Energy Gels and Powergels - The energy suppliers put to the test

The season of endurance athletes has begun and one of the most important questions arises again: How do I supply the body with energy during competitions? Isotonic drinks, energy gels: the range is now huge. Reason enough for us, Kathi and Christian from Tri Your Life, to start a gel test in order to help us make decisions and perhaps also to convey new inspiration.

Interesting facts about energy gels

Energy gels were specially developed for endurance sports and are characterized by a particularly high carbohydrate content. In addition, they mostly contain aromas for different tastes. Furthermore, they are often enriched with vitamin B6, vitamin B2 and vitamin B1 and contain preservatives (e.g. ascorbic acid) for reasons of food technology. Many gels are also supplemented with electrolytes or amino acids. Caffeine fortification has also become popular in recent years.

The effect of energy gel

Energy gels provide us with energy quickly, which is due to the high carbohydrate content. These are simple carbohydrates in the form of glucose, fructose or other types of sugar. These carbohydrates get into the blood very quickly and due to the low content of fat, fiber and protein, the energy gels are easy to digest.

Taking Energy Gels

Energy gels are the most effective and practical nutrition before / during a competition and are mostly consumed on the bike or while running. I.e. Quick unpacking and thus the various (more or less practical) packaging also play an important role.

When consuming it itself, care should be taken to ensure adequate hydration. The recommendations for when and how much gel should be taken for energy supply during a competition often differ. In our opinion, it is best to test this out individually, as every body reacts differently to the ingredients or does not tolerate some types of gel at all.

The gel comparison

Powerbar Powergel - the classic

The best known and probably most popular gel is simply a classic. Many swear by it. Classic packaging in a tear-open pouch, thick consistency and very sweet taste. There are a lot of flavors on offer, but in our opinion they all taste similar (sweet).

Sponser Liquid Energy Gel - der Innovative

The innovative packaging stands out first. Nothing runs out of the tube, it is easy to open and consume and can be closed again. We find the packaging very practical. The taste is neutral and pleasant (not so sweet). The consistency is more liquid and therefore easy to consume overall. And it has one more advantage to offer: it is the only acid-free gel and is therefore popular with people who do not tolerate gels very well.

Multipower Frodissimo Gel - a new taste

This gel advertises a name that is well known in triathlon. If you don't allow yourself to be distracted, you get classic packaging in a tear-open bag, a thick consistency and a pleasant (not too sweet) nutty taste.

Multipower Multicarbo Gel

The gel, which is classically packaged in a tear-off pouch, is available in different flavors. Depending on the flavor, different ingredients are included (e.g. isomalutose, guarana, L-carnitine).

Powerbar Powergel Hydro - a liquid alternative

In addition to the classic power gel, Powerbar also offers the liquid version. Likewise packed in a classic tear-open bag, the contents are more fluid and therefore easier to swallow. The consistency is very pleasant, the taste can be disputed. It's best to try it yourself, some don't like it, others don't. ;)

The overview of the tested gels

product	Capacity	carbohydrates	Energy value	additions	taste	consistency	packaging	price
Powerbar Powergel	41g	27g	454 kJ / 107 kcal	Sodium, potassium, tw. caffeine	Very cute	thick	Classic tear-open pouch	1,60€
Sponsor Liquid Energy Gel	70g	53g	900 kJ / 210 kcal	Potassium, tw. Coffee	Pleasant, neutral	liquid	Tube, very practical application, acid-free, well tolerated	2,20€
Multipower Frodissimo Gel	40g	25g	428 kJ / 101 kcal	Sodium, Potassium	Less sweet, nutty	thick	Classic tear-open pouch	1,50€
Multipower Multicarbo Gel	40g	25g	428 kJ / 101 kcal	Natrum, Potassium, tw. Isomaltuose, Guarana, L-Carnitine	sweet	thick	Classic tear-open pouch	1,30€
Powerbar Powergel Hydro	67ml	25g	434 kJ / 102 kcal	Sodium, potassium, caffeine	Artificial, less cute	liquid, easy to swallow	Classic tear-open pouch	1,90€

Our income experience

As already mentioned above, individual testing is absolutely necessary for the amounts or the time interval between intake. Nevertheless, we would also like to give you the intake we practice.

• Sprint distance: a gel just before the swim start, a gel on the bike
• Olympic distance: one gel just before the swim start, two gels on the bike

Our conclusion

It is well known that tastes are different, which is why we advise you to test the various gels yourself for individual taste suitability. If one of them still tastes delicious, the other may not like it at all. Above all, however, with regard to the personal compatibility of the ingredients and consistency, it is advisable to try them out during training.

All in all, for us endurance athletes, energy gels are the most effective way to ensure the energy supply during a competition.

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