Best integrated energy gel – GU Roctane
We created the term “integrated energy gel” for products that really pack in the extras. GU Roctane has three times the sodium and branched-chain amino acids compared with the brand’s Original series and kept the carbohydrate content the same, around 20 g.
GU Roctane also contains taurine, which the company claims can maintain heart contractility and improve cardiac output, as well as beta-alanine, which can promote the formation of the intramuscular buffer carnosine to delay fatigue onset. Bells and whistles galore.
GU Original has always worked for us, and Roctane simply added more sodium to a tried-and-true fuel. Taste, texture, and packaging are all familiar. No surprises.
Here’s a comprehensive piece if you want to learn how GU Roctane stacks up against Maurten Gel 100 hydrogel.
Bonus: Best energy gel for a change of taste – GU Original Cola Me-Happy
Speaking of GU Original, we would like to throw in a bonus recommendation. If you’re a fan of cola flavors and want a boost of caffeine mid-run, here’s GU Original Cola Me-Happy for your consideration.
It supplies 22 g of carbohydrates and 40 mg of caffeine from green tea extract. The flavor has a mild spicy kick and a pleasant bitterness to balance the sweetness of the gel. We wouldn’t recommend fueling an entire marathon with only this option, but it’s a nice change of pace to mix into your fueling plan and prevent flavor fatigue.
