We spent months testing the best energy gels, drinks and chews — 17 products we'd genuinely recommend

The larger packs aren’t the most compact but each rip-top tube delivers a bigger-than-normal 40g payload of carbs so you can carry fewer and still hit your hourly uptake. Testers found the 1:0.8 blend of maltodextrin to fructose ‘slipped down easily to deliver a welcome stamina boost’. No digestive disasters here – just fast-acting energy in three highly palatable flavours: neutral, orange, strawberry and lime.

One for those who prefer a looser, more liquid consistency, these OTE SuperGels deliver a 40g big-carb dose so you can carry fewer to fuel your efforts. But what stood out in testing was how easily it goes down – even without water – with a lovely fresh, berry flavour that avoids the artificial taste trap. ‘Stomach-friendly, fast-acting, even energy that’s actually a pleasure to down’ was a tester’s glowing endorsement.

A fruity paste more than a gel, Vala uses only 100% real-food ingredients to deliver 24g carbs in each compact, stashable 35g pack. The blend of maple syrup, squished dates, powdered chia seeds, Welsh sea salt, lemon and lime juice is ‘very sweet but tasty… provided you like dates!’. The thicker texture is perhaps better suited to longer, slower runs than all guns blazing marathons – our testers loved these for a total change of texture and flavour during ultras.

A caffeinated alternative to Maurten’s neutral-flavoured, classic hydrogel formula, each GEL CAF100 provides 100mg caffeine to turbocharge the performance benefits of its 25g hit of carbs. They’re small and run-belt-friendly, and avoid the unbearably bitter aftertaste of some caffeinated gels. The consistency is thicker than its competitors, but the water-based gel dissolves quickly on the tongue. Great for reducing perception of effort and maintaining focus.

If you find gloopy gels hard to swallow and stomach, High5’s extra-water formula alternatives solve both common problems in one smooth gulp. More liquid than gel, the 66g tubes are bulkier than standard High5 – and most other – gels, but the 23g carb hit slides down fast without water and the fresh taste and less sticky texture prevents a gloopy mouth. Just don’t expect a huge rush of energy: ‘This is more of a pat on the back than a boot up the bum,’ reported one tester.

The sucrose, fructose and maltodextrin in most gels breaks down rapidly – that’s why you get a big turbocharge feeling. But they can burn high then crash hard. UCAN’s slower-burn SuperStarch complex carbohydrate works differently. Its larger molecules pass through the stomach and are digested more slowly in the intestines. The neutral flavour isn’t overly sweet with a loose texture that’s easy to eat and gut friendly. Testers found it, ‘a good hit of time-released energy that’s a happy antidote to some roller-coaster gels that spike and crash’.

With the carb equivalent of 4.5 standard gels in one resealable pouch, three of these deliver enough energy for most runners to tackle a 4:30 marathon. The gels mild, neutral taste reduces flavour fatigue on longer efforts. The texture doesn't leave any stickiness behind and they’re easy to swallow without water. The twisty lid lets you take on as much or as little as you want, so no need to down a whole 30g gel in one hit.

Precision Fuel's gels also come in smaller, 30g sachets. Shop them here.

With 30g of carbs in a tiny two-chew pack, these running belt-friendly cubes offer a great energy-to space-and-weight ratio. The firmer texture doesn’t squash easily or melt in the heat and suits slow, easy ultra-fuelling better than breathless city marathons. They’re softer and less threat to your fillings than some chewier alternatives, while the lemon and mint flavours offer a nice palate reset.

If there was an award for fruity melting goodness, these super soft pastel bars would win it. Each tiny 25g fruit jelly crams in a surprising 21g carb load and you barely even need teeth to eat them. That’s lucky because they are incredibly sweet. Our tester said, ‘They taste like actual fruit, almost melt in the mouth and are really easy and pleasant to consume. But I felt like I needed to see a dentist afterward!’

With six jelly chews per pack delivering just under 30g of carbs, these soft packs of mini pastilles are a perfect gel-alternative for long slow runs. You can scoff the lot for a big hit of energy, or swallow one at a time for a gentler, little-and-often approach to fuelling. The fruity flavours – orange, lime, and berry – are sweet but zingy. ‘The texture is the soft side of chewy, so they’re kind on your jaw and good for on-the-go fuelling,’ reported one tester.

This turbocharged rice crispy cake has 50g of chewy, crunchy carbs in a really light bar. Ideal when you want tasty energy without having to work your jaw too hard. The RW team enjoyed all the flavours but the date, almond and sea salt combo stood out for being sweet with a welcome salty edge. Great for turning energy top-ups into a mid-run treat. But you’ll need to drop the pace while enjoying them.

Designed for endurance efforts over three hours, this all-in-one fuel delivers 66g of carbs per bottle from a trio of sources (maltodextrin, glucose and sucrose) along with electrolytes in gut-friendly isotonic formula. There’s also protein to maintain steady blood sugar levels and curb the hunger pangs that sometimes come with liquid carbs. This became the ‘go-to on long days training for a mountain ultra and the big day itself’ for one of our testers, ‘delivering reliable sustained energy and easy on the gut and taste buds’.

One to grab when you want a fuss-free, sluggable source of steady energy that’s easy on the tastebuds and the stomach. The RW testers liked the simplicity of sticking 94g of carbohydrate in one 500ml bottle for longer runs. Everything you need to fuel an hour’s graft. It comes in a handy resealable pack with three flavours: pineapple and peppermint and our favourite watermelon.

Tailwind’s simple carb blend of dextrose and sucrose cuts the time your fuel sits in the gut for fast energy and reduced tummy trouble risk. The RW team were fans of this for racing ultras. ‘Each serving provides an simple way to get in 50g of carbs plus electrolytes, and the light lemon flavour and neutral options are easy to sip all day.’ A versatile alternative to gels and solids for long-run or ultramarathon fuelling.

Also available as a handy HIGHLY COMMENDED HIGH CARB DRINK POWDER.

The favoured fuel of elite athletes, including Eliud Kipchoge, so it’s no surprise that it scored highly with our panel. Its unique hydrogel technology helps to speed and increase carbohydrate absorption, while reducing the risk of digestive issues.

Our testers noted a tangible difference in performance, boosting energy mid-run, and also felt it was gentle on their stomachs. The consistency is thicker than its competitors, but it’s water-based so quickly dissolves on the tongue

Struggle with gels? Consider these natural energy chews (made with fruit juices, beet sugar, cinnamon, coconut water and pink Himalayan salt) as your run fuel of choice. Our panel raved about the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture – and approved of the moreish fruity flavour. Each pack contains six cubes, each offering 7g of quick-acting carbs to replenish your energy store and, unlike many gels, they weren’t sticky or messy.

This is also formulated with a 1:0.8 blend of maltodextrin and fructose to help you absorb more carbs per hour without upsetting your stomach. Plus, it features active ingredients such as L-citrulline and L-arginine to help fight fatigue. The neutral syrupy taste and runny consistency went down well with our testers, who found it easy to knock back on the run. The quick-tear packaging received mixed reviews, but all appreciated the lack of additives on the ingredients list.