GEL X is KMC’s next-generation high-carb energy gel, built for athletes who need bigger fuelling numbers during long runs, rides, races and triathlons.
Each sachet delivers 45g carbohydrate in a 1:0.8 maltodextrin-to-fructose ratio, with 200mg sodium, key electrolytes, no caffeine and a deliberately neutral cooling taste.
It took more than 18 months, 19 formulations, over 100 test samples and feedback from more than 300 athletes to get here. More than 5,200 units were sold before the public launch.
This guide explains what makes GEL X different, how to use it, and whether GEL X, original GEL or GEL+ best fits your next endurance session.
Quick Answer: What Is GEL X?
GEL X is KMC’s new high-carb energy gel.
It is built for endurance athletes who want more carbohydrate per sachet, especially when aiming for bigger fuelling targets during longer sessions or races.
In simple terms:
- Use KMC GEL for everyday fuelling.
- Use KMC GEL+ when you want caffeine.
- Use KMC GEL X when you need more carbohydrate per gel.
GEL X gives you 45g carbohydrate per sachet, compared with 27g carbohydrate in original GEL and GEL+.
That makes it a useful option for athletes building more structured fuelling plans for marathons, long rides, sportives, triathlons, ultras and big training days.
Why We Built GEL X
Endurance fuelling has changed.
More athletes are now planning carbohydrate intake properly instead of hoping breakfast, stubbornness and one emergency gel will carry them through.
For longer endurance events, sports nutrition guidance often talks about carbohydrate intakes from around 30g to 60g per hour, with higher intakes such as 90g per hour used by trained athletes in longer events when tolerance has been practised.
That creates a practical problem.
If each gel gives you a smaller carb dose, you need to carry more, open more and think more.
That is fine for many sessions. But for longer races, bike legs, ultras, marathons and triathlons, some athletes want a bigger carbohydrate hit per sachet.
So we built GEL X.
Not as a replacement.
As another tool.
18 Months, 19 Formulations, 300+ Athletes
We did not want to make another high-carb gel that became thick, sickly and increasingly difficult to tolerate as an effort went on.
- More than 18 months of development
- 19 different formulations
- More than 100 test samples
- Tested by over 300 athletes
- 5,200 units sold before public launch
GEL X was tested in the real world, refined repeatedly and built for the efforts where getting your fuel right matters.
A deliberately neutral taste
Carbohydrate is naturally sweet, so removing sweetness completely would be impossible. We kept GEL X as neutral and easy to tolerate as we could to reduce flavour fatigue during long efforts.
A lighter texture
More carbohydrate naturally adds some thickness, but GEL X remains considerably less thick than the typical high-carb gel.
Packaging built for serious efforts
The stronger pack is designed to survive being dropped, squashed and buried at the bottom of a race vest. To open it, pinch firmly at the tear notch, then pull hard down and diagonally across. Practise it in training before race day.
GEL X vs GEL vs GEL+: Which One Should You Use?
Not every session needs the biggest carb number.
If you are new to gels, have a sensitive stomach, or want the classic KMC flavour experience, start with original GEL.
If you want that same original gel format with caffeine added, use GEL+.
If you are building a high-carb fuelling plan and want 45g carbohydrate per gel, use GEL X.
| Product | Best For | Carbs | Caffeine | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KMC GEL | Everyday training, first-time gel users, sensitive stomachs | 27g | No | Easiest everyday option |
| KMC GEL+ | Training and racing when you want caffeine | 27g | Yes | Everyday fuelling with caffeine |
| GEL X | High-carb fuelling plans, long races, 90g+ per hour targets | 45g | No | Bigger carb targets |
Is GEL X Better Than GEL?
No.
It is built for a different job.
Original GEL is still the better place to start for most athletes. It is lighter, familiar, flavour-led and easier for everyday training and racing.
GEL X gives you more carbohydrate per sachet. That is useful when the fuelling target is higher, but it also means you should test it properly in training.
