GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, 24-Count, Vanilla Bean

I like evrything re gu gels, only ordered wrong type, needed with roctaine for better endurance trainings but will by them for the race

this product 0ffers a quick blast 0f energy when needed to push through a low spell.

If you have an emergency leg cramp in the middle of long ride, this stuff literally makes it go away within a minute. I like to take these on long 4-6 hr rides for a sustained energy boost.

Perfect for long runs, easy to carry and gives a good morale and energy boost when running low on carbs

My husband and I have used Gu for years wjen cycling. Its easy to digest and the flavor is delicious. It works !

Easy to use. Like the flavor.

Decent flavor and as easy to get down as any gel (which isnt that easy but easier than gummies). I wish they offered a smaller packet because its kind of hard to get the whole thing down, especially late in a run and once youve opened it, youre committed to either finishing it or finding a trash can. Id rather carry twice as many 50cal packs and be able to eat less at a time. The packet offers some excessive recommendations about how many of these to use (1 before starting then another one every 45 minutes). If you follow those instructions, youll probably puke (or want to). . Everybodys different but if youre new to gels and sports one uses them for, dont start by following the directions, start with a much more conservative regimen (like none to start and 1 every 90 minutes or 2 hours) to see how you tolerate it and how often you really need it. Also, they recently started marketing this as something you might eat in casual settings like before going to the gym- thats ridiculous- the only reason to use this product rather than eat real food is if the duration and circumstances of your activity require fuel that a) you can carry with you in short shorts b) you can consume while moving and c) can get your blood sugar up without requiring a fully operational digestive system. Its not a workout enhancer, its just a packet of sugars and electrolytes that tastes good enough that it doesnt make most people sick.

Salted Caramel is my favorite flavor of GU. Ive tried others, and this one tends to always taste good during a run, whereas others I had to choke down. Just make sure you have water with you after you down one of these. I made the mistake of having a GU and then realizing that my CamelBak was out of water. Not good. You really need to be able to wash these down otherwise it leaves a pretty uncomfortable film in your mouth and throat.

Gu seems to do a better job on the flavors than some of the other energy gels, and we love the Gu Vanilla! Our boys love them for biking - it really keeps them going on longer rides, and of course they are great for racing because they go down so quickly. The Vanilla (and all the flavors except banana) do have some caffeine from cola nut - the caffeine is 20 mg/packet (about 1/2 serving of Coca Cola), so take that into account if you are avoiding caffeine or dont want the youngsters to have it.

There are Gu Gel people and then there are the rest of us. I started off in the former camp - used the Gu Gel on a couple long runs and loved the energy burst. So I took the plunge and bought a 24-pack from Amazon, in Vanilla Bean (my favorite flavor). But as my long runs increased above 15 miles, I found the Gu Gel upset my stomach and instead I needed real food to fuel my body. Just depends on your mileage and personal preference. If you like the Gu Gels, Vanilla Bean is great and the price at Amazon (for a 24-pack) is the best Ive seen.