GU Energy Gel - Individual
Nutrition
GU Energy Gel - Individual
GU Energy Gel - Individual
The GU Energy Gel is the original energy gel, developed in 1993 by Berkeley biophysicist Bill Vaughan to fuel his daughter's ultra-marathons and considered the first major energy gel on the market. Read the overview
At a glance
- Format
- Single 32g packet
- Carbs per gel
- 21-22g
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Overview
Which GU Energy Gel flavor is right for your ride?
The GU Energy Gel is the original energy gel, developed in 1993 by Berkeley biophysicist Bill Vaughan to fuel his daughter's ultra-marathons and considered the first major energy gel on the market. Thirty years later the formula has been refined but the purpose has not changed: 100 calories of fast-absorbing, sustained energy in a portable packet designed to be taken on the move without slowing down. Each gel delivers carbohydrates from a dual-source blend of maltodextrin and fructose, which use non-competing absorption pathways to maximize how much energy gets to working muscles while minimizing GI distress. The packet also includes 450mg of BCAAs (leucine, valine, isoleucine) to reduce muscle breakdown and combat mental fatigue, plus sodium to support hydration. Always take GU gels with a few sips of water for best absorption.
GU Energy Labs designed the flavor lineup with intention. Nine of the twelve flavors DCL carries contain caffeine at two different doses. Espresso Love and Jet Blackberry deliver 40mg of caffeine per gel (double the standard dose), making them the right choice for hard efforts or early morning starts. Mandarin Orange, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Salted Watermelon, Cola Me Happy, Tri-Berry, and Chocolate Outrage each carry 20mg. Lemon Sublime, Raspberry Lemonade, and Birthday Cake are completely caffeine-free. Take one gel 5 minutes before activity and one every 45 minutes during. Vegan, gluten-free, kosher, dairy-free.
All the specs
- Format
- Single 32g packet
- Calories per gel
- 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates per gel
- 21-22g
- Carbohydrate sources
- Maltodextrin + Fructose (dual-source, non-competing absorption pathways)
- Amino acids per gel
- 450mg (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine)
- Sodium per gel
- Approximately 60mg
- Caffeine
- Espresso Love and Jet Blackberry: 40mg each. Mandarin Orange, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Salted Watermelon, Cola Me Happy, Tri-Berry, Chocolate Outrage: 20mg each. Lemon Sublime, Raspberry Lemonade, Birthday Cake: 0mg.
- Flavors carried by DCL
- Lemon Sublime, Mandarin Orange, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Jet Blackberry, Salted Watermelon, Raspberry Lemonade, Birthday Cake, Cola Me Happy, Tri-Berry, Espresso Love, Chocolate Outrage
- Certifications
- Vegan, Gluten-free, Kosher, Dairy-free
- Usage
- 1 gel 5 min before activity, then 1 gel every 45 min during. Always take with water.
- Origin
- Developed in Berkeley, CA in 1993. GU is considered the first major energy gel on the market.
FAQ
Good questions
Get to know GU Energy
There's more to GU Energy than this one product. Our GU Energy page has the full GU Energy lineup we carry and more about the brand.
Visit the GU Energy page →When and how should I take GU Energy Gel?
Take one gel 5 minutes before your activity, then one gel every 45 minutes during. Always consume with a few sips of water to aid absorption.
How much caffeine does each flavor contain?
Caffeine levels vary by flavor. Espresso Love and Jet Blackberry each contain 40mg of caffeine per gel. Mandarin Orange, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Salted Watermelon, Cola Me Happy, Tri-Berry, and Chocolate Outrage each contain 20mg. Lemon Sublime, Raspberry Lemonade, and Birthday Cake are caffeine-free.
Why does GU use both maltodextrin and fructose?
GU uses a dual-source carbohydrate blend of maltodextrin and fructose. These two carbohydrate types use different absorption pathways in the gut, allowing more total energy to be absorbed per hour without causing GI distress compared to single-source formulas.
Do I need to take GU gels with water?
Yes. Always take GU gels with a few sips of water. Water helps your body absorb the carbohydrates efficiently. Unlike isotonic gels, GU gels are not formulated to be consumed without water.
Is GU Energy Gel vegan and gluten-free?
Yes. All GU Energy Gel flavors are vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and dairy-free.
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