33Fuel Chia Energy Gels

£23.99 for 10, 33fuel.com

33Fuel’s chia-based gels are simple, tasty and 100% natural. In many ways, they change what you should expect from a gel. They swap the maltodextrin-based artificial chemical goop for real-food ingredients, fresh flavours and a textured mouthfeel that you look forward to eating. Each gel uses just four ingredients: chia seeds, coconut palm sugar, organic vanilla and Himalayan pink salt. It doesn’t get simpler than that. Unlike all the other gels on this list, the ingredients in the resealable packs come dried, so you have to add liquid to rehydrate them ten minutes before you plan to use them. The hydrated gels are more bulky and a less stashable shape than other gels, and the extra step is a double-edged sword. Yes, it’s extra prep, but if you’re carrying fuel for a longer ride or run, the dehydrated gels take up less space. In dried form, each gel delivers 11g carbs. If you use water to hydrate them, that’s quite a lot lower than most other gels. However, you can boost the carbohydrate hit by adding milk, fruit juices, coconut water, or whatever liquid you want. There’s added salt to help balance your hydration, but if you’re looking for a caffeine boost, you’ll need to add your own espresso. Unlike some rush-and-crash sugar-based gels, the energy boost is nice and even. The puffed-up chia seeds are a pleasant change from the usual non-descript sludge of regular gels and these are incredibly easy on the stomach. Plus, there’s no lingering artificial taste to get tired of. The flip-top resealable lid also means you don’t have to down a whole gel in one. (Though we found sometimes the chia seeds clogged the lid and you have to take care not to snap it off.) Taste: ★★★★★ Energy: ★★★ ★ Portability: ★★★ ★ OVERALL: ★★★★★