Top Energy Gel Brands You Need to Boost Your Performance

When it comes to fueling your endurance activities, choosing the right energy gel can be crucial for performance and recovery. With various brands offering a mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and other nutrients, athletes have a wide array of options to suit their specific needs. Popular brands like GU Energy, Clif Shot, and SiS are renowned for their effectiveness and palatable flavors, while others like Honey Stinger and Maurten offer unique formulations favored by many top athletes. Interested in finding the perfect fit for your training and races? Check out the full list of top energy gel brands below.

Illustration of energy gels

Best brands of energy gels in 2025

GU Energy Labs

GU Energy Labs is a leading producer of energy gels, renowned for their effective and sustained energy products designed for athletes. Their Original Energy Gels contain a blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and BCAAs to support performance and hydration, available in 21 flavors. The company has been a favorite among athletes since its inception with products like the ROCTANE Energy Gel formulated for high-intensity activities. GU Energy Labs also emphasizes environmental stewardship through their partnership with TerraCycle for recycling wrappers. With a strong presence in the market, GU Energy Labs continues to innovate and meet the demands of athletes worldwide.

Clif Bar

Clif Bar is a leading producer of energy bars and gels, capitalizing on trends such as the rise in fitness awareness, high-protein diets, and plant-based eating. In the global energy bar market, Clif Bar has successfully catered to health-conscious consumers and athletes with its organic and non-GMO products, contributing to the market's expected CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2030. The brand's commitment to sustainability and wholesome ingredients has resonated well with millennials and Gen Z consumers, driving brand loyalty. In the North American market, which accounted for around 40% of the global energy bar market in 2023, Clif Bar's diverse portfolio has been particularly influential. The U.S. market, where Clif Bar holds significant market share, is driven by growing demand for convenient, nutritious snacks. For more information, you can explore their offerings such as Bloks Energy Chews.

Honey Stinger

Honey Stinger is a leading manufacturer of honey-based energy foods, including energy gels, that cater to the nutritional needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The brand is known for its innovative products, such as the Gluten Free Organic Stinger Waffles and Protein Energy Chews, introduced in 2015 to meet consumer demands for gluten-free and high-protein options. Honey Stinger's energy gels, certified gluten-free and made with organic honey, organic tapioca syrup, and added electrolytes, are popular for their convenience and fast absorption, with about 55% of athletes in North America using energy gels regularly. The company's products are widely available at specialty sporting goods retailers, natural food grocers, and online. Honey Stinger's commitment to natural ingredients and performance-enhancing nutrition has made it a favorite among cyclists, runners, and triathletes.

SIS

Science in Sport (SIS) is a leading producer of energy gels, renowned for their innovative and highly effective products. The SIS GO Isotonic Energy Gel, the world's first truly isotonic gel, provides 22 grams of carbohydrate per serving and is designed to be consumed without water, minimizing the risk of bloating. This product has been clinically proven to improve performance and is favored by athletes for its quick energy delivery and convenience. SIS energy gels are also free from common allergens such as lactose, gluten, and nuts, making them suitable for a wide range of consumers. With a strong focus on banned substance testing, SIS ensures high-quality and safe products for athletes.

Maurten

Maurten is a leading brand in the energy gel market, renowned for its innovative hydrogel technology that minimizes gastrointestinal discomfort and efficiently delivers carbohydrates to athletes. Their products, such as the Maurten Gel 100, contain 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving and use a 0.8:1 glucose to fructose ratio, which is optimal for absorption during intense exercise. This technology allows athletes to absorb up to 100 grams of carbohydrates per hour, a significant improvement over previous limits. Maurten gels are favored by elite athletes, including Jan Frodeno and Eliud Kipchoge, and are Informed Sport Registered, ensuring they are safe for athletes subject to drug testing. Despite their premium price, Maurten gels are highly effective and gentle on the GI tract, making them a valuable choice for long-distance runners and triathletes.

Huma Chia Energy Gels

Huma Chia Energy Gels, produced by the veteran-owned company Huma, are renowned for their 100% all-natural ingredients, including finely milled chia seeds, which ensure a smooth and steady energy release without sugar spikes or crashes. These gels feature a 2:1 glucose to fructose ratio and include all nine essential amino acids, making them ideal for long-lasting performance in endurance activities. Inspired by the Tarahumara Indian tribe's ancient fueling methods and backed by advanced sports nutrition research, Huma Gels are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. Introduced in November 2012, Huma has become a best-selling all-natural energy gel brand. The company's commitment to natural ingredients and scientific formulation has made their products a favorite among athletes. For more information, explore their product offerings.

PowerBar

PowerBar is a leading brand in the energy gel market, known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative products. The brand, which has been around for about 30 years, dominates the North American market with over 40% of the global revenue, contributing significantly to the region's substantial market size of $0.26 billion in 2023. PowerBar's energy gels, such as the PowerBar Hydro, are praised for their unique hydrogel technology that does not require water consumption, making them a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The PowerBar Hydro gel is also notable for its affordable price, costing just over $2 per pouch, compared to competitors like Maurten which cost $3-$4 per pouch. With a robust presence in the global market, PowerBar continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of athletes.

Hammer Nutrition

Hammer Nutrition Ltd is a leading producer of energy gels, known for its natural and refined sugar-free products. The company has been a significant player in the global energy gel market, which was valued at USD 0.642 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% until 2030. Hammer Nutrition's products, such as Hammer Gel, have been a preferred choice for athletes for nearly two decades, offering concentrated carbohydrate energy without artificial ingredients. The brand operates in a market dominated by key players, with North America holding over 40% of the global market share, a region where Hammer Nutrition has a strong presence. The company's commitment to natural ingredients aligns with the growing demand for health and wellness products.

High5

High5 Nutrition is a leading producer of energy gels, renowned for its high-quality and nutritious products. With over 25 years of experience in sports nutrition, High5 energy gels are designed to provide a steady and sustained release of energy, each containing 23g of carbohydrates to prevent energy crashes during high-intensity activities. Their energy gels are enhanced with electrolytes and have a multi-carbohydrate blend, making them ideal for runners, cyclists, and other athletes. High5 products are known for their natural flavors and are recommended to be used in combination with other hydration products for optimal performance. The brand's commitment to quality and performance has made it a favorite among athletes.

Torq Fitness

Torq Fitness is renowned as one of the best producers of energy gels, particularly for endurance athletes, offering a high-potency hypertonic energy gel with a 2:1 Maltodextrin:Fructose ratio and multiple transportable carbohydrates. Each TORQ Gel provides 30 grams of carbohydrates, significantly more concentrated than many other brands, and contains five key electrolytes to ensure efficient fueling. The silky smooth texture and natural flavors make it easy to consume without water, even at high intensities. As part of the TORQ Fuelling System, these gels can be used alongside other TORQ products for optimal performance. Recommended consumption is 2-3 TORQ Units per hour for maximum benefit. For more details, visit their website: TORQ Energy Gel.