How Does Beta Fuel Gel Compare to Other Gels?

December 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Scientific research has demonstrated that endurance athletes can absorb and utilize between 80-120 grams of carbohydrates per hour. To achieve this demanding target, many turn to high-carb options, making the question of how does Beta Fuel gel compare to other gels a critical one for fueling peak performance.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Beta Fuel's high-carb, dual-source formula, distinguishing it from standard, single-source gels. This comparison highlights its effectiveness for long-duration endurance events by examining carbohydrate delivery, absorption efficiency, and potential for gastric comfort versus competitors. The analysis covers key differences in formulation, consistency, and performance benefits.

Key Points

High Carb Load: Beta Fuel offers 40g of carbohydrates per gel, nearly double the content of many standard gels, simplifying high hourly fueling for endurance athletes.
Dual-Source Ratio: The optimized 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio is scientifically proven to enhance carbohydrate absorption efficiency and reduce GI distress.
Endurance-Specific Design: Engineered for high-intensity, long-duration exercise, Beta Fuel allows athletes to fuel with up to 120g of carbs per hour effectively.
Key Differences in Consistency: Compared to SiS GO's thin texture, Beta Fuel is thicker and sweeter, often requiring extra water, while Maurten's hydrogel has a unique, thick, jelly-like consistency.
Cost vs. Carb Density: Although Beta Fuel has a higher price per gel, its high carb content means fewer packets are needed for longer events, which can offer convenience.
Importance of Testing: Due to differences in formula, taste, and texture, athletes should always test Beta Fuel and any new gel during training to ensure gut tolerance.

The Science Behind Beta Fuel: Dual-Source Carbohydrates

Beta Fuel gel, developed by Science in Sport (SiS), is built on a dual-source carbohydrate formula designed for high-intensity, prolonged endurance exercise lasting two hours or more. Its core principle is a specific 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose. This differs significantly from many traditional gels that use a 2:1 ratio or a single carbohydrate source like maltodextrin. The 1:0.8 ratio has been clinically optimized to increase the percentage of ingested carbohydrates that are oxidized, or converted into energy, by the body. This allows athletes to consume a higher quantity of carbohydrates—up to 120 grams per hour—with less risk of gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort compared to other formulations. The dual-source approach utilizes two different carbohydrate transport mechanisms, which enhances the total amount of energy available to working muscles.

How the 1:0.8 Ratio Works

Maltodextrin: This is a rapidly absorbed carbohydrate that travels quickly to the bloodstream and muscles to provide fast-acting energy.
Fructose: Fructose is processed primarily by the liver, providing a more sustained release of energy.
Dual Pathways: By using both maltodextrin (glucose) and fructose, Beta Fuel utilizes different absorption pathways in the intestine, allowing the body to process a greater total volume of carbohydrates per hour without overwhelming a single pathway. This is the key to achieving high carbohydrate intake targets (80-120g/hr) more comfortably.

Comparison Table: Beta Fuel vs. Other Popular Gels


Feature	SiS Beta Fuel	SiS GO Isotonic	Maurten Gel 100	GU Energy Gel
Carbohydrate Content	40g per gel	22g per gel	25g per gel	~22g per gel
Carb Ratio	Optimized 1:0.8 (Maltodextrin:Fructose)	Single source (Maltodextrin)	0.8:1 (Maltodextrin:Fructose)	Single source
Formula Type	Concentrated, requires water	Isotonic, no extra water needed	Hydrogel	Concentrated, requires water
Best For	High-intensity, long-duration (>2hr) efforts	Shorter events, sensitive stomachs	High-carb intake for serious racing	General fueling, wide availability
Consistency	Thicker than GO, smoother than GU	Thin, water-like consistency	Very thick, jello-like	Very thick, syrupy
Taste	Palatable, but limited flavors	Lighter, many flavor options	Neutral flavor, few options	Strong, often very sweet
Cost	Premium price point	Lower cost	Premium price point	Affordable

Deep Dive into Key Differences

Carbohydrate Load & Energy Delivery

One of the most significant differences lies in the carbohydrate concentration. Beta Fuel delivers 40g of carbohydrates per serving, almost double that of a standard SiS GO or GU gel. This means athletes can consume fewer individual packets to meet high hourly fueling targets, simplifying the logistics of long-distance events. While gels like GU and SiS GO are suitable for shorter efforts or maintaining energy, Beta Fuel is designed specifically for races or training sessions exceeding two hours, where high carbohydrate intake is crucial. Maurten's Gel 100 also offers a high carb count and a dual-carb formulation similar to Beta Fuel, but it is encapsulated within a hydrogel matrix, a key differentiator in texture and absorption.

