GU Energy Labs Strawberry Banana Energy Gel

The Original Energy Gel

What’s Inside?

Original Energy Gels contain carbohydrates for energy, electrolytes for hydration, and BCAAs to help protect working muscles.

Carbohydrates From Two Sources

Electrolytes To Replace What You've Lost

Our gels contain sodium, the electrolyte you lose when you sweat. Always take gels with a few sips of water to help your body efficiently absorb your fuel.

The Many Benefits Of BCAAs

Our BCAA blend helps protect muscles from breakdown, contributes to energy production, and helps prevent mental fatigue.†

Suggested Use Guide

0–1 Hours Of Effort

When you're exercising for an hour or less, it's important to start your workout well-hydrated and energized. Five minutes before your activity, top off your energy stores with an Energy Gel. It's always best to take a few sips of water to help your body process your fuel.

1–2 Hours Of Effort

When you're exercising for longer than an hour, it's important to refuel along the way. Aim to eat an Energy Gel every 20–30 minutes to keep going strong, and be sure to hydrate while taking gels to help your body efficiently process your fuel.

2–3 Hours Of Effort

As you increase exercise duration, your body needs more. Supplement your Energy Gels with Energy Chews, Hydration Tabs for electrolyte replacement, or Roctane Energy Drink for energy and hydration in one.

3+ Hours Of Effort

During really long efforts, it's impossible to replace everything you're burning, but you can maximize your performance by eating as much as your body can comfortably process. Boost your BCAA consumption with Roctane Energy Gels or Roctane Drink Mix, which will help protect your muscles as you go longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Energy Gel?

Energy Gels provide portable and easy-to-digest calories from carbohydrates that deliver immediate and sustained energy without the stomach distress. GU Energy Gels use a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates. Carbs become the main source of energy as our bodies transition from sedentary to an active state and exercise intensity increases.

Why do I need Energy Gels?

The better question is really "why do I need fuel?" The body does have a limited carbohydrate supply, but not enough to sustain higher intensity activity for long periods of time. Thus, as you deplete your carb supply, performance suffers. You need energy in the form of carbohydrates to keep going in longer, more intense efforts.

Why are Energy Gels made with two types of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are efficient energy, and we use a blend of carbs to deliver more energy into the bloodstream as efficiently as possible. Our system of dual-source carbohydrates provides an “express lane” for each carb to deliver energy to your body much quicker than a single source of carbs, and helps you feel energized longer.

How long does it take an Energy Gel to work?

Gels start to work right away! The maltodextrin converts quickly into an energy molecule that your muscles can tap within minutes. The fructose takes several minutes longer. Because of this delay, your muscles enjoy a steady stream of energy instead of one gigantic sugar rush and a corresponding crash.

Are Energy Gels safe for children?

Yes, if they’re playing sports, on a hike, or active, GU Energy Gels can help kids just as much as they help you. You may want to keep them away from flavors that contain caffeine, though.

Do GU Energy Gels freeze?

Yes, but at temps well below zero. They will thicken in cold weather, so keep your Energy Gels close to your body to keep them warm.