GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 8-Count, Chocolate Outrage

I recently started running and picked up the GU Energy Original Gel (Salted Caramel, 24 Count) box during a Cyber Monday deal. At about $1.50 per unit, it was a great time to stock up, and having this box alongside two others (Double Espresso Flavor and another with mixed flavors in it) means I am set for quite a while. What I Liked: Effective Boost: As a new runner, I genuinely feel a difference in my pace when I use these. They give me the energy I need to keep going. Great Taste: The Salted Caramel flavor is very enjoyable, which makes it easy to consume mid-run. Value vs. Competition: I have tried other brands like BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition). In my experience, GU delivers the same performance results but at a much friendlier price point, so I am sticking with this. What to Consider: Bulk Purchase: This is a 24-count box. While the value is excellent, make sure you enjoy the Salted Caramel flavor before committing to the full case, though I found it delicious. Final Verdict: I highly recommend these to new runners or anyone looking to fuel their training without overpaying. If you are debating between this and pricier boutique brands, save your money and go with GU—it works just as well.

I use this GU gel for long runs and races. It’s really helps during races- take one 15 minutes before and then every 45 minutes into the race and it keeps my energy during the race. It is easy to consume, easy on the stomach, and tastes good.

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 started my running journey using these. I think they are a great, easy option to start with. They were easy on my stomach but I am not super sensitive. I liked the variety pack so that I could figure out which flavors I prefer. I think they were good to fuel and not too sweet.

Tastes like chocolate syrup, which isn't quite what I was expecting, but it's good. Didn't cause any stomach upset, was easy to open, and is a good size for stuffing in my running belt or a pocket. A good fuel option for the price.

My husband used these for his first ever marathon. He said he took one every hour and they kept him going, and he absolutely loved the taste! He also used them for recovery afterwards.

Works quickly, my favorite. Not one flavor is bad unless you don’t like chocolate. It’s true to taste and great to have for any outing.

I take two of these before and during each Army Fitness Test I take. I consume one before the deadlift event and one before the plank to give m energy on the 2 mile run. Good tasting.