Consistency & Palatability

The texture and taste of energy gels are highly personal, but significant differences exist. SiS GO Isotonic gels are known for their thin, watery consistency, which makes them easy to consume without additional water. In contrast, Beta Fuel is thicker and sweeter, requiring water for optimal absorption and to avoid a cloying sensation, especially late in a race. Maurten's hydrogel has a unique, thick, almost-jelly-like consistency that some athletes either love or hate. GU gels are famously thick and syrupy, also requiring water. The flavor variety also varies, with SiS GO offering more options than Beta Fuel, which typically comes in just a few flavors. For endurance athletes, flavor fatigue is a real issue, making variety a consideration for long events.

Absorption and Gastric Comfort

Beta Fuel's claim to fame is its ability to reduce gastrointestinal distress, even with its high carbohydrate load. The 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio has been shown to improve carbohydrate oxidation and reduce the likelihood of gut issues compared to less optimal ratios or single-source fuels. SiS GO Isotonic is also known for being very stomach-friendly due to its isotonic properties and lower carb content, making it a great entry-level option. Maurten's hydrogel technology is designed to encapsulate the carbohydrates and bypass the stomach for quicker absorption, also aiming to minimize stomach upset. However, its unusual consistency is not for everyone. Traditional, non-isotonic gels like GU are more prone to causing stomach upset if not taken with sufficient water, as the body pulls water into the gut to help digest the concentrated sugars. The key takeaway is that gut tolerance must be trained, especially when moving to higher-carb products like Beta Fuel.

Considerations for Race Day

Choosing the right gel depends heavily on the duration and intensity of your event. For shorter races or individuals new to fueling, SiS GO Isotonic offers a reliable, low-risk starting point. For serious endurance athletes competing in marathons, triathlons, or ultras, Beta Fuel's high-carb density means carrying fewer gels and simplifying fueling strategy. Maurten offers a similarly high-end option, but its texture is polarizing. Ultimately, testing different gels during training is the only way to find what works best for your body, ensuring you don't encounter unpleasant surprises on race day.

Conclusion

How does Beta Fuel gel compare to other gels? Ultimately, Beta Fuel distinguishes itself as a premium, high-performance option engineered for peak endurance. Its scientifically validated 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio allows for superior carbohydrate delivery and absorption, enabling athletes to fuel with significantly more carbohydrates per hour while minimizing GI distress. While other gels like SiS GO Isotonic offer a lighter, more beginner-friendly approach, and Maurten provides a unique hydrogel formula, Beta Fuel is designed specifically for the demands of long, intense efforts where maximizing carbohydrate intake is paramount. For athletes pushing beyond the two-hour mark, the high carb count and optimized formula make Beta Fuel a compelling choice, provided they test its thick consistency and taste during training.

Lists

Pros of Beta Fuel Gel:

High Carbohydrate Density: Delivers 40g of carbs per gel, reducing the number of gels needed for high hourly intake targets.
Optimized Carb Ratio: The 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio improves carb absorption and oxidation efficiency.
Reduced GI Distress: Formulated to minimize stomach upset, a common problem with high carb intake.
Targeted Performance: Ideal for intense, prolonged endurance activities over two hours.

Cons of Beta Fuel Gel:

Thicker Consistency: Thicker than isotonic gels and requires water for optimal digestion.
Higher Cost: Priced at a premium compared to many standard gels.
Limited Flavors: Fewer flavor options, which can be a factor during long events.
High-Intensity Focus: Less suitable for shorter, lower-intensity workouts where less fuel is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is carbohydrate concentration and formula type. Beta Fuel provides 40g of carbohydrates from a dual-source (maltodextrin-fructose) blend, while SiS GO offers 22g from a single source (maltodextrin) and is isotonic, meaning it doesn't require extra water.

Beta Fuel is primarily designed for experienced endurance athletes undertaking long-duration (>2 hour), high-intensity exercise. For beginners or those with sensitive stomachs, the lower carb load and isotonic nature of SiS GO gels may be a more stomach-friendly option while adjusting to fueling during exercise.

Beta Fuel uses a specific 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio that utilizes two different carbohydrate absorption pathways in the gut. This allows the body to process more carbs per hour (up to 120g) without overwhelming a single pathway, which often causes GI issues.

Yes, unlike SiS GO Isotonic gels, Beta Fuel is a concentrated gel and should be consumed with water to aid in digestion and absorption, especially during longer events.

Both are high-carb, dual-source gels for endurance, but their core technology differs. Beta Fuel uses an optimized maltodextrin-fructose ratio, while Maurten's hydrogel encapsulates the carbohydrates to minimize stomach contact for rapid delivery. The biggest user difference is Maurten's very thick, jelly-like texture.

Beta Fuel is recommended for use during long endurance events or training sessions lasting two hours or more. Athletes can consume 1-3 gels per hour to achieve a carbohydrate intake of 80-120g per hour, depending on their fueling strategy.

Yes, SiS offers different versions of Beta Fuel, including standard, nootropics, and electrolyte versions. The nootropics version includes added ingredients like caffeine for mental focus, while the electrolyte version includes sodium to support hydration.