food & drink during a sprint?

Ditto.

You really don't need any calories in a sprint.  You actually don't need much water either.  I launched my water bottle from my bike in my last sprint and only had part of two cups of water on the run and had no problems.  I wouldn't suggest that, but it goes to show that neither are necessary. 

I'd say drink whatever you feel like.  The gel's up to you, but don't do anything you haven't done in training already.

In my observations people become so afraid of dehydrating they over compensate on a sprint.

I'll share what has worked for me but I suggest you listen to a "real" expert if we contradict.

My last sprint time was about 1:15. My 5k was 18:27 minutes. Since I couldn't drink on the swim, and the run was so short all my drinking was on the bike which had  5 miles of climbing. If I had drank on the run the liquid would still have been sitting in my stomach when I finished.

Good simple dinner night before. My breakfast was a granola bar and yogurt 2 hours before race. Drink 20 ounces of gatorade in hour before race. Drank 20 ounces more on ride. I finished a little thirsty but it was my best race ever and my stomach felt great the whole time. keep in mind I was trying for a PR and my whole race was at AT.

Sticking to the rule of a drink every 15 minutes perhaps you could figure out about how long it will take you and prepare to have enough fluids. I suggest no eating or drinking in the last 20 minutes of racing because it probably won't be absorbed in time. Plus, you want to be able to surge w/o feeling bloated. I wouldn't do any solid food at all.

I prefer Gatordade for a sprint because it is easy on my stomach and I get my H2O and carbs at once. I only use gels for long distance so I can drink regular water more frequently.

Everyone has their preferences and different things work for different people. DO NOT try a new product on race day. You are better off drinking plain water than getting fancy an risking GI upset.

If your pace means you will being getting closer to 2 hours or are choosing to race at a submaximal pace and are just cruising along then by all means drink sportsdrink or water every 15 minutes or every 2 miles and don't stress about being perfect but focus on finishing feeling good. Or you could do water only with 1 gel on the bike. Unless it is very hot you probably don't have to worry about sodium too much either.

Hope this helps! and keep in mind I am only an expert when it comes to my body you are the best judge for what is right for you.

If you build it, they will come. 

You could also read the following article...

Racing a Sprint Distance Triathlon

also... you ask 10 different people this, you'll get 10 different answers.  You need to try out different things and see what works for you.

Also, the articles and forums here have this question answered many times.  Do a search for "sprint food" for example, there are lots of threads which deal with your question.