Long runs and endurance events demand fuel that works with your body rather than against it. Energy gels solve a specific problem: how do you take in calories when your legs are moving, and your stomach has other concerns? These concentrated packets of carbohydrates bypass the chewing requirement and deliver glucose to your bloodstream in a form your gut can process under stress.
Finding the right gel matters, but so does finding the right place to buy it. Some websites sell individual packets so you can test flavors before committing to a case. Others bundle gels with electrolytes and bars at a discount. A few specialize in hard-to-find brands that your local running store never stocks. The differences between retailers add up over a season of training, both in cost and in convenience.
Each entry covers what makes the retailer worth considering, including product selection, pricing, shipping terms, and any features that save time or money. A comparison table at the end puts the key details side by side for quick reference.
What Makes an Energy Gel Worth Buying
Before comparing retailers, it helps to know what separates one gel from another. Most energy gels contain 20 to 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which translates to roughly 90 to 100 calories. This amount provides a noticeable boost without overwhelming your digestive system during a run or ride.
Registered dietitian and certified sports dietetics specialist Dawn Jackson Blatner describes energy gels as “concentrated carbohydrate-based fuel designed to provide quick, easily digestible energy for endurance athletes.” The sugars in these gels, typically maltodextrin, glucose, or fructose, absorb rapidly into the bloodstream and help maintain blood sugar levels during prolonged effort.
Key factors to consider:
- Carbohydrate content: 20 to 25 grams per serving works well for most athletes
- Caffeine: Some gels contain 20 to 100 mg of caffeine for added alertness; others are caffeine-free
- Electrolytes: Sodium and potassium become more important if you sweat heavily or train in heat
- Dietary needs: Many gels are vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives
- Price: Expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.50 per packet, with premium brands at the higher end
9 Trusted Retailers for Energy Gel Purchases
1. GU Energy Labs
GU Energy Labs operates from Berkeley, California, and focuses entirely on sports nutrition. The company introduced the first widely distributed energy gel back in 1993, when founder Bill Vaughan developed a formula to help his ultra-running daughter compete in longer trail races without stomach problems.
The website sells directly to consumers with no middleman markup. You can choose from Original Gels or Liquid Gels, which have a smoother and lighter texture. The lineup includes vegan and gluten-free options, plus caffeinated versions for athletes who want an edge in focus.
GU sponsors USA Triathlon, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Western States Endurance Run, and the Leadville Race Series. In 2012, GU became the first official gel and chew sponsor for Ironman events.
Best for: Athletes who want to buy directly from a dedicated gel manufacturer with a long track record in endurance sports.
2. The Feed
The Feed operates as a marketplace that carries over 300 brands of sports nutrition, including more than 15 exclusive labels. The site was built with a specific goal: let athletes buy single servings of gels, chews, and bars rather than committing to full boxes of products they have never tried.
This approach solves a common frustration. You can test five different gel brands in one order, figure out which ones your stomach tolerates, and then stock up on your favorites. Expert coaches are available through live chat to help you build a customized fueling plan if you need guidance.
USA Triathlon partnered with The Feed to provide members with an $80 credit and ensure high-performance athletes have access to proper fuel and hydration. The site offers free shipping on orders over $65 with delivery in 1 to 5 days, faster 1 to 2-day shipping on orders over $50, and free 90-day returns.
Best for: Athletes who want to sample multiple brands without buying full cases, and those who value expert advice on fueling strategies.
3. Honey Stinger
Honey Stinger has been based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, since 2001. The company builds its products around honey and responsibly sourced ingredients, creating a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from maltodextrin-based competitors.
Their energy gels come in 5 flavors, including 2 caffeinated options. The formulas contain no artificial sweeteners and are certified organic. Honey Stinger emphasizes easy digestion and portability for workouts that run long.
More than 2,000 professional and college teams now use Honey Stinger products. The brand has carved out a loyal following among athletes who prefer natural ingredients and a sweeter taste.
Best for: Athletes who want organic, honey-based gels with no artificial sweeteners.
4. UCAN
UCAN takes a different approach to energy gels. Instead of simple sugars that spike blood glucose quickly, UCAN uses a proprietary low-glycemic carbohydrate called LIVSTEADY. This complex carbohydrate releases energy slowly, reducing the spike and crash pattern that some athletes find uncomfortable.
Runner’s World awarded UCAN Edge the 2022 Fitness Award as the best food to eat during a run. The product contains no sugar and is designed to keep you fueled without the jittery feeling that simple carbohydrates can cause.
The slow-release formula may appeal to athletes who have struggled with stomach issues from traditional gels or who want to enhance fat burn during exercise.
Best for: Athletes who prefer steady energy release and want to avoid sugar spikes.
5. Maurten
Maurten comes from Sweden and uses patented Hydrogel Technology to encapsulate carbohydrates. The Gel 100 contains 25 grams of carbohydrates built from only 6 ingredients with no added colors, preservatives, or flavors.
The hydrogel structure allows for smoother digestion and sustained energy release. Maurten products are Informed Sport Certified, meaning they have been tested for purity and are free from banned substances.
Maurten Gel 100 serves as on-course fuel at the Ironman Global Series, T100 World Series, Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and SBT Gravel. Both caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions are available, with the caffeinated option containing 100 mg of caffeine per serving. Gels are sold in boxes of 12.
