Cadence Vanilla Gel
- Gel
- 21.2 g carbs per serving
- From Cadence's label
Cadence Vanilla Gel has 21.2 g carbs, 86 mg sodium and 37 mg caffeine per serving, from R35.99 a serving at the cheapest size. Value score 6/10 (poor value).
Our Vanilla Classic Energy Gel is a scientifically optimised formula for rapid energy delivery. A combination of maltodextrose and fructose, it offers a scientifically validated formulation for maximum energy delivery, ideal for all training sessions and racing.
- Rapid energy delivery
- Improves exercise performance
Decision helper the numbers athletes compare
| Cost score against the Endure average | 4/10 |
|---|---|
| 35 products in the category | +0.51σ |
| Multi-source carbs (glucose + fructose) | +1 |
| Electrolytes included (≥50 mg sodium) | +0.5 |
| Caffeine option | +0.5 |
| High carb density without GI flag | +0.5 |
| Requires >2 servings/hr to hit 60 g | -0.5 |
| Value score | 6/10 |
On the label per serving, 36g
| Energy | 93 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbs | 21.2 g |
| Sugar | 10.9 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 86 mg |
| Potassium | 101 mg |
| Caffeine | 37 mg |
| Carb type | Maltodextrin |
| Glucose to fructose | 2:1 |
| Carb sources | Maltodextrin syrup, Fructose |
Who it suits and where it falls short
The Vanilla Gel is ideal for endurance athletes looking for a quick energy boost during training or racing. It's suitable for those who prefer a gel form factor and require a caffeine kick.
Long runs, Cycling, Triathlons, Marathons
- Dual-source carbohydrate for efficient absorption
- Contains caffeine for an added energy boost
- Includes electrolytes to support hydration
- Convenient gel form factor for mid-race consumption
- Relatively high cost per serving
- Requires multiple servings per hour for optimal carb intake
- Sodium content is on the lower side
How to use it, by distance
For a 5k race, this gel might be more than needed unless you're looking for a caffeine boost. Consider using it pre-race for an energy kick.
Use this gel mid-race to maintain energy levels and benefit from the caffeine content for a performance boost.
Consume one gel every 45 minutes to maintain energy levels and take advantage of the dual-source carb absorption.
Plan to consume one gel every 30-45 minutes to ensure consistent energy delivery and maintain performance throughout the race.
The science in short
Ideal for mid-race energy boosts during endurance events.
Isotonic — designed to be consumed without additional water, aiding in rapid absorption.The Vanilla Gel offers a scientifically optimized formula for rapid energy delivery with dual-source carbohydrates and caffeine. While it provides efficient energy absorption, the high cost per serving and lower sodium content may require additional supplementation for longer events. It's best suited for mid-race consumption to maintain energy levels.
The gel uses a dual-source carbohydrate matrix, combining maltodextrin and fructose, which allows for efficient energy absorption via both SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporters. This maximizes carbohydrate uptake and utilization during exercise.
The primary limitation is the cost per serving, which is relatively high, and the need for multiple servings per hour to meet optimal carbohydrate intake.
Each 36g serving provides 21.2g of carbohydrates, suitable for short to medium-length endurance events.
0.59 g carbs per gram — comparable to typical energy gels.
Multi-source (2 carbs: Maltodextrin, Fructose). Uses both SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporters, supporting up to ~90 g/h absorption.
Maltodextrin — glucose pathway (SGLT1); Fructose — fructose pathway (GLUT5)
86mg sodium and 101mg potassium per serving, which is below the recommended 300-600mg Na/hr for endurance athletes.
2:1 — multi-source blend lifts the absorption ceiling beyond the SGLT1-only 60 g/h limit.
Approximately 2.8 servings per hour to reach 60g of carbs, considering the 21.2g per serving.
- ⚡ High spike risk — best used mid-effort, not while stationary. Risk of rebound hypoglycemia.
- 🧂 Low sodium content — supplement with salt tabs for runs over 90 mins.
Sizes and where to buy
Questions about Vanilla Gel
How many carbs are in Cadence Vanilla Gel?
21.2 g of carbs per serving (36g), with 86 mg sodium and 37 mg caffeine, from Cadence's label.
What does Cadence Vanilla Gel cost per serving?
From R35.99 a serving at the cheapest size, which buys 5.9 g of carbs per R10.
Compare with gels close in carbs
Racing with Vanilla Gel? 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.
