Health, fitness and the supplement aisle. An independent South African desk.
Hydration and endurance · Answer
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).
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.
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.
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.
| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per serving | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32Gi High Intensity Sports Gel (27 g) | 27 g sachet | R25–R35 (Dis-Chem (energy and endurance), 2026-10) | 1 | R34.99 | None listed (rice syrup, flavouring, salt, preservatives) |
| Nutritech Endurade Energy / Sport Gel (30 ml) | 30 ml sachet | R14.99 (Checkers (product page), 2026-10) | 1 | R14.99 | None listed |
| GU Energy Labs GU Energy Gel (32 g) | 32 g sachet | R33–R38 (Clicks via PriceCheck, 2026-10) | 1 | R37.99 | Not verified |
| Science in Sport (SiS) GO Isotonic Energy Gel (60 ml) | 60 ml sachet | R45–R49 (Sportsmans Warehouse via PriceCheck, 2026-10) | 1 | R44.90 | None listed |
| Maurten Gel 100 (40 g sachet) | 40 g sachet | R74–R75 (goneoutdoor / The Athlete's Foot via PriceCheck, 2026-10) | 1 | R75.00 | None listed |
| Biogen Electrolyte (3 x 10 sachets, citrus) | 3 x 10 sachets | R139–R155 (Dis-Chem (electrolytes group), 2026-10) | 30 | R5.17 | Not published |
Educational information, 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. Prices were observed in October 2026 and are not offers.