In reply to chiroshi:
> I like Sponser salty gels. Got me through an olympic traithlon with no issues. They’re not as sweet or acidic as some of the citrus flavoured ones I find.
Another vote for these. Used them deep into ultras when I couldn't face eating anything but desperately needed to get something down me.
Likewise, I will use them in a 15km trail race when I want to carry barely anything, don't want to waste time on food stops but can't make it round on body reserves (at least not at full pace).
I prefer real food the rest of the time but like others have said, they have their place.