Energy gels: what matters in liquid sport nutrition

Consumers are looking for nutrition solutions that fit seamlessly into their activities. Products that are easy to use, deliver functional benefits and support performance in a practical way are gaining importance. Sports nutrition is no longer a niche category. It has become part of a broader approach to managing energy, recovery and overall wellbeing.

Within this context, liquid sport nutrition formats such as energy gels have established themselves as a reliable option. Their relevance becomes particularly clear in endurance sports, where energy supply is a key factor for maintaining performance over longer periods.

Modern energy gels are designed to respond to this challenge in a targeted way. For activities lasting longer than 90 minutes, glycogen stores decrease significantly, making external carbohydrate intake essential. Rather than simply delivering fast energy, today’s formulations aim to provide a more balanced and sustained supply.

Another important aspect is usability. The evolution towards liquid and drinkable gels reflects a clear need: products must be easy to consume under real conditions. A fluid consistency allows intake without additional water, which simplifies handling during exercise.

Why energy gels are essential in endurance sports

For endurance disciplines, maintaining energy levels over time is critical. Energy gels provide a compact and practical solution. They can be consumed during activity without interrupting movement or focus. This makes them particularly suitable for long-distance applications such as marathons, cycling events or triathlons.

Market data from Mintel confirms that such formats are gaining relevance. Sports nutrition is now widely used across Europe:

• In the UK, 49% of adults used a sports nutrition product within a three-month period leading up to November 2025

• In Germany, usage increased from 43% in 2023 to 47.2% in 2025

• Energy formats such as bars, gels and blocks already reach 31% of users in Germany

• 72% of German consumers state that these products help them save time when managing nutrient intake

These figures highlight a clear development. Convenience and functionality are no longer optional. They are expected. Source: Mintel, Germany 2026

What defines a high-performance energy gel

From a product development perspective, several factors need to come together to create a high-performance energy gel. A typical formulation includes a combination of fast and slow carbohydrate sources, electrolytes such as sodium and magnesium and a consistency that allows easy consumption. Isomaltulose contributes to a more gradual conversion in the body and prolongs energy supply, which is particularly relevant for long-duration performance.  Electrolytes, like magnesium contribute to a normal muscle function and a normal nerve system. Equally important is the handling of the product. Liquid gels that can be consumed without additional water offer a clear advantage during activity. They reduce complexity and improve usability.

At Austria Juice we support all standard options currently on the market, ranging from the addition of minerals and vitamins to amino acids or certain easily digestible, simple sugars (maltodextrin, glucose, sucrose, fructose) in specific ratios.

Formulation challenges in liquid sport nutrition

Despite their focused purpose, energy gels are technically complex products. Developing them requires formulation expertise to balance several parameters that influence both functionality and consumer acceptance. Viscosity is one key factor. The product must be fluid enough to be easily swallowed, yet concentrated enough to deliver sufficient energy. Taste is another important aspect. High carbohydrate levels can lead to strong sweetness. During prolonged activity, this can become limiting. Subtle and refreshing flavour profiles are therefore often preferred. At Austria Juice product concepts with Yuzu or Cranberry are developed.

The focus in the product development lies on translating product concepts into reliable and tasteful solutions. Customers benefit from collaborating with Austria Juice by tailored support across the full development process, from creating new formulations and adapting existing recipes to implementing defined product concepts. In addition, our network of trusted filling and packaging partners provides a full-service support.

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