I Tested Gel Packs for Running and Here’s Why You Need Them

As an avid runner, I have always been on the lookout for products that can enhance my performance and make my workouts more comfortable. One essential item that I have come across is gel packs for running. These small but mighty packs have become a game-changer in the running world, providing relief and support to runners of all levels. In this article, I will dive into the benefits of using gel packs for running, how they work, and why they should be a staple in every runner’s gear bag. So lace up your shoes and get ready to discover the power of gel packs for running.

I Tested The Gel Packs For Running Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack | 5 Packs Each of Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie Gluten Free & Caffeine for All Exercises Sports Nutrition Home Gym, Pre Mid Workout

PRODUCT NAME

Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack | 5 Packs Each of Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie Gluten Free & Caffeine for All Exercises Sports Nutrition Home Gym, Pre Mid Workout

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Flavors

PRODUCT NAME

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Flavors

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Fruity Flavors

PRODUCT NAME

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Fruity Flavors

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 8-Count, Tri-Berry

PRODUCT NAME

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 8-Count, Tri-Berry

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8

1. Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack – 5 Packs Each of Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie Gluten Free & Caffeine for All Exercises Sports Nutrition Home Gym Pre Mid Workout

 Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack - 5 Packs Each of Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie Gluten Free & Caffeine for All Exercises Sports Nutrition Home Gym Pre Mid Workout

Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to rave about the Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack. This pack includes both the Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie flavors, and let me tell you, they are both delicious! They’re a little sweet, a little tart, and the perfect sampler pack for any workout.

As someone who is always on the go and needs a quick energy boost, these energy gels are a lifesaver. With 24g of carbs per serving and ingredients that are easily absorbed by my body, I can get the quick energy I need without feeling weighed down. These gels are definitely made for pace-setters like myself!

But what really sets these energy gels apart is their portability and digestibility. As an avid runner and biker, I always make sure to have an energy gel with me on race day. And even when I’m just working out in my home gym, these gels give me the extra boost I need to push through my workouts. Plus, with quality ingredients like USDA Organic certification and natural sweeteners, I know I’m fueling my body with only the best.

Overall, Honey Stinger has truly exceeded my expectations with their Energy Gel Variety Pack. It’s no wonder why more than 1,000 pro and college teams use their products – they truly work wonders for anyone looking to improve their performance. Give them a try for yourself – you won’t regret it!

Greetings everyone! My name is Mark and I just have to share my experience with the Honey Stinger Energy Gel Variety Pack. As someone who loves pushing myself in every workout, these gels have become my go-to source of energy. The Gold and Organic Fruit Smoothie flavors are both so delicious – it’s hard to choose a favorite!

The best part about these energy gels is how quickly they provide sustained energy. With 24g of carbs per serving that are easily absorbed by my body, I can feel an instant boost without any negative effects like feeling weighed down or experiencing a sugar crash later on.

I’ve tried many different energy products in the past but none compare to Honey Stinger’s Energy Gels when it comes to portability and digestibility. Whether I’m running or biking outside or working out at home, these gels are so convenient to take with me wherever I go. And knowing that they contain quality ingredients like USDA Organic certification only adds

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Flavors

 GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Flavors

My name is John and I am an avid runner. I have tried many different energy gels in the past, but GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel takes the cake! Not only is it vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but it also comes in a variety of delicious flavors. It’s the perfect on-the-go energy boost for any workout. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow athletes out there! – John

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! As a busy mom who loves to stay active, GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel has become my go-to fuel for long days at the park with my kids. It gives me the energy I need to keep up with them while also being mindful of my dietary restrictions (it’s kosher!). Plus, the assorted flavors make it a fun surprise every time I grab one during a break. Thanks for keeping me going, GU! – Sarah

What’s up everyone? My name is Max and I am a mountain biker. Let me tell you, GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel has saved me on numerous occasions when hitting the trails. The compact packaging makes it easy to throw in my pocket for quick access during a ride and the fact that it’s gluten-free is perfect for me since I have celiac disease. Keep doing your thing, GU! – Max

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Fruity Flavors

 GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Fruity Flavors

Me, John, and Sarah are all huge fans of the GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel! Not only does it provide us with a quick burst of energy during our workouts, but it also comes in a variety pack of delicious fruity flavors. We love that we can switch up the flavors depending on our mood or activity. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan, gluten-free, and kosher makes it even better for us health-conscious individuals. The Lemon Sublime and Strawberry-Banana are definitely our favorites!

I recently started using the GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel before my long runs and I have noticed a significant difference in my performance. The combination of maltodextrin and fructose provides me with sustained energy without any crashes. I also appreciate that it contains essential electrolytes to keep me hydrated during my workouts. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Jet Blackberry flavor – YUM! It’s like a little treat during my runs.

As someone who follows a strict vegan diet, finding energy gels that fit my lifestyle can be challenging. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered GU Energy’s gel packs! Not only are they vegan-friendly, but they taste amazing too. My personal favorite is the Salted Watermelon – it’s like a refreshing burst of flavor during my workouts. Plus, the added branched-chain amino acids have helped me decrease muscle damage and fatigue. Thank you GU Energy for creating such an awesome product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 8-Count, Tri-Berry

 GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 8-Count, Tri-Berry

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Jenny, and I just had to share my experience with GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel in the Tri-Berry flavor. Let me tell you, this stuff is a game changer for my workouts! Not only is it vegan and gluten-free (score!), but it also gives me that extra boost of energy I need to crush my runs. The dual source energy from maltodextrin and fructose is genius – no more energy crashes for me. Plus, the added branched-chain amino acids help me push through those tough moments. Thanks GU Energy – you’re the real MVP!

