SIS Energy Gel Comparison

When you compare SIS Go Gel to e-Gel, you’ll see that e-Gel comes out on top on virtually every metric. e-Gel has 70% more energy per pack, provides amino acids and is loaded with electrolytes. SIS Go Gel has no amino acids and virtually no electrolytes. e-Gel also contains NO artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes, while SIS Go Gel uses Acesulfame K.  

calories

e-Gel

150

SIS Gel

87

Each pack of e-Gel provides 70% more energy as a pack of SIS Energy Gel. This makes e-Gel more economical as well as having fewer packs to carry and less trash to deal with, that’s a good thing!

complex carbs

e-Gel

30 g

SIS Gel

22 g

Your body can uptake more energy when you use complex carbs instead of simple sugars. How is this possible?

Click below for the detailed explanation

This isn’t something that we’ve invented here a Crank Sports, it’s proven science. 

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.

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.

carb sources

e-Gel

Maltodextrin
Fructose

SIS Gel

Maltodextrin​

Both e-Gel and SIS use maltodextrin which is the preferred complex carbohydrate for endurance athletes.

e-Gel also uses fructose because it allows for additional energy uptake as discussed below.

read why you want fructose

other

e-Gel

No artificial flavors,
colors or sweeteners

SIS Gel

Acesulfame K

Acesulfame K, also know as Ace K, is an artificial sweetener that is more common in Europe than the United States. Read: the dangers of Ace-K

This is the type of ingredient that we would never use in e-Gel or any of our products.

sodium

e-Gel

230 mg

SIS Gel

10 mg

e-Gel is the only energy gel to provide complete electrolyte replacement in the gel – where it should be!

Sodium is by far the most important electrolyte that you need to replenish to help you maintain hydration and to avoid cramping and injuries.

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:

read details

potassium

e-Gel

85 mg

SIS Gel

0 mg

Potassium is the other electrolyte that is important to replace during your training and competition, along with sodium. 

amino acids

e-Gel

Histidine, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine

SIS Gel

none

Amino acids help to reduce lactic acid build up, reduce soreness, maintain muscle protein and aid in quicker recovery.

SIS gel does not contain amino acids.

antioxidants

e-Gel

vitamin C 120%
vitamin E 120%​

SIS Gel

vit C not disclosed
vitamin E 0%

Antioxidant vitamins C and E help protect against tissue damage, reduce soreness and aid in the recovery process.

citrates

e-Gel

Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid

SIS Gel

Sodium Citrate and 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!​

facebook-customer-reviews

Keith Castleton

"Figuring out how to stay hydrated, not get upset stomach and prevent muscle cramps during long runs and races has been one of my biggest challenges. In the past my muscles would ache and twitch and cause me a lot of pain after long runs. I came across e-Gel energy gels this summer used them during the Top Of Utah Marathon, took 17 minutes off my previous marathon PR and easily qualified for Boston." ...
continue reading

Maricopa, Arizona
Sport: Running

Jeff Rommel

"I broke the golden rule and tried e-Gel for the first time on race day. I ran the Houston Marathon and it was a great experience - no stomach issues and no muscle cramping. Water in my bottle and an e-Gel every hour got me through the race. I'm not the fastest runner, but I set a PR!" ...
continue reading

Houston, Texas
Sport: Running

David Ball

"I've been using e-Gel for 2 years exclusively and will not go with anything else....I qualified for Boston with a 3:18:16 and felt great. One e-Gel 15 minutes before the race and one at miles 6, 12, 18, and 23 mile marks and then the last three miles were my fasted splits" ...
continue reading

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sport: Running, Triathlon

Shawn Smith

"At the USA Cycling Marathon Championships it was a 58 mile course and temps around 80-84. ... I raced to a 3rd place on only 2 bottles of e-Fuel and 2 e-Gels. No way around it. This product works and is fueling you can trust." ...
continue reading

Gainesville , Florida
Sport: Cycling

Vicki Griffin

"I am an Ironman distance, age grouper triathlete trying to qualify for Kona. Nutrition has always been a struggle... stomach issues, etc.... I used e-Fuel and e-Gel on my last 70.3, had no stomach issues, and won my age group." ...
continue reading

Leawood, Kansas
Sport: Triathlon

Kathy Murgas

"A friend recommended e-Gel years ago. I tried it, loved it, and 65 marathons (including 1 in each of the 50 states), I am still using it. I've changed the way I train, the shoes and wear, the clothes I wear, but never the gel I use." ...
continue reading

Dallas, Texas
Sport: Running & Cycling

NOTE: All SIS Isotonic Energy Gel nutrition values shown are for Orange 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!

Facebook
Twitter

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.

energy gel comparisons

See how your energy gel stacks up

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

One of the golden rules of running a marathon, triathlon or any endurance event is to not change anything on race day, and this applies to your nutrition as well.

ingredient articles

electrolytes in energy gels

Why is this important?

fat and protein during your race, don't do it!

In order to achieve optimum performance in any endurance sport you need to maximize oxygen delivery to the working muscles. What you eat plays a significant role.

caffeine

Our recommendations on when to use caffeine and when to avoid it.

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

Over hydrating and not getting enough electrolytes can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, which is serious and sometimes deadly.

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.

marathon race day tips and nutrition strategy

How much should you drink before and during the race? When and what should you eat? How many gels should you use?

how to avoid the porta potty during your race

We’ve all seen it and most of us have done it … 30 minutes (or less) into a race athletes are already looking for a porta potty. Don’t let this be you!

how to avoid "runner's trots"

This article is for athletes that experience intestinal discomfort while running and have to “go” while running.