Styrkr Energy GEL50 Review

Styrkr Gel50 Energy Gel Review - A High-Carb Option for Long Distance Runs

When it comes to fuelling for ultra marathons, finding the right energy gel can make or break your race. To be honest, I’m not a big fan of energy gels in general, but needs must when it comes to long-distance and ultra running, they’re convenient, easy to carry and make it simple to calculate your carb intake on the go.

Over the past week, I’ve been testing out the Styrkr Gel50, a high-carb, vegan and gluten-free energy gel that’s designed to deliver serious fuel for endurance athletes.

I decided to put them to the test on a 40km coastal run along a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a route with rolling sand dunes, sea air and plenty of time to see how these gels really perform.

What Makes the Styrkr Gel50 Stand Out?

The standout feature of the Styrkr Gel50 is right there in the name, 50 grams of carbohydrates per gel, which is higher than most on the market. The formulation uses a 1:0.8 maltodextrin to fructose ratio, designed to optimise carbohydrate absorption and reduce the risk of gut distress.

Each gel is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, which will appeal to runners with specific dietary requirements.

Real-World Test: 40km on the Coast

Over the 40km test run, I treated it as more of a gentle training run rather than a full-on race effort, so I aimed for one Gel50 roughly every hour, washing each down with a few sips of water. I’m pleased to say they performed well, no stomach upset, no sugar crash and a consistent energy boost throughout.

For anyone who’s ever struggled with gut issues during a race, that’s a big win.

Texture and Consistency

One of the first things I noticed about the Styrkr Gel50 was the texture. Compared to other energy gels I’ve tried, it’s smooth and consistent, with no lumps or gritty bits. However, it is noticeably thicker, and I found it left a bit of a coating in my mouth. I had to take a swig of water afterward to clear it, which is something to keep in mind for race day.

Flavour and Sweetness

Flavour-wise, they’re ok as far as energy gels go. Both the Mixed Berry and Citrus Fruits varieties tasted pretty decent, without that strange chemical or medicinal aftertaste you sometimes get. That said, they are quite sweet, and maybe even a bit too sweet for my palate. If you prefer milder or less sugary gels, that’s definitely something to consider. 

Overall, I found the flavours enjoyable, but the sweetness a little overpowering, especially if these were the only gels I’d be consuming over several hours of running. That’s not to say others will have the same issue, if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, these might be right up your alley.

Price and Value

At around £29.99 for a 12-pack (roughly £2.50 per gel), the Styrkr Gel50 sits in the same ballpark as the SiS Beta Fuel gels, about 30p more expensive per gel, but you do get an extra 10g of carbs with each Styrkr gel.

If you’re aiming to carry fewer gels during long runs or races while maintaining your carb intake, that’s a trade-off worth considering.

Where to Buy

👉 You can pick up a 12-pack of Styrkr Gel50 gels here for £29.99

Styrkr Gel50 12-Pack

Styrkr Gel50 12 Pack - £29.99 (£2.50 per gel)

Final Thoughts

Overall, I came away generally impressed with the Styrkr Gel50 energy gels. The high-carb content, smooth consistency and digestive comfort make them a good option for ultramarathon runners or anyone pushing the distance in training.

While the thicker texture might not suit everyone, and the sweetness is a bit much for my taste (though others may not mind), those feel like small trade-offs for reliable fuelling and steady energy.

If you’re looking for a powerful, convenient energy gel to get you through your next ultra or long training run, the Styrkr Gel50 could be worth a try.

Pros: High carb content, gentle on the stomach, smooth texture

Cons: thick texture, quite sweet

Nutrition (Citrus Fruits Flavour)

Ingredients (Citrus Fruits Flavour)

Maltodextrin, Fructose, Water, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid, Natural Citrus Flavouring, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate).
Caution: May contain traces of nuts.