You'd have to drink 16 ounces of a typical sports drink to take in 100 calories, the average amount of calories in one serving of sports gel. Gels are usually easy to use and transport, and most brands offer a variety of flavors, from chocolate to espresso to fruit. In addition, most gels are pure carbohydrate with roughly 100 calories per serving and no fiber, protein or fat, all of which may slow the absorption of the calories needed for quick energy. However, gels can vary significantly from brand to brand. Some contain caffeine.
Different brands offer different amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates.
For example, PowerGel and Gu both serve up a blend of 80 percent complex carbohydrates and 20 percent simple sugars. Hammer Gel is 100 percent complex carbohydrate, with no sugars such as fructose or sucrose. Simple sugars deliver a quick energy boost that can be followed by a low, or a crash, while complex carbohydrates provide a more steady, sustained energy supply. Hammer Gel also sets itself apart in other ways, chiefly packaging and price. While most gels come in single-serving size foil pouches that can be easily opened, used and discarded, Hammer Gel is sold by the jug.