Runners Energy Gel Guide: Clean, Real-Food Picks from Our Store

Q: How often should I take gels in a marathon?

Most runners take 1 gel every 30–45 minutes. Always test your fueling in training first.

If you’ve ever hit the wall during a run, you know how important mid-run fueling is. But not all energy gels are created equal — and for runners who care about real ingredients and stomach-friendly performance, clean fuel matters.

At Outside Running Co., we specialize in real-food energy gels for runners. No artificial flavors. No synthetic sugars. Just real carbs, real ingredients, and performance you can trust.

In this guide, we’re spotlighting the best runner’s energy gel options available in our store — from maple syrup-based packets to fruit-and-fat endurance blends. Whether you’re running 5Ks or 100Ks, there’s a gel here that will fit your pace and your gut.

⚡ Why Real-Food Energy Gels?

Many conventional gels are packed with synthetic additives, maltodextrin, and high-fructose corn syrup. While they deliver fast carbs, they can also spike blood sugar, upset your stomach, and wear you down during long events.

Real-food gels, on the other hand, offer:

More balanced carb absorption
Better digestion, even during long efforts
Cleaner ingredient lists that support gut health
Natural flavors and textures for less palate fatigue

🥇 Spring Energy Gels

Key Features: Real food ingredients like rice, apple, cinnamon, banana, coconut oil
Popular for: Long runs, ultras, steady energy without spikes
Best Seller: Awesome Sauce (28g carbs, no caffeine)

Spring Energy is one of the most trusted choices among trail and ultra runners. These gels are real food in a pouch — soft on the stomach and built for serious distance.

🌱 Hüma Chia Energy Gels

Key Features: Fruit puree + chia seeds + sea salt
Popular for: Beginners, daily runners, sensitive stomachs
Best Seller: Hüma Plus with electrolytes

Hüma gels are beloved by new runners and marathoners alike. The chia helps stabilize digestion, and the fruit flavors are smooth and natural — never overly sweet.

🍯 Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels

Key Features: Honey-based, USDA Organic, available with or without caffeine
Popular for: Road runners, half marathoners, quick boosts
Best Seller: Gold (classic honey flavor)

Honey Stinger gels are fast, simple, and familiar. They deliver clean energy with natural honey sweetness, plus a little potassium and sodium for support.

🍠 Crybaby Energy Gels

Key Features: Apple puree, sweet potato, honey, bold flavors
Popular for: Flavor fatigue relief, long runs, gut-friendly fueling
Best Seller: Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Berry Cobbler

Crybaby gels are designed for runners who get tired of the same sugary vanilla or strawberry. Their sweet-savory blends keep taste buds and guts happy on long efforts.

🟤 Muir Energy Gels

Key Features: High-fat, whole food-based; nut butter consistency
Popular for: Ultra-endurance, fat-adapted runners
Best Seller: Cashew Vanilla, Red Raspberry Mate (caffeinated)

Muir gels are unique in texture and nutrition. They’re thicker, more calorie-dense, and made for athletes who prefer slow-burn, fat-based fuel.

🍁 Untapped Maple Gels

Key Features: Pure maple syrup + sea salt
Popular for: Cyclists, trail runners, natural-food purists
Best Seller: Original Maple, Coffee Maple (with caffeine)

Untapped gels are as simple and clean as it gets — just maple syrup and a touch of salt. A favorite among minimalist athletes.

🧠 Comparison: Which Gel Is Right for You?

Brand	Best For	Carb Type	Texture
Spring Energy	Ultras, steady pacing	Complex carbs	Smooth purée
Hüma	Daily runs, beginners	Fruit + chia + sugar	Light, fibrous
Honey Stinger	Races, quick boosts	Honey sugars	Thin syrup
Crybaby	Flavor fatigue relief	Sweet potato + fruit	Thick + savory
Muir	Fat-based fueling	Nut butters + fruit	Very thick
Untapped	Minimalist fuel	Maple syrup	Liquid-thin