Energy Gels - Chocolate Flavor - Non-GMO - Non-Caffeinated - Fast Carbs for Energy - High Performance & Endurance - Fast Fuel for Cycling and Running (1.2 Ounce Packet, 24 Count)

I powered through countless miles of running using Chocolate flavored GU. I figured it had a decent taste and worked pretty well. Then I started to develop digestive troubles every time I used it, I think from the caffeine, and I knew I had to figure something else out before my next marathon.I've tried Honey Stingers (too sickly sweet with a "medicinal" aftertaste), Hammer Gel (strange, sticky texture that felt like glue going down my throat and nasty flavors), Gatorade Prime Gel (shudder-inducing taste), Cliff Shot Blocks (stuck to my teeth and drove me nuts). I was just about to give up and just eat gummy bears when my husband brought this home for me to try.My first time using it was a 17 mile training run. I opened it a few miles in and made sure I was near a bathroom in case it had a similar effect on my body as the GU. My first taste was a revelation. It's not just acceptable, it's good. Seriously good. Like, I'd eat this when I'm NOT running. It tastes like a brownie, and I couldn't help but wonder why I've punished myself with case after case of GU when this is so much better. It's got typical "gel" texture, so if you can't handle that, this might not be the product for you. Still, I found it to be pretty easy to get down, slightly thinner than GU, but not as runny (read: messy) as Hammer or Gatorade, very similar to a hot fudge sauce straight out of the jar.I'm really happy to find something that is made with real, recognizable ingredients, too.Best of all, my digestive system had NO problems with it, even on hot July runs. Still, I'd recommend you buy one POUCH of it to try before making to commitment to a whole case.

This is the only brand of running jell that settles on my stomach. Unfortunately, the manufacturer now only sells two flavors.

I got this in preparation for my first half-marathon. My training runs are getting long enough to warrant some kind of energy support during the run. I am on a whole foods diet, and I really wanted to just eat food - not processed chemical stuff. I tried dried fruit first, but it swells in the stomach when you drink water after eating and made me feel uncomfortably full. Next I tried Honey Stinger chews. I hate the texture of gummy candies to start with, but salty/sweet gummy candy? Ick. Just... no. So I bought a sample of Gu at a running store and gave it a try. To my surprise, I liked it. It did not upset my stomach and the flavor was good. If only Gu was real food!Enter Clif Shots: organic ingredients, no weird gummy crap, not as thick and goopy as Gu, and I usually like the way Clif products taste. While even organic maltodextrin is not exactly "whole" food, its a step closer to eating real food on my runs. Sadly, the flavor of these shots leaves something to be desired. There is a slight chemical aftertaste that I find unappealing. It makes the organic chocolate taste like cheap Palmer's waxy Easter candy. Blech.They do work. You get a nice steady release of energy and they are easy to take during a workout. I'll use up this box, but I'm definitely going to keep shopping for a better version.

I have been using the Clif Shot gels for the last several years and really like them. They cost less than other brands, but are just as good. And they have the absolute BEST package design, keeping a tether on the torn-off tab at the top. Brilliant! I had a difficult time finding them, and I discovered that Clif (or the parent company) has decided to discontinue them! So, grab them while you can, because they won't be around much longer.

In training for a marathon, I kept hitting a wall between miles 12 and 18. However, when a friend pointed me to energy gels, I did some research and settled on Clif Shot Chocolate, non-caffeinated gels. Instantly, I was able to run my full training distances without hitting a wall! The flavor was excellent, I had little-to-no digestive repercussions, and I had the energy I needed to finish my race and conquer my target time. These were great! Highly recommend.

I can't process fructose, and so have to avoid many of the gel shots. Also, while I can down a cup of joe in the morning, extra caffeine throughout the day also puts my stomach in a bad place .So these were the best I could find, maltodextrin based without caffeine.I tried one of these after dinner one night for fun, and it didn't really do anything for me other than cause some gas.However, I failed to follow the instructions, which indicate to take with water! The next night I took one with a cup of water before a krav maga class, and enjoyed a serious sugar rush 10 minutes later. Unfortunately, that also was accompanied by some bad gas for both me and my teenager. I can't rule out other causes though.During my black belt test, I went through several of these (and a gallon of water) with no cramping or gas. They provided an extra boost just when I needed it, and I recommend them for use during a hard workout.

Easy to swallow and delicious!My only complaint: it was not clear on the Amazon website that there are options with different levels of caffeine. The product comes in four different versions.

I use these gels for long runs. They are delicious, do not upset my stomach and satisfy my hunger. The only bummer is Clif stopped making them.