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, I have a number of the road race and national time trial championships in my bag.

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