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

Been using GU gels for two years now, I really love this flavor and the salty caramel flavor. I like the thick texture of the gu gels. I take one at the corral before starting the race and one every 3 miles ( depending on the race). The size it’s perfect I could just put the gels on my handheld water bottle or in my bike short pockets.

Packed some of these in my cycling jersey for the 3 gap event today. I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine on the bike, but these were not too strong. I'd usually prefer non-caffeinated, but these are making me think otherwise. After leaving the highschool and arriving at Turners corner I was already suffering a bit. I took one of these sugar packets and in a few minutes felt better. My legs were noticeably less sore within 1/2 an hour as a result of some caffeine, and my sugar levels came up nicely. Too much caffeine makes my heart race and actually slows me down dramatically on the bike. This was just the right caffeine level for me. I used a few more of these throughout the 60 mile 6000ft of climbing event and can say I was noticeably stonger at the finish than at the start. I had a good dinner and breakfast last night and this morning, but must have still needed to replenish some glycogen stores. I'm also an insulin dependent diabetic, so I love that this has some fructose in it also to help with balancing my blood sugars.

If I'm ever doing 15+ miles on the bike I make sure to bring a few of these. It's nice that these ones don't have caffeine, because sometimes I just have an espresso and don't want to have too much caffeine. Easy to pack, definitely give me more push and energy on longer rides.

I love this gel! always on repeat order!

Everyone has their opinions about Gels and running. Some like em. Some don't. For some, it messes up their stomach. For others, like me, I find no discomfort. To each his own. I would suggest you not eat one during a race unless you've tried it on a training run to be safe.In terms of efficacy, I can't honestly say if these help or not. Is it me mentally psyching myself out after I eat one? Or is it the actual gel working it's magic? Who knows. I can say that I ran a marathon and several halfs with these and I never experienced the wall that so many runners talk about. In my only marathon, my energy levels remained constant throughout--with the exception that I was obviously more tired toward the latter stages. I just think adequate training beforehand prepares your body for the stresses of long runs. But since I first started using these during my long training runs when I trained for the marathon, and experienced no ill affects and possibly some beneficial ones, I continue to use them.The taste is pretty disgusting. I mean, the strawberry flavor isn't all that bad. It's the texture that gels me. But you get used to it. Drink water afterwords to wash it down and your good to go. I was on a run the other day and ate one. Unfortunately, I didn't have any water with me and had cotton mouth the entire rest of the run. It's hard to describe. The viscosity of the gel is so high that you need to wash it down with something otherwise it'll stick to the roof of your mouth sort of like peanut butter, but not so bad.I like these things because they are so portable and can be stashed in a pocket or cupped in the palm of your hand during your runs. I always carry a few extra in my camelbak that I use on training runs for "emergency" use. You know when you're out in the middle of nowhere and your energy level tanks.

I know it's a matter of taste...but just when I thought my favorite flavor was Salted Caramel, a friend introduced this to me and I now this is my favorite. Unlike the Salted Caramel, where it would take my a bit to eat the whole packet, this flavor I can do it immediately.

My long runs aren't that long in the scheme of things - about 7 miles. However I am just beginning to do 5+ miles regularly and now working to push beyond that. The nature of my work sometimes lead me to not eat the right carbs during the day to ensure I have energy for a run in the evening. I eat a GU about 15 minutes before I head out, with 4 oz or so of water and that gives me enough boost to get going. About 30 minutes in I eat another one and so far that's always led me to have the fastest splits of my run at the end, when that second GU gets into my system.It tastes good to me - more pronounced banana than strawberry. It's thick for sure and so I normally swish it around in my mouth before trying to swallow it. Then of course I always follow with a swig of water.Solid product. Works well for me. When I get through this box I'm excited to try some other flavors.

The gel pack is easy to open while running, and the strawberry banana taste is pretty good. Gu gels keep me energized throughout my runs.