The people behind RunnersPicks
Our Favourite Running Nutrition
What would we reach for before heading out? From a gel on a long run to something solid on the trails, these are our picks for different kinds of running.
Jos and Sarah's favourites come from their own training. The other entries are editorial selections matched to our contributors' running profiles. We'll update them as each runner shares their own experience.
Disclosure: Nduranz supplied its test products for free, without a paid or affiliate agreement. The other product links below are ordinary product references.
Long runs and half-marathon training
Jos: Nduranz NRGY Gel 45
Lime or Orange
These are my current favourites. I find Lime and Orange softer and more pleasant than the regular and Ultra gels I combine from 6d. The consistency reminds me of Etixx's isotonic gels, but Nduranz has agreed with my stomach during these sessions where Etixx hadn't.
The portion doesn't bother me during longer training. My one frustration is getting the sachet completely empty: I roll it up from the bottom while taking it. For a caffeine gel, Mango is my pick over Cherry.
A drink instead of a gel
Sarah: Nduranz NRGY Drink 45
Orange
Sarah's favourite is Drink 45 Orange. She generally doesn't enjoy the sharper taste of gels, so drinking her fuel is a better fit for her preference.
She and Jos tried the same range and ended up preferring different formats. For Sarah, the Orange drink is the more appealing way to take fuel during a run.
A different gel format to explore
Tom: Maurten Gel 100
No added flavouring
Tom is the running-tech enthusiast of the group. Maurten Gel 100 brings that interest into nutrition, with a firmer consistency than a more syrup-like gel.
Each sachet contains 25 g of carbohydrates, with no added flavouring. The distinctive texture is the main point of interest here.
Something solid for a longer trail outing
Kevin: Näak energy waffle
A change from gels and drink mixes
Kevin keeps his trail running simple. A Näak waffle brings that same approach to food: something solid to chew on a longer outing, rather than another gel.
Näak makes the waffles for use before and during activity. They add a solid-food option alongside the gels and drinks on this page.
Keeping the choice straightforward
Lies: Precision Fuel & Hydration PF 30 Gel
Original
Lies prefers keeping things straightforward. PF 30 puts the amount of carbohydrate clearly on the packet, and the manufacturer describes the Original flavour as mild and neutral.
The appeal is a simple packet and a restrained flavour, without preparing a mix or choosing a strong fruit taste.
Long sessions and marathon preparation
Bram: 6d Ultra Gel
A higher-carbohydrate gel format
Bram's focus is marathon running, with long sessions and high-mileage weeks. The 6d Ultra Gel puts 45 g of carbohydrates into a 70 ml sachet, a format that fits the longer-session side of this page.
Like Jos's Nduranz gel, it carries a larger carbohydrate portion in one packet. It's a different option from the smaller servings elsewhere on the list.
A simple snack before training
Noor: A banana
An ordinary supermarket option
Noor brings the beginner's perspective. A banana before a session keeps nutrition familiar, without starting with a cupboard full of sports products.
This is a snack before a run rather than something to carry during a short outing. Familiar food keeps this choice simple.
Easy to pack with the work things
Daan: A small box of raisins
A practical food option for the commute
Daan's running fits around getting to work and back. A small box of raisins is an ordinary-food option that's easy to tuck into his work bag.
The format fits easily alongside work things, with no mixing or preparation. It's a familiar-food alternative to the sports products elsewhere on this page.
Guest tester: competitive 3K to 10K running
Louise: Maurten Gel 100
A smaller serving to compare
Louise found the Nduranz Gel 45 portion large to take in while racing a 10K at maximum effort. Maurten Gel 100 offers a smaller carbohydrate serving, with 25 g per sachet.
Her feedback puts portion size at the centre of the comparison: getting a large gel down feels different during a flat-out 10K than during a steady long run.
Meet the runners on our About page, or read the Nduranz hands-on review for the full testing context.