By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
Ultra runners need a fuel source they can digest at a steady pace for hours, and energy gels for ultra running are one of the most common ways to do it. Choosing among them is not just about flavor. Carbohydrate content per serving, the type of carbohydrate, caffeine, electrolytes, ingredient list and how easily the gel goes down when your stomach is unsettled all matter. The picks below are based on manufacturer specifications, long-standing brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback. We have not tested these products ourselves, so check the labels and try any gel in training before race day.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors – 24 CountView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for caffeine-free fuelingHoney Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel, 12 Pack, 13.2 OunceView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for sensitive stomachsReal Food, Stomach Friendly Energy Gels Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety, 12 GelsView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickGU Energy Original Energy Gels, Mixed Classic Flavors – 24 CountView on Amazon - 5
Best for high-carb hourly fuelingHuma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie, 40g Carbs, 8 GelsView on Amazon - 6
Best for electrolyte replacementHuma Plus Chia Energy Gel, Double Electrolytes, Variety, 12 GelsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel | Long-distance race fueling | Higher-carb formula with sodium and caffeine options |
| Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel | Caffeine-free fueling | Organic ingredients, gluten-free and caffeine-free |
| Real Food Huma Chia Energy Gel | Sensitive stomachs | Fruit-based, chia-containing gel with a thinner texture |
| GU Energy Original Energy Gels | Budget-conscious runners | Mixed classic flavors in a large multipack |
| Huma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie | High-carb hourly intake | Approximately 40 g of carbohydrate per gel |
| Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel | Electrolyte replacement | Added electrolytes alongside chia-based carbohydrates |
GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors – 24 Count
GU Energy, Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors – 24 Count
Best for: Long-distance race fueling
This gel suits runners who need a concentrated carbohydrate source for many hours on course and who are comfortable managing their own sodium intake. It is designed for the higher output of ultra distances.
Key specs
- Sold as a 24-count assorted-flavor pack
- Formulated for ultra endurance use, per the product name
Pros
- Designed specifically for ultra-length efforts
- Large count suits full training blocks and multi-race seasons
- Assorted flavors reduce flavor fatigue on long days
Cons
- Thicker texture may be harder to take down without water
- Not suited to runners who want a very low-sugar option
Bottom line: A strong default for experienced ultra runners who want a proven, high-output gel in bulk.
Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel, 12 Pack, 13.2 Ounce
Honey Stinger, Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel, Gluten Free & Caffeine Free, for Exercise, Running and Performance, Sports Nutrition for Home & Gym, Pre and Mid Workout, 12 Pack, 13.2 Ounce
Best for: Caffeine-free fueling
This gel fits runners who avoid caffeine during the day, want an organic ingredient profile, or need a gluten-free option for race morning and mid-run use.
Key specs
- Sold as a 12-pack totaling 13.2 ounces
- Gluten-free and caffeine-free, per the product name
- Organic fruit smoothie flavor
Pros
- Caffeine-free, useful for late-day or sensitive runners
- Organic, fruit-based flavor many runners find easy to tolerate
- Gluten-free label suits many dietary needs
Cons
- Lower carbohydrate density than some high-output ultra gels
- Runners needing caffeine for a late-race boost will need a separate source
Bottom line: Best for runners who want a clean, caffeine-free gel for training and early race fueling.
Real Food, Stomach Friendly Energy Gels Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety, 12 Gels
Real Food, Stomach Friendly Energy Gels Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety, 12 Gels
Best for: Sensitive stomachs
Runners who experience GI distress on long efforts often look for a thinner, fruit-based gel with simple ingredients. This product is aimed at that group.
Key specs
- Sold as a 12-gel variety pack
- Chia-based energy gel, marketed as stomach friendly
Pros
- Marketed for easier digestion during long efforts
- Variety pack reduces flavor boredom
- Real-food positioning appeals to runners avoiding artificial ingredients
Cons
- Pack size is smaller than the multipacks from larger brands
- Texture may be looser than traditional gels, which some runners dislike
Bottom line: A good first choice for runners whose stomachs rebel on standard gels. Worth reading next: Are Keto Friendly Energy Gels Worth It? A Runner's Guide.
GU Energy Original Energy Gels, Mixed Classic Flavors – 24 Count
GU Energy, Original Energy Gels, Mixed Classic Flavors – 24 Count
Best for: Budget-conscious runners
This is a practical choice for runners who go through a lot of gels in training and want a familiar, widely available product in a large pack.
Key specs
- Sold as a 24-count mixed classic flavor pack
- Original formula from a long-established sports nutrition brand
Pros
- Large count is efficient for high training volume
- Mixed flavors let you find favorites
- Well-known brand with broad availability
Cons
- Standard formula may be less concentrated than dedicated ultra gels
- Classic flavors are less varied than some newer product lines
Bottom line: A sensible everyday gel for runners who want reliable fuel without paying for specialized formulas.
Huma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie, 40g Carbs, 8 Gels
40g Carbs, Real Food, Ultra Endurance Formula Huma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie, 8 Gels
Best for: High-carb hourly fueling
Runners who need to take in a large amount of carbohydrate per hour, typically in the 60 to 90 gram range recommended for prolonged efforts, may prefer a gel with a higher carb count per serving. A related read: 6 Best How Oftens to Take Energy Gels When Running (2026): Our Picks.
Key specs
- Listed as containing 40 g of carbohydrate per gel
- Sold as an 8-gel pack
- Apple Pie flavor
Pros
- High carbohydrate per gel reduces the number of gels needed each hour
- Real-food ingredient positioning
- Apple Pie flavor is a popular choice among owners
Cons
- Smaller pack size means more frequent reordering
- High carb load may be too much for runners with low intake tolerance
Bottom line: Ideal for runners training their gut to handle high carbohydrate intake on long days. A related read: Do Energy Gels with Protein Work for Runners? What to Know.
Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel, Double Electrolytes, Variety, 12 Gels
Double Electrolytes, Real Food, Stomach Friendly Energy Gels Huma Plus – Chia Energy Gel, Variety, 12 Gels
Best for: Electrolyte replacement
Runners who sweat heavily or race in heat often need sodium and other electrolytes alongside carbohydrate. This gel is designed to address both.
Key specs
- Sold as a 12-gel variety pack
- Marketed with double electrolytes
- Chia-based energy gel
Pros
- Electrolytes included in the gel itself
- Variety pack suits multi-hour training
- Chia base appeals to runners preferring whole-food ingredients
Cons
- Electrolyte levels may not match a heavy sweater’s full needs
- Some runners find the chia texture unusual at first
Bottom line: A good pick for hot-weather ultras or runners who lose a lot of salt.
Buying Guide
Carbohydrate Content per Gel
Most ultra fueling plans aim for roughly 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour for prolonged efforts, according to sports nutrition guidance. Check the label for grams per serving, then work out how many gels you will need per hour. Higher-carb gels reduce the number of packets to carry but demand more from your gut.
Good picks for this: Huma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie; GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel
Caffeine Content
Caffeine can help with perceived effort late in a race, but it also affects sleep and can cause jitters or GI problems in some runners. Check whether the gel contains caffeine and at what amount. Caffeine-free options are useful for runners who want to save caffeine for later or avoid it entirely. For a deeper look, Krono Nutrition Energy Gels: Are They Right for Your Race Fueling? covers this in detail.
Good picks for this: Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel; GU Energy Original Energy Gels You may also like Why Are Energy Gels So Expensive? Costs, Ingredients and Value (2026).
Electrolyte Content
Heavy sweaters, runners in hot conditions and those on very long efforts often need sodium. Some gels include electrolytes, while others expect you to supplement with a separate product. Read the label to confirm sodium and any other minerals listed.
Good picks for this: Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel; GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel
Ingredient Profile and Digestibility
Ingredient lists matter most for runners with sensitive stomachs. Look for simpler formulas, fewer artificial additives and fruit or chia-based carbohydrates if you have had problems with standard gels. Digestibility is individual, so trial different gels in training.
Good picks for this: Real Food Huma Chia Energy Gel; Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel
Texture and Water Requirement
Gel texture ranges from thin and drinkable to thick and sticky. Thicker gels generally need to be taken with water to avoid dry-mouth or gagging, which matters when you are running and breathing hard. Practice taking gels at race pace before you rely on them.
Good picks for this: Real Food Huma Chia Energy Gel; GU Energy Original Energy Gels
Pack Size and Flavor Variety
Multipacks suit high training volume and reduce cost per gel, while smaller packs let you test flavors without committing. Variety packs help prevent flavor fatigue over a long race or training block. You may also like Hilltop Honey Energy Gels: A Runner's Guide to Using Them on Race Day.
Good picks for this: GU Energy Original Energy Gels; Real Food Huma Chia Energy Gel
Storage and Shelf Life
Heat can change gel texture and sometimes affect flavor. Store packs in a cool, dry place, and check expiration dates before race day. Keep a few gels in your pack for emergencies even if you plan to use a different brand on course.
Good picks for this: GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel; Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel
FAQ
How many energy gels do I need for an ultra?
It depends on your target carbohydrate intake per hour, the carb content of each gel and the length of your race. Many runners work from 60 to 90 grams per hour and divide that by the grams per gel. Test this in long training runs before race day.
Should I take energy gels with water?
Most gels are designed to be taken with water so they are easier to swallow and digest. Thicker gels in particular benefit from water. Confirm the manufacturer’s guidance and practice at race pace.
Are caffeinated gels better for ultras?
Not necessarily. Caffeine can help some runners late in a race, but it can disrupt sleep and upset some stomachs. Caffeine-free gels are a good option if you want to avoid it or manage it carefully.
Can energy gels cause stomach problems?
Yes, especially if you take them at high intensity without enough water or if your gut is not trained. Some runners tolerate gels better with a lower-sugar or chia-based formula. If you have ongoing GI issues, consult a sports dietitian or a healthcare professional.
Do I need electrolytes with my gels?
Heavy sweaters and runners in hot conditions often do. Some gels include electrolytes, while others do not. Check your sweat losses and conditions, and consider a separate electrolyte source if needed. Consult a professional for personalized guidance.
How early should I start using gels in training?
Begin introducing gels during long runs several weeks before your race so your gut can adapt. Start with one gel per hour and adjust. Using race-day products in training is the most reliable way to avoid surprises.
Conclusion
For most ultra runners, GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel is a strong all-around choice, particularly for high-output efforts. Runners who need caffeine-free fueling should consider Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel. Those with sensitive stomachs may do better with Real Food Huma Chia Energy Gel. GU Energy Original Energy Gels suits high training volume on a budget. Huma Ultra Energy Gel, Apple Pie fits runners who want high carbohydrate per gel, and Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel is a sensible pick for electrolyte needs. Always trial your chosen gel in training.
Sources
- Nutrient composition data for carbohydrate and sodium content in common foods and sports products (usda.gov)
- Research summaries on carbohydrate intake and endurance exercise performance (nih.gov)
- Position guidance on nutrition and fluid needs during prolonged exercise (acsm.org)
Related reading
- Running Energy Gels Comparison: 7 Factors to Compare Before You Buy
- Energy Gels for Running Nearby (2026): Which Should You Choose?
- Energy Gels for Distance Running
- Energy Gels Before Running: When to Take Them and How Much
- Energy Chews vs Gels for Running (2026): Which Is Better for Long Runs?
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
