“Oh another form of gel or drink mix? Why should I buy this one? Oh it’s even more expensive than the others and only the pros use it who are sponsored or get it for free”.
These were all of my initial thoughts before trying Maurten gels and drink mix. I’d always bought Science in Sport gels as they were the first ones I’d ever come across and I liked the variety of flavours they offered, however this was before I really started to run a bit further.
Obviously this is all very individual but I’ve found that the flavour from gels becomes a bit sickly and the sticky gooey texture makes them bothersome/a pain in the arse. Not only do you find that after a few you’re starting to feel a little nauseous but you’re also getting some on your fingers/hands/face. I always find myself trying to wipe it off on my shorts or vest and becoming an increasingly angry sticky mess. Maurten however, go down a completely different route and it’s one of which I’m now a massive fan.
Overview
Maurten leverages proprietary Hydrogel Technology, where the product (liquid or gel) transforms into a hydrogel when exposed to the acidic environment of the stomach. This encapsulates carbohydrates, shielding them from premature breakdown and reducing gastric discomfort, allowing smooth transport to the intestines for absorption. Once there, the hydrogel dissolves and releases fuel efficiently.
Maurten Gel 100 – 25g of carbs
Maurten use their own patented Hydrogel Technology, that has no colours, no flavours and no preservatives; the gel is kept deliberately simple. There is next to no flavour at all and the way it’s built I’d liken to jelly, a bubbly jelly gel. (Yes that’s the professional phrasing). I’ve experienced no nausea, they’ve settled in my stomach, even on a super hot Race to the Stones 100k, when you’d really expect some tummy troubles. (Another professional term). Maurten put it like this:
“Hydrogel Technology is the innovation that encapsulates the carbohydrates, carrying them through the stomach to be absorbed.”
per serving (40 g sachet):
- Energy: ~100 kcal (425 kJ)
- Carbohydrates: 25 g (all sugars; fructose:glucose ratio 0.8:1)
- Fat & Protein: 0 g
- Salt: ~50 mg
Basically, less tummy troubles, agreed? Good.
Maurten 160 and 320 Drink Mix
Both mixes are again next to flavourless, making them super easy to consume. The difference is the 160 has 40g whereas the 320 has 80g of carbs. Both of them meant to be mixed with just 500ml of water. I’ll be completely honest here, I’ve been using them both and not even noticed which is which. Whether that means I can tolerate more carbs than I’ve realised, I’m not sure, BUT, it must surely mean that it’s easy to digest in it’s 320 form.
I’m a really big fan of this drink mix, it’s really thirst quenching, really easy to drink and you’re getting your carbs in for your long runs. (Sometimes more than you’ve even realised).
160 Per 500 ml serving:
- Carbohydrates: 40 g (maltodextrin:fructose ratio ~1:0.5)
- Energy: ~160 kcal (670 kJ)
- Sodium included; small sodium bicarbonate to maintain neutral pH (~≥ pH 6) to protect enamel.
320 Per 500 ml serving:
- Carbohydrates: 80 g (maltodextrin:fructose ratio ~1:0.7)
- Energy: ~320 kcal (1348 kJ)
- Sodium present; minimal sodium bicarbonate.
Maurten Gel 100 Caf 100 and Maurten 320 Caf 100 drink mix
Now again I’ll be honest, there’s a clear difference in taste here, but that’s next to impossible to avoid however it remains very subtle and again very easy to digest on both the gel and the drink mix. These were my absolute go to when I needed a boost, both in early long training runs and in Race to the Stones itself. Massive fan again, they were really easy to have and I really felt the boost every time.
100 Per 500ml serving
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Caffeine: 100 mg
- Energy: ~100 kcal (425 kJ)
- Salt: ~55 mg
320 per 500ml serving:
- Energy: ~320 kcal (1343 kJ)
- Carbohydrates: ~79 g total (37 g sugars)
- Caffeine: 100 mg per serving
- Salt (Sodium chloride): ~0.63 g (630 mg salt ≈ 248 mg sodium)
Summary Table
| Product | Carb per Dose | Caffeine | Energy | Pros | Cons |
| Gel 100 | 25 g | 0 mg | ~100 kcal | Clean ingredients, easy digestion | Low carb for long-duration events |
| Gel 100 Caf | 25 g | 100 mg | ~100 kcal | Adds alertness boost via caffeine | Not for caffeine-sensitive users |
| Gel 160 | 40 g | 0 mg | ~160 kcal | Higher carb per gel, flexible fueling | May feel heavy, needs good hydration strategy |
| Drink Mix 160 | 40 g per 500 ml | 0 mg | ~160 kcal | Hydration + carbs, enamel-safe pH | Moderate carb—may need supplements in long events |
| Drink Mix 320 | 80 g per 500 ml | 0 mg | ~320 kcal | High-density carb + hydration in one go | Too intense for some stomachs, requires pacing |
| Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 | 79–80 g per 500 ml | 100 mg | ~320 kcal | Combines high-carb fueling + caffeine; hydrogel masks bitterness | Very potent—can overload caffeine- or carb-sensitive athletes |
Scientific & Nutritional Tech
- Hydrogel Technology provides a smooth gastric transit by encapsulating carbs, reducing stomach irritation, and enabling efficient absorption in the intestines.
- Fructose-to-glucose ratios (0.8:1 in gels, 1:0.5 or 1:0.7 in drinks) optimize carb uptake by tapping into multiple transport pathways (GLUT and SGLT).
- Sodium bicarbonate inclusion in Drink Mixes helps neutralize acid to protect dental enamel without impacting blood pH regulation during exercise.
- Minimal ingredients; Maurten products use no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, lowering GI irritants and allergen risks.
- Consistency across regions (EU vs UK) ensures nutrient transparency; energy values and ingredient listings are meticulously provided.
Here comes the caveat and probably one you were expecting, the price. The fact is Maurten are more expensive. They are going to cost you more to fuel your training and your races. Other popular brands like SIS, High 5, OTE and Precision Fuel and Hydration are taking the spotlight for the every day runner, because they are more affordable and they seem offer a variety of products. No argument with that and if it works for you, then why would you do any different. As I said at the beginning this is all very individual and we’re all on a journey to find the solution for our own stomachs vs big miles.
What I will say is that you should consider just having a couple of these and seeing what you think, especially if you’ve struggled with gels from other companies before. These are different, they are easier to digest and they are proven to work well with high performance. Many more athletes are looking to run, not just 50 mile races but 100 mile races on gels and drink mix alone now. If I look to do this, which I hope to, it’s Maurten who have my vote.
Robin is running the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 24 Hour Track Race on 20th September in Battersea Park and he will be using Maurten products to help fuel him. Best of luck Robin!
About the author: I’ve been running for about 7 years, I love all types of running road, trail and fell, 5K, marathon and ultra distances. I have a wife and two kids and my own accounting practice which often take a backseat to running. I’ve also founded a local running group, High Peak Runners, hoping to bridge the gap from Couch to 5K to running consistently and most importantly, enjoying it! Follow Robin here.
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