When to use which energy gel?

Which energy gel is the best choice depends on several factors. What's the intensity of your effort? What's the temperature? When do you take the gel? Our Sports and Ultra series offer the right solution for every challenge.

	VS
1 Sports Unit	Units	1 Ultra Unit
30g | 2:1 Ratio	Carbohydrates	45g | 1:1 ratio
200mg sodium	Electrolytes	200mg sodium
Liquid | 45ml	Texture & size	Liquid | 70ml
During efforts over 1 hour	Best to use	During efforts over 1 hour
15-20 minutes before intense exercise	Also suitable as	15-20 minutes before intense exercise

Compact yet liquid, discover the 6d Sports Gel

The 6d Sports Gel supplies a high dose of carbohydrates of 30g (= 1 Sports Unit) in a compact gel (45ml). The gel has a pleasant texture and a 2:1 glucose-fructose ratio for rapid absorption without gastro-intestinal upset. 200mg of sodium provides optimal hydration when combined with water. Unlike typical, sticky gels that require water to ingest, this is not necessary with the 6d Sports Gel. Its liquid texture ensures a smooth intake. If necessary, drink a few sips of water or sports drink for even faster absorption.

Even more powerful and also liquid, the 6d Ultra Gel

De 6d Ultra Gel also contains 200mg of sodium, but provides 45g of carbohydrate (= 1 Ultra Unit) in a 1:1 glucose-fructose ratio for maximum carbohydrate absorption without gastro-intestinal issues. Specially designed for ultra endurance athletes, this gel makes it easy to achieve a carbohydrate intake of 90-120g per hour during efforts of more than 3 hours. What makes the 6d Ultra Gel unique is its pleasant liquid texture, combined with twice as much carbohydrates compared to drinking gels of similar volume (70ml). Important when every gram counts. After taking a 6d Ultra Gel, it is best to drink a few sips of water or sports drink, but even without, the gel is quickly absorbable.

Energy and cooling, the 6d Sports Ice

The 6d Sports Ice is a refreshing alternative to Sports Gel in very hot conditions. This freezable carbohydrate gel is identical in composition to the 6d Sports Gel, but cools the body from the inside out. Perfect just before an effort in the heat, or even on the road when a refrigerated supply is possible from the follow car, in a transition area or at an aid station.

What about caffeinated gels?

For those looking for an extra physical or mental boost, each gel also has flavors with 75mg of caffeine. Take caffeine for shorter intense efforts or during long endurance efforts leading up to a harder or race-defining moment.

What about isotonic gels like the 6d Isogel?

The 6d Isogel is a well-known isotonic drinking gel that in principle does not require additional water for rapid absorption. However, latest research indicates that the 2:1 or 1:1 glucose-fructose ratio is more important for rapid absorption than the isotonicity of a gel. Because an isotonic gel lacks this ratio and contains only 20 g of carbohydrate in a larger volume (60 ml), the more compact 6d Sports Gel and 6d Ultra Gel are often better alternatives. The 6d Isogel remains a suitable alternative for athletes who cannot tolerate fructose.

What about texture?

6d Gels have a pleasant, liquid texture that makes them easy to take without water. Some athletes want a different texture from time to time. These athletes can switch things up with the 6d Sports Chew and 6d Ultra Chew. Both can be considered as “condensed” energy gels with a nice bite.