Because solid food can often be difficult to consume while exercising, many cyclists choose to use gels as a calorie source during workouts and races. Although a few brands do sell gel in a larger container, gels typically come in single serving packets of in between 32 to 55 grams, which can easily be carried in pockets for quick access.
Hammer Gel
One of the gels that contains the least sugar, a typical Hammer gel packet contains 80-90 calories, 21-22 g of carbohydrates and 2-4 g of sugar. Potassium content ranges from 10-35 mg per gel and sodium content ranges from 20-35 mg. Hammer gels contain the amino acids valine, leucine, isoleucine and alanine. Two of the nine available flavors, Tropical and Espresso, contain 25-50 mg of caffeine.
GU Gel
Each of the 10 flavors of gluten-free GU contains 100 calories, 20-25 g of carbohydrate and 5-6 g of sugar. Each GU contains 40-55 mg of sodium and 35-45 mg of potassium. GU gels also contain the amino acids histidine, leucine, isoleucine and valine, as well as added calcium, vitamin C and vitamin E. The caffeine content ranges from 0-40 mg. Four additional GU Roctane flavors are available as well, which contain larger amounts of amino acids and sodium.
Clif Shot Gel
The 6 available flavors of 90 percent organic Clif Shots all contain 100 calories, 22-24 g of carbohydrate and 12 g of sugar. Sodium content varies from 60-90 mg and potassium content varies from 55-85 mg. Clif Shots come in a variety of caffeine options: caffeine-free, 25 mg and 50 mg. Clif Shots also come in a Turbo version, which contains 100 mg of caffeine.
Power Bar Gel
Power Bar gels, which are available in seven flavors, contain 110-120 calories, 27-28 g of carbohydrate and 12 g of sugar. Power Bar gels contain one of the highest sodium-to-potassium ratios, with each gel containing 200 mg of sodium and 20-40 mg of potassium. Power Bar Gels come in caffeine-free, 25 mg and 50 mg caffeine versions.
Accel Gel
All 6 flavors of Accel gel contain 100 calories, 20 g of carbohydrate and 13 g of sugar. Although higher in sugar than other gels, each Accel gel contains 5 g of protein. Accel gels contain 115 mg of sodium and 20-30 mg of potassium, as well as added calcium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Caffeine content ranges from 0-40 mg.
E Gels
While most gels come in a 32-24 g serving, E Gels come in a larger 55 mg serving and therefore contain more nutrients. One gels contains 150 calories, 37 g carbohydrate, 7 g sugar, 230 mg sodium and 85 mg potassium. E gels also contain vitamins E, C and B6 as well as leucine, isoleucine, valine and histidine.
Carb Boom Gels
All natural Carb Boom gels contain 103-110 calories, 22-25 g of carbohydrate, 2-4 g of sugar, 50-51 mg of sodium and 50-75 mg of potassium. Carb Boom comes in 25, 50 and 100 mg caffeine options.
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