Maurten Gel 160 Review: For High-Carb Fuelling Athletes

The Maurten Gel 160 is the bigger, bolder sibling of the widely popular Gel 100. Where the Gel 100 delivers 25 grams of carbohydrates per packet, the Gel 160 packs in 40 grams — a 60% increase in carbohydrate dose in the same hydrogel format. It's designed for athletes who have trained their gut to absorb higher carbohydrate rates and who need to maximise fuel delivery during extended high-intensity efforts. But is it simply a larger version of an already excellent product, or does the higher concentration create new challenges? This review examines the Gel 160 in detail — who it's for, how it performs, and whether it earns its place in your race day nutrition plan.

What Is the Maurten Gel 160?

The Maurten Gel 160 takes its name from its calorie content — 160 kcal (approximately 670 kJ). It contains:

40g of carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose blend)
Sodium (55mg)
The same hydrogel matrix (sodium alginate and pectin) as the Gel 100
No artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives
No caffeine option (unlike the Gel 100 which has a CAF 100 variant)

The packet is noticeably larger than the Gel 100, which has practical implications for carrying during runs. The texture and flavour are identical to the Gel 100 — the mild, neutral sweetness and smooth gel consistency that Maurten users are familiar with. Australian pricing sits at approximately $6.50–$7.50 AUD per gel, making it the most expensive gel in this review series. Available through Maurten's direct website and selected online retailers including iHerb AU.

Why Does Carbohydrate Dose Matter?

Before evaluating the Gel 160 specifically, it's worth understanding the science that makes a 40g gel meaningful for performance athletes. The current gold standard in endurance fuelling research supports intake of 60–90g of carbohydrates per hour for efforts lasting longer than 2.5 hours. The lower end of this range (60g/hour) can be achieved with a single carbohydrate source — glucose or maltodextrin — because the SGLT-1 intestinal transporter can handle approximately 60g/hour of glucose. To reach 90g/hour, you need a dual-source approach: combining glucose/maltodextrin with fructose, which uses the separate GLUT-5 transporter. By accessing two absorption pathways simultaneously, the gut's total absorption ceiling rises to approximately 90g per hour — and in highly trained athletes, even higher. Maurten's gels use a maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio that enables this dual-source absorption. At 40g per gel, the Gel 160 delivers more carbohydrate per packet than any competing hydrogel product on the market, making it particularly suited for athletes targeting the 80–90g/hour range.

Who Needs the Gel 160 vs the Gel 100?

This is the central question for any runner considering the upgrade from the standard Gel 100. Choose the Gel 160 if: You're targeting 80–90g of carbohydrate per hour consistently. Athletes doing this level of fuelling — typically trained ultra runners, ironman triathletes, or elite marathon runners — need more carbohydrate per gel to make their intake targets without carrying an impractical number of packets. You've successfully gut-trained on the Gel 100 and want to push intake higher. The Gel 160 isn't appropriate as a starting point for runners who haven't built up their gut's absorption capacity. The higher carbohydrate concentration, even within the hydrogel matrix, places a greater demand on the digestive system. You want to reduce the number of gels you carry. For ultra-runners managing pack weight and pocket space, fewer larger gels can be more practical than more frequent smaller ones. Stick with the Gel 100 if: You're targeting 60g/hour or below — the Gel 100 covers this range effectively with a gel taken every 25–30 minutes. You're new to Maurten or new to high-carb fuelling strategies. Start with the Gel 100 and build from there. You haven't done systematic gut training. Higher carbohydrate doses without gut adaptation can cause more GI distress, not less — even with the hydrogel technology.

Real-World Testing: What Does 40g Feel Like?

The first time you take a Gel 160 mid-run, the most immediate observation is the packet size — it's roughly 50% larger than the Gel 100, which means it takes longer to consume and requires more deliberate squeezing to empty fully. In race conditions, particularly at marathon pace, this slightly longer consumption window is worth noting. The texture is the same smooth, gel-like consistency as the Gel 100. The flavour remains neutral and mild — no sweetness overload, no artificial aftertaste. This is particularly appreciated when taking the gel at higher carbohydrate doses, where the temptation to formulate a more intensely flavoured product might push other brands toward syrupy sweetness. Stomach comfort: Tested across multiple long runs of 2.5–4 hours at various intensities, the Gel 160 causes minimal GI distress in athletes who have built up to 80g+/hour carbohydrate tolerance. Runners who attempt the Gel 160 without gut training — jumping from low-carb fuelling directly to 40g doses — should expect a higher likelihood of digestive discomfort. Energy delivery: The energy from 40g of dual-source carbohydrates is perceptibly different from a 20–25g gel. Taken every 30–35 minutes as part of a high-carb fuelling strategy, the Gel 160 delivers a noticeably smoother and more sustained energy flow than lower-dose alternatives. There's less of the mild energy dip between gel doses that some runners experience with smaller gels.

