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Overview

Is Hammer Gel the right energy gel for cyclists who prefer riding with plain water?

The Hammer Gel Box of 24 is a concentrated complex carbohydrate gel that has been the benchmark of endurance fueling since 1995, and the reason it has lasted is simple: it contains only what your body actually needs and nothing it doesn't. Hammer Nutrition uses maltodextrin as the sole carbohydrate source, a long-chain complex carb that delivers fast-acting, sustained energy without the spike and crash that comes from simple sugar-based gels. No added refined sugars, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners. What you get is clean, consistent energy from real ingredients including real fruit, natural flavors, and four amino acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, and L-Alanine) added to help protect muscle tissue and reduce fatigue during prolonged effort.

Hammer Gel is designed to be consumed with plain water, making it the natural choice for cyclists who carry plain water bottles rather than a sports drink. Use one serving 10 minutes before exercise and every 45 minutes during efforts lasting up to three hours. For efforts beyond three hours, Hammer Gel transitions from primary fuel to supplemental fuel alongside Perpetuem or Sustained Energy. Available in 10 flavors including two caffeinated options: Espresso (50mg) and Tropical (25mg). The three nut flavors (Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate, and Nocciola) contain 1g protein and 2.5 to 3.5g fat per serving, making them suitable as primary fuel for ultra-distance events. Note: Nocciola contains dairy and is not vegan. Kosher certified. Gluten-free. 5-year shelf life from manufacture date.

Hammer Gel - Box of 24 Dialed Cycling Lab
Hammer Gel - Box of 24 Dialed Cycling Lab
Hammer Gel - Box of 24 Dialed Cycling Lab

All the specs

MPN HBA24

Format
Box of 24 single-serving pouches
Carbohydrate source
Maltodextrin (complex carbohydrate, no added refined sugars)
Carbohydrates per serving
21-22g (standard flavors), approximately 19-20g (nut flavors)
Calories per serving
Approximately 90 kcal (standard), approximately 100 kcal (nut flavors)
Fat per serving
0g standard flavors, 2.5-3.5g nut flavors (Peanut Butter, PB-Chocolate, Nocciola)
Protein per serving
0g standard flavors, 1g nut flavors
Sodium
Minimal (added for preservation only, not an electrolyte source: use Endurolytes separately)
Sweetener
Energy Smart (Rice Syrup plus Grape Juice Concentrate): all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free
Amino acids
L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine (BCAAs), L-Alanine in all flavors
Caffeine
Espresso: 50mg per serving. Tropical: 25mg per serving. All other flavors: 0mg.
Flavors carried by DCL
Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate, Espresso, Huckleberry, Nocciola (Hazelnut), Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate, Raspberry, Tropical, Vanilla
Vegan
All flavors except Nocciola (contains non-fat dry milk in hazelnut paste)
Certifications
Kosher (cRc), Kosher (OK: PB and PB-Chocolate), Kosher Dairy (OK: Nocciola), Gluten-free
Shelf life
5 years from manufacture date
Preservatives
Cultured Dextrose (pouches): FDA-approved, all-natural

FAQ

Good questions

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Why does Hammer Gel use maltodextrin instead of simple sugars?

Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that digests more efficiently than simple sugars during exercise. It delivers fast-acting energy without causing the insulin spike and subsequent crash associated with glucose, sucrose, or fructose. It also allows the body to absorb more calories per hour without the GI distress that simple sugar gels commonly cause.

Do I need to drink water with Hammer Gel?

Yes. Unlike isotonic gels, Hammer Gel is designed to be consumed with plain water. Hammer recommends drinking 16 to 26 oz of plain water per hour alongside gel use, adjusting for temperature and effort level. This is also why Hammer Gel is the preferred choice for athletes who ride with plain water bottles rather than a mixed sports drink.

Which Hammer Gel flavors contain caffeine?

Espresso contains 50mg of caffeine per serving. Tropical contains 25mg of caffeine per serving. All other flavors (Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate, Huckleberry, Nocciola, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate, Raspberry, and Vanilla) are caffeine-free.

Is Hammer Gel an electrolyte source?

No. Hammer Gel contains only a minimal amount of sodium for preservation. It is not designed as an electrolyte replacement product. Hammer recommends using their Endurolytes product line separately to meet electrolyte needs during exercise.

What makes the nut flavors different from the other Hammer Gel flavors?

The Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate, and Nocciola (Hazelnut-Chocolate) flavors contain 1g of protein and 2.5 to 3.5g of fat per serving from their nut ingredients. This makes them calorie-dense and suitable as primary fuel for ultra-distance events lasting well over three hours. Nocciola contains dairy and is not vegan.

Is Hammer Gel vegan?

All flavors except Nocciola are vegan-friendly. Nocciola (Hazelnut-Chocolate) contains a small amount of non-fat dry milk as part of the hazelnut paste and is not vegan.

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