Blog / Hydration & Nutrition
Best Energy Gels & Chews 2026
Energy gels and chews researched through marathons, century rides, and ultras. Carb density, flavor, and GI tolerance compared across GU, Maurten, Honey Stinger.
Best Energy Gels & Chews for 2026
BEST VALUE
GU Energy Gel - 8-Pack Chocolate Outrage
$16
TOP PICK
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels - 12-Pack
$20
GREAT OPTION
Skratch Labs Energy Chews Sport Fuel - 10-Pack Oranges
$28
PERFORMANCE PICK
Carbs Fuel Caffeinated Energy Gels 50g
$30
BEST UPGRADE
Krono Nutrition Energy Gels - Box of 24 Maple
$46
PREMIUM PICK
Clifbar Bloks Energy Chews - 18-Pack Margarita w/3x Sodium
$52
Gels and chews rated on carbs, flavor, and gut-friendliness — in stock at Backcountry.
GU Energy Gel - 8-Pack Chocolate Outrage
Whether we're racking up the miles in our running shoes or on our bike, the caffeine-infused GU Energy Gel delivers a quick and effective boost of sustained energy and vital nutrition to keep our body replenish…
- ✓ Best for: Budget fuel
- ✓ GU
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels - 12-Pack
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"These gels are my go-to for quick, clean energy on long rides or runs. The honey base makes them easy to digest, and the variety of flavors keeps things interesting when I…
- ✓ Best for: Everyday training
- ✓ Honey
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Skratch Labs Energy Chews Sport Fuel - 10-Pack Oranges
Skratch Labs make its Energy Chews Sport Fuel with simple ingredients and real fruit flavors to create an energy chew with a clean taste that isn't coated in wax.
- ✓ Best for: Long efforts
- ✓ Skratch
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Carbs Fuel Caffeinated Energy Gels 50g
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:“This is my go-to for long rides and trail runs. It’s clean, easy on the stomach, and actually packs a real punch when you’re pushing hard.
- ✓ Best for: Race-day carbs
- ✓ Carbs
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Krono Nutrition Energy Gels - Box of 24 Maple
Through centuries, ultras, and day hikes, the Krono Nutrition Energy Gels sustain us. Comprised of natural ingredients, these gel packets keep our energy up without unnecessary dyes and preservatives.
- ✓ Best for: Caffeine kick
- ✓ Krono
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Clifbar Bloks Energy Chews - 18-Pack Margarita w/3x Sodium
Clif Bar's Clif Shot Bloks are basically advanced fruit snacks for grown-ups, and we're so down with that. While the taste and texture are reminiscent of childhood, the content of Shot Bloks is specially design…
- ✓ Best for: Premium fuel
- ✓ Clifbar
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GU Energy Gel - 8-Pack Chocolate Outrage | Budget fuel | $16 | Backcountry → |
| Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels - 12-Pack | Everyday training | $20 | Backcountry → |
| Skratch Labs Energy Chews Sport Fuel - 10-Pack Oranges | Long efforts | $28 | Backcountry → |
| Carbs Fuel Caffeinated Energy Gels 50g | Race-day carbs | $30 | Backcountry → |
| Krono Nutrition Energy Gels - Box of 24 Maple | Caffeine kick | $46 | Backcountry → |
| Clifbar Bloks Energy Chews - 18-Pack Margarita w/3x Sodium | Premium fuel | $52 | Backcountry → |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gels should I take per hour?
1 gel every 30-45 minutes in races. Target: 60-90g carbs/hour. Most gels have 22-28g carbs, so 2-3 per hour. Practice this in training — race day is a bad time to try new fueling strategies.
Why do energy gels cause stomach issues?
Most commonly: too concentrated (not enough water), taken too fast, or fructose intolerance. Fix: always drink water with gels, take them slowly over 1-2 minutes, try different brands if one consistently causes issues.
GU vs Maurten — which is better?
GU — proven workhorse, wide flavor variety, good in most conditions, costs $1.50/gel. Maurten — newer hydrogel tech, bland neutral flavor (some prefer this), costs $6/gel. For most recreational athletes, GU. For marathon PR attempts and elite racing, Maurten. See our detailed comparison.
Should I use caffeinated gels?
Caffeine improves endurance performance by 2-5%. Best timing: 30-45 minutes before you want the effect (so late-race, not at the start). Don't exceed 3-6mg/kg body weight total during a race — more causes GI issues.
Related Nutrition Guides
- Best Electrolytes 2026 — Sodium to pair with carbs
- GU vs Maurten Comparison — Head-to-head deep-dive
- Best Carbs for Endurance — Daily carb intake guide
- Best Protein Powder — Recovery nutrition