When it comes to cycling, fueling your body effectively during long rides or intense efforts can make a significant difference. 

Energy gels are a popular choice for cyclists seeking quick, easily digestible fuel that supports endurance and performance. With numerous options available, selecting the right one can be challenging. 

In this guide, we'll review the top 10 cycling energy gels for 2025, evaluating them based on cost, energy content, flavor, and performance benefits. Whether you are preparing for a race or a long training session, we'll help you find the gel that best suits your needs. 

As a bonus, we'll share tips on what to look for in a cycling gel and provide guidance on how to make your own if you’re interested in giving it a go.

What Do Cycling Energy Gels Contain?

Cycling energy gels are specially designed to deliver quick and easily digestible energy during intense or long rides. The main ingredients typically include:

• Carbohydrates: Usually in the form of glucose, fructose, or maltodextrin, carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source. They are quickly absorbed to replenish glycogen stores.

• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and magnesium help maintain fluid balance and prevent muscle cramps during extended exercise.

• Caffeine (optional): Some gels contain caffeine to enhance endurance, focus, and alertness.

• Vitamins and Amino Acids (optional): These can aid muscle recovery and support overall performance during prolonged efforts.

Together, these ingredients provide a rapid energy source, help maintain hydration, and support optimal performance throughout your ride.

Does It Matter Which Gel You Choose?

When it comes to enhancing performance and comfort during a ride, the choice of energy gel plays a crucial role. Here are key factors to consider when selecting the right gel:

• Carbohydrate Composition: Opt for gels that feature a combination of glucose and fructose. This approach allows for different absorption rates, resulting in a more sustained energy release.

• Electrolytes: It's beneficial to choose gels that include essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help prevent cramps and support hydration during extended rides.

• Caffeine: For those seeking an additional boost, gels containing caffeine can enhance focus and lower the perception of effort, which can be particularly useful during challenging segments of a ride.

• Digestibility: Selecting gels with a smooth texture and fewer artificial ingredients can minimize the risk of digestive discomfort, making them easier to consume.

• Flavor and Consistency: It's important to find a gel that matches your taste preferences and has a consistency that is easy to consume on the move, avoiding those that are overly thick or difficult to manage.

By carefully choosing an energy gel that aligns with these criteria, you can help ensure consistent energy levels, effective hydration, and improved overall performance throughout your rides.

Best 8 Energy Gels for Cycling

1. GU Energy Gel

Cost: $1.50 per serving  

Energy: 100 calories  

Total Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)  

Carbohydrates: 22 g  

Sugars: 10 g  

GU Energy Gel is one of the most popular and trusted energy gels among cyclists. Known for its fast-absorbing formula, it includes a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates, electrolytes, and amino acids to keep you fueled and hydrated during long rides. GU also offers a variety of flavors and caffeine options for an extra boost.  

Pros:  GU Energy Gel is easy to consume and digest, making it ideal for quick energy during intense rides. With its balanced mix of carbs and electrolytes, it helps prevent fatigue and cramping. Its variety of flavors caters to a wide range of taste preferences, and the caffeine options provide an extra edge for endurance.  

Cons:  Some cyclists may find GU gels to be a bit too sweet or too thick in texture. The added sugars could cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.  

2. Clif Shot Energy Gel

Cost: $1.25 per serving  

Energy: 100 calories  

Total Weight: 1.2 oz (34 g)  

Carbohydrates: 24 g  

Sugars: 14 g  

Clif Shot Energy Gel is designed for endurance athletes, offering a high-carb formula with organic ingredients to provide steady energy during extended cycling sessions. It also contains electrolytes to help maintain hydration. Clif's gels come in several tasty flavors, with some containing caffeine for a performance boost.  

Pros:  Clif Shot Energy Gel is a great choice for cyclists looking for a clean, organic energy option. The gel is gentle on the stomach, thanks to its simple ingredients. It's also widely available and comes in a variety of flavors, some of which are caffeine-free for those who prefer a gentler energy source.  

