Updated November 2026
Runners who want a fast-absorbing carbohydrate gel without a lot of fuss will likely find sis go energy gels worth a closer look. This review is based on the product listing, manufacturer-published information and common owner feedback patterns, not on any hands-on testing. These gels suit runners and cyclists who already know they need carbohydrates during sessions longer than about 60 to 90 minutes and want a simple, portable option. They are a weaker fit for anyone who needs caffeine, a highly customized formula, or a gel that is easy on a very sensitive stomach. Read on for the specifics before you commit to a box.
Science in Sport 22g Fast-Acting Liquid Carbohydrate Gel, Instant Energy & Endurance, Natural Flavors, Vegan Sports Nutrition SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel, 22g Carbs, 2 Fl Oz Gels, Lemon & Lime, 30 Coun
Product Overview
The listing for this item is titled as a Science in Sport 22g fast-acting liquid carbohydrate gel, sold under the SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel name. It is positioned as an instant energy and endurance product with natural flavors and a vegan formulation. The flavor in this listing is Lemon and Lime, and the pack contains 30 gels.
The “isotonic” label is the key idea here. Isotonic gels are formulated to have an osmolality close to that of blood, which the brand presents as a reason they can be taken with a small amount of water. Many runners prefer this because they can take a gel without having to drink a large volume of fluid immediately afterward. If you are new to gels in general, our guide on Running Energy Gels Comparison: 7 Factors to Compare Before You Buy walks through the factors that matter most when choosing between formats.
The product sits in the middle of the SiS range. It is not the caffeinated version, and it is not the electrolyte version. That makes it a straightforward carbohydrate gel, which is the right choice for many runners who prefer to get caffeine from coffee or a separate source and who already get enough sodium from their regular diet or from a separate electrolyte product.
Key Features & Specifications
The following table lists the specifications that are stated in the product name and listing. We have left out anything we could not confirm.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate per gel | 22 g |
| Gel size | 2 fl oz per gel |
| Pack count | 30 gels |
| Flavor | Lemon and Lime |
| Formula type | Isotonic liquid carbohydrate gel |
| Dietary positioning | Vegan, natural flavors |
| Caffeine | None listed |
A 22 g carbohydrate dose is in the range commonly used in endurance fueling guidance, and it is a useful unit size because you can plan intake in simple multiples. Many runners aim for roughly 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour during longer efforts, depending on body size, pace and gut tolerance. That means one gel per 30 to 45 minutes, or about every 5 to 6 miles for a typical marathon pace, will get you into the right zone. Check your own plan against the guidance from your coach or a sports dietitian, since individual needs vary.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stated 22 g carbohydrate per gel, a clear and easy-to-plan dose.
- Isotonic formulation, which the brand positions as suitable for taking with water.
- Vegan positioning and natural flavors listed on the packaging.
- Thirty-count pack gives a good supply for training blocks and a marathon.
- Simple, caffeine-free option for runners who manage caffeine separately.
Cons
- No electrolytes or caffeine in this specific listing, so you may need separate sodium and caffeine sources.
- Gel texture is a personal preference; some runners find isotonic gels thinner and harder to swallow neat.
- Owners who train in heat often say they want to carry an electrolyte product alongside, since the gel does not supply sodium.
- The 2 fl oz size means you will need to plan carrying capacity for longer races.
Performance Analysis
Performance for an energy gel comes down to three things: how quickly the carbohydrate is available, how well the stomach handles it, and whether the dose fits your plan. Based on the specifications and the general pattern of isotonic gel feedback, this product is designed for fast availability. The isotonic formula is intended to reduce the amount of water the body must pull in to process the gel, which is why it is commonly recommended for taking on the move.
Owner feedback patterns for gels in this category tend to focus on taste preference, texture and gut comfort. Lemon and lime is a fairly neutral, sharp flavor that many runners find easier to tolerate late in a race than sweeter options, though this is a matter of personal taste. Some runners report that they prefer to take the gel with a few sips of water to wash it down, which fits the isotonic design.
The biggest performance limitation is the absence of sodium in the listed formula. In hot conditions or during very long efforts, sweat losses can be significant, and a carbohydrate-only gel will not replace them. Pairing this product with a separate electrolyte strategy is a sensible approach. For runners who want a combined option, the SiS GO Energy + Electrolyte Gel is a related product (see the alternatives section below).
Timing matters as much as the gel itself. Taking a gel too early, before the body needs fuel, or too late, once you have already hit the wall, reduces the benefit. Our guide on When to Take Energy Gels: A Marathoner's Timing Guide explains how to space gels across a race, and How Many Energy Gels for Half Marathon Runners Need: A Step-by-Step Plan shows how to scale that plan to a shorter distance.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This product is a good fit for runners and cyclists who:
- Already know their target carbohydrate intake per hour and want a dose that is easy to count.
