GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, 24-Count, Salted Caramel

I like both the taste and the consistency. It’s vanilla, but not overwhelming and it doesn’t repeat on me like some products do. The packaging is small with no sharp edges. Price is good when compared to similar products. The consistency is closer to pudding than runny liquid so I can eat it in two or three ‘slurps’ without it spilling over my fingers or worse still over the shifters on my bike over 30 seconds or so. I can’t speak to the amount of sodium, caffeine or amino acids but if I’m dragging this always peps me up.

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.

Recommend

I waffled between 4 and 5 stars on this one but ultimately went with 5 because this Gu fulfills its purpose perfectly: it delivers an extra hit of sodium in a largely non-revolting manner. (If youre new to Gu: most flavors have ~60mg Sodium while a few special ones have more; salted caramel has 125mg.) For me, getting the extra sodium in a delivery system that has a good chance of not being horked up into the cheering crowd (of elderly speed walkers - Im not a track star here) is crucial, and this Gu does that. Some finer points on flavor -- upon civilized taste testing it is rather like a tube of cut rate salted caramel, and out on a run where it counts the salty notes come through strong and help overcome the sweetness a bit. (A plus, for me, because its the cloying sweetness of the other non-fruit flavors that often results in the aforementioned horking.)

Ive always been a powergel fan and decided to try GU this time. No regrets. Very tasty, easy to swallow during the runs, even in those cases you have no water, you can down the thick paste and ghet some waters few minutes after

I’ve purchased a lot of GU but wanted to try a new flavor. I was not disappointed with the salted caramel. GU is my go to energy boost before and during any long run and when it tastes good it makes it even better. Love this product!

I have tried many of the GU energy Gel and the Vanilla Bean is by far my favorite. If you dont really like these energy gels just imagine this one tastes like ice cream. Some of the other flavors arent to my taste but this is the only one I will use on a long run. Recommended advice is to take 1 just 5 mins before starting running then every 45 minutes during a run. This is what I do and gives me the perfect boost to keep going. Its important to train with these rather than just use them during races, and if they give you free energy gels half way through a race and they arent your regular brand dont take them. No need to experiment during a big race - just keep taking what you are used too. If you previously tried GU and are thinking of trying a new flavor then I highly recommend this one.

These are my go-to for long runs. The taste is great and they do what theyre supposed to with an energy boost. I take the first one after 45min, and then one every 45min after that. Definitely need water to stop it gumming up in the mouth, but no digestive issues.

Ive used other electrolyte boosters (bars, drinks, gels, etc.) while running 12+ miles and GU is by far my favorite. I like this source of energy while Im running because it is portable, light on stomachs, and works in about 10 minutes (when taken with water).

My two athletes use these all the time. Good for a pre-workout/competition boost. They are very tasty! Thick, caramel flavor- very much like candy- for me they are a little too rich tasting, so if thats a concern, have some water nearby to wash it down. They are super convenient to throw in a gear bag, and give a little boost on the go.