What is the Maurten 480 Gel Mix & How Does It Work?

By Colvin

Publish Date July 28, 2026

•

4 min read

Long runs, long races, and demanding training blocks all place heavy demands on your body, and you need the right fuel that won't weigh you down with extra packets or leave you underfueled. Gel Mix 480 builds on the hydrogel approach that Maurten is known for, introducing a format that sits between a traditional drink mix and a gel.

The Gel Mix 480 enters the picture as a new option for runners, creating an opportunity to rethink fueling strategies, and we explore why this may matter during your training and long-distance races.

What is the Maurten Gel Mix 480?

Not quite a gel and not quite a liquid, this mix sits somewhere in between. Gel Mix 480 offers a simple way to refuel while moving, with a consistency that’s thicker than a drink mix but looser than a traditional gel, making it easy to consume on the go.

Designed to deliver a high concentration of carbohydrates in a portable, manageable form, the mix is built around Hydrogel Technology. Instead of behaving like a thick, sugary drink, the carbohydrates form a soft gel made from natural ingredients once consumed.

This gel structure helps carry carbohydrates through the stomach more smoothly by remaining stable in the acidic environment, reducing stomach discomfort. When it reaches the small intestine, the gel breaks down, allowing the carbohydrates to be absorbed efficiently and used as energy when it matters most.

Why Use the Maurten Gel Mix 480?

Made for long runs and extended adventures, The Gel Mix 480 keeps you fueled where every ounce of weight matters. A single sachet contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which can be used all at once or split across multiple sessions, reducing the need to carry multiple gels or bottles during a run. This helps cut down on both the weight you carry and the waste that comes with single-use fueling options.

The mix is unflavored and free from added colors or preservatives, and when you need a taste of flavor, additions can help reduce flavor fatigue over time. Designed to be mixed in a flask, you can be prepared your mix ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.

How to Prepare Gel Mix 480

To prepare the Gel Mix 480 for the best results and maximum performance. We used the Maurten guide to get it ready.

Add 200ml of water to Gel Mix Flask
Add one sachet of Gel Mix 480
Shake thoroughly
Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes
Consume according to your fuel plan

Fueling Scenarios

Consume:

60g Carbs: Tempo Runs, Half Marathon Workouts
90g Carbs: Long Runs, Marathon Specific Sessions
120g Carbs: Ultra Training, Long Races, Big Adventure Days

Choosing Your Maurten Format

Product:	Carbs:	Format:	Best For:
Gel 100	25g	Ready-to-use	Portable fueling
Gel 160	40g	Ready-to-use	Higher-carb gel strategy
Drink Mix 320	80g	Liquid	Bottle-based fueling
Gel Mix 480	120g	Soft flask hydrogel	Distance, duration, and carrying efficiency

Ways to Refuel With the Gel Mix 480

Once your Gel Mix 480 is mixed and ready to go, getting the most out of it comes down to matching your fueling to the run ahead. Whether you're training for a half marathon or tackling an ultramarathon, using the right fueling strategy can help you make the most of every mile.

Half Marathon

Half marathon athletes frequently complete workouts lasting 75-120 minutes. Gel Mix 480 can be divided into smaller portions to meet the demands of key training sessions.

Split into two 60g servings
Great for tempo runs and race-pace workouts
Easy carbohydrate tracking
Prepare ahead of time

Ultra Runs

Ultra-distance racing rewards consistency. As hours become longer, fueling becomes just as important as pacing.

Supports extended carbohydrate intake
Integrates into running vest systems
Reduce packaging and carrying burden
Compatible with Additions to combat flavor fatigue

Trail Runs

Technical terrain presents unique fueling challenges. The flask format simplifies fueling when opening gels may be inconvenient or impractical.

Easy access during climbs and descents
Efficient on technical trails
Self-supported mountain adventures and long training days
Carry more fuel in less space

Everyday training

Not every run is race day. Consistent fueling across training can improve recovery, adaptation, and readiness for the next session.

Long runs on the weekend
Long workout in the middle of the week
Split one sachet into two 60g servings
Fuel both key sessions

A New Way to Fuel

Designed to give runners another way to refuel, the Maurten Gel Mix 480 adds another option to your fueling toolkit, especially for runners who tend to go the distance. By combining a high concentration of carbohydrates with Hydrogel Technology in a portable format that reduces trash from multiple empty satches, it offers a practical way to simplify fueling while carrying less. Whether you're preparing for long training runs, race day, or multi-hour adventures, Gel Mix 480 gives you another way to stay fueled so you can focus on the miles ahead.

Colvin

Running Warehouse Employee

Whether he's navigating the bustling city streets or leisurely wandering through the newest theme parks, Colvin's top priority is a fusion of comfort and style. He has a keen eye for premium materials that are not only lightweight and practical but also exude a trendy streetwear aesthetic. For those extended days of exploration in his beloved amusement parks and outdoor adventures, Colvin enjoys rocking his signature trucker hats, and his go-to shoes offer plush cushioning, ensuring that he can handle those long hours on his feet without a hint of discomfort.

View Profile