GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, 24-Count, Assorted Indulgent Flavors

excellent

They give just enough of a boost of energy during a long hike (11 miles) I use two when I start to feel sluggish. I was worried the caffeine would bother my weak stomach or make me feel jittery but I had not negative reactions.

Taste fine, quick energy, no GI distress.

I bought this variety pack because I didnt want to commit to any one flavor before I had an opportunity to try them all. I think the word Indulgent in the descriptor is a bit misleading. Heres my review of the flavours: 1. Vanilla Bean- Not great, but better than the birthday-cake flavored gels from the same company (not in this variety pack, thank god). 2. Salted Caramel- SO. SWEET. Even on my longest run, this was inedible because of how sweet it was. Im really unsure of how they achieved this, because none of the others are this unpalatably sweet. 3. Caramel Macchiato- better than the Salted Caramel flavor. Not my favorite of the bunch, but not the worst. 4. Chocolate Outrage- This was definitely my favorite and I can honestly say that I LIKED it. Tasted just like brownie batter. 5. Espresso Love- Also one of the better flavors! It really does have a nice espresso taste to it that isnt too strong, nor too sweet, but pretty satisfying! Overall, I do recommend this product especially if youre not sure what flavors you want to rely on when youre dying on your long runs or hardest and longest workouts. Theyre also gluten-free, vegan, and caffeinated to boot!

I’m pretty bad at fueling during my long runs and usually procrastinate until I crash. I did an impromptu marathon without running longer than 12 miles in months. I drank a pedialyte the night before as recommended & started fueling around 5 miles. The first GU I took was without caffeine, then every thirty minutes or so I consumed the Espresso Love flavor GU (which has 40g caffeine). I sucked on it over a period of miles (with sips of water) until I finished it. I had 5 or 6 GU’s total for my marathon. I never crashed or hit a wall, although I was running with a friend for their first marathon so I was going slower than usual. I never had GI issues, I believe because I took these slowly. I also alternated between Gatorade & water at the aid stations, focusing more on water because I figured I was getting enough from my GU’s. I’m not a fan of the fruity flavors but I’ll be buying cases of the Espresso Love flavor. I believe they were a big factor in making this marathon go perfectly.

I bought these first at the store, single packets, and I started using them before my ride home after work. Usually by that time, after 10 hours, I am a little tired anyway, but I have found these give me that much more energy I need to go the distance without tiring before I get home, especially when the temperatures get really hot, high 90s to over 100 degrees. But I also work out with free weights. So one day when I was doing my leg workout, I did my sets of squats before the leg extensions etc., then decided I wanted to do some more squats. So I took a gel about 15 minutes before I was going to tackle it again and found I had a surge of energy to do 4 more sets with heavier weights, after my leg exts. So yes, these work quite well. The flavors I love the most are Espresso Love , (strange name but great taste) vanilla and chocolate outrage. But that is my preference since I am a lover of chocolate, and like who isnt? Another note, or update, (4-30-2011), I often use these after my workout (with weights) as an energy boost and recovery. Sometimes during a workout for the extra energy, but most likely to use it after. It works great, and at only 100 calories, it is just the right amount. The box is cheaper than buying the singles at the store, so for me it is the best way to go. I am sure there are other sports that could benefit from these gels. Buy it on Amazons subscription, and the price drops even more.

I have always been a gym person, not rat worthy or commercial beautified hard body, but these really get me through a workout and I dont have a lingering delayed onset muscle soreness anymore, which is why I use these every time I hit the gym regardless of workout intensity. The only thing I had to get past was my friend ruined these for me, but saying theyre like thick snot consistency. True theyre gooey as the name implies, but not boogie gross! Lol. I wouldnt go to the gym if I forgot one and I love the variety pack because its cheaper to buy in bulk. No science there.

Easy to carry and use during workouts.

I use this for my long runs (10-15 miles). I follow the recommendations. I like this set of flavors.

I havent tried too many of the other gel products on the market, so this review may not have much context. However, the Gu gels have been great for my needs. I first tried the sampler pack, with a variety of gel flavors, and settled on the Espresso Love flavor. Im currently training for the Chicago Marathon, and Ive had Gu with me since my first long run of 6 miles. I recently finished a 20 mile run with 4 gels in my fuel belt, and Ill say that these things are a necessity for any run over an hour. The espresso flavor is pretty tasty and has a bit of a savory flavor. Recommended if you are a runner logging long miles.