I’ve been drinking the best running gel for months now. IIf you are looking for something to help increase your endurance Training, read more.
If you want to train and perform at your best, you need to provide the right energy for your sessions and races. For high-intensity or long-duration endurance training, that means consuming enough carbohydrates to provide energy to your muscles. That’s where the best running gel comes in.
A great option when you need quick, portable energy. But with so many options, it can be difficult to find what’s best for you. With 53 marathons and several ultramarathons under my belt, I’ve tested dozens of gels from all kinds of brands. This is what came to the top:
Here are the best running gels of 2025
There are many running gels that come close to this, but PF30 gel is our pick for the best running gel. It has the best energy-to-weight ratio, great consistency and energy delivery, making it ideal for all types of endurance training. Additionally, its compact form factor makes it ideal for running belts.
Other running gel options
1.PF30 gel
In my testing, the Precision Fuel PF30 Gel was really spot on. Contains 30g of carbohydrates per 51g sachet, offering the best energy-to-weight ratio. The even energy boost avoids gel rushes and crashes, and also ensures good delivery and consistency. It has a mild and smooth taste, so even if you eat the equivalent of a marathon, you won’t get tired of the taste.


2. Molten Gel 100
We found that Maurten Gel 100 offered one of the more pleasant energy intake experiences with a neutral flavor that was easy on the stomach. A blend of fructose and glucose (0.8:1 ratio) provides a smooth, relatively crash-free power boost with a slip-on jelly, even without water.


3. Vala Energy Gel
If you prefer a natural alternative to the plethora of fake flavored energy gels available, Vala Energy Gel is worth considering. Made primarily from date paste and thicker than most gels, I found it easier to consume during long endurance efforts than their high-intensity counterparts. But if you want to pack in 1 out of 5 a day for an energy boost during your workout, Vala is definitely your choice.


4. Veloforte Energy Gel
Beloforte is another option for those seeking a gel made from natural ingredients. Due to its liquid-like consistency, it can be added to water to make carbohydrate drinks. However, we found that it is easy to swallow on its own, looks fresh, and is less of a burden on the intestines. In fact, I was looking forward to eating the date, lime, and ginger flavors halfway through the session.


5. Untapped sports fuel
Maple syrup is the main ingredient in UnTapped’s Athletic Fuel gel. It is naturally high in carbohydrates derived from sucrose and contains complex sugars, which have a much lower glycemic index than regular sugar or maltodextrin. In theory, they should burn more slowly, and I felt like the even energy release negated the rush and horrible crash of some gels.


6. 33 Fuel Chia Energy Gel
Energy gel ingredients don’t get any simpler than the four natural ingredients used in 33Fuel’s Chia Energy Gel. Besides the titular chia, it only contains coconut palm sugar, organic vanilla, and Himalayan pink salt. You’ll need to rehydrate this dry “gel” yourself (you can use milk, fruit juice, or coconut water), but the resealable top means you don’t have to use it all at once.


7. SiS Beta Fuel + Nootropics
The nootropics in this gel from Science in Sport are effective at increasing mental alertness and decision-making, making it perfect for when you’re at the end of a big endurance effort. Each sachet contains a whopping 40g of carbohydrates, and two different transport systems allow you to get more carbohydrates into your body than usual. It might be too sweet to consume during a marathon, but I found it to be ideal for a break until I really needed the caffeine.
How we tested the best running gels
When it comes to running gear, Kieran Alger is one of the best product reviewers in the industry. An experienced runner, Kieran regularly covers many miles in all types of running disciplines, from natural trails to ultramarathons. Along the way, he developed a knack for appreciating the most important details when tackling hard work. Here are the main factors and characteristics he kept in mind when evaluating the best running gels for running courses. market:
Energy-to-weight ratio: You don’t want heavy pockets getting in the way when you’re running. Therefore, the sign of a good running gel is one that packs as much energy as possible while minimizing the size of the package. Energy delivery: In the context of endurance training, you want energy to be delivered at a steady pace over a long period of time, rather than in short bursts. Ingredients: Some running gels are definitely more effective than others simply because they have a different ratio of ingredients, or in fact they have completely different ingredients. Extra bonus points if it’s natural. Taste: While the most hardcore runners may prioritize performance over taste, for most of us it’s important that the taste of our running gels doesn’t turn us off. Price: Everyone’s budget is different. If any of the running gels tested here could harm your bank balance, Kieran makes it clear. Form factor: Where can you store your running gel if its gasket isn’t very pocket-friendly?