Vala Energy Gel makes refueling feel like a treat

Vala’s energy products are a refreshing natural alternative to fake flavor gels and provide 24g carbs per sachet.

Almost as important as picking the right running shoe is choosing the best running gel. As much as we all train to maximize our strength and stamina, most of us will still need – or benefit from – a dedicated running gel. A quick shot of carbohydrates will keep your energy levels up to ensure you don’t end up running out of gas before the finish. However, no running gel is alike, and depending on your own personal tastes and requirements, you may end up preferring one over another. But, how could you possibly know before trying them? Well, that’s where I come in. I’ve been putting a bunch of the top running gels to the test, explaining the ups and downs of each. Up next, it’s the turn of Vala Energy gels. Here’s how they performed.

Vala Energy gels are another real-food alternative to maltodextrin-based gels. These gut-friendly, all-natural energy gels are made from just six ingredients: maple syrup, date paste, Welsh salt, lemon and lime juice, and chia seeds. A paste more than a gel, the consistency is quite different to most regular gels.

You can use them during high intensity efforts but they tend to suit slower, longer endurance efforts better than all-out racing – where you can consume them a little more leisurely. 

What does Vala Energy Gel taste like?

They’re also very sweet. With some gels you need water to wash down the gloop and rinse your mouth but with Vala it’s more to take the edge off the sweetness. I’ve used Vala gels for marathons, ultras, hikes and rides and I found them a bit overpowering when I tried to hit that 60g carbs per hour.  

For me, Vala energy gels are at their best as part of a mix of gels. The taste and texture are a really nice gear shift and I save these for when I want my refueling to feel more like a treat. Because provided you like dates, you actually look forward to eating these. 

What’s the best way to use these gels?

With 24g carbs in each portable 35g pack, you get a decent hit of even energy. They’re as good spread on toast and mixed in porridge for a pre-workout energy boost as they are gobbled neat while on a run. How many energy gels can you say that about?   

The packs are robust and on the small side. So they’re compact and stashable and it’s easy to fit two to three hours’ worth in pockets or belts. The rip-top opening can be a bit of a struggle. I sometimes found it came off without creating a wide enough opening and I ended up squeezing paste through the tiniest hole. But if you’ve been hunting for an alternative to fake-flavor gels, then these are worth a try in training.  

What other running gels should I consider?

Of course, Vala isn’t the only player on the market, and there are plenty of commendable rivals that might suit your tastes better.

If you’re not too fussed about fancy flavors, my go-to alternative would be Performance Fuel PF30 gel. It contains a mega 30g of carbohydrates within the 51g sachet, giving it one of the best energy-to-weight ratios of any gel I’ve come across. As for the taste, it’s pleasant but neutral – not as enjoyable as Vala Energy gel, but still not a chore to consume either.

If you’re after a different sort of consistency, Veloforte energy gels could be the answer. Those have a liquid-like consistency rather than the usual stodgier experience you’d get from a gel, so they go down very easily – so long as you choose an agreeable flavor for your palette. Plus, as an added bonus, all the ingredients that Veloforte use are natural, meaning no synthetic taste or stomach discomfort.