GU Energy was founded in 1994 by Dr Bill Vaughn, a biophysicist. His daughter ran ultramarathons and he wanted to create an energy gel to replace the dense ‘nutritional’ bars that were difficult to process and limited her performance. Gels had been around for a few years by then, but Dr Vaughn’s example, which he created in his kitchen, proved to be an alternative nutrition source that provided carbohydrates for energy, amino acids for muscle support, and nothing else. With that, the world of endurance sports was about to change forever.
Based in Berkley, California, GU Energy has been one of the leading brands of sports nutrition products in the world for over 20 years now. Their products, which include tabs, gels and chews, have been tried, tested and loved by athletes at all levels, whether they’re competing on the world stage or exploring their own backyard. In 2012, GU was named the official gel and chew of the Ironman Series, and the company continues to sponsor elite athletes competing in world-famous events in trail running, football, triathlon, mountain biking and road cycling.
Aid Station x GU Energy
At Aid Station, we’re proud to offer a number of different products and flavours from GU Energy.
GU Energy made to change the game with its gels. They are crafted to supply energy and key nutrients, like electrolytes and amino acids, to keep an athlete performing better for longer. They contain both simple and complex carbohydrates, meaning you’ll enjoy an (almost) instant energy boost that won’t go anywhere soon. Best of all, they’re easy to consume on the run (or ride), so you won’t have to slow down to get the precious nutrients in your body.
Each gel packet has 100 calories, with some flavours containing caffeine too. Try Chocolate Outrage, Espresso Love, Salted Caramel and Tri-Berry for a caffeine hit, or opt for Lemon Sublime if you want to give that caffeine buzz a miss. Again, these are a great option if you need a quick energy boost while training or racing.
If you’re looking to go a step further with the intensity of your training or racing, you may well want to opt for GU Energy Roctane Gels, which offer more sodium and amino acids. We stock both the Lemonade and Sea Salt Chocolate flavours, the latter of which contains caffeine.
GU Energy Chews are crafted, like GU Energy Gels, to provide both energy and nutrients. Electrolytes and amino acids will have you feeling fresh, both physically and mentally, while the carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) provide much-needed energy.
Think of GU Chews as gels for people who don’t like gels, probably because of the texture. This way, you can still enjoy the same nutritional benefits. Each serve (one packet, four chews) contains 90 calories and we stock our favourite flavours like Blueberry Pomegranate, Orange, Watermelon and Strawberry (with caffeine).
GU Drink Tabs are a low-calorie, caffeine-free way to replenish electrolytes lost during exercise; simply drop a tab in half a litre of water and let it fizz. Each tab contains 10 calories, 320mg of sodium and 55mg of potassium, which will help keep you hydrated and free of cramps without having to consume something edible. So, why not find your favourite flavour? We have both Lemon and Lime and Strawberry Lemonade.
Ever heard of a stroopwafel? They’re a delicious Dutch snack and now GU Energy has tweaked the recipe to make them a tasty fuel option for endurance events. They describe them as acting like an energy gel but tasting like breakfast, and we can’t argue. Each stroopwafel contains 150 calories along with 450mg of amino acids and 75mg of sodium, plus the added bonus of feeling like you’re being rewarded with a treat.
Ready to discover your favourite fuel from GU Energy? We’ve got you covered at Aid Station.
