GU Roctane Energy Gel - Vanilla Orange
MMA/Muay Thai Energy Gel Supplement

GU Roctane Energy Gel - Vanilla Orange

Energy Supplements for MMA & Muay Thai > Energy Gels

Both in the MMA world and beyond, GU is one of the most popular brands of energy gels. GU claims to be the first producer of energy gels.
Before GU’s creation, only energy bars were commercially available which many endurance athletes found difficult to digest. The energy gel was first invented by an American Doctor to help fuel his daughter’s ultra-marathon efforts. GU gels have gained huge popularity amongst athletes worldwide and are now available in both Regular & Roctane versions.

What are GU Roctane Energy Gels?

GU’s Energy gels are designed to improve exercise performance, by combining:

Amino Acids + Carbohydrate + Caffeine

The approach is to provide both energy and key nutrients to help keep athletes performing at optimum levels for longer.

What’s the difference between Regular GU Energy Gels & Roctane Gels?

The Roctane versions of GU’s energy gels are essentially an increased strength variant of the original gels and are aimed at high intensity and/or long endurance training or competition.
The Roctane energy gels contain more Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) which help minimize mental tiredness and muscle fatigue. Plus they contain beta-alanine which buffers acidity in muscles, again helping minimize fatigue, and taurine which assists heart function.

The Vanilla Orange flavored Roctane Gel also contains 35mg of caffeine, which should increase focus whilst reducing perceived effort.

Ingredients

GU’s Roctane Energy Gels contain:

• Fructose
• Maltodextrin
• Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG)
• Valine
• Leucine
• Isoleucine
• Beta-Alanine
• Citric Acid
• Sodium Citrate
• Potassium Citrate
• Calcium Carbonate
• Gellan Gum
• Green Tea
• Salt
• Sunflower Oil
• Sodium Benzoate
• Potassium Sorbate
• Paprika

GU Roctane Gels are naturally flavored, Kosher, gluten-free, and suitable for vegan diets.

How much energy is in a GU Roctane Gel?

Each gel contains 100 calories. GU reason that this is the largest amount you should consume in one go. Eating a greater amount would likely cause blood flow to be diverted to your gut to aid digestion. So consuming a 100 calorie gel gives you the optimum fueling hit without disrupting the blood supply to your muscles.
For a person with an average metabolic rate, each GU Roctane Energy Gel is intended to facilitate about 45 minutes to 1-hour of high-intensity exercise (such as Muay Thai/MMA training or competition).
Energy from each gel comes in the form of a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates. After consumption, Fructose provides a near-instant energy source, whilst Maltdextrose takes a few minutes before it begins powering your workout. These two carbohydrate sources are processed through non-competing pathways to help maximize energy availability over a prolonged period.

How and When to take GU Roctane Energy Gels for MMA/Muay Thai?

You can use a Roctane Energy Gel immediately before or even during your Muay Thai or MMA training or fight.

When you take the gel you should also sip some drinking water. The gels have a thick consistency – so taking it with water will keep you hydrated and help wash the gel through your digestive system, making sure it is effectively metabolized. (If you don’t drink water, the gel can sit in your stomach).

Why use an Energy Gel instead of eating a normal meal?

Eating regular, balanced meals containing a mix of food groups is unquestionably the best way to supply our body with all the nutritional vitamins, minerals, protein, and energy that our body needs. So why would anyone bother using a GU Roctane Energy Gel instead?

There are a few situations where GU Roctane Energy Gels are a huge advantage.

Firstly, if you are taking part in a long or very high-intensity exercise that will deplete your body’s reserves, you will need to refuel mid-workout. In such circumstances, eating a meal isn’t a viable option as that would be time-consuming, unpractical, and potentially lead to digestive issues. GU Roctane Energy Gels are perfect for mid-activity refueling, getting the energy you need into your system fast, minimizing the potential for any digestive problems. They are easy to carry, quick, and convenient to consume. If you feel your energy levels dropping and you suspect you are headed for a dreaded ‘bonk’, taking an energy gel can stave off the inevitable and help you sustain your power output for longer.

Likewise, if you are in a rush and don’t make time to eat properly in preparation for a high-intensity gym session, ingesting an energy gel to fuel your workout is a good option.

Verdict: GU Roctane Energy Gel – Vanilla Orange

For exercise activities that demand more energy than your body can store, GU Roctane Energy Gels are a fantastic option. Affordable, palatable, easy to carry and consume, and get the nutrition you need into your system fast.

Gu Roctane Energy Gels are a great tool to include as part of any fueling strategy for training and competition.

Reviewed by Southern Muay Thai Man

Gym owner & trainer of 20+ years, involved in strength conditioning, Muay Thai training, boxing & MMA. Keen cook, focused on clean, nutritionally-balanced foods (w/ rare cheat days!).