Best Energy Gels for Running and Cycling in Ireland (2026)

By Sports Foods Ireland Team · April 2026 · 6 min read

Choosing the right energy gel for your sport can make a significant difference to your performance and comfort during long efforts. At Sports Foods Ireland, we work with cyclists, runners and triathletes across the country, and we've seen first-hand which gels work best in different conditions.

This guide covers the most popular energy gels available in Ireland in 2026, including when and how to use them.

What to Look for in an Energy Gel

Before diving into specific products, it's worth understanding what makes a good energy gel:

• Carbohydrate type — Gels using multiple carbohydrate sources (glucose + fructose, or maltodextrin + fructose) allow higher absorption rates than single-source gels.
• Consistency — Thicker gels need water; thinner "isotonic" gels can be taken alone. Important for running when carrying a water bottle is difficult.
• Electrolytes — Some gels include sodium and other electrolytes, reducing the need for separate electrolyte products.
• Taste — Flavour fatigue is real on long efforts. Choose gels you enjoy at kilometre 80, not just before the race.

High5 Energy Gel Aqua — Best for Running

The High5 Energy Gel Aqua is one of the most popular gels in Ireland for good reason. Its thinner, more liquid consistency means it can be taken without water — ideal for running races where stopping to drink is difficult. Each gel delivers 23g of carbohydrates with a light, non-sickly taste. The Aqua Caffeine version adds 30mg of caffeine per gel, useful for the second half of a long race.

Clif Shot Bloks — Best for Cycling

Clif Shot Bloks are chewable energy cubes rather than traditional gels. For cyclists, who can more easily eat solid food while in the saddle, Shot Bloks offer a different texture that many find less nauseating over long efforts. Each sleeve contains 3 chews delivering 100 calories and 25g of carbohydrates. The Mountain Berry flavour with caffeine is particularly popular on sportives and gran fondos.

PowerBar PowerGel — Best for Triathletes

PowerBar PowerGels use the C2MAX dual-source carbohydrate formula (maltodextrin + fructose), which has been shown in research to deliver up to 40% more energy to working muscles than glucose alone. This makes them particularly effective for longer triathlon distances where maximising carbohydrate delivery matters most.

Tailwind Endurance Fuel — Best Alternative to Gels

If you struggle with traditional gels — whether due to GI issues, flavour fatigue or the inconvenience of carrying multiple packets — Tailwind Endurance Fuel is worth considering. It's a drink mix that replaces all your nutrition needs in one bottle. No gels, no bars, no separate electrolytes. Many Irish ultra-cyclists and Ironman athletes have switched to Tailwind entirely.

When to Take Energy Gels

Timing matters as much as the product itself:

• Before: Take 1 gel 15-20 minutes before the start for immediate energy availability.
• During: Take 1 gel every 30-45 minutes during exercise lasting longer than 75 minutes.
• Always with water: Unless using an isotonic/aqua gel, always wash gels down with 150-200ml of water to aid absorption and prevent GI issues.

Buying Energy Gels in Ireland

Sports Foods Ireland stocks all the major energy gel brands — High5, Clif, PowerBar, SaltStick, Beet It and more — with free delivery on orders over €60. We ship nationwide across Ireland, typically within 1-2 business days.