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GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

October 14, 2020 By Holly Hammersmith

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer.

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As a long-time runner, I’m no stranger to the GU Energy product line for fueling and recovery. A few years back I had the opportunity to try one of their powerful hydration products and write a GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink review.

GU Energy introduced this new hydration product around 2012 and it remains a primary offering in their recovery product powerhouse. Learn what the drink tastes like, the ingredients and how I used it for running.

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

More About GU Energy

GU Energy Gel remains my fuel of choice for medium to long runs and for when I run half-marathons. Usually I will take a GU gel when I’m running more than five miles. I have also used GU Chomps during my half-marathons.

Their products are specifically designed for runners and athletes. Another one of their products is GU Roctane Energy Drink. I tried it in the Tropical Fruit flavor. The company offered me a box of packets to sample.

I tried the Tropical Fruit flavor during my GU drink review, which has a small amount of caffeine in it for an extra kick. Here’s a list of all of the available flavors:

  • Tropical Fruit
  • Lemon Berry
  • Summit Tea
  • Grape (caffeine-free)
GU Energy Drink Packets & Cannister

This energy drink comes in a powder form. You mix it with water. I find a mixing canister (such as for protein drinks) works great to mix a drink like this. This product can be purchased in a canister (12 servings or 24 servings). It can also be purchased in individual packets (great for on the go).

The packets come in a package of 10 packets. The drink is mixed with water and tastes a lot like many of the sports drinks on the market. I think the caffeine mix was an added bonus for performance.

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However, the drink didn’t have that salty taste that some energy drinks have. I found the drink mixed best in a shaker bottle. I have one with a metal mixing ball. The drink mix needs a good shake for full blending.

GU Roctane Drink

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

GU Roctane Drink Packets

During my sampling I had the tropical fruit flavor and had the individual packets. These would be great for travel. For the most part when I tried the product I used it at home after my longer runs.

The packets are especially helpful for if you are on the go. You can purchase the packets groups of 10 but there is no mixed option as far as I know so you can only buy one flavor in the pack of 10.

Performance GU Roctane Drink

During the course of this review I learned that GU Roctane is a special line of products created by GU Energy for ultra endurance – longer, harder workouts. Because of this, I probably wouldn’t drink it regularly for every workout.

However, it’s a good option for recovering after a long run or ultra event. The GU Roctane energy drink has 240 calories per pouch. It is also loaded with carbohydrates and electrolytes.

It can also be purchased in a bulk container. As you see below in the product image the Tropical Fruit flavor has several fruit flavors included. These flavors include kiwi and pineapple.

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

GU Roctane Ingredients

You might be wondering about the ingredients in the GU Energy Drink. I have included an image from the company showing the ingredients in the Tropical Fruit Gu Roctane Drink, which is the flavor I tested.

You will see the product is high in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it perfect for refueling. There is a small amount of caffeine in the product, it has some natural extracts and it is also gluten-free which is great in case you live a gluten-free lifestyle.

There’s also a good amount of sodium in the product which helps to replenish elecytrolytes after a hard workout. For more information on the ingredients in GU Roctane Tropical Fruit please see the image below.

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

GU Roctane Energy Drink Mix

The caffeine amount is minimal when compared to the amount of caffeine in a normal cup of coffee or espresso. While this isn’t quite a meal replacement, this running recovery drink is a viable option after a hard run, long run or endurance event.

If you really do not want caffeine in your drink, or if you are drinking it later in the day and don’t want caffeine keeping you up at night there is a caffeine-free option. The grape flavor is caffeine-free.

Endurance Energy Drink

GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Review

GU Roctane Review

This is an option for a hydration drink for runners. I really enjoyed the Tropical Fruit flavor of GU Roctane. It’s an option to consider after long runs or races in particular.

It’s also cool and refreshing which makes it great for summertime if you are also trying to cool off after a hard, sweaty race. I would not drink this as a regular daily drink, but use it as an option depending on the length and duration of my workout.

How do you hydrate after running?

Disclosure: I am not compensated for product reviews, unless otherwise stated. I was given a free sample of the product in exchange for writing a review. Some links within this post are affiliate links.

*This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated and republished for accuracy and comprehensiveness.


Filed Under: FITNESS, WELLNESS Tagged With: Reviews, Sponsored

About Holly Hammersmith

Holly Hammersmith is an independent writer and editor. She blogs about how to keep a healthy home and lifestyle. Topics include wellness, household, saving money, gardening and more. Holly lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, daughter and rescue dog Lulu.

Comments

  1. Suzanne says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    My husband loves to use this when he lifts weights so that’s what I’d use it for as well.

  2. Suzanne says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    Already follow you on twitter (@Suz4AU0608)

  3. Laurel C says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    I could really use this kind of fuel for long runs!

  4. Laurel C says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:10 AM

    I follow you on twitter!
    @pace_of_laurel

  5. Chelsea says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    I would use this for my long runs. Always looking for ways to make them better and more enjoyable.

