Honey Stinger Energy Gels

How I rated the gels:

I broke down each brand’s product line into organic vs non-organic and then any additional differences such as the type of energy gel. Instead of writing a review on every single flavor, I commented on the flavor within each category. Since there are so many different flavors of gels I didn’t rate on the specific flavor, instead, I noted my own comments on each flavor tested. I tried not to let the actual flavor interfere with the overall taste. If I did have a biased against a flavor I noted this in the comments next to the product.

To rate the energy gels I used four factors on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest score:

1. Energy Availability

This is how quickly the energy became available after taking the gel.

2. Energy Duration

The most important factor was judged on how much energy was given from the gel. A scientific lab experiment was not done on the exact energy outputs of each gel. Instead, I ran a total of 3 miles (30 minutes – because I pace easily at 10 minutes/mile) during each energy gel test. I ran each morning at the same time on an empty stomach to baseline the results as best as I could. I took one gel 15 minutes before each 30-minute running session.

Note: energy gels are meant to be taken when your run duration lasts 90 minutes or longer. I’m not advising you to take a gel for a 30-minute run. These test runs were done as close to a baseline as possible to get a decent set of comparable results. I will be updating this post at a later date that rates each gel for longer distance runs with multiple gel packs consumed.

3. Availability

Is the product available in physical stores and in big online stores?

4. Natural ingredients

How many natural ingredients does the product have?

The Review

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Energy availability

The energy took an extra 5 minutes to kick in when compared to other gels.

Energy duration (30-minute test)

This gel hit the mark with keeping my energy level up for the 30-minute test. I was able to mentally focus without any cloudiness. Once the energy kicked in it sustained me for close to the 30-minute mark. No dragging whatsoever.

Availability

Most running stores and big chain grocery stores carry these gels. Also abundantly available online, although Amazon was sold out of quite a few of them. Don’t forget that half marathons take planning so you’re not caught trying to find your energy gels at a store on race day morning. Check out this awesome half marathon checklist for half marathons which includes all items needed for a happy half marathon plus detailed information on what you need to do the week of your half marathon race.

Flavors Tested

Gold (non-organic) – tasted like gelled honey and water mixed together. No aftertaste. If you love honey and don’t mind the non-organic ingredients then this one is for you. No Stomach Issues.
Fruit Smoothie (organic) – The taste was on the strawberry side of a fruit smoothie. You can definitely taste the honey but not overwhelming. The one drawback it had was it left a little bit of an aftertaste that lasted my entire run. The consistency of the gel was thick and well blended. The honey stinger fruit smoothie was slightly sweeter than I like my gels, but if I had to use these in training or a race I could make due. No Stomach Issues.

Flavors Untested

Ginseng (non-organic)
Chocolate + Caffeine (non-organic)
Acai Pomegranate
Mango Orange
Strawberry Kiwi
Vanilla

Nutritional Facts

Serving size: 34 g
Calories: 110
Sodium: 45 mg
Calcium: 0 mg
Total Carbs: 26 g
Total Sugars: 25 g (includes 25 g added sugar)
Vegan: No
Gluten-free: Yes
Organic: No
Take with water: Yes
Caffeine: 0 mg
Thiamin (30% DV)
Riboflavin (35% DV)
Niacin (2% DV)
Vitamin B6 (20%)
Vitamin B12 (15% DV)
Pantothenic Acid (60% DV)

Ingredients

Honey
Water
Potassium Citrate
Salt
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)