HIGH5 Running Gels Energy (Orange) – Caffeine-free energy gel with quick-release carbs, 20 x 40g
Product description
The essentials
HIGH5 Running Gels Energy are designed for one job: getting fast carbs into you when endurance training (or a race) starts to feel like it’s testing your patience. Each sachet provides 23g of carbs (91 kcal), which is positioned as a quick-release option for running, cycling, and other endurance sports. The idea is simple—take it when you need an on-the-spot energy boost, then keep moving.
They’re also caffeine-free, and the brand frames them as vegan-friendly with natural ingredients and a flavour made with real fruit juice. In practice, that matters if you dislike gels that feel overly sugary or artificially sweetened, and you want something that’s easier to get down during a session.
What you’ll notice in use
The “quick absorption” angle is the headline here, and for many people that’s exactly what they’re shopping for—something you can use mid-session without the risk of feeling too heavy. A typical micro-moment might look like this: you’re a few miles (or minutes) in, your pace is steady, then the effort starts creeping up. Taking one gel around that point can be a way to top up carbs before you feel the big dip.
That said, gels aren’t magic. If you’ve under-fuelled in the lead-up, you may still notice sluggishness later. These gels can help with energy availability, but they’re not a substitute for smart training nutrition.
Where it shines
- If you want caffeine-free fuel: these gels are specifically described as free from caffeine, which suits sessions where you’d rather not stack stimulants.
- If you prefer a “real fruit juice” style: the texture is described as light and smooth, and the taste as refreshing and natural—often a plus when you’re using gels repeatedly.
- If you’re after quick carbs for endurance: with 23g carbs per sachet, they’re built for the “need it now” moments.
There’s also a practical side. Pack sizes like 20 x 40g are the sort of thing people tend to buy when they want enough for training blocks or multiple race-day uses, rather than just a couple of experiments.
Tech specs
- Name: HIGH5 Running Gels Energy (Orange)
- Type: Energy gel (carbohydrate supplement)
- Format: Sachets
- Size: 20 x 40g
- Carbohydrate content: 23g per sachet
- Energy: 91 kcal per sachet
- Caffeine: Caffeine-free
- Flavour: Natural fruit juice & Orange
- Dietary information: Vegan-friendly
Things to consider before you buy
It’s worth taking a moment to align expectations. This product is focused on fast carbs and taste, but the entry-level detail you don’t get from the provided info is exactly when you should take them during your specific effort, or how they’ll sit in your stomach under your own hydration plan. Everyone reacts differently—especially over long sessions.
Also, the absence of caffeine is a benefit for some runners and cyclists, but if you’re someone who actively uses caffeine for performance, you may find these don’t deliver the same “kick”. And while the description is confident about quick release and absorption, results can still depend on your overall nutrition, pacing, and gut tolerance.
Who it suits (and who might skip it)
It’s a solid pick if you want a straightforward energy gel for running or cycling training where you need quick carbs, you prefer a caffeine-free approach, and you don’t want artificial sweeteners or colourings.
It may not be the best match if you’re specifically chasing a caffeine-led performance boost, or if you’re experimenting with gels for the first time and you’re not sure your stomach handles them well. In that case, you might want to trial a smaller quantity first—just to avoid being stuck with a full pack you can’t tolerate.
Is it worth it?
HIGH5 Running Gels Energy are worth considering when you’re building a routine around endurance fuel—particularly if you like the idea of quick-release carbs at 23g per sachet, without caffeine, and with a fruit-juice-based flavour approach. The pack size makes sense for regular training or multiple event days, not just one-off testing.
Should you buy? Yes, if caffeine-free gel fuel and quick carbs are aligned with your plan, and you want something that’s described as light, smooth, and free from artificial sweeteners and colourings. Skip or look elsewhere if you’re relying on caffeine as part of your performance strategy, or if you’re not ready to commit to a full 20 x 40g supply while you’re still figuring out your tolerance and timing.
Mini FAQ
Are these gels caffeine-free?
Yes. They’re described as caffeine-free.
How much carbohydrate is in each sachet?
Each sachet contains 23g of carbs (91 kcal).
Is it vegan-friendly?
The description states it’s vegan-friendly.
What are the flavours like?
They’re described as made with real fruit juice, with a light, smooth texture and a refreshing, natural taste.
What sports can you use them for?
The product is positioned for running, cycling, and endurance sports.