Since 1993
We invented the energy gel. Then we kept improving it.
Thirty years of sports nutrition research, tested by athletes at every distance from parkrun to the Comrades.
The origin
A kitchen in Berkeley, 1993
From 1991 until today, athletes the world over have come to the same conclusion: GU works. Our Berkeley-based sports nutrition company started with our original GU Energy Gel, a revolutionary and more effective method to keep athletes fueled during exercise.
Since then, GU has continued to improve the recipe, incorporating the latest scientific research into its products. In 2001, GU Electrolyte Brew (formerly Gu2o) was launched as the perfect hydration companion to GU Energy Gel. 2008 saw the introduction of Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, followed by Chomps Energy Chews and GU Recovery Brew in 2009.
Every product is formulated to further GU’s mission: to help athletes go faster and longer than ever before.sign up to our newsletterto be the first to learn about specials and new products
The science
What is actually in the sachet
-
Carbohydrates
Maltodextrin and fructose use non-competing pathways, so you absorb more carbohydrate per hour with less stomach distress than a single-sugar product.
-
Electrolytes
Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat. Every product is dosed for real sweat rates, not a token pinch of salt.
-
Amino acids
Leucine, valine and isoleucine reduce mental fatigue and limit muscle damage across long efforts. Roctane adds beta-alanine on top.
The SA operation
Montague Gardens, Cape Town
We hold stock locally and ship nationwide, so you are not waiting on an international parcel two weeks before your race.
- Free nationwide delivery on orders over R500
- Payfast checkout — card, Instant EFT, SnapScan, Zapper and Mobicred
- Wholesale and club pricing on request
What we stand for
Athletes and events
-
Test it in training
Nothing ships until athletes have raced on it. Race day is the wrong place to discover a product does not agree with you.
-
Say what is in it
Full nutrition information on every product page. No proprietary blends hiding the dose.
-
Back the sport
Clubs, trail conservation days and junior development squads get product and support at races countrywide.
The timeline
Thirty years of fuel
-
1993
Dr Bill Vaughan formulates the first energy gel in a Berkeley kitchen for his daughter, an endurance athlete.
-
2007
Roctane launches — a higher-dose formula built for ultra distance and stage racing.
-
2014
The Energy Stroopwafel arrives, bringing real food into the range.
-
2026
GU Energy Labs South Africa ships nationwide from Montague Gardens, Cape Town.