Best Energy Gels

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Best Energy Gels for Running in Australia

Looking for the best energy gel for running? Our certified nutritionists have pulled together the energy gels we rate most for runners and endurance athletes - fast-acting carbohydrate that is easy to carry and easy on the stomach when you are on the move. Every gel below is in stock and ready for same-day dispatch.

What to Look for in a Running Gel

  • Carbohydrate per serve. Most gels deliver around 20 to 30g of carbs. For long runs, aim for roughly 30 to 60g of carbs per hour from your gels and drinks combined.
  • With or without caffeine. A caffeinated gel gives a late-race lift; caffeine-free suits shorter runs or caffeine-sensitive runners.
  • Isotonic or standard. Isotonic gels are thinner and go down without needing much water, which can be easier mid-run. Standard gels are more concentrated and are best taken with a few sips of water.
  • Stomach tolerance and flavour. The best gel is one you will actually take. Practise in training and find a flavour and texture you can stomach on race day.

Our Top Energy Gels

Browse our team's picks below. The range includes long-standing favourites like GU, the Australian-made Endura, the natural-ingredient focus of Koda, and isotonic options like Fuelr that are designed to go down easily without extra water. Choose caffeinated for the back end of a long race, or caffeine-free for shorter efforts.

How Many Gels for Your Run

  • 5k to 10k. Most runners do not need a gel for shorter runs, though one beforehand can help.
  • Half marathon. Around 1 to 3 gels, spaced through the run.
  • Marathon and ultra. Several gels - many runners take one every 30 to 45 minutes, with water.

Why Buy Your Energy Gels from Elite Supps

  • Every member of our team is a certified nutritionist, so expert fuelling advice is always free.
  • A specialist range of running and endurance gels, caffeinated and caffeine-free.
  • More than 140 stores nationwide, plus fast online delivery and same-day dispatch.
  • Flat-rate shipping Australia-wide, and free delivery on orders over $150.

Explore More

See the full energy gels range, or pair your fuelling with electrolytes for hot-weather runs. Our certified nutritionists can help, in store or online.

FAQ

Do energy gels actually help?

Yes - for efforts beyond about 60 to 90 minutes, the carbohydrate in an energy gel helps top up the glycogen your muscles burn, which can help you hold pace and delay fatigue.

How many energy gels do I need for a 2 hour run?

A common guide is 30 to 60g of carbohydrate per hour, so roughly 2 to 4 gels across a two-hour run, taken with water. Practise your fuelling in training first.

How long do energy gels take to kick in?

Most runners feel the effect within about 5 to 15 minutes, as the carbohydrate is absorbed quickly.

What are the disadvantages of energy gels?

Taken without enough water, or in large amounts, some gels can cause stomach upset. Start with one, take them with water, and practise in training to find what your stomach tolerates.

Are caffeinated or caffeine-free gels better for running?

Both work. Caffeinated gels give a lift late in a long race, while caffeine-free gels suit shorter runs or caffeine-sensitive runners. Keep your total daily caffeine in check.