Best Sports Nutrition Endurance & Energy Chews & Gels in 2022

Last update: November 29, 2022

Are energy chews effective?

There are a lot of energy chews on the market, and it can be hard to know which ones are effective and which ones are not. However, there are a few things that you can look for when choosing an energy chew. First, make sure that the chew contains caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help to increase energy levels. Second, look for chews that contain B-vitamins. B-vitamins are essential for energy production, and they can help to improve energy levels. Finally, make sure that the chew is low in sugar

Can I drink energy drinks instead of water?

Energy drinks are often marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas. However, these drinks are not necessarily healthier for you. Many energy drinks contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. While you may feel more awake after drinking an energy drink, it is important to remember that these drinks are not a replacement for water. It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Do I need gels for a half marathon?

If you're running a half marathon, you might need gels to help you stay fueled and hydrated. Gels are a concentrated form of carbohydrates that can give you a quick energy boost when you need it most. They're easy to carry and can be taken without water, making them ideal for runners who need to keep moving.

Do you need water with energy gel?

If you're exercising for more than an hour, you'll need to replenish your body's stores of glycogen, or carbohydrate. One way to do this is to consume energy gel along with water. The gel provides carbohydrate in a concentrated form, while the water helps to transport it through your digestive system and into your bloodstream.


GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors, 24 Count Box Review:


These are wonderful things. When my wife and I completed our first half marathon, we carried a number of them with us, and I'm certain there were times when they were the only things keeping us going. Everyone is thrilled since the flavors are fantastic. Personally, I prefer the flavors of chocolate and coffee, but my wife really enjoyed the caramel and vanilla. There were a ton of these included in this pack as well. We took a good number of them with us to the half marathon, and there were plenty left over, so I brought some to work to get me through the night shift. These tiny guys pack a powerful punch, and I was pleasantly pleased by how much energy I was able to get from just one packet. The energy also didn't fade away too quickly. Definitely a better option than chugging energy drinks all night when you're too exhausted to operate heavy gear but still have to, for runners or anyone living on coffee.



GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Strawberry Banana, 24 Count Box Review:


These things are fantastic. My wife and I carried several of them with us when we ran our first half marathon, and I'm convinced there were times that these were the only things keeping us going. The flavors are great, personally I like the chocolate and coffee flavors best but my wife loved the caramel and vanilla so everyone's happy! This pack came with a ton of them too, we carried quite a few with us to the half marathon and there were a lot left over so I took some to work to get me through night shift. These little guys pack quite a punch, and I was surprised by how much energy I got from one little pouch, and the energy didn't wear off too fast either. Highly recommended for runners or anyone living on caffeine and looking for a better alternative to guzzling energy drinks all night when you're too tired to be operating heavy machinery but still are expected to do so.



Clif BLOKS - Energy Chews - Black Cherry Flavor - 50mg Caffeine (2.1 Ounce Packet, 18 Count) Review:


They have a pleasant flavor, provide caffeine, and boost your vitality.The texture of the bloks themselves is peculiarly semi-gummy. In essence, it is a really solid gummy. A blok would bend slightly when squeezed before gently breaking into two parts. difficult to convey Even if I like it, not everyone will.My main complaint is the way each package opens. It's quite evident that their packaging is terrible, so I'm not sure why Clif thinks it's okay.Typically, the plastic doesn't rip neatly. Instead, it will simply extend until the plastic's writing starts to rub off on you. A portion of it will eventually get so thin that it will tear, at which point you must hope the tear will move in a way that will allow the bloks to escape via a large enough hole. You can succeed occasionally but also lose. If you fail, you must use your finger to pry the hole open.If you try to squeeze a blok out into your mouth, the flap of inky plastic that hangs over the area where the hole is will be in your face. Really, it's just obnoxious and foolish.I eat these in the climbing gym with chalky hands, and the whole process is way too involved for what it is to be able to open and/or plop one into your mouth without getting some chalk on it.I'm not sure why they won't just allow it to open like a bag of potato chips, where you can simply pull it apart and punch a hole in the top. It seems extremely clear to me.



GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors, 24-Count Review:


When I was in high school some of my teammates would always use this product and have excellent races. I felt it was silly because we weren't running very great distances and I always assumed GU was for marathoners and stuff. Anyway now I'm in the marathon club at my college and decided I'd get a pack just to check how my stomach liked it before I actually utilized it during a race. I ate some before a 5k time trial (about 30 minutes prior) and I must say I felt AMAZING before and during the race. I had so much energy and everything was clicking.I was dubious previously but this thing actually does work. I wish I could have it before exercising every day but it's too pricey. Also the taste I got (lemon sublime) I felt was actually pretty good and perfectly manageable.I guess the most essential thing to gain out of this review would be that GU works for ALL lengths; you don't have to be a marathoner or extreme endurance sport man to enjoy this product. I always thought those guys on my track team were morons and now I feel like an idiot for not eating the GU before races because it clearly helps.It is also vital to know that there's no caffeine in this stuff so NCAA players you're good to go.Also one more thing, for all of you guys who eat this stuff on distance runs, don't be a doosh and throw your garbage on the ground, just fold it up and put it back where you took it out of!



