Lecka vs Maurten: A Real-Fruit Alternative to Gel 100
Short answer: Maurten Gel 100 and Lecka Energy Gel deliver a similar dose of carbohydrate (about 25 g per gel) but in very different ways. Maurten uses purified glucose and fructose set in a flavourless hydrogel. Lecka uses real fruit, honey, cane sugar and tapioca syrup, so it tastes like the fruit it's made from, and it carries more sodium per gel. For long races, Lecka Ultra Gel packs 60–65 g of carbs into one resealable pouch. At typical US prices, Lecka also costs less per gel.
Standard gels compared
| Lecka Energy Gel | Maurten Gel 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate | 25–27 g fruit flavours; 22 g Coffee Cacao | 25 g |
| Net weight | 40–44 g | 40 g |
| Calories | 100–110 | 100 |
| Sodium | 90–120 mg | Low (around 20–35 mg) |
| Carb sources | Fruit purée or juice, honey, cane sugar, tapioca syrup | Glucose, fructose |
| Texture | Smooth fruit gel with ground basil seed | Firm, jelly-like hydrogel (sodium alginate, calcium carbonate) |
| Flavour | Passion fruit, banana, kumquat honey, lime ginger, coffee cacao | Unflavoured |
| Caffeine option | Coffee Cacao, 80 mg | Gel 100 CAF 100, 100 mg |
| Typical US price per gel | About $2.50 (12-pack) | About $4 |
| Independent lab-tested label | Yes, results published | Check with the brand |
The real difference: food vs. engineered fuel
Maurten's approach is to strip fuel down to purified sugars and wrap them in a hydrogel that forms in the stomach. Many athletes like it precisely because it's neutral and consistent. Lecka's approach is the opposite: start with fruit grown in Vietnam, keep it recognisable, and build the gel around it. If you get flavour fatigue on long days, or you'd rather your fuel read like food, Lecka is the alternative. If you want a flavourless gel with a firm texture, Maurten does that well.
Both use a mix of glucose and fructose, which lets the gut absorb more carbohydrate per hour than glucose alone. Maurten states a fructose-to-glucose ratio of 0.8 : 1; Lecka's estimated glucose-to-fructose ratios range from about 1.7 : 1 to 2.8 : 1 depending on flavour (see the lab data).
Sodium
Maurten Gel 100 is very low in sodium, so athletes using it usually get electrolytes from a drink. Each Lecka gel carries 90–120 mg, and Lecka Ultra Gel 410–450 mg, so more of your sodium comes with your carbs. Heavy or salty sweaters will still need more in long or hot races.
For ultras and Ironman
Fuelling 60–90 g per hour with 25 g gels means two to four gels an hour. Lecka Ultra Gel puts 60–65 g of carbs and 410–450 mg of sodium in one resealable pouch that you sip across the hour.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Maurten if you want an unflavoured, firm-textured gel and you take your electrolytes separately.
- Choose Lecka if you want real fruit flavour, more sodium per gel, a lower price per gel, or a single high-carb pouch for ultras.
Try Lecka with the Variety Pack (all five flavours) or the Ultimate Sample Set, and test any new fuel in training first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to Maurten gels?
If you want similar carbs per gel but real fruit flavour and more sodium, Lecka Energy Gel has 25–27 g of carbs and 90–120 mg of sodium per fruit gel, made from fruit, honey, cane sugar and tapioca syrup.
Does Maurten contain maltodextrin?
No. Maurten Gel 100 uses glucose and fructose. Lecka gels don't contain maltodextrin either.
Which has more sodium, Lecka or Maurten?
Lecka. Each Lecka Energy Gel has 90–120 mg of sodium; Maurten Gel 100 is very low in sodium.
Maurten figures come from Maurten product listings at major retailers and were checked in November 2026; prices vary by retailer. Recipes change, so check the current packaging. Maurten is a trademark of its owner; this page is not affiliated with Maurten.