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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

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.

Best For

Cyclists and endurance athletes who want the proven, go-to energy gel for training and racing. The individual packet is ideal for testing new flavors, topping off a jersey pocket for a specific effort, or trying GU for the first time before committing to a box of 24.

GU Energy Gel - Individual Reviews:

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