Gatorade Prime Energy Chews, Fruit Punch (Pack of 16) Review:


I have the most delicate stomach, so when I run longer than 10 miles, it's disastrous. This summer, I started training for a marathon, and I struggled to find a meal that was both comfortable on my stomach and provided me energy and prevented cramping. This was a huge success.Before I go on a run, I normally take 2 gummies, and then I take another couple of them every three miles or so (be careful to stay hydrated while taking them!). They are not difficult to chew while jogging and they go down fairly effortlessly. However, the package is a little challenging to open while running, so I advise doing so before you begin your run. However, they give you just the right amount of energy, and I haven't experienced any cramps when jogging.Definitely suggestable



Gatorade Prime Energy Chews, Cool Blue ,6 Count (Pack of 16) Review:


I have the most delicate stomach, so when I run longer than 10 miles, it's disastrous. This summer, I started training for a marathon, and I struggled to find a meal that was both comfortable on my stomach and provided me energy and prevented cramping. This was a huge success.I normally pop 2 gummies in 15-20 minutes before my run and then have approximately 2-3 every 3 miles or so (be sure to drink water while taking!) They go down fairly effortlessly and are not hard to chew while jogging. The packet is a little tricky to open while running, though, so I suggest opening them up a little prior to starting your run. But they offer you the ideal amount of energy boost



CLIF SHOT - Energy Gels - Mocha Flavor - 50mg Caffeine (1.2 Ounce Packet, 24 Count) (Packaging May Vary) Review:


Top line: A delicious tasting, simple to digest caffeine boost on race day or for lengthy training runs.Good: I enjoy my coffee, and a strong caffeine rush never hurts before a long run or marathon. Unfortunately, taking 20oz of coffee right before (or worse, during!) can have negative affect on both your stomach and bladder. Enter the Clif Shot, namely *Double Espresso*. Forget those other weak 30mg caffeine gus—these bad boys contain a massive 100mg (2.5 cups of coffee), and do it with a fantastic flavor that is not too sweet and easy going down. I'll ingest 4-5 of them during an early morning marathon, and they keep me alert and feeling amazing! Value is also fairly good when you buy in bulk (compared to $1.50 per gu at the race expo).Bad: As with any gu-style energy gel, it's generally not a great idea to eat one without water. If you're not carrying water on your long run, this limits where and how often you can take them (less of an issue in races with regular water stops) (less of an issue in races with regular water stops). I also detest jogging with sticky hands, so I have to be very careful not to make a mess when eating at high speed.Other: My passion for this product has a lot to do with the hefty caffeine dose and superb flavor of the Double Espresso variation. Other varieties of Clif Shot are great taste, but low to no caffeine, so I don't take them nearly as often. YMMV.



CLIF SHOT - Energy Gels - Double Espresso - 100mg Caffeine (1.2 Ounce Packet, 24 Count) (Packaging May Vary) Review:


Top line: A delicious tasting, simple to digest caffeine boost on race day or for lengthy training runs.Good: I enjoy my coffee, and a strong caffeine rush never hurts before a long run or marathon. Unfortunately, taking 20oz of coffee right before (or worse, during!) can have negative affect on both your stomach and bladder. Enter the Clif Shot, namely *Double Espresso*. Forget those other weak 30mg caffeine gus—these bad boys contain a massive 100mg (2.5 cups of coffee), and do it with a fantastic flavor that is not too sweet and easy going down. I'll ingest 4-5 of them during an early morning marathon, and they keep me alert and feeling amazing! Value is also fairly good when you buy in bulk (compared to $1.50 per gu at the race expo).Bad: As with any gu-style energy gel, it's generally not a great idea to eat one without water. If you're not carrying water on your long run, this limits where and how often you can take them (less of an issue in races with regular water stops) (less of an issue in races with regular water stops). I also detest jogging with sticky hands, so I have to be very careful not to make a mess when eating at high speed.Other: My passion for this product has a lot to do with the hefty caffeine dose and superb flavor of the Double Espresso variation. Other varieties of Clif Shot are great taste, but low to no caffeine, so I don't take them nearly as often. YMMV.



PROBAR - Bolt Organic Energy Chews, Strawberry, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, USDA Certified Organic, Healthy, Natural Energy, Fast Fuel Gummies with Vitamins B & C (12 Count) Packaging May Vary Review:


I initially got these because of the caffeine, which is a borderline necessity for me. I just thought they'd be a somewhat better option than all of the artificially sweetened, caffeinated products that I was using regularly, but have since realized that they're maybe a little over the top for my need of having a daily afternoon caffeine boost (although on occasion I do snack on a few for a quick fix) (although on occasion I do snack on a few for a quick fix).They are, however, PERFECT fuel for RUNNING! Ever since discovering them, I don't think I've run a single a.m. race or long run without popping a few of these. I've never had a problem with them wanting to come back up. I'd say they're pretty comparable to other energy chews texture-wise. They might be a little sweeter.


How long does it take for energy gels to work?

How many chews is enough?

There's no definitive answer to how many chews is enough before swallowing your food. It depends on the type of food you're eating, how big the pieces are, and your own chewing habits. Generally, aim to chew each bite 20 to 30 times before swallowing. If you're struggling to reach that number, try breaking your food into smaller pieces or chewing more slowly.

How many energy chews should I eat?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your weight, activity level, and the type of energy chews you are eating. A general rule of thumb is to start with one energy chew and see how your body reacts. If you need more energy, you can eat another energy chew. However, if you start to feel jittery or anxious, it is best to stop at one energy chew.

How many gels do I need for a marathon?

It's recommended that you consume one gel per hour during a marathon.

How much caffeine does energy chews have?

Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It is also added to energy chews. The amount of caffeine in energy chews can vary depending on the brand. For example, one brand of energy chew may have 30 mg of caffeine while another brand may have 50 mg of caffeine. The average energy chew has about 40 mg of caffeine.

How much water should I drink with energy gels?

Most energy gels recommend that you wash them down with at least 8 ounces of water. Some even recommend up to 16 ounces. This is to ensure that the gel is properly diluted and doesn't cause an upset stomach.