Best for: Competitive athletes who want minimal ingredients, hydrogel technology, and third-party testing for banned substances.
6. Hammer Nutrition
Hammer Nutrition has been producing gels since 1995. Their formula avoids added refined sugars, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. The complex carbohydrates and pH-balancing formula aim to provide quick-acting energy that lasts without digestive upset.
Hammer Gel also includes branched-chain amino acids to help prevent muscle tissue breakdown and reduce fatigue during long efforts. The Espresso flavor contains 50 mg of caffeine, while Tropical contains 25 mg. All flavors except Nocciola are vegan friendly.
At $1.46 per serving, Hammer Energy Gel ranks among the most affordable options on the market.
Best for: Budget-conscious athletes who want a no-frills gel with amino acids and no refined sugars.
7. REI Co-op
REI functions as a general outdoor retailer that stocks energy gels alongside camping gear, hiking boots, and cycling equipment. The co-op model means members receive dividends on purchases, which adds up over time for regular buyers.
The selection includes gels from GU, Honey Stinger, Spring Energy, Huma Gel, and Muir Energy. Filter options let you sort by vegetarian, vegan, organic, made in USA, and gluten-free preferences. REI backs everything with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
REI recommends energy gels specifically for longer activities where you cannot take a break to eat, including triathlons, marathons, long runs, and bike races.
Best for: Outdoor athletes who already shop at REI and want to bundle gel purchases with other gear while earning member dividends.
8. Running Warehouse
Running Warehouse caters specifically to runners and stocks energy gels as part of a broader selection of shoes, apparel, and accessories. The site offers competitive pricing on popular brands including GU, NeverSecond, and Maurten.
Pricing examples include 8-packs of GU for $10.95, 24-packs for $31.95, and GU Roctane 24-packs for $51.95. A wide selection of flavors is available for each brand.
The site positions gels as an excellent way to maintain energy during long runs without adding stress to your digestive system.
Best for: Dedicated runners who want to combine gel purchases with shoe and apparel orders from a runner-focused retailer.
9. Amazon
Amazon carries energy gels from GU Energy, Honey Stinger, Maurten, UCAN, CLIF, and other major brands. The marketplace model means prices fluctuate, but Subscribe & Save options can lock in discounts for regular purchases.
Current pricing shows GU Energy at $36.00 and Honey Stinger at $33.35 for 24-pack orders. Prime members get free shipping along with same-day or next-day delivery in many areas. Non-Prime customers receive free shipping on orders over $25.
The selection leans toward popular brands rather than niche products. Specialty gels from smaller companies may be harder to find compared to dedicated sports nutrition retailers.
Best for: Athletes who want fast delivery through an existing Prime membership and prefer mainstream gel brands.
Quick Comparison Table
| Retailer | Single Servings | Free Shipping Threshold | Specialty Focus | Notable Feature |
| GU Energy Labs | Yes | Varies | Gels and chews | Direct from manufacturer |
| The Feed | Yes | Varies | Sports nutrition | 300+ brands, single servings |
| Honey Stinger | No | Varies | Organic honey products | Certified organic |
| UCAN | No | Varies | Low-glycemic nutrition | Slow-release LIVSTEADY |
| Maurten | No | Varies | Hydrogel technology | Informed Sport Certified |
| Hammer Nutrition | Yes | Varies | Endurance nutrition | $1.46 per serving |
| REI Co-op | No | $50 | Outdoor gear | Member dividends |
| Running Warehouse | No | $50 | Running gear | Bundle with shoes |
| Amazon | No | $25 | General marketplace | Prime delivery speeds |
How to Use Energy Gels Properly
Buying gels from the right source only matters if you use them correctly. Poor timing or insufficient water can turn a helpful fuel source into a stomach problem.
- Timing your intake: Take your first gel 60 to 90 minutes into exercise, then consume additional gels every 30 to 45 minutes as needed. Starting too early or taking too many gels at once increases the risk of stomach discomfort.
- Hydration matters: Take a few sips of water before and after consuming a gel. Water helps with absorption and keeps you hydrated. Taking gels without enough water is the most common cause of digestive upset.
- Train your gut: If you have never used energy gels before, start with half a gel during a training run and increase the amount gradually over several sessions. Most athletes can train their digestive systems to tolerate gels during exercise, but it takes practice.
Choosing the Right Retailer for Your Needs
Each website on this list serves a slightly different purpose.
- Athletes who want to sample many brands before committing should start with The Feed, where single-serving purchases keep the risk low.
- Those who know exactly what they want may prefer buying directly from GU, Maurten, or Honey Stinger to support the brands they trust.
- Budget-conscious athletes should compare pricing between Hammer Nutrition, Running Warehouse, and Amazon. Price per serving varies significantly between retailers, and Subscribe & Save options on Amazon can reduce costs for athletes who consume gels regularly.
- Athletes with dietary restrictions should pay close attention to ingredient lists and certifications. UCAN offers sugar-free options, Honey Stinger provides certified organic products, and Maurten carries Informed Sport Certification for those competing in tested sports.
The best approach combines product research with retailer comparison. Know what you need from a gel, then find the website that delivers it with the best combination of price, selection, and shipping terms for your location.