EFS Liquid Shot Gel Comparison
The biggest difference between EFS Liquid Shot Energy Gel and e-Gel is that EFS uses 50% simple sugars while e-Gel uses more complex carbs than any other gel (and very little sugar). Below we discuss in detail why complex cabs allow you to uptake significantly more energy compared to using sugars. e-Gel also has 50% more sodium to help to maintain hydration and avoid cramping and injuries. And e-Gel has antioxidants not found in EFS gel that reduces tissue damage and soreness and speed the recovery time. Read on for the complete comparison.
calories
e-Gel
150
EFS Gel
150
EFS Liquid Shot is packaged in a 400 calorie flask, so for the purposes of this comparison we are comparing 150 calories of e-Gel to 150 calories of EFS.
complex carbs
e-Gel
30 g
EFS Gel
18 g
e-Gel has more complex carbs than any other energy gel and this is critical because your body can uptake more energy when you use complex carbs instead of simple sugars.
How is this possible?
Read on (or watch this video)
The carbs/energy in an energy gel are transported into your cellular system through osmosis. If you recall learning about osmosis in science class, it’s the way a fluid crosses a membrane. In order for the fluid to cross, it has to be an equal or lower concentration than the fluid on the other side of the membrane. In this case you’re trying to get the gel across your cellular membrane so you can use the energy. Gels by themselves are extremely concentrated (hypertonic), that’s why you need to use water with gel so that you can lower the concentration until it becomes isotonic (the same concentration as your cellular fluids). When you do, the gel and water get absorbed – osmosis!!
What’s interesting is that the concentration of a fluid (also called the osmolality) is largely dependent on the NUMBER of particles in the fluid, and less dependent on the size of the particles. Complex carbs by definition have a larger molecular structure than simple sugars, basically they have more glucose molecules stuck together. But remember, it’s the number of particles, not the size that matters most. What that means is that at the point of absorption (isotonic), a fluid with complex carbs can transport nearly twice as much energy into the cellular system compared to one with simple sugars.
This isn’t something that we’ve invented here a Crank Sports, it’s proven science. Many energy gels (including e-Gel) use at least some maltodextrin for this reason. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate with an extremely large molecular structure. Where e-Gel sets itself apart from other products is that we use much more complex carb and less sugar. This allows you to get more energy when you use e-Gel compared to our competitors. Why do other companies use so much sugar? Simple, because it’s sweet and inexpensive, and sweet things sell. So if you want to sell a lot of something you make it sweet. But if you want to make the best PERFORMING product you use complex carbs.
sugar
e-Gel
18%
EFS Gel
50%
By providing lower sugar and more complex carbs instead, e-Gel is able to provide significantly more total energy uptake. See our complex carb discussion for complete details.
carb sources
e-Gel
Maltodextrin
Fructose
EFS Gel
Unspecified
Dextrose
Sucrose
e-Gel uses maltodextrin which is the preferred complex carbohydrate for endurance athletes. EFS Liquid Shot says it contains “complex carbohydrates” but they don’t specify the source.
EFS also uses Dextrose and Sucrose which are both simple sugars that in our opinion shouldn’t be in the product.
Instead, e-Gel uses fructose because it allows for additional energy uptake that you do not get from gels that don’t use it, read why
sodium
e-Gel
230 mg
EFS Gel
150 mg
e-Gel is the only energy gel to provide complete electrolyte replacement in the gel – where it should be! The most important electrolyte that you need to replenish is sodium to help you maintain hydration and to avoid cramping and injuries.
e-Gel contains 50% more sodium than EFS Liquid Shot and is designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations for sodium replacement.
For a more detailed discussion of why it’s important to have this level of electrolytes in the gel instead of getting your electrolytes some other way:
potassium
e-Gel
85 mg
EFS Gel
105 mg
Potassium is the other electrolyte that is important to replace during your training and competition, along with sodium. The level of potassium in e-Gel is designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendation for replacement during athletic activity. See the sodium discussion for additional details.
amino acids
e-Gel
Histidine, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine
EFS Gel
Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine
e-Gel provides a blend of 4 important amino acids. Amino acids help to reduce lactic acid build up, reduce soreness, maintain muscle protein and aid in quicker recovery.
antioxidants
e-Gel
vitamin C 120%
vitamin E 120%
EFS Gel
none
Antioxidant vitamins C and E help protect against tissue damage, reduce soreness and aid in the recovery process.
EFS Liquid SHOT does not include these antioxidants.
citrates
e-Gel
Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid
EFS Gel
Citric Acid
Citrates assist in the carbohydrate to energy conversion process as well as slow the build up of lactic acid in your muscles.
ready to try e-Gel?
we guarantee you'll love it!
Keith Castleton
Jeff Rommel
Adam Lecompte
Shawn Smith
Vicki Griffin
Kathy Murgas
NOTE: All EFS Liquid Shot energy Gel nutrition values shown are for Vanilla flavor as of April 2021, other flavors may vary. e-Gel nutrition values are the same for all flavors, read why
if you found this useful please share!
related resources
gels, drinks, chews ... what's best for your sport?
Use our Sherpa Nutrition Guide tool to get your nutrition dialed in. Just plug in your sport, problems you’re having (cramping, stomach issues, running out of energy) and Sherpa will give you a detailed person guide. Free, quick and easy!
what is an energy gel and who should use them
Many people are not fans of energy gels at first because they can be sticky, thick and hard to get down. Why would anyone use an energy gel? Why not just stick to energy bars and sports drinks? All good questions… read on
when to use energy gels and sports drinks and can they be used together
If you decide to use e-Gel and e-Fuel together (or any energy gel and sports drink), follow these guidelines for best results.
hydration and proper use of energy gels
Before building an energy gel into your training and competition program, it is critical to understand the importance of proper hydration.
energy gels are a better choice than bars and chews
Protein bars, energy gels, chews, hydration drinks, fruit … what should you use? Making the right selection can significantly improve performance.
marathon training with e-Gel
ingredient articles
fructose, you need some!
Fructose often gets a bad rap, but using it properly will actually give you an advantage, learn how.
hyponautremia, electrolytes may save your life
race tips and strategy
the marathon wall and how to avoid it
The bad news is that “the wall” is a very real thing. The good news is that you can avoid “hitting the wall” if you follow this advice.