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Our top running gels and tablets

Selection of running gels on blue background
Got a big race coming up? We share our best energy gels for running, so you can find your main squeeze

Our top picks

Suitable for vegans

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml
4.73

SIS (SCIENCE IN SPORT)

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml

Save up to 1/2 Price

£1.10

RRP £1.65

No carbs

Applied Nutrition ABE Ultimate Pre Workout Gel Energy 60g
4.5

Applied Nutrition

Applied Nutrition ABE Ultimate Pre Workout Gel Energy 60g

18+

£2.00

Isotonic gel

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack 7 x 60ml
4.71

SIS (SCIENCE IN SPORT)

SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack 7 x 60ml

£12.50

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As the miles add up, energy gels can be a runner’s secret weapon. These pocket-sized sachets deliver carbohydrates to support energy levels during marathons, long workouts and endurance events. But which to choose? From budget options to flavour-filled variety packs, we’ve rounded up our favourite energy gels, tablets and electrolytes to help you towards the finish line...

Our best running gels and tablets

It can be confusing trying to find the one that’s right for you. So here’s our top pick of running gels – from simple individual sachets to ones with added ingredients like electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. We’ve added some bonus running tablets too, if gels aren’t your thing.
SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack 7 x 60ml

Isotonic gel

SIS (SCIENCE IN SPORT)

£12.50

£0.03/1 Sachet

Our top gel... for marathon running

With 22g of carbs per 60ml sachet, the GO Isotonic Energy Gel delivers an easily digestible and quick supply of carbohydrates for use during sustained exercise. You’ll get seven sachets in each of SiS’ top flavours, including orange, blackcurrant, apple, lemon and lime, pineapple, pink grapefruit and tropical. So whether you’re finding your feet or you like to switch things up, you’re sure to find a flavour that makes your next stride that little bit easier. Consume up to three sachets per 60 minutes during exercise as you need.
 
Dextro Energy Blackcurrant 47g

With vitamin C

Dextro Energy

£0.99

£0.21/10 ml

Our top pick... for your budget

Need fast-acting energy? These individually wrapped blackcurrant flavour tablets provide 91g carbohydrates from dextrose, plus 120mg of vitamin C (150% of your recommended intake) which contributes to normal immune function.1,2 Dissolve one tablet in water and drink for a fruit-flavoured boost.
 
HIGH5 Zero Orange & Cherry 80g

Zero calories

High5

£8.00

£10.00/100 g

Our top pick... for electrolytes

High5 Zero is a zero-calorie electrolyte tablet with sodium, potassium and magnesium.3,4 Alongside electrolytes, they contain green tea and provide 28mg vitamin C to support normal immune function.2,5 Simply drop into your water bottle and enjoy – we recommend using about 750ml water, but you can mix to your preferred strength.
 
Applied Nutrition ABE Ultimate Pre Workout Gel Energy 60g

No carbs

Applied Nutrition

£2.00

£3.33/100 g

Our top gel... with creatine

Your pre-workout has never been easier. Applied Nutrition’s All Black Everything (ABE) Gel combines creatine, caffeine and citrulline for an all-in-one blend. Each gel sachet offers 3g creatine monohydrate and 200mg caffeine, plus vitamins B3 (niacin) and B12 to contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal psychological function.Ready to get your head in the game? Consume one gel 15 minutes prior to exercise and ideally on an empty stomach but don't consume more than one sachet per day.
 
High5 Cycle Kit

Full energy kit

High5

High5 Cycle Kit
4.9624 reviews

£15.00

£15.00/1 Bundle

Our top pick... for variety

The HIGH5 Cycle Kit contains a selection of energy gels ideal for any endurance sport. With a mixture of energy gels, energy barsenergy drinks, recovery drinks, ZERO hydration tablets and a 750ml bottle, it’s full of all your sports nutrition essentials. This pack is ideal whether you’re new to sports nutrition or stocking up for training sessions or an event. It’s also suitable for vegetarians and contains an assortment of bestselling flavours – both with and without caffeine.
 
SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Orange 60ml

Suitable for vegans

SIS (SCIENCE IN SPORT)

RRP £1.65

£1.10

£1.83/100 ml

Our top gel... without water

If you’re prone to running out of water, these energy gels are for you. SiS has developed an isotonic formulation with 22g carbohydrates per sachet. Convenient and ready to use, keep it in your pocket for endurance activities such as running or cycling.
 
SiS GO Energy + Caffeine Gel Berry 60ml

75mg caffeine

SCIENCE IN SPORTS

RRP £1.75

£1.20

£0.20/10 ml

Our top gel... with caffeine

Caffeine fiends, take note. These sachets from SiS provide 22g carbohydrates plus caffeine in a convenient format. Each 60ml serving provides 75mg caffeine – about the same as a standard energy drink – alongside vitamins B6 and B12 to contribute to normal protein and glycogen metabolism (B6) and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (B6 and B12).7-10 Consume up to three sachets per 60 minutes during exercise as required but don't have more than four sachets per day.
 

Running gel FAQs

What do running gels do?

They provide a source of carbohydrates in a convenient format for use during exercise. They’ll also sometimes include substances like caffeine, creatine or added vitaminsRunning gels are designed to be easy to take while you’re on the go.
 

When should I take a running gel?

It depends on the product, so follow the instructions on the label of your running gel. But usually, they’re designed to be taken during intense exercise to provide a convenient source of carbohydrates as you go.
 

Do you need water with running gels?

No. Unlike many tablets, running gels are designed to be taken on their own and don’t need water.
 

Are running gels good for marathons?

Yes – running gels are generally designed for intense endurance events like marathons. But they’re not exclusive to running; you could use them for intense cycling, swimming or hiking lasting longer than 60 minutes.
 

The final say

Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply aiming to reach the finish line, the right energy gel can help support your routine from A to B. And the best thing: you’ve got plenty of options. Want to learn more? Get the science, top tips and potential benefits in our ultimate guide to running gels. Or take a break from training and read up on looking after your joints for a marathon...
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

Sources

1. NHS. Vitamin C [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2020 Aug 3; cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/
2. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6500
3. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6402
4. CDC. Effects of sodium and potassium [Internet]. CDC [reviewed 2025 Feb 3; cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/salt/sodium-potassium-health/index.html
5. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6510
6. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6365
7. NHS Fife. Caffeine [Internet]. NHS Fife [reviewed 2018 Aug; cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.nhsfife.org/media/f7r7z2nz/caffeine-handout.pdf
8. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6494
9. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6498
10. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6488
 
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