How I rated the gels:

I broke down each brand's product line into organic vs non-organic and then any additional differences such as the type of energy gel. Instead of writing a review on every single flavor, I commented on the flavor within each category. Since there are so many different flavors of gels I didn't rate on the specific flavor, instead, I noted my own comments on each flavor tested. I tried not to let the actual flavor interfere with the overall taste. If I did have a biased against a flavor I noted this in the comments next to the product. To rate the energy gels I used four factors on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest score:

1. Energy Availability

This is how quickly the energy became available after taking the gel.

2. Energy Duration

The most important factor was judged on how much energy was given from the gel. A scientific lab experiment was not done on the exact energy outputs of each gel. Instead, I ran a total of 3 miles (30 minutes - because I pace easily at 10 minutes/mile) during each energy gel test. I ran each morning at the same time on an empty stomach to baseline the results as best as I could. I took one gel 15 minutes before each 30-minute running session. Note: energy gels are meant to be taken when your run duration lasts 90 minutes or longer. I'm not advising you to take a gel for a 30-minute run. These test runs were done as close to a baseline as possible to get a decent set of comparable results. I will be updating this post at a later date that rates each gel for longer distance runs with multiple gel packs consumed.

3. Availability

Is the product available in physical stores and in big online stores?

4. Natural ingredients

How many natural ingredients does the product have?

Huma Plus Energy Gel Review

The biggest difference between the Huma and Huma Plus energy gels is that Huma Plus energy gels have twice the number of electrolytes plus caffeine while the Huma doesn’t. For most half marathon/marathon races you probably don’t need the Huma Plus unless the race is excessively hot and/or you’re losing a bunch of electrolytes through sweat. Huma Plus is probably a great candidate for Ultrathon/Ironman races.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links for which, LERK Publishing, LLC., may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase.

Energy availability

The energy was available after waiting 15 minutes.

Energy duration (30-minute test)

This gel hit the mark with keeping my energy level up for the 30-minute test. I was able to mentally focus without any cloudiness. The energy sustained my pace for close to 30 minutes. No dragging whatsoever. This gel had more than enough energy to carry me beyond the 30-minute test.

Availability

These gels aren’t at all running stores nor big chain grocery stores carry these gels. They are abundantly available online through Amazon. Don’t forget that half marathons take planning so you’re not caught trying to find your energy gels at a store on race day morning. Check out this awesome half marathon checklist for half marathons which includes all items needed for a happy half marathon plus detailed information on what you need to do the week of your half marathon race.

Flavors Tested

Strawberry Lemonade – This gel had the consistency of apple sauce and it truly tasted like strawberry lemonade. I was trying to find something wrong with the taste but I couldn’t. Make sure you obviously like lemonade or this one will not go down very well. No overwhelming tones of sweetness that you get from some of the other gels on the market. However, you definitely get that lemonade twang taste. If you like natural ingredients then this one is for you. No stomach issues. Slight lemonade aftertaste which disappears with water.

Flavors Untested

Berries & Pomegranate

Nutritional Facts (strawberry lemonade)

Serving size: 44 g
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 0.5 g
Sodium: 245 mg
Calcium: 2% DV (30 mg)
Iron: 2% DV
Potassium 2% DV (80 mg)
magnesium 15 mg
Total Carbs: 21 g
Total Sugars: 11 g (includes 9 g added sugar)
Protein 1 g
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-free: Yes
Organic: No
Caffeine: 25 mg
Take with water: Yes

Ingredients (strawberry lemonade)

Grape Juice Concentrate
Brown Rice Syrup
Lemon Juice
Strawberry Puree
Water
Powdered Chia Seeds
Strawberry Concentrate
Sea Salt
Coconut Water Powder,
Natural Caffeine

Huma Plus Energy Gels