HAMMER GEL – WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?

Spend any time at an endurance event, in our online store or speaking to athletes, and you'll often hear the same comment:

"I tried energy gels once. They upset my stomach."

It's a common response, but it's also one of the biggest misconceptions in sports nutrition. The problem isn't usually energy gels themselves – it's the ingredients used in many of them.

Not All Energy Gels Are the Same

Most energy gels look very similar. They come in small sachets, promise fast energy and are used by runners, cyclists, triathletes and other endurance athletes. However, what goes into those gels can be completely different.

Many popular gels contain:

• Large amounts of simple sugars
• Artificial colours and flavourings
• Citric acid

Hammer Gel takes a different approach.

It is made with complex carbohydrates from maltodextrin, natural flavours and contains no artificial colours or preservatives. Unlike many traditional energy gels, it is also low in acidity, making it much gentler on your stomach.

Why Some Energy Gels Cause Stomach Problems

Many athletes experience stomach discomfort during training or racing, and the ingredients in some gels are often part of the problem.

Simple sugars enter the bloodstream very quickly, causing a rapid rise in blood glucose followed by an equally rapid drop. This can leave you feeling energised briefly before experiencing an energy crash. Simple sugars also require considerably more water to digest properly. If you don't drink enough fluid alongside them, digestion slows, increasing the risk of bloating, stomach cramps and gastrointestinal (GI) distress.

Citric acid can make matters worse by increasing acidity in the stomach and digestive tract, particularly during long or intense exercise when the digestive system is already under pressure. Many athletes assume all gels behave the same way after one bad experience, but that's simply not true.

Why Hammer Gel Performs Differently

Hammer Gel has been designed specifically for endurance athletes who want reliable energy without upsetting their stomach. Instead of relying on large amounts of simple sugars, it uses complex carbohydrates from maltodextrin. These provide a steady supply of energy rather than the rapid spikes and crashes associated with sugar-based products.

Because maltodextrin requires significantly less water for digestion than simple sugars, Hammer Gel moves through the digestive system more efficiently. This helps reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort while allowing energy to become available quickly. Its naturally low acidity also places less stress on the digestive system during exercise.

The result is smooth, consistent energy that supports performance without the highs and lows many athletes experience with traditional sugar-based gels.

Pair Hammer Gel with HEED Sports Drink for hydration and electrolytes, or add Endurolytes capsules for full-spectrum mineral replacement during longer efforts.

Trusted by Endurance Athletes for nearly 40 years

For nearly four decades, Hammer Gel has earned the trust of endurance athletes around the world. Most users don't need to understand all the science behind the product. They simply notice that they can train and race for longer with steady energy, fewer stomach issues and more consistent performance.

Whether you're preparing for a marathon, sportive, triathlon, ultra-distance event or long training ride, Hammer Gel delivers the dependable fuel your body needs without relying on excessive sugar. After every session, support your recovery with Recoverite® — the 3:1 carb:protein recovery drink designed for endurance athletes.

Don't Judge Every Gel by One Bad Experience

If you've avoided energy gels because another brand upset your stomach, don't assume they're all the same. The ingredients matter. The way your body digests those ingredients matters even more.

Hammer Gel offers a completely different fuelling approach that's built around efficient energy production, easier digestion and long-term endurance performance. Try it for yourself and experience the difference. As with every Hammer Nutrition product, it's backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Need Help With Your Fuelling?

Choosing the right nutrition can make a huge difference to your performance. If you're unsure how to use Hammer Gel or any other Hammer Nutrition products, our experienced team is here to help you build a fuelling plan that suits your training, racing and recovery goals.

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