HIGH5 Running Gels Citrus (caffeine-free) – 23g carbs energy gel, 20 x 40g sachets

Key takeaways

If you’re looking for a straightforward carbohydrate gel to support endurance efforts, HIGH5 Running Gels are built around rapid fuel. Each sachet is described as delivering 23g of carbs (and 91 kcal) for a quick energy release when you’re on the move. That makes them the kind of product you’d typically keep in your kit for runs, rides, or longer sessions where you don’t want to rely purely on what’s stored in the body.

It’s also positioned as caffeine-free, with natural fruit juice (citrus flavour) and a light, smooth texture aimed at being easy to swallow during training or racing. On paper, it’s designed for people who want carbs without the extra stimulants, and who care about ingredients such as being vegan-friendly and free from artificial sweeteners and colourings.

That said, the “quick absorption” claim is general in nature: how it feels in your stomach depends a lot on your nutrition practice, hydration, and timing. If you’re new to gels, it’s worth building up gradually rather than treating it like magic fuel.

What it is and why people use it

HIGH5 Running Gels are carbohydrate supplements meant to provide a fast source of energy. The brand frames them for running, cycling and endurance sports, which is useful context because those disciplines tend to have similar challenges: you need calories you can consume quickly, without stopping, and you often want something that travels well in a race belt, jersey pocket, or on the bike.

A practical way to think about them is in “race-day convenience” terms. For example, during a long run you might take one gel part-way through the distance, then continue at a steady effort, using the carbs to help maintain performance as intensity and fatigue build. The citrus flavour and the caffeine-free angle matter here because some people find certain stimulants aren’t ideal late in an event, or they simply don’t want the extra kick.

Key features worth weighing up

A few things stand out from the information provided.

First, the carb load per sachet is clear: 23g of carbohydrates and 91 kcal. If you’re planning your intake around gels, having a consistent number is handy when you’re deciding how often to take them.

Second, the formulation is described as caffeine-free and free from artificial sweeteners and colourings. That’s a sensible direction if you prefer products that don’t rely on heavily processed flavour systems, and it may suit athletes who are trying to keep their race nutrition simple.

Third, the gel uses real fruit juice and is described as having a light, smooth texture that’s easy to consume. In the real world, that can help with adherence—if a gel is unpleasant, you’re less likely to take it when it counts.

Finally, it’s vegan-friendly and aimed at endurance athletes at different levels. The pack size you’re considering is 20 x 40g sachets, which is the sort of bundle that makes sense for regular training blocks, not just one-off use.

Usage tips

Getting the most from energy gels is usually less about the product and more about your routine.

Start by checking how gels fit your usual nutrition strategy. If you already use carbohydrate products, HIGH5 gels are at least consistent in the sense that each sachet provides the same stated carb and calorie amount. If you don’t, it may be worth testing them during training first—particularly because gels can behave differently depending on how hydrated you are and what you’ve eaten beforehand.

Also, because these are described as caffeine-free, they’re likely to feel different compared with gels that contain stimulants. That doesn’t make them worse or better, it just means they may be better for you if you want energy support without relying on caffeine for “push”.

Be mindful that even with easy-to-swallow texture, you still need a realistic plan for consumption. Many people find taking a gel alongside fluids is more comfortable than trying to go dry.

Tech specs

• Name: HIGH5 Running Gels – Citrus (caffeine-free)
• Type: Carbohydrate supplement energy gel
• Format: Instant energy release gel sachets
• Size: 40g per sachet
• Capacity: 20 x 40g
• Key nutrition stated: 23g carbs and 91 kcal per sachet
• Flavour: Citrus

Where it shines, and where it may not

Worth considering if you want a caffeine-free carb gel with a clear per-sachet carb amount and a flavour described as made with real fruit juice. It also fits the type of athlete who cares about ingredient transparency—vegan-friendly and free from artificial sweeteners and colourings—while still wanting something practical for running or cycling.

It might not be a great match if you specifically look for gels that add caffeine for performance or if you’re extremely sensitive to gels in general and haven’t found a brand/flavour you tolerate. Also, if your plan depends on a very specific gel schedule, you’ll want to confirm your timing strategy before committing—because the “quick energy release” depends heavily on how you use it.

Is it worth it?

This is a sensible buy if you’re building a reliable endurance fuel option that’s caffeine-free, portioned clearly, and designed for fast intake during training or events. The 20-pack format suggests it’s meant for more than a one-race experiment, so it can be easier to stick with when you’re learning what works for your stomach.

You may want to skip it if caffeine-free gels aren’t what you’re targeting, or if you’re buying purely based on claims like “peak performance” without having a nutrition plan and hydration routine. In that case, any gel can feel inconsistent.

Mini FAQ

What’s the main purpose of HIGH5 Running Gels?

They’re carbohydrate energy gels designed to deliver quick energy support during endurance activities like running and cycling.

Are these gels caffeine-free?

Yes—based on the product description, they’re caffeine-free.

How many carbs are in each sachet?

Each sachet is described as containing 23g of carbohydrates (91 kcal).

What flavour is included in this pack?

This pack is Citrus.

Are they suitable for vegans?

They’re described as vegan-friendly.