Gut Training Protocol for the Gel 160

If you're planning to use the Gel 160 in a race, you need to earn it in training first. Here's a structured approach: Weeks 1–4: Use Maurten Gel 100s consistently on all long runs, targeting 60g of carbohydrates per hour. Take a gel every 25–30 minutes and pay attention to any GI symptoms. Build the habit and the gut tolerance simultaneously. Weeks 5–8: Gradually introduce Gel 160s, starting with one per long run and increasing to two. Monitor GI response carefully. If you experience significant discomfort, return to Gel 100s for an additional 2 weeks. Weeks 9–12: If Gel 160s are well-tolerated, build toward using them as your primary gel source for long runs, targeting 70–80g per hour. This phase requires consistent practice across multiple sessions. Race preparation (2–3 weeks before): Finalise your race nutrition strategy using the exact products and doses you'll use on race day. No surprises. This progressive approach is non-negotiable for runners whose gastrointestinal system isn't accustomed to high carbohydrate doses. The hydrogel technology reduces but does not eliminate the adaptation requirement.

Fuelling Strategy: Integrating the Gel 160 Into a Race Plan

A practical race-day fuelling framework using the Gel 160 for a marathon runner targeting 80g/hour: Option 1 — Gel 160 only:

Take one Gel 160 every 30 minutes
This delivers approximately 80g/hour
Requires carrying 5–6 gels for a standard marathon (assuming fuelling from 45 minutes in)
Clean and simple

Option 2 — Gel 160 + Maurten Drink Mix:

Supplement gels with Maurten Drink Mix 320 from aid stations (if provided at your race) or carried in a soft flask
Allows flexibility in total carbohydrate dose
Works well for 70.3 and Ironman where you can carry drinks on the bike

Option 3 — Mixed Gel 100 / Gel 160:

Use Gel 100s for the first half of the race (lower intensity, gut warming up)
Switch to Gel 160s in the second half when intensity increases and higher carbohydrate delivery is beneficial
Reduces GI risk in the critical early phase while maximising energy delivery when it matters most

Carrying the Gel 160 on the Run

The larger packet size of the Gel 160 has practical implications for where and how you carry it. Running vest front pockets: The Gel 160 fits in most running vest pocket sizes but takes up noticeably more space than a Gel 100. For vest wearers, this is rarely a practical problem. Race shorts pockets: Tight, shallow race shorts pockets may struggle with the Gel 160 packet. Test this in training wearing your exact race kit. Belt pouches: Running belts with gel pockets typically accommodate the Gel 160 without issue. Aid station drop bags: For ultra races with drop bags, pre-loading bags with Gel 160s is a clean solution that avoids the carrying challenge entirely.

Price Analysis: The Real Cost of High-Carb Fuelling

At approximately $6.50–$7.50 per gel, the Gel 160 is the most expensive fuelling option per packet in Maurten's range. However, the cost-per-gram-of-carbohydrate comparison is more favourable than it might initially appear:

Maurten Gel 100: $6.00 ÷ 25g = $0.24 per gram of carbohydrate
Maurten Gel 160: $7.00 ÷ 40g = $0.175 per gram of carbohydrate
GU Energy Gel: $3.50 ÷ 20g = $0.175 per gram of carbohydrate

On a per-gram basis, the Gel 160 is actually comparable in cost to mainstream gels and more economical than the Gel 100. The total race-day spend is still higher than budget alternatives, but the value equation is better than the headline price suggests. For a marathon using 5 Gel 160s: approximately $35–$37 AUD. For a budget gel option (5 × GU): approximately $17–$20 AUD. The gap is real but not enormous when spread across months of race preparation.

Comparison: Gel 160 vs SiS Beta Fuel 40g Gel

The closest direct competitor to the Gel 160 is the SiS Beta Fuel gel, which also delivers 40g of carbohydrates using a dual-source formulation. Both are premium gels with strong evidence behind their carbohydrate delivery. The key differences:

Hydrogel technology: Maurten uses hydrogel encapsulation; SiS uses a different solubility approach. Both aim to reduce osmotic stress, though the mechanisms differ.
Flavour: SiS Beta Fuel comes in multiple flavours (some runners find this more enjoyable; others prefer Maurten's neutral profile for long distances).
Price: Both sit in a similar $5–$7 range in Australia.
GI sensitivity: Anecdotally, Maurten performs better for the most GI-sensitive runners; SiS Beta Fuel performs excellently for most runners.

Neither gel is objectively superior — the choice often comes down to individual GI sensitivity and personal flavour preference.

Availability in Australia

The Gel 160 is available through:

Maurten.com/en-AU — direct, full range
iHerb AU — reliable, competitive pricing, ships nationally
Selected running specialty stores in major cities (The Running Company, Sportitude, Rebel Sport)

Stock can be inconsistent at physical retail — ordering directly from Maurten or through iHerb is the most reliable approach.

