How to choose an energy gel

Are you looking for the right energy gel for yourself or someone close? Are you getting lost in the countless selection of energy gels?

Can't decide between composition, taste, energy value, or packaging?

At Monk Nutrition, we have prepared a simple guide for you, so you don't get lost in our offer.

Because the choice of the right gel depends on many factors, we have summarized the selection process into several steps.

1. Let's start with an unusual parameter that often plays second fiddle in the selection process, but we think otherwise: TASTE.

Yes, you read that right. Taste. Our philosophy is that a person should enjoy the sport, not just endure it. Many times, in our meetings with marathon runners, we have encountered the opinion that taste doesn't matter, just get it down as quickly as possible without it touching the tongue, and wash it down with a sports drink. However, it is scientifically proven that the brain can evaluate what is going into the body based on taste and prepare for it. Just the information that you are consuming something sweet can stimulate the brain to perform better. Of course, this effect is lost when using artificial sweeteners without calories, as the body is confused by the information from the tongue and what actually entered the body. Therefore, taste matters, and it's up to you whether you prefer chocolate or fruity flavors. We offer many flavors that you can enjoy. These are not just flavorings, but real and valuable ingredients.

So, the first question you need to answer when considering Monk gels is: Do you prefer chocolate/cocoa or fruit?

2. Now, let's move on to the second thing to consider when choosing the right gel: Composition.

With Monk energy gels, the choice is quite simple. Once you choose a flavor, either fruity or chocolate/cocoa, the composition is free from any preservatives, colorings, or other "enhancers" that could burden your body during sports performance. The primary ingredient in mostly of our gels is premium organic agave syrup, which provides quality energy thanks to a natural combination of sugars - fructose and glucose in a nature-approved ratio. Other functional ingredients in our gels include organic cocoa, organic banana, or for example, organic baobab – the fruit from the tree of life.

3. The third parameter in the selection is the quality of ingredients.

Organic or conventional quality? At Monk Nutrition, we make it easy for you. We only produce organic energy gels, so you can skip this step.

4. The fourth point in finding the right energy gel is to look at what energy gels were created for: energy for sports performance.

When choosing, you should consider your usual energy expenditure. Accordingly, it is good to choose a gel with a good weight/energy ratio. The higher this ratio is, i.e., more energy from fewer grams, the more you get from your gel. For example, our very popular Monk Cocoa Gel has 90 kCal for 30 grams of weight.

5. Right after energy, the speed of energy absorption is very important.

Monk energy gels are designed for slow energy release to supply you gradually. The gels owe this mainly to agave syrup, which has a low glycemic index, meaning a slow onset and slow decline, avoiding the so-called sugar spike effect, which initially gives you energy but then quickly drops, forcing you to consume another gel. (If you want to learn more about the low glycemic index and the sugar spike effect, read our article on them)

6. Do you want a gel with or without caffeine?

Caffeine is an amazing helper during demanding performance (sports or work). It can suppress feelings of fatigue and pain. At Monk Nutrition, we use organic guarana, known for its caffeine and guaranine content, which has a slow onset.

If you prefer a gentler natural caffeine, we also use the centuries-old stimulant - green tea matcha.

7. Gel packaging

We offer two types of packaging. A single-use tear-off pouch containing 30 grams of gel, very popular with athletes for shorter durations (up to 1.5 hours) and professional athletes during races. The large 70-gram gel packaging with a cap is very popular with people for whom 30 grams is too much at once and can reseal the package. This prevents clothing stains and allows you to enjoy (yes, refer to point 1) smaller amounts more frequently during your sport.

These were the 6 basic points to consider when choosing the right energy gel. If you have any other questions or are considering other parameters when choosing gels, please write to us at our email info@monk.sk. We will be happy to read your observations and opinions.