If you’re looking to push your training and wondering how to run faster or for longer, you might want to consider taking a running gel. Running gels provide pure carbohydrate energy, usually in a handy sachet which you can pack in your running vest or belt. If you’re running for at least 60 minutes, it’s likely your body is burning through its energy stores and you might eventually hit a wall. This is when you reach for your running gel – to get an instant boost of energy, which could help you hit your next PB.
Of course, you’ll want to work on your nutrition as well – energy gels are not enough on their own. It’s vital you eat enough protein and carbohydrates to help your body fuel, perform and recover, as well as taking on enough water before and after exercise. Not only will these things improve your running performance, they will reduce the risk of injuries, stop you feeling tired and support your immune system and bone health.
To find out how to improve your time and distance with diet, read our sport nutritionist’s guides on what to eat before, during and after a run. Read our handy guide on carb-loading and check out how to stay hydrated on a run.
Best running gels at a glance
- Best running gel: SiS Beta Fuel strawberry and lime energy gel, £13.80
- Best flavour running gel: Healthspan passion fruit flavour energy gel, £39.99 for 24
- Best running gel for hydration: Torq lemon drizzle energy gel, £2.15 for 1
- Best energy chew: Veloforte Amaro energy chews, £23.63 for 9
- Runner up best energy chew: Veloforte Mela apple and cinnamon soft chews, £2.75 for 1
- Best running gel for runner’s tummy: Veloforte blackcurrant and elderflower energy gel, £18.49 for 9
Best running gels to buy 2026
SiS Beta Fuel strawberry and lime energy gel
Available from Holland & Barrett (£1.50 for 1), Decathlon (£5.99 for 6), Sigma Sports (£13.80 for 6), Amazon (£10 for 6)
Best running gel
Star rating: 5/5
This fruity gel has been created with with a 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose to minimise any stomach issues during your run. The last thing you want to do during a race is stop and queue for the toilets! You’ll get 40g of carbohydrates per serving, which is plenty to give you that much-needed boost. The taste is similar to strawberry sweets, but not too intense, and it melts away instantly so you’re not left with a sticky residue in your mouth. Testers found it easy to consume while on the move.
Available from:
Healthspan passion fruit flavour energy gel
Available from Healthspan (£39.99 for 24)
Best flavour running gel
Star rating: 5/5
We found these gels easy to open, with the top ripping off smoothly so you won’t be left struggling halfway through a long run. The taste was delicious: a sweet, strong passion fruit flavour similar to an ice lolly. There was a tiny bit of an aftertaste but nothing too noticeable. The gel consistency is thin, easy to squeeze out and doesn’t leave a film. One tester commented that the packaging is a bit bulky, which you may want to consider if space is tight in your running belt or vest. Extra points for added electrolytes (great for hydration) as well as being vegan.
Available from:
Torq lemon drizzle energy gel
Available from Solemate (£2.15 for 1), Amazon (£23.81 for 15), Basecamp Food (£31.35 for 15)
Best running gel for hydration
Star rating: 5/5
What made this gel stand out from the rest is that it contains five electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride – all of which help prevent dehydration. Why is that so important? Well, dehydration can cause muscle fatigue and cramps, which can of course affect your speed and endurance. To get the best out of your run, whether it’s on race day or during training, you’ve got to think about hydration.
This gel got top marks for flavour – the lemon drizzle was creamy and sweet, with no unpleasant aftertaste or residue. Our tester enjoyed all the flavours, including raspberry ripple and strawberry yogurt. The gels are also easy to transport and open while on the move.
Available from:
Veloforte Amaro energy chews
Available from Amazon (£23.63 for 9), Veloforte (£30.79 for 12)
Best energy chew
Star rating: 4.5/5
Who says energy gels and chews have to taste bad? Not Veloforte. They’ve produced these sour cherry flavoured chews which are the texture of a soft jelly sweet or Turkish delight. Each pack contains an impressive 42g of dual-source carbohydrates, and natural caffeine from guarana. They’re also free from gelatine, making them vegan.
They are a little more fiddly to take on the go, because you need to open the package and select your chew, but our testers felt they got the hang of it.
Available from:
Veloforte Mela apple and cinnamon soft chews
Available from Amazon (£22.69 for 9), Veloforte (£30.79 for 12)
Runner-up best energy chew
Star rating: 4/5
If you’re someone who dislikes the tropical flavours which are common in many sports products, including running gels, these energy chews might be for you. Think cinnamon-spiced apple pie, but not cloying or overly sweet, which chews and gels sometimes can be. With added electrolytes and sodium (good for upping hydration after sweating) these chews are perfect for long-distance runs. Like Veloforte’s other chews, they’re free from gelatine and vegan.
One tester commented they liked the brand so much, they would consider changing from their usual – with the energy chews being a firm favourite. Our only comment is that, once opened, you may have to transfer them to a resealable bag to stop any leftover chews spilling out.
Available from:
Veloforte blackcurrant and elderflower energy gel
Available from Amazon (£18.49 for 9), Veloforte (£25.99 for 12)
Best running gel for runner’s tummy
Star rating: 4/5
These high quality gels are made with all-natural ingredients, no additives and a dual source of carbohydrates designed to help reduce any risk of stomach issues. If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded runner’s tummy, this will be a relief. The flavour is more sweet-sour blackcurrant, less elderflower, but very pleasant. One tester felt it was a good compact size and found the packaging easier to open than one of the big-name brands they are used to.
Available from
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