Final Verdict

The Maurten Gel 160 is a specialist tool for a specific type of athlete: one who has invested in gut training, understands high-carb fuelling strategy, and needs to maximise carbohydrate delivery across extended efforts. For this athlete, it's one of the best products available. For recreational runners or those new to structured fuelling, the Gel 100 is a better starting point — better tolerated, less expensive, and sufficient for the 60g/hour range that covers the majority of runners. If you're training for your first marathon and considering Maurten, start with the Gel 100. If you're a seasoned endurance athlete targeting sub-3-hour marathon times, ultra distances, or Ironman events, the Gel 160 deserves a serious look. Rating: 8.5/10 — Outstanding for its intended audience; overkill for everyone else. Prices quoted are approximate AUD as of 2026. Gut training is essential before using high-dose gels in racing conditions.

The Case for Training With Gel 160: Building Gut Capacity

One of the most important — and frequently overlooked — aspects of using high-dose gels is that the gut training required should happen at training-equivalent intensities and conditions, not just at race intensities. Many runners make the mistake of testing their 80g/hour protocol only during easy training runs, then experiencing GI distress when they attempt the same intake rate at marathon race pace. The reason: gut blood flow is significantly reduced at race intensity (above 75% VO2max), making carbohydrate absorption less efficient and osmotic sensitivity higher. A protocol that works perfectly at 65% effort may cause cramping at 80% effort. The correct Gel 160 testing protocol: Phase 1 (weeks 1–4): Take one Gel 160 every 35–40 minutes during easy long runs (65–70% effort). This is the starting point — confirm basic tolerance at low intensity. Phase 2 (weeks 5–8): Introduce the Gel 160 at moderate effort — tempo runs and marathon-pace long run sections. Target one gel every 33 minutes. This is the intensity at which race-day gut function is most similar. Phase 3 (weeks 9–12): Use the full race-day protocol (one Gel 160 every 30 minutes) during your most important race-simulation long runs that include extended marathon-pace sections. This final phase confirms race-day readiness. Only after successfully completing Phase 3 without GI issues are you genuinely prepared to race on the Gel 160 protocol.

Gel 160 in Ultra-Marathon Contexts

For ultra-marathon runners covering 50km and beyond, the Gel 160 serves a different role than in road marathon racing. At ultra intensities (often 60–70% VO2max during running sections, lower during hiking), the gut handles higher carbohydrate doses more comfortably — but the total duration means efficiency of carrying still matters. Ultra fuelling approach with Gel 160: High-intensity running sections (climbs, technical descents, competitive racing sections): One Gel 160 per 35–40 minutes. The higher dose ensures adequate carbohydrate delivery during the effort sections where energy demand peaks. Lower-intensity sections (fire road running, hiking, aid station transitions): Supplement Gel 160 intake with real food from aid stations. Boiled potato, fruit, and other whole foods provide variety and satiety signals that gels don't. The Solid 160 (Maurten's semi-solid bar) pairs naturally with the Gel 160 in ultra contexts — use gels during running, Solid 160 at aid stations when you're standing and have time to chew.

Gel 160 vs Gel 100: When to Upgrade

The decision to use Gel 160 over Gel 100 should be driven by your target hourly carbohydrate intake, not simply a desire to use the "better" product. Stay with Gel 100 if: Your target intake is 60g/hour or below. Taking one Gel 100 every 25 minutes achieves this target efficiently. Upgrade to Gel 160 if: Your gut training has progressed to 80g/hour and you want to achieve this through fewer, larger gels rather than more frequent smaller ones. The Gel 160 reduces the frequency of gel consumption from every 25 minutes (Gel 100) to every 30 minutes — a meaningful reduction in consumption events across a 3–4 hour race. The intermediate option: Alternate Gel 100 and Gel 160 throughout a race to target approximately 65–70g/hour. One Gel 100 followed 30 minutes later by one Gel 160 (repeat) delivers an average of 65g/hour — between the two standard intake rates. This flexible approach suits runners transitioning between intake levels.

Final Verdict: Is the Gel 160 Worth It?

For the athlete it's designed for — gut-trained, targeting 80g/hour carbohydrate delivery, competing in marathon or longer events — the Maurten Gel 160 is genuinely excellent. The higher carbohydrate dose per packet reduces consumption frequency, the hydrogel technology provides the same GI protection as the Gel 100, and the cost-per-gram-of-carbohydrate is actually more favourable than the Gel 100. For athletes who haven't done the gut training, or who are targeting 60g/hour rather than 80g/hour, the Gel 100 is the appropriate product. The Gel 160 isn't a casual upgrade — it's a specialist tool that requires preparation to use effectively. Final Rating: 8.5/10 Outstanding for its intended audience. Assess your gut training progress honestly before committing to Gel 160 as your race-day fuel. Available at maurten.com/en-AU and iHerb AU. Prices approximate AUD as of 2026.

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