Energy gel

Packaging and ingredients

The size content of energy gels is commonly 1.2 oz (32g), with a range from 1 oz to 1.5 oz packets. The portable packaging is designed to facilitate uninterrupted training or performance conditions. Common ingredients include water, maltodextrin, fructose, and various micronutrients, preservatives, and flavor compounds or caffeine.

History

Sports energy gels emerged in the United Kingdom in 1986 as a "convenient, prewrapped, portable" way to deliver carbohydrates during endurance events. Gels have a gooey texture and are sometimes referred to as "goo" generically. The gel Leppin Squeezy was distributed at the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1988. Once considered a "cult product in clear packaging", energy gel products are now marketed in fancy packaging and come in a variety of flavors. The energy gel market grew during the 1990s, as professional athletes began endorsing products. Manufacturers generally encourage the consumption of multiple packets, with water, when participating in endurance events.

Use

Energy gels are promoted to individuals seeking a boost from caffeine and carbohydrates during exercise performance. The recommended use of an energy gel is 15 minutes before starting and 30–45 minutes after starting the endurance exercise.

Taste

Energy gels have varied taste by addition of flavor ingredients added during manufacturing, such as menthol and chai latte.

References

References

1. "Energy gel for running - how to use, ingredients and selection".
2. "GU Energy Gel - Nutrition / Ingredients".
3. Schwarb, John. (January 3, 2003). "Forget carb-filled bars, runners gaga for goo". [[Tampa Bay Times.
4. Gallman, Judith M.. "Brian Vaughan: GU Guru". Oakland Magazine.
5. Blake, Judith. (November 19, 2004). "A new fuel for athletes: energy gels". [[Tribune Company]].
6. "The Energy Bomb - Chocolate honey for energy, focus, stamina".
7. (1 September 2010). "The possible combinatory effects of acute consumption of caffeine, creatine, and amino acids on the improvement of anaerobic running performance in humans". Nutrition Research.
8. (5 August 2016). "As Olympians Suck Down Energy Gels, A Believer In 'GU' Gel Seeks Reality Check".
9. (27 November 2020). "Development of a "Cooling" Menthol Energy Gel for Endurance Athletes: Effect of Menthol Concentration on Acceptability and Preferences". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
10. "How GU Energy creates its flavors in a lab".