I never really use Energy Gels (mostly gummy chews or just liquid nutrition) but I wanna give gels a try.
The powerade versions are always on clearance from the local market - but I was wondering if anyone knew of a hookup online for cheap/somewhat less expensive gels.
Any ideas? $1 a gel seems to be about the going rate - and I’d like to buy a box somewhere to experiment a bit.
you can just get a gel flask, and fill it with honey/syrup/whatever and a touch of salt.
you buy bulk maltodextrin and make your own! - the packaging is the real concern there I would imagine.
$1.10 CAD good enough?
REI is a good source. 20% off if you buy 12 gels (or any nutrition products) at the same time.
Also, Chainlove sometimes has gels listed and The Clymb had GU gels on sale last week.
you buy bulk maltodextrin and make your own! - the packaging is the real concern there I would imagine.
I do this and use little 3 oz travel shampoo bottles from walmart. Works for me.
Not to hijack this thread but has anyone actually made their own energy gels and how’d they come out? I’d assume its pretty much just maltodextrin and water then you could get fancy and add some BCAAs, caffeine and flavoring and have basically the same thing?
google it online, try amazon.com, ebay.com, etc
I’ve always been able to purchase gels online whenever I need them for $0.90 or less. The cheapest I got was around $0.60 per packet (free shipping). Different places online will have different discounts throughout the year. There are places online where, if you purchase enough for a box, they will allow you to fill that box with different flavors. This works out pretty good if you are looking to experiment with flavors and caffine contents.
you can just get a gel flask, and fill it with honey/syrup/whatever and a touch of salt.
This is what I would do if you like gels. Try various syrups (maple, corn, agave, etc.) and find the one that works for you if you’re wedded to gels.
I personally prefer bulk maltodextrin mixed in with a full water bottle so I get both water + calories (I add salt) at once. This does mean that I have to bring a water bottle with me on my runs (or two on my long runs in a camelbak) but it’s super cheap and works great. A $60 batch of bulk malto will last you 2+ years easily, even used weekly and liberally. Last week I threw out maybe 6 bottles of water+malto while I was adjusting the salt to taste (now I know the right salt for me I won’t have to do that again) and it was no biggie. Still have a ridiculous amount left.
The best part is that you can use for training AND racing, liberally. No need to ‘save the stash’ like I see some people doing when they buy the expensive stuff.
REI is .99c now, and then the 20% off
Super cheap
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Not to hijack this thread but has anyone actually made their own energy gels and how’d they come out? I’d assume its pretty much just maltodextrin and water then you could get fancy and add some BCAAs, caffeine and flavoring and have basically the same thing?
I take chia seeds and put about a tablespoon in double the amount of liquid of choice. Personally I like the Naked juices and throw a pinch of salt in as well. The seeds turn the liquid into gelatin. I usually eat with a spood before a workout or throw it in a cheap bottle like others mentioned
Hammer nutrition sells 26 serving bottles that come out to much cheaper.
Shot of Esspresso (I use a moka pot)
7 Tablespoons Honey
3/4 Tablespoon Blackstrap Molasses
Pinch of Sea Salt
water to thin gel to your liking - not needed IMO
Works like a regular energy gel, cheap, easy to make, everything is available at local grocery store, tastes like honey and coffee (I like it).
Warm everything before mix together makes the process much easier. Replace coffee with water if you don’t want caffeine in the gel.
I’m trying this. Good stuff
You can reduce the cost per 90 calorie serving to ~$0.50 by purchasing Hammer Gel in 26 serving bottles on Amazon and cutting it with Karo Light Corn Syrup & Agave Nectar.
Even cheaper. - skip the hammer and just use corn syrup or agave nectar. Will prob be minimal performance difference.
Shot of Esspresso (I use a moka pot)
7 Tablespoons Honey
3/4 Tablespoon Blackstrap Molasses
Pinch of Sea Salt
water to thin gel to your liking - not needed IMO
Works like a regular energy gel, cheap, easy to make, everything is available at local grocery store, tastes like honey and coffee (I like it).
Warm everything before mix together makes the process much easier. Replace coffee with water if you don’t want caffeine in the gel.
have you thought about using coconut oil?
vega touts ‘Vega Sport Endurance Gel is the only gel on the market to feature coconut oil, a medium-chain triglyceride metabolized in the liver to provide instant, non-carbohydrate energy.’
I’m going to try to start making gels too and might copy some of their ingredients.
I do bulk malto, honey, and sea salt. Works amazingly well.
Yep, maltodextrine in water, plus some sports drink powder for flavouring and electrolytes.
$1.10 CAD good enough?
$2.00 for the same ones at Running Room LOL
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