GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Apple) vs Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral) vs GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant) vs Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime)
- 4 products side by side
- From each brand's label
Science In Sport offers a variety of energy gels tailored for endurance athletes. The GO Isotonic Gels provide quick, convenient energy with simple, single-source carbohydrates, while the Beta Fuel Gels deliver a higher carbohydrate content with a dual-source formula, enhancing absorption. Sodium content in all options is low, necessitating additional electrolyte supplementation for extended efforts.
| Figure |  GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Apple)Science In Sport |  Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral)Science In Sport |  GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant)Science In Sport |  Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime)Science In Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Gel | Gel | Gel | Gel |
| Serving | 60ml | 1 gel | 60ml | 60ml |
| Price per serving | R44 (best) | R66.60 | R44 | R77.50 |
| Carbs per R10 | 5 g | 6 g (best) | 5 g | 5.2 g |
| Value score | 2.9/10 | 6.5/10 (best) | 2.9/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Energy | 87 kcal | 158 kcal | 87 kcal | 159 kcal |
| Carbs | 22 g | 40 g (best) | 22 g | 40 g |
| Sugar | 0.6 g | 19 g | 0.5 g | 19 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg | 30 mg | 10 mg | 40 mg |
| Caffeine | None | None | None | 200 mg |
| Carb type | Maltodextrin | dual-source | Maltodextrin | dual-source |
| Glucose to fructose | 1:0 | 1:0.8 | 1:0 | 1:0.8 |
| Glycaemic index | — | — | — | — |
| Score | GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Apple) | Beta Fuel 60ml Gel - 30 Pack (Neutral) | GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant) | Beta Fuel 60ml + Nootropics Gel - 6 Pack (Lemon & Lime) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy delivery | 60 | 80 | 60 | 80 |
| Digestibility | 90 | 90 | 90 | 80 |
| Taste | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Value | 40 | 75 | 40 | 60 |
| Convenience | 85 | 85 | 90 | 90 |
- GO Isotonic Gels use single-source glucose-based carbs, capping quick absorbance.
- Beta Fuel Gels utilize dual carbohydrate sources, increasing absorption rate.
- Beta Fuel offers additional caffeine in its nootropic variant, enhancing focus.
- All products have low sodium, requiring extra electrolyte supplementation for endurance events.
How each one works, by distance
For 5k races, the GO Isotonic Gel offers sufficient energy and convenience without needing additional water.
For a 5k, this gel isn't necessary due to the short duration. Focus on pre-race nutrition instead.
For a 5k race, this gel is not necessary due to the short duration. Focus on pre-race nutrition instead.
For a 5k race, the gel may not be necessary due to the short duration. However, consuming one gel 15 minutes before the start can provide an energy boost.
For a 5k race, the gel's high carb content and caffeine are excessive. Focus on hydration and a light carb source instead.
In a 10k, Beta Fuel provides more sustained energy delivery due to its higher carbohydrate content.
Consider consuming one gel 10 minutes before starting to ensure glycogen stores are topped off.
Similar to a 5k, a 10k race may not require mid-race gels. Ensure glycogen stores are full pre-race.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the race to top off glycogen stores. This provides a quick energy source without the need for additional water.
The gel's benefits are better suited for longer events. Use simpler carbs for quick energy in a 10k.
For half marathons, Beta Fuel's dual-source carbs enhance absorption, beneficial for sustaining effort over longer distances.
Consume one gel 10 minutes before the start and another around the 10 km mark to maintain energy levels.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the start and another halfway through. This ensures sustained energy without gastrointestinal discomfort.
Take one gel 15 minutes before starting and another at the halfway point. This helps maintain energy levels without needing to carry water.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the start to preload carbs and caffeine. Consider another mid-race for mental clarity.
In marathons, Beta Fuel stands out with its high carb density and dual-source carbs, critical for prolonged endurance.
Start with a gel 10 minutes before the race, then every 45 minutes (at 7 km, 14 km, 21 km, 28 km, 35 km) to meet carbohydrate needs.
Begin with a gel 15 minutes before the start. Consume one gel every 30-45 minutes, aiming for 80-100g of carbs per hour. Pair with water to aid digestion and absorption.
Start with one gel 15 minutes before the race. Consume a gel every 45 minutes during the race to maintain energy levels. Ensure to balance with electrolyte intake due to low sodium content.
Begin with one gel 15 minutes pre-race. Consume a gel every 45 minutes during the race, ensuring hydration to aid absorption. Aim for 60-80g of carbs per hour.
The verdict by situation
Beta Fuel's dual-source system may lead to less gastrointestinal distress compared to the single-source GO Isotonic thanks to a more balanced osmotic pressure.
GO Isotonic is limited to around 60g/hour due to its single-source glucose pathway, while Beta Fuel can support higher intakes due to its dual-source carbohydrates.
Beginners may find the GO Isotonic Energy Gels suitable due to their simplicity and ease of use, particularly for shorter races where total carbohydrate needs are lower.
Experienced athletes should opt for Beta Fuel Gels, which support higher carbohydrate intake due to the dual-source system, crucial for long events.
For those seeking cost-effective carbohydrate delivery with dual-source benefits, consider the Beta Fuel Gel 60ml packs despite their higher price per unit.
Science In Sport energy gels offer various options to optimize energy delivery for endurance athletes. GO Isotonic Gels are ideal for quick energy needs, while Beta Fuel Gels support higher carbohydrate intakes for extended events. Athletes must manage additional electrolyte intake due to the low sodium levels in all products.
Questions about these products
What are the carbohydrate sources in Beta Fuel Gels?
Beta Fuel Gels use maltodextrin and fructose, which enhances absorption.
Do any products contain caffeine?
The Beta Fuel + Nootropics Gel includes 200mg of caffeine to boost alertness.
Are these gels suitable for short races?
For short races like 5k, the GO Isotonic Gel provides sufficient energy without needing extra water.
How should I manage electrolytes when using these gels?
All gels have low sodium, so it's advisable to supplement with electrolyte tablets or drinks during longer events.
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