Energy gels

When we bought the Mulebar brand in 2015, we wanted to innovate in the gel market dominated by laboratories and which was losing momentum because it did not meet new expectations of practicality and naturalness.

The first observation was the pollution linked to the use of non-resealable single-use plastic tubes and bags from which a little very sticky gel always leaks even once consumed. Far too many people prefer to throw them on the ground rather than soil their pockets or bags. We're not even talking about the little tabs to break which almost systematically end up on the ground because they are so small.

The second was the demand from sportswomen for products that are smaller, less sweet, less pasty to ingest and with more natural ingredients that avoid the stomach aches so common during racing.

We have therefore found THE solutions to meet each of these very legitimate expectations:

Tubes equipped with a truly resealable cap which prevents the product from leaking once finished but above all to encourage setting in several batches. It is advisable to avoid taking too much sugar at once (cotton legs effect, blood sugar peak or reactive hypoglycemia). The human body does not like excess.

Reusable tubes: a world first! Long before recycling was fashionable, thanks to the creation of our range of ecofills.

Rounded corners so that our tubes do not pierce very fragile technical textiles which cost a fortune .

A very fluid texture easy to ingest during exercise when you have a very dry mouth, without needing to drink too much to do so to pass, but also easy to dilute to be able to make a drink. The powders eventually dry out and always leave a very acidic undiluted deposit at the bottom of the can.

High quality natural ingredients and the fewest in number possible. Of course without preservatives, artificial colors or perfumes, although they are still very present on the market. Look at the composition of your gels as you do for everyday food, there is a chance that you will quickly change brands! The energy base of our Mulebar gels is made from brown rice syrup mixed with agave syrup for a very quick energy boost but which will also last over time until the next frost.

New flavors such as Coffee, Lemon Ginger or Salted Caramel which have become standards on the market.

The history of our eco-gel refills

The concept of the eco-gel refill was created by Denis Gargaud in 2013 at the time under the Duo Tonic brand. It was in 2015, the year of the acquisition of Mulebar, that the two brands were combined.

The concept of eco-refills is revolutionary for several reasons:

It allows you to reduce the use of single-use plastic gel tubes or sachets by reusing empty resealable tubes or 60ml silicone vials or 150ml flexible flasks. The PET bottle is recyclable.

The large packaging reduces the price by 33% compared to 12 tubes purchased individually, so it is the way to offer inexpensive energy gels.

This allows you to consume the gel pure or diluted in water, which is much more practical than powders which end up drying and this takes up less space in a suitcase or sports bag.

2 in 1 gel or drink product, a 444g refill allows to fill 12 tubes of Mulebar energy gels, 6 60ml silicone vials, three 150ml flexible flasks or to create 6 liters of energy drink by diluting a volume of gel in 500ml of water.

If with all this you are not convinced that we have created the best gels in the world, try our energy compotes, our energy bars or our exercise or hydration drinks .

Can the consumption of sugars with a high glycemic index during physical exercise cause reactive hypoglycemia?

During physical exercise, adrenaline is produced and it inhibits the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. This inhibition is a natural reaction to maintain adequate blood glucose levels and provide an energy source for active muscles. The released catecholamines also stimulate the conversion of glycogen, stored in the liver and muscle cells, into glucose and the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate (lipid) sources, ensuring that blood glucose remains stable. Therefore, the use of sugars with a high glycemic index during physical activity is effective for obtaining rapid energy without risking hypoglycemia caused by an increase in insulin.

Why take an energy gel during physical effort?

When you take part in a marathon or any other endurance event (triathlon, Ironman, rodacycling...), managing your energy becomes crucial. Your body, subjected to intense and prolonged exertion, quickly draws on its glycogen reserves to supply your muscles with energy. Once these reserves are depleted, the famous marathon runner's ‘wall’ appears: a feeling of extreme fatigue, a lack of fuel and a drop in performance. This is where energy gels come in.

Mulebar energy gels are specially formulated to provide a rapid supply of carbohydrates, helping to replenish glycogen reserves while maintaining stable energy levels. They are very fluid and contain no unnatural ingredients to make them easily digestible, providing a fast, effective source of fuel without causing stomach upset. Be sure to check the ingredients of your usual gels and avoid anything that isn't 100% natural.

When to consume an energy gel for optimum performance?

The consumption of energy gels during a marathon or other endurance activity must be strategically planned to maximise their effectiveness. Ideally, it is recommended to take an energy gel a few minutes before the start of the race. This helps to replenish glycogen reserves and give your energy levels an initial boost without creating digestive overload.

Then, during the event, it is advisable to consume a gel every 45 minutes to an hour ideally in 3 evening intakes one per ¼ hour. This frequency helps to maintain a constant carbohydrate intake and avoid the sudden drop in energy that can occur after an hour or so of effort. Each intake should be followed by a few sips of water to aid digestion and the rapid absorption of carbohydrates, as well as to prevent any gastrointestinal discomfort.

It's also essential to pay attention to how you personally feel and your specific needs. For example, in moments of intense fatigue or when a difficulty arises, taking an energy gel can offer a crucial boost of energy to maintain the pace and overcome the challenge. Finally, never wait until you're completely exhausted to consume a gel, as it's easier to maintain an energy level than to recover from a sudden drop.

By testing gels during training and planning energy gel consumption intelligently and incorporating them into your hydration routine, you can significantly improve your endurance and optimise your overall performance during the race.

How to choose an energy gel?

There are 4 aspects to consider when choosing an energy gel.

Ingredients: This is the most important! Only consume products with natural ingredients, free of preservatives and other chemical additives. Sugar is an excellent preservative, sufficient on its own. Some nutrition brands enrich their gels with minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium), guarana, caffeine, vitamins, or antioxidants. Choose what suits you best.
Consistency: Opt for a gel that is liquid enough to swallow easily during exercise. Some brands offer thicker gels that are harder to consume and require a lot of water to wash down.
Practicality: The container should be easy to open and close (if you opt for multiple doses). The content should be easily accessible with one hand, especially for cyclists.
Price: There is something for every budget. The price of a tube ranges from €1.2 to over €4 including tax. The cost will be lower if you choose a pack of several gels, an eco-refill, or a full box.

It is recommended to test new products during training rather than on race day to avoid unpleasant surprises. If the ingredients are 100% natural, there should be no gastric issues, but you should know how frequently to consume one.