Cons:  The gel's texture can be a little thicker compared to other options, which may make it harder to consume quickly during a ride. Some users might also find the higher sugar content too intense.  

3. SIS (Science in Sport) GO Isotonic Energy Gel

Cost: $2.00 per serving  

Energy: 120 calories  

Total Weight: 1.4 oz (40 g)  

Carbohydrates: 30 g  

Sugars: 13 g  

SIS GO Isotonic Energy Gel is designed for quick absorption, providing a smooth texture that's easy to swallow without the need for water. This isotonic gel offers 30 g of carbohydrates per serving, with a balanced combination of sugars for sustained energy. It's an excellent option for cyclists who want fast fuel without the heavy, sticky feel.  

Pros:  The isotonic formula means no additional water is needed, making it perfect for on-the-go hydration. Its smooth consistency is easy to consume, and the gel provides a substantial energy boost without feeling too heavy.  

Cons:  While the isotonic formulation is convenient, some cyclists may find the flavors to be too mild or bland compared to thicker, sweeter gels. It's also priced higher than some other options.  

4. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel

Cost: $1.50 per serving  

Energy: 100 calories  

Total Weight: 1 oz (30 g)  

Carbohydrates: 24 g  

Sugars: 16 g  

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel is crafted from organic honey, providing a natural source of energy. This gel is a great option for cyclists who want a cleaner, more natural fueling option without artificial ingredients. It also contains electrolytes to help with hydration during long rides.  

Pros:  Honey Stinger's organic formula is easy to digest, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs. The honey-based gel is also a more natural choice for cyclists who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners and preservatives.  

Cons:  The texture can be a little stickier than some synthetic gels, and the sweetness may be overpowering for some. The higher sugar content may also lead to a quick energy drop if not balanced with electrolytes or additional fueling.  

5. Hammer Nutrition Gel

Cost: $1.60 per serving  

Energy: 100 calories  

Total Weight: 1.2 oz (34 g)  

Carbohydrates: 26 g  

Sugars: 10 g  

Hammer Nutrition Gel offers a clean, efficient fuel source for cyclists, with a focus on complex carbohydrates and minimal added sugars. Its formulation includes electrolytes to help maintain hydration and prevent cramps during long endurance rides.  

Pros:  Hammer Gel is highly concentrated, so cyclists get a lot of energy in a small serving. The gel is easy on the stomach, and the low sugar content means you're less likely to experience an energy crash.  

Cons:  The flavor options are more limited compared to other brands, and the gel's thicker consistency might make it harder to swallow quickly during intense efforts.  

6. Maurten 160 Energy Gel

Cost: $5.20 per serving  

Energy: 160 calories  

Total Weight: 2.3 oz (65 g)  

Carbohydrates: 40 g  

Sugars: 40g  

Maurten 160 Energy Gel is designed for endurance athletes, offering a high-calorie, high-carb solution for long rides. It uses hydrogel technology to deliver a smooth, easy-to-digest energy source without the need for water.  

Pros: Maurten's hydrogel technology provides a smooth, easy-to-digest gel that's gentle on the stomach, even during intense physical efforts. The higher calorie content makes it a great option for ultra-endurance events.  

Cons:  It's on the pricier side, making it less affordable for everyday training. The higher calorie content may be too much for short rides or less intense efforts.  

7. Beta Fuel by SIS (Science in Sport)

Cost: $2.50 per serving  

Energy: 200 calories  

Total Weight: 1.4 oz (40 g)  

Carbohydrates: 50 g  

Sugars: 25 g  

SIS Beta Fuel Energy Gel is formulated to provide a rapid and sustained energy source. With 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it's designed for cyclists who need a high-energy boost during long, demanding rides. The gel also contains a blend of sugars and electrolytes to optimize performance.  

Pros:  The high carbohydrate content provides an impressive energy boost, and the combination of sugars ensures quick and sustained absorption. It's ideal for long rides and intense training sessions.  

