While most energy gels are practically the same thing, there are subtle differences with each one. Here is a quick comparison chart that shows nutrition facts from the top ten most popular energy gels:
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Sodium | Potassium | Caffeine | Price | |
| Accel Gel | 41g | 100 | 20g | 5g | 100mg | 50mg | 0 | $1.67 |
| GU | 32g | 100 | 25g | 0 | 55mg | 45mg | Yes | $1.35 |
| Power Gel | 42g | 110 | 27g | 0 | 200mg | 20mg | 0 | $1.25 |
| Clif Shot | 32g | 100 | 25g | 0 | 40mg | 30mg | 0 | $1.00 |
| Hammer Gel | 36g | 90 | 23g | 0 | 25mg | n/a | 0 | $1.25 |
| Honey Stinger | 37g | 120 | 29g | 0 | 50mg | 85mg | 0 | $1.25 |
| Carb Boom! | 41g | 110 | 27g | 0 | 50mg | 50mg | 0 | $1.25 |
| Sharkies Chews | 45g | 140 | 36g | 0 | 110mg | 30mg | 0 | $1.50 |
| Enervit | 25ml (24g) | 71 | 18g | 0 | n/a | n/a | 0 | $1.89 |
| e-Gel | 55g | 150 | 37g | 0 | 220mg | 80mg | 0 | $1.49 |
* Figures come from company websites as of 7/1/09. Values based on the vanilla flavor. (Except Honey Stinger, which is based on “Gold” flavor, and Sharkies, which is based on “Citrus.”)
You can find more information at the respective company websites:
- Accel Gel by Accelerade
- GU Gel by GU Sports
- Power Gel by PowerBar
- Clif Shot Gel by Clif Bar
- Hammer Gel by Hammer Nutrition
- Honey Stinger Gel
- Carb BOOM Gel
- Sharkies Fruit Chews
- Enervit Gel by Enervitine
- eGel by Crank Sports
I encourage you to visit these websites and check out the flavors, ingredients, and other information before buying. This was just a quick comparison chart; there is much more research to do.
Also note that most figures in the chart will apply to all flavors in the line of gels, but not always. Take caffeine for example. Most gels do offer some flavors with caffeine, even if the vanilla flavor (listed here) has no added caffeine.
Also, while most gels use maltodextrin and dextrose for the sugar, one gel listed here actually contains High Fructose Corn Syrup. Always read the ingredients before making a purchase!
Want my opinion on the gels?
See my reviews:
- Clif Shot Gel Review
- GU Gel Review
- Hammer Gel Review
- GU Roctane Gel Review
- Honey Stinger Gel Review
- Clif Shot [New Formula] Gel Review
Levi Bloom is an experienced endurance athlete who has been training and competing for over 17 years. A former Cat 1 road and mountain bike racer (professional class on the regional circuit), he is now a cycling coach (USA Cycling Level 3 Certified) and sports nutrition coach (Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified).
How to get a free copy of the e-book 7 Nutrition Mistakes Most Endurance Athletes Make!