Energy Gels

Shop Energy Gels at Myprotein

Running gels and energy gels are designed for one job: keeping you fuelled when it matters most. Whether you're mid-run, deep into a cycle, or heading into the final stretch of a race, these compact, fast-acting formats deliver carbohydrates exactly when your body needs them — no mixing, no fuss, no slowing down.

At Myprotein, the energy gel range spans everything from carbohydrate-electrolyte gels built for endurance to caffeine-powered pre-workout gels for high-intensity sessions. Each formula is developed with performance in mind, so you can pick the right gel for the right moment.

Who Energy Gels Are For

Energy gels are a staple for endurance athletes — runners, cyclists, triathletes, and anyone covering long distances who needs a reliable, portable fuel source. If you're out for 60 minutes or more, carbohydrates become increasingly important, and gels make it easy to top up on the move without carrying bulky snacks.

They're also popular with gym-goers and team sport athletes who want a quick hit of fuel before or during intense training. The gel format is practical: no prep, no mess, and nothing that'll slow you down between reps or sets.

When to Use Energy Gels

Timing depends on what you're using them for. For endurance exercise, most athletes take a carbohydrate gel every 30–45 minutes during activity to maintain fuel availability. Starting fuelling early — rather than waiting until you feel depleted — tends to be more effective for longer efforts.

Pre-workout gels containing caffeine are typically taken 20–30 minutes before training to allow the caffeine to take effect. For post-exercise recovery, carbohydrate-electrolyte gels can be part of an immediate refuelling strategy, since carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle.¹

Energy Gels Benefits

Fast-Acting Carbohydrates

Energy gels are formulated with rapidly digestible carbohydrates — often a blend of maltodextrin and fructose — that get into the system quickly. This makes them well-suited to situations where you need fuel fast, without waiting for digestion to catch up with your effort.

Electrolyte Delivery

Many carbohydrate gels also include electrolytes like sodium, which are lost through sweat during exercise. Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise² and enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise.³

Convenient Format

The gel format makes fuelling genuinely easy on the move. A small sachet fits in a jersey pocket, a race belt, or the palm of your hand — ready to take without stopping, shaking, or measuring.

Options for Every Session

From caffeine-free carbohydrate gels to pre-workout gels with 200mg caffeine per serving, the range covers different training demands. Whether you're pacing a marathon or hitting a high-intensity session, there's a format built for it.

Popular Picks

THE Pre Workout Gel — A pocket-sized gel packing 200mg of caffeine per serving, THE Pre Workout Gel is built for those who want a convenient way to increase endurance capacity before training.

THE Energy Gel | Carbohydrate & Electrolyte Gel — Delivering 30g of fast-acting carbohydrates in a 2:1 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio, THE Energy Gel is the go-to rapid refuelling option for those who need to keep moving, with electrolytes including magnesium to rehydrate on the go.

THE Pre Workout Gel — A pocket-sized gel packing 200mg of caffeine per serving, THE Pre Workout Gel is built for those who want a convenient way to increase endurance capacity before training.

FAQs

What are running gels and how do they work?

Running gels are small, portable sachets containing concentrated carbohydrates designed to be taken during exercise. The carbohydrates are rapidly digestible, making them a practical way to deliver fuel during runs, cycles, or other sustained efforts. Most gels are swallowed directly and washed down with water, with no mixing or preparation needed.

What's the difference between an energy gel and a carbohydrate-electrolyte gel?

A standard energy gel focuses primarily on carbohydrates as a fuel source, while a carbohydrate-electrolyte gel also includes minerals like sodium lost through sweat. Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise² — making them a popular choice for longer-duration activities where both fuel and hydration matter.

How often should I take energy gels during a run?

Most endurance athletes take a gel every 30–45 minutes during prolonged exercise. Starting early in your session — rather than waiting until fatigue sets in — tends to work better for sustained efforts. Always take gels with water to aid absorption and avoid gut discomfort.

What's the best energy gel for high-intensity training?

For high-intensity sessions, THE Pre Workout Gel is a strong option — it contains 200mg of caffeine per serving in a convenient gel format, making it easy to take before training without stopping to mix a drink. It's built for athletes who want their pre-workout fuel sorted quickly and cleanly.

What are energy gels made from?

Most energy gels use a blend of carbohydrate sources — commonly maltodextrin and fructose. A 2:1 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio, as used in THE Energy Gel, is a well-established formulation approach that allows different carbohydrate transporters in the gut to work simultaneously, enabling the body to process a higher carbohydrate intake per hour compared to a single carbohydrate source.

Are energy gels suitable for cycling as well as running?

Energy gels are format-agnostic — they're used across running, cycling, triathlon, and other endurance sports. The compact, portable sachet works just as well in a jersey pocket during a sportive as it does in a race belt during a marathon. The key is finding a gel your gut tolerates well during your specific activity.

Can I use an energy gel before a workout instead of during it?

Pre-workout gels — particularly those containing caffeine — are designed to be taken before training rather than during it. Caffeine-containing gels like THE Pre Workout Gel are typically taken around 20–30 minutes before a session. Standard carbohydrate gels, on the other hand, are more commonly used during exercise to maintain fuel availability throughout.

Are energy gels available in Ireland?

Myprotein ships energy gels to Ireland, so whether you're looking for running gels, electrolyte gels, or pre-workout gels, the full range is available to order online. Delivery options to Ireland are listed at checkout.

Who develops Myprotein's energy gels?

Myprotein's energy gels are developed by an in-house team of expert nutritionists. Every formula is built around the practical needs of active people — from the carbohydrate ratios used in endurance gels to the caffeine dosages in pre-workout formats — to make sure each product earns its place in your kit.

How many carbohydrates are in a typical energy gel?

Carbohydrate content varies by product, but a well-formulated endurance gel typically provides around 20–30g of carbohydrates per serving. THE Energy Gel, for example, delivers 30g of fast-acting carbohydrates per sachet — a practical amount for fuelling during prolonged exercise without overloading the gut in one go.

1. Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle.  

2. Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise.  

3. Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise.