Styrkr GEL50 review | Vegan dual-carb energy gel
Finding energy gels that work for you can be tricky. I’ve been fuelling my long runs with Styrkr GEL50 lately and here’s my honest review.
About Styrkr
Styrkr’s story began in 2018 with Christian Sanderson, an avid cyclist who sought to address the fueling challenges he faced firsthand—issues like digestive discomfort and inadequate long-term energy, which are common among endurance athletes.
With a dedicated team of sports and nutrition specialists equally passionate about endurance sports, Styrkr set out to design solutions that provide sustained energy and optimal hydration. Their mission: to support runners, cyclists, triathletes and other endurance athletes in achieving peak performance.
What is Styrkr about?
The name "Styrkr" comes from Old Norse and translates to "strength," encapsulating the brand’s goal of empowering athletes to push beyond their limits and foster resilience.
Styrkr range
Manufactured in the UK, Styrkr products are vegan, free from artificial additives, and crafted to meet diverse needs. The range includes energy gels, carbohydrate mixes, recovery bars, hydration tablets, and the popular high-carb Bar50 which I reviewed here.
Where to buy Styrkr in the UK?
Order the full range via their official UK website for speedy delivery. First order? Use code CHLOEH for 20% off most of the range.
Styrkr GEL50: Dual-Carb Energy Gel
The Styrkr GEL50 is packed with 50g of carbohydrates and designed to keep you fuelled on runs and rides.
What sets the GEL50 apart is its ability to deliver maximum energy while being gentle on your stomach.
It only contains 6 ingredients and its dual-carb formula, with a precise 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio is designed to enhance absorption whilst minimising gut discomfort even during intense efforts.
The gel is pH-balanced and free from unnecessary preservatives. Plus, it complies with WADA standards and can be used by elite athletes.
The GEL50 comes in two different flavours: Mixed Berry and Citrus Fruit.
RRP: £29.99 for a pack of 12 or only £24 with my code CHLOEH!
My honest Styrkr GEL50 review
I’ve always been intimidated by energy gels, their texture, the potential GI distress… The idea of taking them on during a run felt daunting, but I knew I needed to face this fear if I wanted to fuel properly for my long run workouts and half marathon races.
Thankfully I’ve really upped my fuelling game in the past year, tried different brands and lately been experimenting with Styrkr GEL50 to increase my carb intake from 30g to 50g per gel. So far, I’m really impressed with how these gels have been effortlessly going down, so much so that I’m actually looking forward to taking them!
What surprised me the most was the consistency. Unlike some gels that nearly make you choke, the GEL50 has a smooth, non sticky texture that doesn’t require water. It makes it much easier to take during long runs.
The fruity flavours are really enjoyable too. I’ve tried both the berry and citrus options, and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favourite. The berry has a subtle sweetness that’s not overwhelming, while the citrus is refreshing, especially during longer efforts.
Most importantly, I’ve had zero stomach issues. Not only have these been gentle on my stomach, but they’ve also made a noticeable difference in my energy levels. During my long run workouts as I was training for Valencia Half, I felt well-fueled and much less drained afterward. It’s amazing how increasing carbs can make such a difference in recovery and performance.
The only thing left for me to test is how the gels hold up in warmer temperatures. I’m curious to see if I’ll still enjoy the flavours when the gels aren’t as cool. But so far, my experience with Styrkr GEL50 has been nothing but positive and I’m looking forward to practicing more with them for future half marathon training blocks.
Fancy trying the Styrkr GEL50? Shop the Berry flavour or the Citrus Flavour and use code CHLOEH to get 20% off!
Latest sports nutrition posts:
This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this blog, however it doesn’t change the price of the item for you. Thank you for your support.