GU Energy Liquid Energy Gel with Complex Carbohydrates, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 12-Count, Cola

Strawberry banana flavor, pop one before workout and then every 30 to 40 mins during workout or your preference. With water. This is not a replacement for hydration, more of a boost for quick nutrients water can't replenish. Feel less sluggish after a long workout and more focused when I use product. With other factors at play -eating/hydrating/consistent exercises- less cramping or nagging pains during a workout. Flavor is a 10/10, like flavored water, package is easy to open, product is simple to squeeze out on the go, fits in pocket, sticky on hands if spill.

Typically gels will upset my stomach but these don’t. They go down super easy because they’re very liquid like. Tastes like super strong lemonade. Very effective, didn’t feel fatigued during my marathon and was overall very pleased with these

I like these as a fuel for long runs Easy on the stomach and goes give a boost of energy. The coffee flavor did not taste good at all. But the cola, lemon, and orange flavors are great.

Considering that you likely will be drinking them warm, some of the flavors are a little intriguing. The warm cola flavor is OK, but just seems a bit odd, like cola left out on the counter overnight. The espresso flavor also is a bit of a surprise at ambient temperature. They are definitely liquid, and I guess they don't want the contents to squirt out when you tear it open, so even once it is open, you have to squeeze the packet to get it flowing and suck and squeeze the contents. Even doing that, I almost always had some left in the packet. To really empty out a packet, I would have to use both hands to fold the packet up from the bottom to squeeze everything out. Might be ok for running, but not on a bike ride when you don't want to stop. Still, the liquid-gel is easy to swallow and doesn't make you feel like you need to wash it down with water. Knocked off a star on easy-to-swallow because of the difficulty getting it out of the pack. Compared to the energy gels, you get a bigger hit of energy, and quicker, too, but it doesn't last as long. Also, since there is more volume (for the same amount of calories, sodium and amino acids) than the gels, you can't carry as many on long bike rides. So, I've switched back to the gels. May be good for runners and shorter rides, or a quick burst of energy at strategic points, like just before a hill climb.

I really like the liquid GU’s over the gels. I find it a lot easier to take in while running. The variety pack was nice and a good value. They don’t have all the flavors locally (they have more gels- ew!) I tried coffee for the first time, and I’m not sure I would have chosen that flavor at the store even if they had it. It’s lovely- the flavor of a slightly sweet iced coffee! I’m normally caffeine-free in my daily life; I only use while distance running. It was plenty of caffeine to keep me going during the Seattle Half. Also worked for my daughter who has caffeine daily, so the level must be good.

Kept me going during my last marathon, easy to drink, pleasant taste and did not cause any GI distress. The packets were also easy to open on the go. Well worth the price.

I was surprised when I opened the box. They are much larger than normal GU energy gels. They take up more space in your cycling jersey pocket and weigh more, which could be annoying if you need to carry 3 or 4 for a long ride. Unlike a regular gel that you can squeeze into your mouth while riding, these are fussy; you need to stop and empty the pack with care if you want to get most of the product out and not make a mess. Taste and function is fine. I’ll use them until there’re gone, not carrying more than one on a ride, but won’t purchase again.

Great taste and I don't need to rinse it down with water because it's not too thick.