GU Brew Electrolyte Drink – Product Review

Anyone who’s been doing endurance sports for a couple years, knows of the key challenges is finding the right nutrition during activities.  Nutrition can be the key to finishing, or the pivotal point in turning your weekend road bike into a 2 hour death march.  Nutrition is largely some balance of liquids, gels, bars, and fruit. 

Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of alternative drinks and companies.  This includes tap water, caffeinated cola, regular electrolyte drinks (i.e. what’s available in local convenience store), and anything else you’ve read about in a sports magazine.  After about 10 years of testing, I finally found a winner – GU Electrolyte Brew.  GU offers a variety of nutritional solutions including Brew, GU Chomps (like jujube candies), GU Energy Gels, and GU Energy Roctane Ultra.  The key is that everyone’s body reacts differently, so it may or may not be a winner for you – but based on the benefits I outline below, I think you’ll be happy if you try.

Visiting the RunningFree Markam store, I discussed the different options.  We discussed the pros and cons of each product, and when they were most effective to use.  I ultimately gave GU Electrolyte Brew a try. 

The benefits were immediately noticeable.  Firstly, I didn’t get the usual gut rot I received from the typical electrolyte drinks.  I have a weak stomach, so always feel the effects of a full bottle of sugary electrolyte drinks.  Historically, I’ve tried to water down the electrolyte drinks, so the sugar is diluted.  However, the GU Electrolyte Brew sat fine in my stomach.  As it contains significantly less sugar then regular electrolyte alternatives, I didn’t get any gut rut.  Secondly, I felt I had more energy, and didn’t require as much hard foods during exercise.  As I primarily do road cycling in the city, its nice not having to worry about eating a bar while you ride.  This really sold me on the idea of liquid calories.  This isn’t to suggest these are a complete replacement for food (bars or gels), but I found for road cycles less than 2 hours, I didn’t need as much energy from tangible foods.  Thirdly, the taste is on the higher end for sports drink.  I’m not picky to begin with, but I enjoyed the GU products.   You just have to keep in mind your drinking something to assist with performance, and not meant to be a treat!  Management your expectations!

 You can buy the Brew in three different packaging options.  You can get individual packets (1 serving), giant tubs (months worth!), or tablet packets (with 12 tabs – each 1 serving).  For the packets and tubs, you simply add the scoops to a water bottle and shake it up.  The instructions recommend 2 scoops for 1 bottle, which I typically follow.  I’ve read more scoops will add flavor, but I don’t think its required.  For the tablets, you add a single tablet, and shake it up.  The tablets take more shaking, so I usually put them in well before I’ll drink, so they have more time to disintegrate.  One of the key benefits of the tablets, is they’re very convenient for traveling.  I’ve gone on cycling trips, and you can bring two or three tablet packets, and have all the electrolyte drinks you’ll need for a week of sports.  Additionally, there also small enough to bring in a pocket during exercise.  Thus when you get to a store or stream, you only need water, and don’t need to choose from the store’s option (which may or may not have what you need).

GU Electrolyte Brew comes in a variety of flavors, including lemon, orange, raspberry, and blueberry.  I’ve used the lemon the most.  Some of the flavours have different amounts of sodium or ingredients, so ensure to read the packages before you buy.

I’ve used GU Brew in a variety of situations, but mostly for exercise over 1 hour.  This includes cycling, running, and hiking.  Even if its not hot, there’s still the benefits from taking in a little bit of substance.  I’ve also taken it on multi-day canoe trips, so you can have a drink with some taste (and not too much extra room if you bring the tablets!).  I’ve used these on long road rides upwards of 7 hours, and still didn’t mind the taste after having drunk 7 litres.

Give it a try!