Possibly I oversold it with the title and graphic. When you’ve learn earlier critiques, you need to know that I don’t imagine there are scrumptious power gels, solely palatable ones that do the job.
Vanilla Bean and Peanut Butter power gels by GU Vitality Labs and Hammer Vitamin are a step above being simply “palatable.” I nonetheless wouldn’t wish to eat them each day, however for races just a few instances a yr? They ain’t dangerous.
The 2 OGs are main gamers in sports activities vitamin for a purpose. Their power gels merely work and are reasonably priced in contrast with some newcomers.
For this evaluate, I’ll focus much less on efficiency and extra on their flavors and components.
(I imply, what’s there actually to say about efficiency? Tens of hundreds of endurance athletes, together with high professionals, are utilizing their merchandise. That’s proof sufficient.)
GU Vanilla Bean Vitality Gels
I first tried Vanilla Bean on the Tarawera Ultramarathon 100km in 2017 (nice race, extremely advocate). The occasion had it at an assist station round 80km. Free gels? Hells yeah! I grabbed a pair for the ultimate stretch and was pleasantly stunned by the respectable style. This power gel has been a part of my fueling technique ever since.
Components and dietary information
GU Vanilla Bean gives 100 energy and 22g of carbohydrates per packet, simply what the physique wants. The power gel additionally contains additional goodies akin to 450 mg of branded chain amino acids (BCAA) , 60 mg of sodium, 20 mg of caffeine, and electrolytes potassium and calcium. It’s a well-balanced possibility.
Nearly all of the carbohydrates come from maltodextrin and fructose.
In contrast with different sugars, maltodextrin requires much less water to digest, and it’s a great way to get fast energy with out changing into dehydrated. We additionally clarify why fructose is utilized in power gels right here.
Style and consistency
The consistency of Vanilla Bean is the usual GU affair, leaning to the thicker aspect of the spectrum. The ingredient listing simply states “pure taste,” so I’m unsure the place the vanilla taste is extracted from. When you’re a fan of vanilla ice-cream or vanilla milkshake, it’s a syrupy model of that sort of style.
Clearly, I nonetheless wouldn’t wish to eat Vanilla Bean each day, however the style isn’t dangerous as race gasoline.
Packaging
GU is likely one of the first to package deal power gels in such a broad on the backside and slender on the high design. It’s a format that endurance athletes are very used to by now. It’s simple to tear open with two fingers or rip open with one hand and your tooth. Every thing works correctly.
Hammer Peanut Butter Vitality Gel
The primary power gel I had ever bought was from Hammer. The model presents a big selection of flavors, not fairly as many as GU, however with 12 completely different choices, there are lots to select from. The corporate has some of the various product portfolios, starting from drink mixes, bars, and each day dietary supplements to clothes, books, and even CBD balms.
Components and dietary information
Hammer Peanut Butter gives 100 energy and 20g of carbohydrates per sachet. The gel can also be maltodextrin-based. It accommodates rice dextrin and dextrose, however the two components are used for flavoring and preservatives, respectively, contributing minimally to the general carbohydrate content material.
Hammer performs up its BCAA components, which assist with stopping muscle tissue breakdown and fatigue throughout train.
- Maltodextrin
- Water
- Tapioca syrup
- Vitality Sensible (grape juice, rice dextrin)
- Pure peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts)
- Cultured dextrose
- Salt
- Ascorbic acid
- L-Leucine
- L-Alanine
- L-Valine
- Potassium carbonate
- L-Isoleucine
Style and consistency
I’m an enormous peanut butter man. A type of maniacs that eat peanut butter straight out of the jar with a spoon, so this taste is correct in my wheelhouse.
The power gel has pure dry roasted peanut butter, which contributes to the nice taste. I generally unfold the gel over toast for a carbohydrate-dense pre-workout meal. Relating to the feel, it’s a thick syrup, the identical as different Hammer power gels. No surprises.
Packaging
Hammer and GU implement related packaging designs, so I don’t have a lot so as to add right here. Nonetheless, Hammer gives power gels in a jug as nicely. When you’re extra environmentally acutely aware, you may pour power gels into your flasks and bottles straight from the jug and make power drinks as an alternative.
This works nicely for exercises and longer races the place you’ll carry your personal water. It additionally permits extra exact personalization as you may decide when you want a roughly concentrated gasoline.
Nonetheless, packets are nonetheless the higher possibility for non-elite marathoners and half-marathoners who received’t have the posh of their very own water bottles positioned all through the course.
Conclusion
- If you’re a fan of vanilla milkshakes and peanut butter, I feel you’ll discover these two power gels very acceptable.
- Hammer and GU have been within the power gasoline enterprise for many years, so their merchandise, by way of effectiveness and packaging, merely work.
- Whereas they use synthetic components and preservatives, I don’t eat power gels each day or for his or her well being advantages. For racing functions, I received’t fret over it.
- In case your abdomen agrees extra with pure components, listed below are our picks for one of the best all-natural power gels.
