How I rated the gels:
I broke down each brand's product line into organic vs non-organic and then any additional differences such as the type of energy gel. Instead of writing a review on every single flavor, I commented on the flavor within each category. Since there are so many different flavors of gels I didn't rate on the specific flavor, instead, I noted my own comments on each flavor tested. I tried not to let the actual flavor interfere with the overall taste. If I did have a biased against a flavor I noted this in the comments next to the product. To rate the energy gels I used four factors on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest score:1. Energy Availability
This is how quickly the energy became available after taking the gel.2. Energy Duration
The most important factor was judged on how much energy was given from the gel. A scientific lab experiment was not done on the exact energy outputs of each gel. Instead, I ran a total of 3 miles (30 minutes - because I pace easily at 10 minutes/mile) during each energy gel test. I ran each morning at the same time on an empty stomach to baseline the results as best as I could. I took one gel 15 minutes before each 30-minute running session. Note: energy gels are meant to be taken when your run duration lasts 90 minutes or longer. I'm not advising you to take a gel for a 30-minute run. These test runs were done as close to a baseline as possible to get a decent set of comparable results. I will be updating this post at a later date that rates each gel for longer distance runs with multiple gel packs consumed.3. Availability
Is the product available in physical stores and in big online stores?4. Natural ingredients
How many natural ingredients does the product have?GU Energy Gel Review
Affiliate Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links for which, LERK Publishing, LLC., may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase.
Special Note
GU Roctane received the exact same ratings as normal GU so I didn’t include the rankings for the overall review. You can find the individual GU Roctane review here. GU Roctane is primarily used for ultra racing such as marathons, ultra-marathons, and ironmans.
Energy availability
The energy was available after waiting 15 minutes.
Energy duration (30-minute test)
This gel hit the mark with keeping my energy level up for the 30-minute test. I was able to mentally focus without any cloudiness. The energy sustained my pace for 30 minutes. I had a tiny bit of drag towards the end of my run.
Availability
These gels are the most widely available in the United States. They are also almost always at all running stores and sometimes found in big chain grocery stores. They are abundantly available online through Amazon and other retailers. Don’t forget that half marathons take planning so you’re not caught trying to find your energy gels at a store on race day morning. Check out this awesome half marathon checklist for half marathons which includes all items needed for a happy half marathon plus detailed information on what you need to do the week of your half marathon race.
Gu Energy Flavors Tested
- Strawberry Banana (450 mg Amino Acids, 55 mg Sodium, 0 Caffeine) – Consistency was thick and tasted like strawberries and bananas mixed together. A little sweet but not too bad. No stomach issues. No aftertaste.
Gu Energy Flavors Untested (Caffeine)
- Jet Blackberry (450 mg Amino Acids, 55 mg Sodium, 40 mg Caffeine)
- Espresso Love (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 40 mg Caffeine)
- Caramel Macchiato (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 40 mg Caffeine)
- Tri-Berry (450 Amino Acids, 55 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Vanilla Bean (450 Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Chocolate Outrage (450 Amino Acids, 50 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Salted Caramel (450 mg Amino Acids, 125 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Salted Watermelon (450 mg Amino Acids, 125 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Tastefully Nude (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Mandarin Orange (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
- Mint Chocolate (450 mg Amino Acids, 50 mg Sodium, 20 mg Caffeine)
Gu Energy Flavors Untested (No Caffeine)
- French Toast Caramel (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
- Birthday Cake (450 mg Amino Acids, 55 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
- Campfire S’Mores (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
- Toasted Marshmallow (450 mg Amino Acids, 60 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
- Gingerade (450 mg Amino Acids, 70 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
- Lemon Sublime (450 mg Amino Acids, 55 mg Sodium, 0 mg Caffeine)
Gu Energy Nutritional Facts (strawberry banana)
- Serving size: 32 g
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 55 mg
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Potassium: 30 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Total Carbs: 23 g
- Total Sugars: 7 g (included Added Sugars 7 g)
- Protein 0 g
- Vegan: Yes
- Gluten-free: Yes
- Organic: No
- Caffeine: 0 mg
- Take with water: Yes
Ingredients (mocha)
- Maltodextrin
- Water
- Fructose
- L-Leucine
- Potassium Citrate
- Sodium Citrate
- Citric Acid
- Malic Acid
- Calcium Carbonate
- Sea Salt
- L-Valine
- Natural Flavors
- Gellan Gum
- L-Isoleucine
- Sun-Flower Oil
- Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
- Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
- Fruit and Vegetable Joice (for color)
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