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

In a nutshell: Energy gel that keeps you going when going gets you tough. Well, until your knees give out or something. What it is: It's an energy gel formulated for endurance athletes (never mind that not a lot of us who use the products like these will ever win a New York Marathon or something; if you participate, you're an athlete, right?) I've got the Chocolate Outrage version, which has 32g of mixture containing various carbs, amino acid, and rather marginal amount of caffeine. The price comes down to roughly $1 per pack, which might be a bit hard to swallow (no pun intended). What it's like: It's a chocolatey paste that's easy to squeeze out and suck on from the pouch while running. It recommends you to drink water while eating this; I recommend the same (and try for water instead of sports drink; water works better for washing this down). I used this for my first (and last?) marathon, at the recommended pace of one pack 15 minutes before the race, and every 45 minutes of activity... it was cut closer to an hour than 45 minutes, as it does take some time to get absorbed to your body. Thanks to it, I was able to finish the marathon despite my body basically refusing to run the last few miles. If nothing else, I had the energy to go further, if not the joints. And that's probably due to my inadequate training; this is no miracle worker in that it lets you do things you normally wouldn't do. Or maybe it does... it's just that having the energy to do things doesn't translate to having the physical capacity to run ridiculous distances. Does it work?: I think so. But it doesn't seem to have replenished any electrolytes... so I guess you should use sports drink with this, after all. In conclusion: these packs work wonders in keeps you going in the energy department--follow the instruction and I'm sure you won't bonk halfway through. Don't forget to train, though!

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.

Tastes like chocolate pudding! All I've heard from the running community about gels is that they're so disgusting and you just have to choke them down. I'm training for a marathon right now and since there will be GU gels available at the race, figured I needed to incorporate them into my long runs. Went with the chocolate flavor because it was on sale (I'm more of a fruity girl so this was a risk). Well I tried these today during my 17 mile long run and all I could say was WOOOOW! This was like having dessert on my run! It was a sweet, silky, delicious chocolate pudding in a compact, easy to carry tube. If anything it tasted too good, I just wanted more immediately! I didn't necessarily feel any kick of energy, but my muscles kept working and I didn't hit a wall. That's all you can ask for, I think. I took a total of 2 gels and ate a banana. Great combo! They didn't hurt my stomach at all. I have a stronger than average stomach I'd say, so probably don't take my word for it unless you're the same. Overall, I highly recommend!

This stuff tastes exactly like a little shot of chocolate pudding, which was a pleasant surprise - and honestly makes it way easier to take than most energy gels. It’s a small amount of gel for a good amount of energy - I use one before roller derby practice and it gives me the boost I need without upsetting my stomach or tasting like regret. Buying the bulk packs makes it way more affordable but the price is well worth it for the energy boost. Great texture, great taste, and it actually works. Can’t ask for much more in a gel!

Great flavor. I’m a cyclist and buy all products from this brand.

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.

Perfect pick me up during long cycling hours Also awesome how small and pliable they are for any size pockets Caffeine and carbs for immediate access to the energy it provides.

I use this for my long runs and by far I think this is the best flavor! I’ll be reordering.

Wasn't sure about this flavour (I already like/use GU products) but after reading a review that said they were good, I went for it. The reviewer was right, they are actually very nice on the palate and as usual are good for their main purpose of keeping me upright and moving!

The energy gel tastes really good, thick chocolate, works well (give energy boost), and pleasant to consume during running.

Ger bra eneri efter en kort stund, smakar helt ok om man gillar choklad, ok pris för vad du får.

Cumplen muy bien su función para apoyar en entrenamiento y carreras largas. Fáciles de digerir, buen sabor y alta energía

Yummy! I’m a chocoholic and this tastes great - like good chocolate pudding. No weird after taste. Easy to open and eat out of the package. Seems to work well and give me the boost I need. Does have caffeine in it but about the same amount as decaf coffee/tea. I only drink decaf so I did my research.