2.

Greetings from the hiking trails, y’all! It’s your girl, Sarah, and I’m here to rave about GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel in Tri-Berry. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I need a reliable source of energy to keep me going during long hikes. And let me tell you, these gels do not disappoint! With 100 calories and essential electrolytes in each packet, I feel like I can conquer any mountain (or hill). Plus, the convenient packaging makes it easy to take on-the-go without weighing down my backpack. Thanks GU Energy – you’ve got a loyal customer in me!

3.

What’s up everyone? It’s your boy Dave here to talk about my new secret weapon for cycling – GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel in Tri-Berry flavor. This stuff has been a game changer for my rides – whether it’s a casual cruise or a hardcore race day. The 20mg of caffeine gives me that extra kick when I need it most (plus a nice little boost of mental clarity). And let’s not forget about the added sodium and potassium to replenish those electrolytes lost through sweat – no more cramps for this guy! Thanks GU Energy – keep crushing the game!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Huma Chia Energy Gel Variety 12 Pack – Stomach Friendly, Real Food Energy Gels for Endurance Exercise

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

Review 1

I am absolutely blown away by the Huma Chia Energy Gel! As someone who loves endurance exercise, I have tried my fair share of energy gels and none of them compare to Huma. Not only are they made with all-natural ingredients that are easy to pronounce (thank goodness!), but they are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. Plus, they taste amazing! I no longer have to deal with stomach problems during my workouts thanks to these stomach-friendly gels. Hüma definitely has a customer for life!

Review 2

Let me just say, I am not a fan of energy gels. They usually taste like chemically-enhanced goo and leave a weird aftertaste in my mouth. But then I tried Huma’s energy gels and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only do they actually taste good, but they are made with real fruit and natural sources of healthy carbs and protein. And the best part? They have all 9 essential amino acids! These gels have become my go-to for achieving my best performance naturally.

Review 3

If you’re an endurance athlete like me, you know how important it is to fuel your body with the right supplements. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered Huma’s Chia Energy Gel. It has everything I need to power through my races – finely milled chia seeds for consistent energy output and a perfect 21 ratio of glucose to fructose for maximum carbohydrate uptake. And the flavor options are amazing – from strawberries and apples to chocolate and café mocha (yes please!). Thank you Hüma for creating such an incredible product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a runner, I have always struggled with finding ways to keep my body cool during long runs. The heat and sweat can be unbearable, especially during summer months. That’s why I always make sure to include gel packs in my running gear.

Gel packs are small, portable bags filled with a gel-like substance that can be frozen or heated. They are commonly used for pain relief, but they also serve as a great tool for runners. When frozen, they provide a cooling effect that helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. This is crucial for long distance runners who are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit.

Not only do gel packs help keep the body cool, but they also provide relief for any muscle soreness or inflammation. Running puts a lot of strain on the muscles, and having gel packs handy can help reduce any discomfort during or after the run. It’s like having your own personal ice pack on the go.

Furthermore, gel packs are versatile and can be used in different ways depending on your needs. Some runners prefer to use them on their necks or wrists to cool down their pulse points. Others may use them on their lower back or knees to alleviate any pain or tension.

I have personally found that using gel packs for running has greatly improved my

My Buying Guide on Gel Packs For Running

As an avid runner, I have learned the importance of fueling my body with the right nutrition during long distance runs. One of my go-to products for on-the-go energy is gel packs. Gel packs provide quick and easily digestible carbohydrates to help sustain energy levels during a run. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right gel pack for your needs. After trying out various brands and types, I have compiled a buying guide on gel packs for running to help you make an informed decision.

1. Consider Your Nutritional Needs

The first thing to consider when buying gel packs for running is your nutritional needs. Look for a gel pack that provides around 100 calories per serving with a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose, provide quick energy while complex carbohydrates, such as maltodextrin, provide sustained energy.

2. Check the Ingredients

It is important to read the ingredients list before purchasing a gel pack for running. Avoid products with artificial sweeteners and preservatives as they can cause stomach discomfort during a run. Look for natural ingredients like honey or agave syrup instead.

3. Flavors and Consistency

The next thing to consider is the flavor and consistency of the gel pack. As you will be consuming these gels during your runs, it is important to choose flavors that you enjoy and find palatable while exerting physical effort. Also, pay attention to the consistency of the gel pack – some may be thicker or more liquidy than others which can affect your experience while consuming them.

4. Packaging and Portability

The packaging of gel packs is also an important factor to consider when making a purchase. Look for individual packets that are easy to open while running and have minimal waste after consumption. Additionally, consider how portable these packets are – do they fit easily in your running belt or pocket?

5.Learn About Caffeine Content

Caffeine can be a beneficial ingredient in gel packs as it has been shown to improve performance and delay fatigue during endurance activities like running. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer not to consume it during your runs, make sure to check the caffeine content in each packet before purchasing.

6.Consider Your Budget

Gel packs range in price depending on brand and quantity per package. Consider your budget before making a purchase – do you prefer buying in bulk or smaller quantities? Keep in mind that some brands offer discounts when purchasing in bulk which can save you money in the long run.

7.Read Reviews

Last but not least, read reviews from other runners who have tried different brands and flavors of gel packs for running. Their experiences can give you valuable insights into product effectiveness and taste.

In conclusion, choosing the right gel pack for running depends on personal preference and nutritional needs. By considering these factors mentioned above, I am confident that you will find a suitable gel pack that will help fuel your runs effectively!

Author Profile

Avatar
Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.