I am of the opinion that sport gels should be treated primarily as
source of calories, not electrolytes. Likewise, sport drinks
should be treated primarily as source of water and electrolytes, not calories.
It is simple, really. Water consumption and electrolyte consumption are closely related. The more you sweat, the more water and electrolytes you need to consume. However, you don't necessarily need more calories. It may simply be hot that day.
If you are hammering hard on a cold day, you need calories, but may not need electrolytes because you are sweating little.