List of Energy Powders Without Fructose

Struggling with stomach issues on long runs or rides? One of the first things to check in your fuelling strategy is whether your energy powder contains fructose.

This mini-guide is a part of the prevent gut issue fuelling guide where we answer other issues that you may be having with your stomach and find the fuelling options that can work for you.

Some carbs digest more easily than others, maltodextrin and glucose are well tolerated by most, while fructose can cause bloating, cramps, or diarrhea due to its slower absorption. If you're experiencing gut discomfort, reducing or eliminating fructose could make a big difference.

Fructose is absorbed more slowly and inefficiently than glucose, meaning any excess remains in the gut, drawing in water and increasing the risk of digestive issues. It also relies on a specific transporter that some people have in lower amounts, making it harder to process.

By cutting down on fructose, you reduce unabsorbed sugar in the intestines, lowering the chance of fermentation by gut bacteria, which is another common cause of GI distress. 

Powders without fructose also tend to have lower osmolality, meaning they don’t pull as much water into the gut, helping with hydration and digestion.

If you’ve been struggling with fuelling, switching to glucose-only or maltodextrin-based powders might be easier on your stomach. 

That’s why below we’ve put together a definitive list of energy powders without fructose, using data from our endurance fuel database, which tracks over 50+ data points per fuel option to help you find what works best for you.