GU ENERGY GEL FAQ
WHY IS THERE DIFFERENT INFORMATION ON THE GU ENERGY INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE COMPARED TO THE NEW ZEALAND WEBSITE?
Food sold in New Zealand are required to meet the labelling and food compositional standard requirements as set out by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) also referred to as The Code. The Code is enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. Standards set by the Code stipulate different requirements compared to other governing bodies overseas.
All Gu Energy products under the Code are categorised as formulated supplementary sports food. The requirements of the Code have been stipulated within the FAQ for all New Zealand Gu Energy product range. You can also view the Product Information Sheets which provides additional information according to the Code for each GU Energy Gel product.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION INFORMATION
WHAT IS AN ENERGY GEL?
Energy Gels provide portable and easy-to-digest calories from carbohydrates that deliver immediate and sustained energy for your phyiscal training or exerise program.
GU Energy Gels use a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates. Carbs become the main source of energy as our bodies transition from sedentary to an active state and exercise intensity increases.
Energy Gels are not a sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a nutritious diet.
WHY DO I NEED ENERGY GELS?
The body does have a limited carbohydrate supply, but not enough to sustain higher intensity activity for long periods of time. Thus, as you deplete your carb supply, performance suffers. You need energy in the form of carbohydrates to keep going in longer, more intense efforts.
HOW IS A ROCTANE ENERGY GEL DIFFERENT?
A ROCTANE Energy Gel contains 3x the BCAAs and 2x the electrolytes compared to our original Energy Gels. They also contain the amino acids taurine (to help maintain heart contractility and improve cardiac output during long exercise sessions) and beta-alanine (to help promote formation of the intramuscular buffer carnosine, which can prevent cell damage). ROCTANE Energy Gels deliver the same combination of carbohydrates and same number of calories. ROCTANE Energy Gels are a key tool for high-intensity or prolonged activity when nutrient depletion and muscle damage occurs rapidly.
WHY ARE ENERGY GELS MADE WITH TWO TYPES OF CARBOHYDRATES?
Carbohydrates are efficient energy, and we use a blend of carbs to deliver more energy into the bloodstream as efficiently as possible. Our system of dual-source carbohydrates provides an “express lane” for each carb to deliver energy to your body much quicker than a single source of carbs, which helps you avoid “the bonk” during training and racing.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE AN ENERGY GEL?
GU Energy Gels have a serving size of 32g intended as one serving per gel pack. A maximum of one Energy Gel is recommended 5 minutes prior to exerices. According to the Code, this serving size aligns with the maximum permitted consumption of amino acids per day.
WHY DOES THE ENERGY GEL PACK STATE ‘5 BEFORE EVERY 45’?
The Gu Energy Gels are manufactured and labelled by Gu Energy Labs, Berkely, California. The content of the labels comply with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which allows for these products to be consumed in quantities exceeded the recommended amount by the Code. Gu Energy NZ have aligned the recommended serving according the Code’s requirements.
HOW DO I EAT AN ENERGY GEL? DO I HAVE TO EAT THE ENTIRE ENERGY GEL AT ONE TIME?
Rip open the top and squeeze the entire packet into your mouth—don’t save half of it for later. It’s also completely appropriate to “sip” the Energy Gel over the course of a couple minutes rather than slamming the it all at once. Our Energy Gels were designed to be taken in one shot to provide you with maximum benefits.
CAN I USE AN ENERGY GEL FOR A STRENGTH WORKOUT OR YOGA?
Sure! While GU Energy Gels were designed for endurance sports, they can be used anytime you need energy to fuel a workout, regardless of what type. Exercise is either aerobic or anaerobic, but you’re burning calories either way.
HOW DOES THE CAFFEINE IN GU ENERGY GELS HELP ME?
GU Energy Gels and ROCTANE Energy Gels come in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors. Caffeine is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Strategically adding caffeine to your nutrition plan before and during exercise can help keep your mind sharp, decrease perceived effort, boost your endurance, and delay fatigue. Click here to read more about caffeine for endurance athletes.
DO GU ENERGY GELS FREEZE?
Yes, but well below zero. They will thicken in cold weather, so keep your Energy Gels close to your body to keep it warm.
WHAT ARE THE SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGY GELS?
Energy gels are best stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Alternatively you can freeze Energy gels below zero. Energy Gels will thicken in cold temperatures, so ensure you have them close to your body to keep them warm ready for use.
GU Energy Gels shelf life of 18 months is based on the sensory attributes, the efficacy of active ingredients, and food safety considerations as the product ages.
HOW LONG DOES AN ENERGY GEL TAKE TO WORK?
Right away! The fructose converts quickly into an energy molecule that your muscles can tap within minutes. The maltodextrin, which makes up 70-80% of the carbohydrate blend (depending on flavor), takes several minutes longer. Because of this delay, your muscles enjoy a steady stream of energy instead of one gigantic sugar rush and a corresponding crash.
ARE ENERGY GELS SAFE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN?
No, Energy Gels are not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women. These products should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision.
ARE GU ENERGY GELS KOSHER, VEGAN-FRIENDLY AND GLUTEN-FREE?
GU Energy Gels and ROCTANE Energy Gels are both kosher certified, gluten-free and vegan-friendly.