Bigger carb numbers are not something to casually introduce on race day unless you enjoy learning lessons at speed.
Use GEL when you want simple, reliable fuelling.
Use GEL+ when you want that with caffeine.
Use GEL X when you need more carbohydrate per gel.
Different gels. Different jobs.
How To Use GEL X
The simplest way to use GEL X is to match it to your carbohydrate target.
| GEL X Intake | Approx. Carbohydrate Intake |
|---|---|
| 1 GEL X per hour | 45g carbohydrate per hour |
| 1 GEL X every 30 minutes | 90g carbohydrate per hour |
| 1 GEL X every 23 minutes | About 117g carbohydrate per hour (roughly 120g) |
Do not jump straight to high-carb fuelling on race day.
Practise it in training first.
Your stomach is trainable, but it does appreciate a bit of notice.
For many athletes, a mixed approach will work well:
- Use GEL or GEL+ for standard fuelling.
- Add GEL X when the session gets longer.
- Use GEL+ when you specifically want caffeine.
- Use ISO MIX or electrolytes alongside gels when fluid and sodium matter.
When GEL X Makes Sense
GEL X is most useful when the session is long enough that carbohydrate intake becomes a real limiter.
Good use cases include:
- Marathon training and race day
- Long bike rides
- Sportives
- Triathlon bike and run fuelling
- Ultra running
- Long trail races
- Endurance events where carrying fewer sachets helps
- Athletes practising 90g+ carbohydrate per hour
For shorter sessions, everyday training or first-time gel use, original GEL may still be the smarter choice.
Not every run needs a spreadsheet.
What Does Neutral Cooling Mean?
GEL X is designed with a neutral cooling taste.
That means it is not trying to be a big sweet flavour bomb.
The goal is to make it easier to keep taking during long efforts, when strong flavours can become a bit much.
If you love the classic KMC taste, original GEL and GEL+ are still there doing the job nicely.
GEL X is more restrained.
Less “treat”.
More “please keep functioning”.
Can You Mix GEL X With GEL Or GEL+?
Yes.
In fact, that may be the best approach for many athletes.
You might use original GEL early in a run because it is easy and familiar, then use GEL X later when you want to hit a higher carbohydrate target.
Or you might use GEL+ strategically when you want caffeine, while using GEL X for the bigger carb moments.
The key is to practise the plan before race day.
Race day is not the time to discover that your nutrition strategy was mostly confidence and vibes.
Who Should Start With Original GEL Instead?
Start with original GEL if:
- You are new to energy gels
- You have had stomach issues with gels before
- You want the easiest KMC gel option
- You prefer classic flavours
- You are fuelling shorter sessions
- You do not need a high-carb gel yet
Choose GEL+ if you want the same original gel format with caffeine.
Choose GEL X if you are specifically targeting higher carbohydrate intake.
That is the range now:
Simple fuelling. Caffeinated fuelling. High-carb fuelling.
How Do You Open the Tougher GEL X Packaging?
GEL X uses a stronger pack because it is designed for serious events: it can cope with being dropped, squashed and carried for hours.
Pinch, then pull hard. Hold the sachet firmly below the tear notch, pinch at the notch and pull down and diagonally across. As with your fuelling plan, practise opening it in training before race day.
If you prefer a simpler reusable option, try KMC refillable energy gels.
Expert Note
The best gel is the one that fits the session. Use GEL or GEL+ when stomach comfort and easy fuelling matter most. Use GEL X when the priority is hitting higher carbohydrate numbers with fewer sachets.
Final Word
First there was GEL.
Then GEL+.
Now there is GEL X.
Original GEL is still the easiest place to start. GEL+ is still there when caffeine has a job to do. GEL X is the new high-carb option for athletes who need bigger fuelling numbers, fewer sachets and a more structured plan for long efforts.
Different gels.
Different jobs.
Pick the one that fits the session.