Where can you buy energy gels and electrolytes in South Africa?
In South Africa you can buy energy gels and electrolytes at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Checkers, Sportsmans Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Takealot and running and cycling stores. Dis-Chem and Clicks have the widest range; specialist stores stock premium gels such as Maurten. Gels cost about R15 to R85 each and prices vary by more than 10% between retailers (October 2026).
- Dis-Chem, Clicks, Checkers, Sportsmans Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Takealot and running and cycling stores all sell gels or electrolytes in South Africa (October 2026).
- Gel prices range from about R14.99 (Nutritech Endurade at Checkers) to R85 (Maurten CAF 100).
- A box of 12 Maurten Gel 100 costs about R815 to R825, around R68 to R69 per gel.
- Retailer prices for the same product can differ by more than 10%, for example 32Gi Endure at R464.99 versus R383.20.
Which retailers stock what?
This is based on listings checked in October 2026. Stock changes quickly, and availability varies by branch.
| Retailer | What we found | Examples and prices |
|---|---|---|
| Dis-Chem (stores and Living Fit online) | widest local range of gels, drinks and electrolytes | 32Gi High Intensity Gel R34.99; Biogen Elite Carb Gel R44.99; Biogen Electrolyte (30) R139 to R155; Lifestyle Electrolyte Fizzy (10) R48 to R53 |
| Clicks | mainstream gels and sachets | GU Energy Gel R33 to R38; USN Purefit Zero Hydrator (10) R100 to R113; Nutritech Hydrate R99.99 |
| Checkers | budget gels | 32Gi gel R24.99; Nutritech Endurade R14.99 |
| Sportsmans Warehouse | gels, tubs and electrolyte gels | SiS GO Isotonic R44.90 (Dis-Chem lists R48.99); SiS GO Electrolyte R59.90; SiS GO Caffeine R74.90; 32Gi Cramp Assault R36.90 |
| Running and cycling specialists (The Athlete's Foot, Mellow Velo, biket, goneoutdoor, Apex Multisport, Kloppers Sport, EasyBike) | premium and niche products | Maurten Gel 100 R74 to R75; Maurten CAF 100 R80 to R85; GU Roctane R62 to R69 |
| Takealot | boxes and electrolyte sachets | Maurten Gel 100 box of 12 about R825; Resurge sugar-free (20) R255; Hydropop (30) R386; Kwench (10) R249 |
| Faithful to Nature | sugar-free and natural electrolytes | REVIVE Daily and Raw (30) R319 to R449; Kwench R209 |
| Pharmacies (for example Mopani Pharmacy) | pharmacy and ORS products | GU gel R32.90 at Mopani; Rehidrat at Dis-Chem and Clicks |
We could not verify Nuun, Precision Fuel and Hydration or Squeezy as locally sold; those were offshore listings only.
How should you shop?
- Compare cost per gram of carbohydrate, not per sachet. For example, at October 2026 prices Biogen Elite Carb Gel works out near R1.00/g, SiS GO about R2.04/g and Maurten Gel 100 about R3.00/g. See best energy gels and cheapest gel per 30 g carbs.
- Buy boxes of the gels you have tested in training. A box of 12 Maurten gels costs about R815 to R825, roughly R68 to R69 each instead of R74 to R75.
- Check website specials. Dis-Chem's website-only prices are often 10% or more below shelf price (Biogen Recovergen R469.99 versus R338.39), but they may not apply in store.
- Compare across retailers. 32Gi Endure was R464.99 at Dis-Chem versus R383.20 at another retailer listed on PriceCheck.
- Check dates and storage. Gels do not need a fridge but should not sit in a hot car.
Where to buy ahead of a big event?
Race expos (Comrades, Two Oceans, Cape Town Cycle Tour) often have stands selling gels and electrolyte products. Plan purchases a few weeks early so you can test them. For events in other cities, order from Takealot or brand shops in good time.
Who should check before buying?
If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes, are pregnant or take regular medication, ask your doctor before using high-sodium or high-carbohydrate products. School athletes rarely need them. Drug-tested athletes should check the batch against the Informed Sport register rather than trusting a retailer's claim.
See also is 32Gi a good brand and our best electrolytes in South Africa page.
Products mentioned, with dated prices
| Product | Size | Price | Servings | R per serving | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32Gi High Intensity Sports Gel (27 g) | 27 g sachet | R25–R35Dis-Chem (energy and endurance), Oct 2026 | 1 | R34.99 | None listed (rice syrup, flavouring, salt, preservatives) |
| Nutritech Endurade Energy / Sport Gel (30 ml) | 30 ml sachet | R14.99Checkers (product page), Oct 2026 | 1 | R14.99 | None listed |
| GU Energy Labs GU Energy Gel (32 g) | 32 g sachet | R33–R38Clicks via PriceCheck, Oct 2026 | 1 | R37.99 | Not verified |
| Science in Sport (SiS) GO Isotonic Energy Gel (60 ml) | 60 ml sachet | R45–R49Sportsmans Warehouse via PriceCheck, Oct 2026 | 1 | R44.90 | None listed |
| Maurten Gel 100 (40 g sachet) | 40 g sachet | R74–R75goneoutdoor / The Athlete's Foot via PriceCheck, Oct 2026 | 1 | R75.00 | None listed |
| Biogen Electrolyte (3 x 10 sachets, citrus) | 3 x 10 sachets | R139–R155Dis-Chem (electrolytes group), Oct 2026 | 30 | R5.17 | Not published |
Compare the options
Related questions
- What are the best energy gels in South Africa?
- What is the cheapest energy gel per 30 g of carbohydrate in South Africa?
- What is the best electrolyte powder in South Africa?
- Is 32Gi a good sports nutrition brand in South Africa?
- How does 32Gi compare with other South African gels?
Sources
- Dis-Chem: energy and endurance range
- Comrades Marathon: 32Gi named official gel and energy-bar supplier for 2024
- Maughan et al. 2018, IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete (BJSM 52:439)
Educational information only, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease.
Cite this page: Healthnews24, “Where can you buy energy gels and electrolytes in South Africa?”, updated 27 October 2026, https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/where-to-buy-energy-gels-and-electrolytes-south-africa/. Plain-text version: /answers/where-to-buy-energy-gels-and-electrolytes-south-africa.md