HOMEMADE VS STORE-BOUGHT ENERGY GELS

Why store-bought gels are popular for a reason

Let's be fair here. Commercial running gels did not become standard because runners love spending money. They became standard because they solve real problems.

Most store-bought gels are designed around fast-digesting carbohydrates and are built to be portable, easy to consume, and consistent from one serving to the next.

That gives them some clear advantages:

1. They are convenient

This is the biggest one. You tear it open, squeeze, done. No prep, no mixing, no storage decisions, no wondering whether the consistency is right on race morning.

2. They are consistent

Commercial gels usually tell you exactly how many carbs, how much sodium, and how much caffeine you are getting per serving. That matters when you are trying to fuel at a certain number of grams per hour and do not want surprises halfway through a long run.

3. They are built for portability

A homemade gel in a flask works well, but store-bought gels are even easier to throw into a pocket, belt, or vest. This is especially convenient for longer races where you have to carry a lot of gels.

4. Some are actually very simple

Not every commercial gel has a huge ingredient list. Some are fairly stripped back and do exactly what they are supposed to do, which is provide carbs in an easy format.

So no, store-bought gels are not bad by default. A lot of them are smart and practical.

Where store-bought gels start to lose me

Now the downside.

1. They are expensive

This is the biggest one for most runners. A few gels here and there is not a huge deal, but once you are training for a marathon and using them weekly, it adds up fast.

That was one of the main reasons I started making my own. In my DIY version, the cost per serving is much lower, especially when buying ingredients like maltodextrin powder in bulk.

2. Some have long ingredient lists

Not all of them, but many commercial gels contain flavorings, stabilizers, acidity regulators, preservatives, or other additives that are there to improve shelf life, texture, or taste.

That does not automatically make them unhealthy, but it does mean you are often paying for more than just the actual carbs your body needs during a run.

3. Sweetness fatigue is real

When you are deep into a long run, some gels start tasting far too sweet. A lot of runners can handle one or two, then suddenly every extra packet feels like work.

4. Less control

If you make your own gels, you control the texture, carb sources, sodium, and caffeine. If you want to add electrolytes yourself, a simple electrolyte salt or sodium mix can make that really easy.

5. More packaging waste

This is not the biggest issue performance-wise, but it is still worth mentioning. Individual packets are convenient, but they also mean more single-use waste over time.

Where homemade running gels win

Homemade gels make a lot of sense if you train regularly, do long runs often, and do not mind spending a little time preparing fuel in advance.

1. Cost

This is the biggest advantage by far. If you are doing long runs every week, making your own gels can save a lot of money over a training block.

2. Ingredient control

You decide what goes in. You can keep it very simple with a carb source, water, and sodium, or adjust the mix based on what works best for your stomach.

For example, some runners like using agave syrup or honey as part of the carb mix, while others prefer a more measured setup using maltodextrin.

3. Easy customization

Want it thinner? Add more water. Want more sodium for a hot long run? Adjust it. Want caffeine only in one serving? Easy.

If you like experimenting with caffeine intake, this can also be done more precisely with a measured caffeine source, though you need to be careful and accurate with dosage.

4. Great for training

Homemade gels are especially useful in training because that is where you are practicing fueling, not just buying convenience. If you can train your gut with a homemade formula that works well, that can be a big advantage.

But homemade is not automatically better either

This is where people can get a little too idealistic about DIY.

Homemade gels also have downsides.

1. Less convenient

You have to make them, fill the flasks, clean the flasks, and remember to bring them.

2. Harder to standardize

Unless you measure carefully every time, the carb content can vary. That matters if you are trying to hit a very specific fueling target during long sessions.

3. Shorter shelf life

A homemade mix is something you want to use fairly soon, not leave sitting around forever.

4. Race day confidence matters

For some runners, the best race-day fuel is simply the one they trust most. If that is a commercial gel they have used many times before, that is a valid reason to stick with it.

So which is better?

Honestly, both have their place.

Store-bought gels are best when you want maximum convenience, consistency, and portability. They make a lot of sense for race day, travel, and runners who do not want to deal with mixing their own fuel.

Homemade gels are best when you train a lot, want to save money, and like having more control over what you are putting in your body.

For me, the sweet spot is simple:

• Homemade for most long training runs
• Store-bought for specific race situations or convenience

That way you lower your fueling costs without losing the option of using commercial products when they actually make sense.

Read next

If you want the actual recipe and ingredient breakdown, you can read my full guide here:

DIY Energy Gels For Just $0.30