GU Energy

A biophysicist develops a gel so his ultra-runner daughter can eat without getting a stomachache. The first energy gel.

GU Energy at a glance

GU Energy Labs is an American sports nutrition brand based in Berkeley, California, founded by biophysicist Bill Vaughan. It claims to have created the first energy gel in 1993 and is known for its Energy Gels and Roctane range for ultra-distance events.

Brand facts
Origin	United States (Berkeley, California)
Founder	Bill Vaughan, biophysicist
First gel	1993, according to the brand
Ultra range	Roctane Ultra Endurance, launched in 2008
Manufacturing	Gels manufactured at the Berkeley headquarters

A gel invented for an ultra runner

Bill Vaughan wanted to help his daughter Laura, an ultra-trail runner, fuel herself during increasingly long races without digestive issues. He created a gel in the family kitchen in Berkeley. A historian’s note: gels existed in the United Kingdom as early as 1986, but GU is considered the first major distributor of energy gels, with a presence at the Ironman World Championship from 1996.

Roctane, the long-distance range

Launched in 2008, the Roctane Ultra Endurance range is designed for long, intense efforts. Compared with the original gel, it provides more amino acids and electrolytes.

Which GU product should you choose?

Energy Gel (32 g): fruity or indulgent, with plenty of flavors, including caffeinated options (Intense Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Espresso Love, Cola Me Happy, Tri-Berry, Salted Watermelon, Vanilla, Caramel Macchiato).
Roctane Ultra Endurance (32 g): Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, and caffeinated flavors: Chocolate Sea Salt, Blueberry Pomegranate, Cherry Lime.
Liquid Energy Gel (60 g): a more liquid version, including caffeinated Cola and Coffee flavors.
Stroopwafel (30 g): the energy waffle, in caramel coffee, salted caramel, red fruit, and salted chocolate flavors.
Chews (60 g) and Hydration Drink Tabs (12 x 4.5 g).

GU at Nutri-Bay

Boxes of 24 gels and Energy and Roctane sampler packs are a great place to start. For other waffles, see Näak.

Sources: GU Energy Labs, About, Wikipedia, GU Energy Labs.

Frequently Asked Questions about GU Energy

Did GU invent energy gel?

GU claims the first energy gel, created by Bill Vaughan in the early 1990s. Gels already existed in the UK in 1986, but GU is considered the first major gel distributor.

What’s the difference between GU Energy Gel and Roctane?

Roctane, launched in 2008, is the range for long, intense efforts: it contains more amino acids and electrolytes than the original gel.

Which GU gels contain caffeine?

At Nutri-Bay, all products with “Caffeine” in their name, such as Espresso Love, Cola Me Happy, Salted Butter Caramel, or Roctane Chocolate Fleur de Sel. The dosage is listed on each product page.

What is the GU Stroopwafel?

A 30 g energy waffle inspired by the Dutch specialty, to eat during exercise as an alternative to gels.

Where are GU gels made?

In Berkeley, California, at the headquarters of this family-owned company.