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 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, which helps you avoid “the bonk” during training and racing.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE AN ENERGY GEL?
We pack 100 calories into our Energy Gels because, in general, the body can digest roughly 120-240 calories per hour during exercise. If you tried to eat more, the body would divert blood from your muscles back to the gut to handle the excess food/calories. If your metabolism is slower, then one Energy Gel every 45 minutes works just fine. If you have a faster metabolism, try ingesting one Energy Gel every 30 minutes and see if it agrees with your digestion system. We always recommend practicing your nutrition plan to determine what works best for you.
HOW DO I EAT AN ENERGY GEL? DO I HAVE TO EAT THE ENTIRE ENERGY GEL AT ONE TIME?
Rip open the top and squeeze the entire packet into your mouth—don’t save half of it for later. It’s also completely appropriate to “sip” the Energy Gel over the course of a couple minutes rather than slamming the it all at once. Our Energy Gels were designed to be taken in one shot to provide you with maximum benefits.
CAN I USE AN ENERGY GEL FOR A STRENGTH WORKOUT OR YOGA?
Sure! While GU Energy Gels were designed for endurance sports, they can be used anytime you need energy to fuel a workout, regardless of what type. Exercise is either aerobic or anaerobic, but you’re burning calories either way.
HOW DOES THE CAFFEINE IN GU ENERGY GELS HELP ME?
GU Energy Gels and ROCTANE Energy Gels come in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors. Caffeine is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Strategically adding caffeine to your nutrition plan before and during exercise can help keep your mind sharp, decrease perceived effort, boost your endurance, and delay fatigue. Click here to read more about caffeine for endurance athletes.
DO GU ENERGY GELS FREEZE?
Yes, but well below zero. They will thicken in cold weather, so keep your Energy Gels close to your body to keep it warm.
HOW LONG DOES AN ENERGY GEL TAKE TO WORK?
Right away! The fructose converts quickly into an energy molecule that your muscles can tap within minutes. The maltodextrin, which makes up 70-80% of the carbohydrate blend (depending on flavor), 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.
ARE GU ENERGY GELS KOSHER, VEGAN-FRIENDLY AND GLUTEN-FREE?
GU Energy Gels and ROCTANE Energy Gels are both kosher certified, gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
