GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Assorted Flavors

I’ve been using GU Energy Packets for my long runs and intense workouts, and they’ve been a game-changer for maintaining my energy levels! The flavors are delicious (I’m a fan of the strawberry banana), and they’re easy to consume during my runs without slowing me down. The texture is smooth, and they’re easy to squeeze directly into my mouth for a quick energy boost.I’ve noticed a big difference in my endurance since incorporating these into my routine. They help to keep me fueled throughout the session without causing any stomach issues. I also appreciate the added electrolytes to keep me hydrated.If you’re looking for a reliable and tasty source of energy for your workouts or endurance activities, I highly recommend the GU Energy Packets! They’ve been a key part of my training and performance.

This energy gel provides a quick and effective boost of energy without any heavy or artificial aftertaste. It's easy to consume on the go, and the packaging makes it convenient for long runs or intense training sessions. I appreciate that it’s vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, as it fits well with my dietary preferences. The gel provides a steady release of energy, helping me power through my workout without any crashes. The flavors are pleasant and not overly sweet, making it a great option for sustained endurance. It's a solid choice for anyone needing an energy boost during physical activity.

I ordered the 24-count Assorted Box. The reviews for all flavors are all lumped under this listing, so I will review each flavor individually. I will also comment on the texture and effectiveness.Flavors:My assorted box included Jet Blackberry, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Outrage, Tri-Berry, Strawberry Banana, and Vanilla Bean. Flavors are listed below in order of my preference.Chocolate Outrage: I waited to try this one until last, as I always favor a more fruity flavor when I'm hot and tired. This one ended up being a welcome surprise! It is SO GOOD! It literally tasted like brownie batter. I could honestly just eat this one as a snack.Strawberry Banana: A close runner up here. On extremely hot days or long runs I tend to go for this one, as I prefer fruity flavors. It is really tasty and is exactly what you would expect. It tastes like strawberry banana. Not too sweet, just yummy.Salted Caramel: This is the first one I tried, as I read reviews on how great it was. I have to agree. It is very good. It is extremely rich and sweet. I am OK with that, as it gives me a bit of a sugar/sweet pick-me-up. If you don't like too sweet, steer clear of this one.Tri-Berry: This one is just a fruity berry flavor. It is not too sweet.I would recommend this one if you prefer a fruity flavor and want a crisper flavor than strawberry banana. It is good for hot days, and doesn't linger in the mouth.Vanilla Beam: I have nothing bad to say about this one. It is a sweet vanilla flavor. It is tasty, just not one of my personal favorites. If I am going the sweet dessert direction I would choose Chocolate or Caramel first.Jet Blackberry: Some have commented that this is too sweet. I don't agree with that. It is a sweeter flavor than some others, but I thought it was fine. It was my least favorite, but I don't avoid them or anything like that.Texture:These are very thick. All flavors I have tried have had the same consistently. You will 100% want to wash them down with water. The first time I ever used an energy gel of any type, it was these. I grabbed one after the first 6 miles of my long run, when I was hot, sweaty, and out of breath. I gagged immediately. I was totally unprepared for the texture. Now I have no issues and can suck them down easily with a quick mouthful of water. Just be prepared for the consistency. Maybe try one before a run to get the idea.Effectiveness:After using these for several months, I can say that I don't feel any advantage when I take one before a run. I no longer use them pre-run. I only use them every 45 minutes during my run. I do feel a little energy jolt when I use them that way. No, I don't feel instantly energized. No, I don't instantly increase my pace. I just feel a little pick-me-up. For me, that is enough. Sometimes during a long run that little jolt is enough to get you through the next few miles.Overall I highly recommend these!

⁃ I purchased the Strawberry Banana gels in November 2016 and they have an expiry date of February 2018. Therefore, the batch they sent me has a 1 year plus shelf life (when stored in a cool dry place) which is a good thing. Some people have complained of products being sent to them too close to the expiry date. This wasn't the case in this instance.⁃ Each individual GU gel also has the expiry date stamped on it.⁃ The strawberry banana GU gels are the ideal GU gels for a runner who doesn't want to use GU gels that contain caffeine, either due to reacting negatively towards caffeine use or if running at night and not wanting to stay awake way deep into the night after the run is over.⁃ As for me, I run mostly at night since it is the only time I can run without distractions.⁃ I use and prefer the caffeinated GU gels for races as I feel that the caffeine works well with me.⁃ I used these GU gels in a morning run once and they worked well. I felt that they supplied much needed energy to me.⁃ The particular GU gels have a well balanced strawberry and banana flavor. It's not too strong and blends beautifully. The strawberry doesn't overpower the banana and vice versa.⁃ They are handy, easy to open up and are just the right size. They are easy to stuff into running shorts pockets or running belts.⁃ They have almost the same consistency with the rest of the GU gels. You may use them alone or sip some water to make the gel go easier through your throat. Your choice.⁃ I use these non-caffeinated gels together with the regular non-caffeinated saltstick electrolyte capsules with no stomach or other issues. I cramp after long runs if I don't use saltstick capsules.⁃ I also use the gels together with mustard (packets) and/or pickle juice to prevent cramping and I have no stomach or other issues. I also take energy sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) with no stomach or other issues.⁃ The other brand of non-caffeinated GU gels is root-beer. Root beer flavor tastes better (I am biased, I like root beer) but cost more, so I buy the Strawberry Banana flavor more often.I have used the other caffeinated GU gels (assorted flavors) for a marathon. They provided the energy needed for the marathon, especially during the last 10 miles when you hit the wall. I used them with the SaltStick caps and I had no issues. Highly recommend them, especially since they can be used with salt stick caps with no adverse effects.