Cons:  The strong sweetness may be too intense for some cyclists. It's also one of the more expensive gels on the market. 

8. Huma Chia Energy Gel

Cost: $2.00 per serving  

Energy: 100 calories  

Total Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)  

Carbohydrates: 24 g  

Sugars: 14 g  

Huma Chia Energy Gel is a natural energy gel made with chia seeds, providing a unique combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber. It's a great choice for cyclists looking for a more natural, sustained energy source.  

Pros:  The chia seeds provide an added source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which can help maintain energy levels over a longer period. The gel is gentle on the stomach and doesn't cause crashes like some sugar-heavy gels.  

Cons:  Some cyclists may find the texture less appealing due to the chia seeds, and the gel's lower sugar content may not provide the rapid energy boost that others offer.  

Best All-Around Cycling Gel

GU Energy Gel is a great option, balancing fast-acting energy with long-lasting fuel. It combines simple and complex carbohydrates for quick absorption and sustained energy, along with electrolytes to maintain hydration and prevent cramps. Available in various flavors and caffeine options, it's easy to digest, making it ideal for intense training and long rides without causing digestive discomfort when used in moderation.

Best Endurance Cycling Gel

Maurten 320 Energy Gel is an excellent choice for endurance cycling, featuring a high-calorie, high-carb formula that fuels cyclists during extended efforts. Its hydrogel technology ensures a smooth, digestible experience without needing extra water, making it ideal for long-distance and ultra-endurance athletes. While pricier than some alternatives, its superior performance and effective energy delivery make it a top pick for serious cyclists.

Best Racing Cycling Gel

SIS GO Isotonic Energy Gel is an excellent choice for cycling races due to its rapid absorption without needing water, offering a quick energy boost. Its smooth consistency and balanced sugars provide sustained energy without heaviness. Ideal for cyclists focused on performance, it supports hydration strategies during high-intensity efforts, though it may not have strong flavors.

Best Organic Cycling Gel

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel is an excellent organic choice for cyclists seeking a natural energy source from organic honey. It contains no artificial ingredients and includes electrolytes for hydration during long rides. Its easy-to-digest formula suits sensitive stomachs, though its stickier texture and higher sugar content may not appeal to everyone. Cyclists should balance it with electrolytes to prevent quick energy drops.

How to make your own Gels

Making your own energy gels for cycling is definitely possible, but it requires careful attention to balance the right ingredients for energy, hydration, and digestibility. Here’s a simple approach:

• Base Ingredients: Use a mix of simple sugars such as honey or maple syrup (for quick energy) combined with maltodextrin (for sustained energy). This blend provides both glucose and fructose, ideal for rapid and prolonged energy release.

• Electrolytes: Add a pinch of salt or a specialized electrolyte powder to help maintain fluid balance and prevent cramps.

• Caffeine (optional): You can include caffeine in the form of a powdered supplement or brewed coffee for an additional energy boost.

• Gel-like Texture: To achieve a gel consistency, blend in a thickening agent like guar gum or agar-agar.

• Flavor: Enhance the taste with natural flavorings such as lemon, ginger, or fruit purees.

While making your own energy gels can be a cost-effective and customizable option, it may require some trial and error to perfect the recipe and ensure the gel is both effective and easy to consume. For convenience and consistency, many cyclists prefer pre-made gels; however, homemade versions can be a great choice if you enjoy experimenting with ingredients.

Gels and Training

Energy gels can be useful during intense or long training sessions to maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue. However, for many cyclists, especially during base training or shorter rides, they may not be essential. Whether you use gels depends on your personal needs, the intensity of your workouts, and your goals. 

Like choosing the right gel, choosing the right workout matters.

JOIN adapts to your schedule, fatigue levels, and goals to ensure that you’re always doing the right workout to reach your goals. 

Start your free trial with JOIN today (If you like it, you'll probably spend less on it than you do on gels.)