Homemade Energy DIY Gel Recipes
The best part of creating your own homemade energy gels (gel DIY) is you can get creative and adjust ingredients to suit your own taste buds and desired consistency.
I'm a New Englander, so I feel like real maple syrup runs in my blood. I find most of the homemade energy gels that I make involve maple syrup in some form or fashion. And I can't mention real maple syrup and energy gel in the same sentence without giving a shout out to my favorite sports fuel brand UnTapped, from the beautiful neighboring state of Vermont. I've been using UnTapped's products for a few years now and enjoy the simple, natural ingredients in their products. So if you're looking for an all natural energy source to fuel your next adventure, I highly recommend checking them out.
Below are a few easy-to-make delicious recipes involving maple syrup that I put inside my Energy Flasks. Each recipe makes about 3oz of gel (equivalent to 3 standard 1oz gel packets). And my preference is to make more of an "energy syrup" than a gel - something a little thinner and less viscous than your typically gel. I find that makes consuming and digesting the fuel easier all around.
1. Maple Syrup and Coffee or Cocoa UnTapped
- 3.5 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 packet of Coffee UnTapped or Salted Cocoa UnTapped (1oz)
- 0.5 tablespoons water
Fill your gel flask with all ingredients and shake until mixed.
Nutrition: 275 calories. 72g carbs (72g sugar), 0g fat, 0g protein, 15mg/65mg sodium (Coffee/Salted Cocoa Untapped).
2. Maple Syrup and Nutella
- 4 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Nutella
- 1 tablespoon water
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then fill Energy Flask. For a coffee flavor, substitute water with your favorite morning brew. For added sodium, add a pinch of sea salt.
Nutrition: 270 calories. 60g carbs (60g sugar), 4g fat, 1g protein, 10mg sodium
3. Maple Syrup and Coffee (or Espresso)
- 4 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite coffee or Espresso
Fill Energy Flask with all ingredients and shake until mixed. Can modify ratio depending on desired thickness or coffee flavor. Add pinch of sea salt for added sodium.
Nutrition: 200 calories. 53g carbs (53g sugar), 0g fat, 0g protein, 5mg sodium.
Want more recipe ideas? Check out my Road Bike Rider article on DIY Energy Gels.