- Prefer an isotonic gel that can be taken with water.
- Want a vegan, caffeine-free option, or manage caffeine from other sources.
- Buy in bulk for a training season or a full marathon build.
It is less suitable for runners who need built-in sodium, runners who want caffeine in the gel itself, or anyone who has found through training that a particular gel brand upsets their stomach. If you have a history of gastrointestinal problems during exercise, speak with a doctor or sports dietitian before changing your fueling strategy. For a deeper look, Do SiS Energy Gels with Electrolytes Work? A Runner's Guide covers this in detail.
Buying Guide
Before you buy a box of gels, decide on four things: how many carbohydrates you need per hour, whether you need sodium or caffeine, what texture you can tolerate, and how you will carry them. Those four answers will narrow the field quickly.
Check the carbohydrate count per gel and divide your hourly target by that number. If your plan calls for 60 g per hour, a 22 g gel means you will take roughly one gel every 22 minutes, which is more frequent than most runners want. Many people split the difference by combining gels with a sports drink or a solid food. Verify the label on any product you buy, since formulas change.
Next, consider sodium and caffeine. Plain carbohydrate gels will not replace salt lost in sweat, so if you race in heat, you may want a separate electrolyte supplement or a gel that lists sodium. If you use caffeine for a late-race boost, you may prefer a caffeinated version of the same brand.
Finally, test products during training. Gel tolerance is individual, and the best gel is the one your stomach handles at race pace. Take each new product on a long run before race day, and never try something new for the first time on the course.
Several well-known alternatives are worth comparing:
- The SiS GO Energy + Electrolyte Gel adds sodium to the same carbohydrate base, which suits runners who sweat heavily or race in warm weather.
- The Science in Sport Isotonic Formula Energy Gel for Elite Athletes with 22 g carbohydrate and 75 mg caffeine is the choice for runners who want a caffeinated boost in the same format.
For a broader look at options across brands, see 5 Best Science in Sport GO Isotonic Energy Gels: Expert Picks Compared and 7 Best SiS Energy Gels for Running: Expert Picks Compared. Do SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gels Have Caffeine? Full Answer and Guide goes further into this.
FAQ
How many carbohydrates are in one SiS GO gel from this listing?
The listing states 22 g of carbohydrate per gel. Check the label on the box you receive, since packaging can change over time. SiS Energy Gels vs Maurten Gels: Which Should You Choose? (sis Energy Gels Uk) goes further into this.
Can I take these gels without water?
The product is described as an isotonic liquid gel, which the brand presents as suitable for taking with a small amount of water. Many runners take a few sips of water with any gel, and it is generally a good habit to do so.
Do these gels contain caffeine?
This listing does not mention caffeine, and it is positioned as a carbohydrate gel. If you want caffeine, look at the caffeinated SiS GO Energy + Caffeine option instead.
Do I need electrolytes if I use these gels?
Electrolytes are not listed in this product. In hot weather or on long efforts, you may need a separate sodium source. Speak with a sports dietitian or doctor if you are unsure how much sodium you need.
How many gels should I take in a marathon?
Many runners take one gel every 30 to 45 minutes during a marathon, which often works out to roughly 4 to 6 gels across the race. Your exact number depends on your pace, body size, and gut tolerance. Test your plan in training.
When should I take the first gel?
Most fueling plans suggest starting around the 45- to 60-minute mark rather than at the start line, though individual approaches vary. Practice your schedule on long runs.
Are these gels suitable for cycling as well as running?
Isotonic gels are used in both sports. Cyclists may find the format easy to take while riding, though you should practice taking gels on the bike before a long event. For cycling-specific options, see 5 Best Energy Gels for Cycling: Expert Picks Compared.
What if a gel upsets my stomach?
Stop using that product during training, try a different brand or format, and consult a doctor or sports dietitian if symptoms persist. Do not experiment for the first time on race day.
Final Verdict
Sis go energy gels in this listing offer a clear, well-defined carbohydrate dose in an isotonic format that many runners find easy to use on the move. They are a sensible choice for runners who want a plain carbohydrate gel, who manage caffeine and sodium separately, and who plan their fueling around a known hourly intake. They are less ideal if you need built-in electrolytes or caffeine, or if you have a sensitive stomach that has not yet tolerated the product in training. Test them on a long run, pair them with a sodium plan if you sweat heavily, and you will have a reliable option for race day.



