Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - Neutral vs Carb Race Fuel 300 Energy Powder vs Energy Bar vs Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - Lemon & Lime

  • 4 products side by side
  • From each brand's label
The short answer

Beta Fuel gels and Carb Race Fuel powder aim to fuel endurance athletes with varying approaches: gels for convenience and fast intake, powder for customizable nutrition and hydration. High5 Energy Bar offers a more traditional snack option. Each product targets specific nutrition needs during long sessions.

FigureBeta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral)Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral)Science In SportCarb Race Fuel 300 Energy PowderCarb Race Fuel 300 Energy PowderUSNEnergy BarEnergy BarHigh5Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime)Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime)Science In Sport
FormGelPowderBarGel
Serving1 gel80g (1 sachet)55g60ml
Price per servingR66.60R26 (best)R40R77.50
Carbs per R106 g28.8 g (best)10.5 g5.2 g
Value score6.5/1010/10 (best)7.9/105.5/10
Energy158 kcal300 kcal180 kcal159 kcal
Carbs40 g75 g (best)42 g40 g
Sugar19 g30 g28 g19 g
Protein0 g0 g3 g0 g
Fat0 g0 g2 g0 g
Sodium30 mg550 mg20 mg40 mg
CaffeineNoneNoneNone200 mg
Carb typedual-sourceMaltodextrinmixeddual-source
Glucose to fructose1:0.8N/A (Tri-Carb matrix)—1:0.8
Glycaemic index—85——
Key differences
  1. Beta Fuel gels prioritize convenience and quick absorption, while Carb Race Fuel powder offers customizable hydration with electrolytes.
  2. Carb Race Fuel has higher sodium and potassium content, whereas Beta Fuel gels have a lower sodium profile.
  3. Beta Fuel + Nootropics Gel includes cognitive enhancers and caffeine for mental focus; the other products do not offer these features.
  4. The price points diverge significantly; Beta Fuel products are premium, while the USN powder is more budget-friendly.
Race day

How each one works, by distance

Head to head

For a 5k, none of the products are ideal due to high carb content and preparation requirements. Opt for simpler, faster energy sources.

Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral)

For a 5k race, this gel is not necessary due to the short duration. Focus on pre-race nutrition instead.

Carb Race Fuel 300 Energy Powder

Not ideal for a 5k race due to the high carbohydrate content and preparation required. Consider a simpler gel or drink.

Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime)

For a 5k race, the gel's high carb content and caffeine are excessive. Focus on hydration and a light carb source instead.

The verdict by situation

For beginners

Beginners might prefer the Carb Race Fuel powder due to its affordability and essential electrolytes. It offers a balance of quick and sustained energy.

For experienced athletes

Experienced athletes could benefit from the Beta Fuel + Nootropics Gel for optimal energy and cognitive function during complex, long-duration events.

Best value

Carb Race Fuel 300 Energy Powder provides the best value for money, covering both energy and electrolyte needs at a lower cost.

Final verdict

Overall, Beta Fuel + Nootropics Gel offers unmatched benefits for long-distance events with added cognitive boosters. However, USN's Carb Race Fuel is superior for hydration and affordability. Choose gels for quick, convenient energy, or powder for hydration and sustained use.

Questions about these products

Which product has more carbs per serving?

Carb Race Fuel 300 provides 75g of carbs per serving, the most among the products compared.

Which is better for sensitive stomachs?

The Beta Fuel 60ml Gel is designed to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort with its optimized carb ratio.

Can I use both products together?

Yes, they can be complementary; consider Beta Fuel gels for quick boosts and Carb Race Fuel for hydration and electrolyte balance.

Which is better value for money?

Carb Race Fuel 300 Energy Powder offers better value for money, providing high carb and essential electrolytes at a lower cost.

In the app

Picked your fuel? Put it in your plan.

Glyco places it on your race course by time, at the rate your gut can take, and tracks what you actually used.

A race plan with fuel placed on the course, in the Glyco app