Everyone likely has a go-to fueling plan for long runs and races. Like most habits, it’s hard to break—especially when it comes to something as personal (and performance-critical) as nutrition. From personal experience, it’s often mentally easier to stick with what you know than to experiment with something new. As the saying goes—”better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”.
That said, part of what we try to do at Run Oregon—at least some of the time—is encourage runners to try something they haven’t used before. A new race. A new shoe. A new product. In this case, that new product is NEVERSECOND Energy Gels. I actually first tried NEVERSECOND gels at a Daybreak Racing event this past fall, where they were stocked at aid stations. I remember tossing one back mid-race, thinking, “I really need more of these”.
This is very much a “do as I say, not always as I do” situation. I’ll be the first to admit that when I walk into my local run shop to stock up on fuel, the wall of options can feel overwhelming, and I often default to what I’ve always used. There’s nothing wrong with that—but it doesn’t leave much room for learning.
As a site that prides itself on a neighbor-next-door vibe, we’ll let NEVERSECOND handle most of the deep dive into the science. Their C30 Energy Gels are engineered to deliver exactly 30 grams of carbohydrate using a proven 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, designed for efficient absorption and reduced GI distress.
The result is quick energy availability, sustained output at higher intensities, and optimized hydration support. There’s also the C30+, which follows the same formula but adds 75 mg of caffeine for an extra boost in focus and energy when you need it.
Because change can be intimidating, the easiest entry point is NEVERSECOND’s Trial Pack. It’s a smart way to test both function and flavor without committing to a full box of one option. The trial pack includes eight total gels:
- six C30 Flavored Energy Gels and
- two C30+ Flavored Energy Gels with caffeine
I’ll admit to having a sweet tooth—but when it comes to energy gels, I usually want things toned down. I don’t love a candy-level sugar rush when I’m pushing the pace. That’s where these really stood out.
Despite flavor names that suggest sweetness, the actual profiles are noticeably mild and low-sweet compared to many gels on the market. There’s definitely room for both styles—some runners love that sugar hit—but if you prefer something more restrained, these are excellent. NEVERSECOND also offers an unflavored option, which can be especially appealing during longer efforts.
From a usability standpoint, these gels were easy to get down. The packaging opens cleanly, even at faster running tempos, and while the packet itself is slightly larger than some others (which can make stuffing small pockets a bit trickier), it’s straightforward and mess-free in use.
Beyond gels, NEVERSECOND offers a full ecosystem of performance nutrition, including drink mixes, bars, and distance-specific packs for everything from half marathons to ultras. Those curated options are especially appealing if you’d rather take some of the guesswork out of fueling and focus on the run itself.
If you’re feeling stuck in your fueling habits, NEVERSECOND is well worth a look—and an even better taste test.
