What are the ingredients in high 5? An Expert Nutritional Breakdown

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to scientific research cited by High5, endurance athletes can absorb up to 90g of carbohydrates per hour with their 2:1 fructose mix, a 50% increase over traditional sports drinks. To understand how this works, it is essential to know what are the ingredients in high 5's various sports nutrition products designed for different performance needs.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive analysis of the ingredients used across the High5 sports nutrition range, including specific carbohydrate blends for energy, electrolyte compositions for hydration, and natural flavorings. Details cover gels, drink powders, and sugar-free tablets.

Key Points

Diverse Carbohydrates: High5 uses a blend of carbohydrates like Maltodextrin, Glucose Syrup, and Fructose to provide energy, with a 2:1 fructose ratio for enhanced absorption.
Electrolyte Mix: Products like ZERO tablets contain a comprehensive electrolyte blend, including Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride, crucial for rehydration.
Natural Flavorings: The brand emphasizes the use of natural flavorings and real fruit juice concentrates for a better taste.
Specialized Ingredients: The Slow Release range utilizes Isomaltulose for a sustained energy release, while the 'Energy Drink with Protein' includes Whey Protein Isolate for recovery.
Vitamins and Minerals: Many products are fortified with vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 to support energy metabolism and immune function.
Allergen Awareness: High5 indicates potential allergens on product labels, with some products noting traces of milk, gluten, nuts, or eggs.

Core Ingredients of High5 Energy Gels

High5 offers several types of energy gels designed to provide a rapid carbohydrate boost during exercise. The specific ingredients can vary slightly depending on the flavor and type, such as standard, aqua, or with added electrolytes.

High5 Energy Gel Standard Ingredients

Glucose Syrup and Maltodextrin: These are the primary carbohydrate sources, providing quick-acting energy to muscles.
Water: Provides a smooth, light consistency.
Natural Flavorings: Often derived from fruit juice concentrates, which also contribute to the taste.
Acidity Regulators: Ingredients like citric acid and sodium citrates are used to manage the acidity and palatability.
Preservatives: Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate help ensure shelf stability.
Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt): Included to provide electrolytes.
Vitamin B6: A common addition to aid in energy metabolism.

High5 Energy Gel Electrolyte

This variant adds more electrolytes to the standard gel formula, making it suitable for longer sessions where mineral loss through sweat is significant. Key additional ingredients include Magnesium Citrate and Potassium Citrate.

High5 Energy Gel Aqua

Designed for easier consumption on the move, this gel has a higher water content, giving it a more liquid, drink-like consistency. It contains a similar base of glucose syrup, maltodextrin, and fruit juice concentrates.

High5 ZERO Electrolyte Tablets

High5 ZERO tablets are designed for sugar-free hydration with a focus on replacing lost electrolytes, rather than providing energy through carbohydrates.

ZERO Tablet Core Ingredients

Electrolytes: A blend of Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride is crucial for hydration and normal muscle function.
Acidity Regulators: Citric acid and malic acid give the tablets their effervescence.
Sorbitols: This is a firming agent and sugar alcohol that also acts as a sweetener.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Added to support the immune system and reduce fatigue.
Natural Flavorings and Colorings: Give the tablets their specific taste and appearance.
Sweetener (Sucralose): Provides sweetness without adding calories.
Green Tea Leaves Extract: Added to some variants, though the caffeine content is negligible in standard ZERO tabs.

High5 Energy Drink Powders

High5's energy drink mixes come in a few different formats, each with a unique formula to meet different athletic demands. The key difference lies in the carbohydrate blend and additional nutrients.

Energy Drink Standard

Maltodextrin and Fructose (2:1 Ratio): A scientifically formulated mix that optimizes carbohydrate absorption, allowing up to 90g per hour.
Food Acids and Acidity Regulators: Citric acid, malic acid, sodium citrates, and potassium citrate are used for taste and to regulate pH levels.
Natural Flavorings: Provide the drink's taste profile.
Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt): Included for electrolytes.

Energy Drink With Protein

This version is formulated for hard training and recovery, combining carbohydrates and protein. It features Whey Protein Isolate and Sucrose in addition to the standard energy drink ingredients.

Slow Release Energy Drink

This product uses Isomaltulose, a specialized carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, to provide a slower, more sustained energy release.

High5 Product Ingredients Comparison


Feature	Energy Gel (Standard)	ZERO Tablets	Energy Drink (Standard)	Energy Drink with Protein
Primary Carbohydrate Source	Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin	None (Sugar-Free)	Maltodextrin, Fructose (2:1)	Maltodextrin, Sucrose, Fructose
Key Electrolytes	Sodium (via Sea Salt)	Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride	Sodium, Potassium	Sodium, Potassium
Sweeteners	Not primary	Sucralose, Sorbitols	Not primary	Not primary
Additional Nutrients	Vitamin B6	Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract (trace)	None	Whey Protein Isolate
Best For	Quick energy during exercise	Hydration, all-day or during shorter workouts	Sustained energy during endurance exercise	Hard training & post-exercise recovery

Final Thoughts on High5 Ingredients

High5's sports nutrition products are characterized by scientifically backed formulations using carefully selected ingredients to serve specific athletic purposes. The brand's commitment to natural flavors and its avoidance of banned substances (with products tested by Informed Sport) offers peace of mind to athletes. Whether you need a quick carbohydrate boost, sugar-free hydration, or a balanced recovery drink, understanding what are the ingredients in high 5 products allows you to make informed decisions for your training and performance goals.

For more detailed information, consult the official product pages on the Official HIGH5 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary energy source in High5 Energy Gels is a combination of Glucose Syrup and Maltodextrin, which are carbohydrates designed for rapid absorption during exercise.

No, High5 ZERO tablets are sugar-free. They are designed as a zero-calorie electrolyte drink to help maintain hydration without providing additional carbohydrates.

High5 ZERO tablets contain a key mix of electrolytes, including Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride.

The 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio in High5 Energy Drinks is a scientifically formulated mix that enables the body to absorb up to 90g of carbohydrates per hour, providing more energy than standard sports drinks.

Many High5 products are suitable for vegans. However, certain products like the 'Energy Drink with Protein' contain Whey Protein Isolate (milk) and would not be. Always check the specific product's ingredient list for confirmation.

High5 gels are flavored with natural flavorings, often enhanced with real fruit juice concentrates for a lighter, more refreshing taste profile.

No, most High5 products are caffeine-free. However, specific variants, such as 'ZERO Caffeine Hit' and 'Energy Drink Caffeine,' are formulated with added caffeine for an extra boost.