Gu's have been around for about 25 years and the're still improving them. The first Gu I squeezed out was during a 199 mile Relay from Calistoga Ca to Santa Cruz. I'd completed one leg in the heat of the day in Napa County, a second at 1:00 a.m. just across the Golden Gate Bridge and out along Ocean Beach under a full moon, and was psyched to set a PR on a 10K downhill leg from the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains, descending 1,500 feet. And I BONKED half way through the leg. Thankfully, a teammate hung his arm out the team van window with my first-ever GU. He told me to squeeze it into my mouth, swallow it and wash it down with a few swallows of water. I swear that within 2-3 minutes my legs were back. I took off down the hill and could not believe what had just happened. I've been a fan ever since. I use GU regularly and applaud their shifting towards plant-based products. Today I'm all about road biking, but I learned long ago, that refueling during endurance workouts or events is critical. For the really tough rides I upgrade to their Roctane product but their energy Original gels are my regular "friend", giving me boosts before I ride, and every 45 minutes during my rides. I'd be going a lot slower without them.

This is the first energy gel I have ever tried. The strawberry banana is pretty good. I can definitely feel a boost of energy that lasts about a half hour to an hour. I didn't like the texture, consistency or flavor at first but after using it on a couple rides it has grown on me and I like to eat it now. They are also easy to carry because they don't take up a lot of room and are not bulky.

I find GU Energy packs to be very good. Each has a variety of salt and caffeine, so if you want to limit your intake of those, you can alternate them with other packs that have fewer amounts of those two. The gels taste good, do not upset my stomach, and help keep me nourished and hydrated on runs exceeding 6 miles. They also are among the most reasonably priced gels.

I'm so glad they make caffeine-free Gu, and that it doesn't have artificial colors in it. I bought the 24 pack of this. I get migraines and have discovered that after the migraine is gone, if I have a Gu and lots of water, I recover from the migraine postdrome (hangover) much more quickly.

I also love having these for long hikes in the back country. But the use for migraines is a lifesaver.

As a 61 yr old, that just started running again to stay in shape, I need every advantage I can get(without using just any garbage)GU serves it's purpose. Five minutes before running I consumed a pack with water. The strawberry - banana taste was good but thick but I feel there's a reason for that because during my 3 to 4 mile run I didn't get as dehydrated & I had more endurance. Plus I took it on an empty stomach. It's caffeine free. I like coffee but caffeine before a run will dehydrate. Have a 5K coming in 2 weeks and this will be in my arsenal.