Find Your Perfect GU
By Matt Johnson
Founder of The Feed.
When it comes to fueling for endurance sports, few brands have the history and reputation of GU Energy. Today, we are breaking down the range of GU Gel offerings and how you can implement each one into your training.
Since pioneering the original energy gel in the 1990s –yes, over three decades– they've been essential for athletes needing reliable, portable nutrition during their hardest efforts.
But if you're new to GU Energy and don’t know which GU to GO with, I'm offering you a special Energy Gels Tryout Pack today.
The tryout pack includes 2 gels from each of GU's three gel lines, letting you experience their complete range without committing to a full box:
The classic that started it all. These 100-calorie packets deliver quick-absorbing carbs through GU's dual-source carbohydrate technology (maltodextrin and fructose), which maximizes absorption and speeds delivery to your working muscles.
With essential electrolytes to boost hydration and prevent cramping, they're the perfect all-around fuel for most training sessions.
If you're someone who struggles with the thicker texture of traditional gels –not judging!– this new formula is a gel-changer.
GU Liquid Energy delivers the same portable and fast-absorbing carbohydrates as their regular GU gel, but in a light and refreshing liquid form.
Now that you’ve been GU-initiated, let me explain a bit about what this miracle gel can do.
Carbohydrates: Quick energy that helps spare glycogen stores, boost endurance, and prevent bonking. GU uses a dual-source carbohydrate technology to maximize absorption and speed up delivery of fuel to your working muscles.
BCAAs: No, it’s not a medical degree. It’ll help reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage during exercise so you can maintain your power output.
Caffeine: Caffeine helps enhance performance by improving mental focus and concentration, increasing strength of muscle contractions, improving pain tolerance, and warding off fatigue so you can maintain your hard efforts for longer. Yes, it ONLY does all that. Available only the Cola, Coffee and Orange flavors.
Electrolytes: You need help improving absorption of carbohydrates, boosting hydration, and preventing cramping. GU’s got your back.
These liquid energy gels are a quick and easy way to get in the nutrients you need while exercising without causing stomach issues. They're both refreshing and tasty, and are vegan and gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions. How I Use GU Liquid Energy:
These are perfect for those mornings when you don't have time to eat before a workout. Take one gel 5 minutes before a high-intensity session, as well as during workouts lasting longer than 60-90 minutes. 3. Roctane Gels
Notice the subtle combination of two words “rock” and “octane.” That’ll give you an idea of how this thing works.
GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel is designed for extreme and long-duration endurance activities. It's what I reach for on my hardest training days and longest races. Athletes performing at a high level for hours need more from their nutrition, which is why Roctane Energy Gel packs three-times the amino acids and twice the sodium as original GU Energy Gel.
The advanced formula also helps decrease muscle damage, promote muscle repair, and maintain water balance. Each packet contains 100 calories, 1425mg of amino acids, and 125 mg of sodium.
Some also contain 35mg of caffeine for an extra boost to power your mind and body through the fog of fatigue. This is not for the jitter-prone.
How I Use GU Roctane Gels:
Consume one gel with 8 oz. of water 30-60 minutes prior to training or competition. Take another gel for each additional hour of high-intensity exercise, especially if it's lasting longer than 2 hours.
Be sure to drink water with the gel to optimize its fuel delivery and prevent dehydration. Try these out in training first to see how your body responds before using them in competition. But you knew that.
My personal take: I've used all three types of GU gels in different scenarios and I've found each has its specific strengths.
The tryout pack is the perfect way to discover which works best for your body, training style, and event demands. Let me know which becomes your favorite.