  6. Chelsea says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    And I already follow you one Twitter

  7. Cap says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    I would have my high school football team drink GU Roctane pre-game and at halftime. If GU Roctane works well for one runner it should work just as well for 72 football players!

  8. Jeffrey says

    August 25, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    I would use these before long runs of an hour or more. The energy drink pre-run accompanied by gels during would really aid in ones performance. Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway!

  9. Jeffrey says

    August 25, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    I am following you on Twitter.

  10. Kim says

    August 26, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    I would use them for my MCM training long runs! I need all the fuel I can get to help me power through each one and not hate every minute of it

  11. Kim says

    August 26, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I already follow you on twitter 🙂

  12. Jason C @ironman_2_be says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    I’m training for an Ironman distance event and would totally incorporate this into my long distance cycling training and my training runs for the Marine Corps Marathon.

  13. Mitch Dulleck says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    I would definitely use this when I run Trail 1/2 Marathons. I used it
    During the 2nd half of my last Trail 1/2 and had sustained energy when
    Pared with my Roctane Jels! And I am following u on Twitter too!

  14. Bo says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    During sprint tri’s. The caffeine would provide the kick going into the run.

  15. Bo says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    I now follow you on twitter

  16. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    August 27, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    I’d use this on a long run outside in the Houston heat. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

  17. Brian says

    August 27, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    I currently use it for ironman training and would continue to use it for that.

  18. Brendan says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    I’m running my first marathon in November, so that sounds like a perfect tool for those long runs leading up to the race.

  19. Brendan says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    And now I’m following you on twitter (bsullivan_).

  20. Ethan Money says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    I would use them so I can finally get past the half-marathon distance and complete my first marathon.

  21. Scott says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    I would use GU Roctane while running and training for IronMan.

  22. julie t says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    I have a 244km road ride with 8000+ feet of climbing in a couple of weeks. need all the help I can get 🙂

  23. julie t says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    also, following you on twitter.

  24. Seth G says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    needed for the Philly Marathon! Great Giveaway

  25. Greg says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    I would use it every weekend instead of Gels for my 50-70 mile rides. Anything over 2 hours the electrolyts are perfect.

  26. MikeA says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Love to use Roctane on long training runs for my first 50k!

  27. Meandering Matt says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    I’d love this for long bike rides of 40+ miles.

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com

  28. Meandering Matt says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    New twitter follower. matt0701

  29. Rich Worth says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    I would use the Roctane brew on my long rides during my Ironman training!

  30. Robyn says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    I’ve used the Roctane gels on long runs (10+ mi) and would try it for that.

  31. Robyn says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Following on Twitter!

  32. Mack says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    I used it for the first time two weekends ago during the Timberman 70.3. I would use it on my longer workouts, when I need that little bit extra, especially in the warmer weather. The next event would be the Cadillac Mountain Century Climb.

  33. Shannon Small says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    I would use it for my long workouts (swims, rides, runs) & longer races (70.3 & 140.6 tris, marathon & ultra-marathons. Probably anything over 3hrs.
    This would also replace a competitors endurance powder :-D. Then I can go ALL GU products 😀

  34. Bruce K says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    I am training to run my first 1/2 marathon in Decemeber! I am currently trying different gels to see which works best for me.

  35. WendyF says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    I would use Gu Roctane to help with my marathon training and transition to training for my first 50k!

  36. margieinoakland says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    I’d use Gu Roctane on the long runs. When I get to mile 6, it seems that I need an extra boost to go the next set of miles…

  37. EDDIEB says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    training for 12 and 24 hour MTB events. need to be able to sustain. GU Roctane gels are awesome!

  38. Alex Flamm says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    I am training for a 12 hour adventure race at Natural Bridge KY, this Rocatne would help fuel these 8 hour training sessions. I realy like your blog and am glad to have found it. Love that your semi local to me.

  39. Alex Flamm says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Sorry I also follow you on twitter but is under mixednutsracing. 🙂

  40. Adam from Denver says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    The difference with Roctane products is they are specifically for your longer efforts. I would use it for long course triathalon in combination with Roctane gels to meet my race nutrition calorie intake.

  41. Jany says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    I’m training for the Amica marathon & would pair GU Roctane with a long run in preparation for the race.

  42. Joe Gillespie says

    August 28, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    I use Gu Roctane in my marathons. Most recently The SF Marathon,.

  43. Joe G says

    August 28, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    I recently completed the Leadville Trail 100 run using Roctane Lemon-Lime and a variety of GU gels. That’s the kind of workout I love Roctane for.

  44. Mitch says

    August 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    I would use this for long runs of 2+ hours.

  45. Mitch says

    August 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    Now following you on Twitter…

  46. Stephanie Blassmann says

    August 28, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    I could definitely use these for triathlon training & my first Half Ironman next year! I can especially use them on my brick workouts of cycling then running.

  47. miguel says

    August 28, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    I would use these as I gear up for my first 50k next. My first after recovering from a broken leg.



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