This will be a brief product review since others have already covered off the GU Energy Gel line very well. But one new flavour has sprouted up in the store and I felt the need to provide my review/feedback – and specifically on the taste since some may be wondering.
On my latest nutritional stock up at the store, I noticed a new special “limited edition” GU flavour…Mint Chocolate. Now I am a freak for Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, the Cool Mint Chocolate Clif Bars and really anything that combines mint and chocolate (did you know that there is a new Dairy Milk bar in England…Dairy Milk Mint Chips!) So I had to grab a 6 pack to try it out.
Now I’m not usually a fan of chocolate gels…I find them too dense and uneasy to digest and swallow while training and racing. But I HAD to try this one out. So on my latest long training ride, I broke open the box (which only had 4 gels in it instead of the 6 advertised on the box…was this a sign?) and decided to throw one in the jersey to test it out. On my rides, I typically just grab and whatever I get, I get. I like mixing up the flavours so I get some variety. I usually have 4-5 different flavours of GU with me on my long rides…I learned the hard way at IM Lake Placid last year that variety in gels is key…you try having 24 gels in one day and they are all either Vanilla Orange or Strawberry Kiwi.
About 2 hours into the ride, I grabbed for a gel, ripped it open…and enjoyed one of the most incredible flavour sensations I have ever enjoyed while riding a bike! Mint Chocolate…and it was awesome! Now it may not be for everyone, but I have to say that compared to other chocolate flavoured gels I have used/tried in the past, this one by far, is the best. Easy to digest, easy to eat…and just plain great tasting.
So there you have it…my next trip to the shop I will probably buy the place out of the entire stock of Mint Chocolate GU…so if you want to try one, you better get there fast before I do!
Why not have an “After 8” on the bike ride? After trying almost every single gel, gu, shot, flavour, this is by far the best flavour. Let’s hope they make it part of the Gu line permanently!