High Energy Gel Single Serving Coffee vs GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant) vs GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Fruit Salad)
- 3 products side by side
- From each brand's label
Biogen's High Energy Gel offers a balanced carbohydrate mix with caffeine, excellent for quick energy boosts but at a higher cost. Science In Sport's GO Isotonic gels provide easy energy without hydration, but the single-carb source limits their effectiveness for long races. Each product has unique features appealing to different athletes.
| Figure |  High Energy Gel Single Serving CoffeeBiogen |  GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant)Science In Sport |  GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Fruit Salad)Science In Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Gel | Gel | Gel |
| Serving | 36g | 60ml | 60ml |
| Price per serving | R33.99 (best) | R44 | R44 |
| Carbs per R10 | 7.6 g (best) | 5 g | 5 g |
| Value score | 6.2/10 (best) | 2.9/10 | 2.9/10 |
| Energy | 108 kcal | 87 kcal | 87 kcal |
| Carbs | 26 g (best) | 22 g | 22 g |
| Sugar | 7.6 g | 0.5 g | 0.6 g |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 31 mg | 10 mg | 10 mg |
| Caffeine | 50 mg | None | None |
| Carb type | Palatinose | Maltodextrin | Maltodextrin |
| Glucose to fructose | Not provided by brand. | 1:0 | 1:0 |
| Glycaemic index | — | — | — |
| Score | High Energy Gel Single Serving Coffee | GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Blackcurrant) | GO Isotonic Energy Gel 60ml - Single Unit (Fruit Salad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy delivery | 90 | 60 | 60 |
| Digestibility | 70 | 90 | 90 |
| Taste | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Value | 50 | 40 | 40 |
| Convenience | 90 | 90 | 90 |
- Biogen offers a caffeine boost; GO gels do not.
- Biogen uses a multi-carb source for absorption efficiency; GO relies on a single-source.
- GO gels are isotonic, removing the need for extra fluid; Biogen is not isotonic.
- Biogen has a higher carb content per serving compared to GO.
How each one works, by distance
GO Isotonic gels are suitable for a quick energy boost during 5K races, requiring no additional hydration due to their isotonic nature.
For a 5k race, this gel may not be necessary unless you need a caffeine boost. Consume it 15 minutes before the start.
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, the gel may not be necessary due to the short duration. Focus on pre-race nutrition instead.
In a 10K, both products work, but the Biogen gel's caffeine may offer an extra performance edge.
Use this gel 15 minutes before the race to benefit from the caffeine and carbohydrate boost.
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.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the race to top off glycogen stores, given the moderate distance.
For half marathons, Biogen's gel provides better sustained energy with its caffeine and complex carbs, while GO gels might need supplementary sources.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the race and another at the halfway mark to maintain energy levels.
Take one gel 15 minutes before starting and another at the halfway point. This helps maintain energy levels without needing to carry water.
Take one gel 10 minutes before the start and another at the 45-minute mark to maintain energy levels.
Marathon runners should opt for Biogen to capitalize on its dual carbohydrate and caffeine, aiding prolonged performance and higher energy needs.
Take one gel 15 minutes before the start and continue with one every 45 minutes to sustain energy throughout the race.
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.
Consume a gel 10 minutes before the race, then every 45 minutes. Aim for 60g of carbs per hour, supplementing with other sources as needed.
The verdict by situation
Biogen's gel has a mixed-carb approach, implying a moderate osmolality which may reduce GI distress risk. GO gels' isotonic formula is also designed to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort but the single carb source might limit some benefits.
Biogen can sustain higher carbohydrate delivery ceilings due to its dual-source, potentially above 60g/hour. GO gels max out around 60g/hour due to their single-source formula relying on the SGLT1 pathway.
Beginners might find the GO Isotonic gels effective for shorter races or training due to their simplicity and ease of consumption. However, be cautious of the limited carbohydrate support for extended events.
Experienced endurance athletes may prefer Biogen's gel, as the caffeine and multi-carb blend can enhance performance during longer races. This gel helps achieve higher carbohydrate delivery rates, crucial for endurance athletics.
For cost-efficiency, experienced athletes may lean towards the Biogen gel due to its skilled carbohydrate and caffeine combination, despite its higher initial cost. The GO gels, while cheaper, require more frequent consumption, potentially increasing overall cost.
Biogen's High Energy Gel stands out with its caffeine and complex carb blend, making it more suitable for longer races. Its higher price point is justified by the performance edge it provides. Science In Sport's GO Isotonic gels serve well for shorter races with minimal hydration needs but fall short for extended efforts due to limited carb complexity.
Questions about these products
Which gel offers caffeine benefits?
Biogen High Energy Gel contains 50mg of caffeine.
Are GO Isotonic gels suitable without water?
Yes, they are isotonic, requiring no additional hydration.
What is the carb delivery method for Biogen?
Biogen uses a mixed carbohydrate source including palatinose, fructose, and maltodextrin.
Which gel has better sodium content?
Biogen has higher sodium content with 31mg compared to GO Isotonic's 10mg.
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