Cyclists burn a lot of carbohydrates during a long ride and if you want to finish under your own power you need to replace some of those carbs during the ride. Honey is my favorite source of carbohydrates since it offers a perfect blend of both simple and complex carbs which prevents the energy “spike, crash and burn” that you get from most “energy gels.”
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels
The folks at Honey Stinger recently sent me a few packages of their new Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels. I am not a tofu-eating vegetarian. However, when given a choice, I will choose organic food every time. This is especially true when it comes to the food I eat while cycling. I’ve found that natural ingredients are easily digested and quickly absorbed into the body. Energy gels that contain a lot of chemicals make me feel uncomfortable while cycling.
The new Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels are available in three flavors (Vanilla, Fruit Smoothie, and Acai & Pomegranate). The Fruit Smoothie has a mild strawberry flavor. The Vanilla gel has a strong, but not overpowering, vanilla flavor, and the Acai & Pomegranate tastes like fresh Acai berries, but I couldn’t really taste the Pomegranate. However, the Acai & Pomegranate is my favorite flavor and after eating just one package of it I ordered an entire box of these gels.
The ingredients list for the Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels is about as simple as you can get: Organic tapioca syrup, organic honey, water, potassium citrate, natural flavor, citric acid, and sodium chloride. Each one-ounce (32g) package provides 100 calories with 23g of carbohydrates. Each serving also has 50mg of sodium and 50mg of potassium—the essential electrolytes that cyclists need during a ride. This product is made with 95% USDA-certified organic ingredients and they are also gluten-free.
Honey Stinger has offered Energy Gels for several years and the original flavors of those gels are still available and are now referred to as their Classic Energy Gels. The classic flavors (Gold, Ginsting, Banana, Chocolate and Strawberry) are made with pure honey, along with sodium, potassium, B complex vitamins and all-natural flavors. The Strawberry and Ginsting flavors contain natural caffeine. I like all the original flavors and usually order them in a box of 24 assorted flavor gels.
Can you really tell the difference between the Classic Energy Gels and the new Organic Energy Gels? Yes, but the difference in taste has nothing to do with the organic ingredients—the tapioca syrup in the new gels make for a much smoother product. As much as I like the Honey Stinger gels, they are never going to be my only source of food while on a long ride. However, I do take them with me on every ride. These gels are absorbed quickly into the body and just a few minutes after ingestion it feels like someone kicked on the afterburners.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gels retail for $1.35 per package, or $32.40 for a box of 24. If your local bike does not carry these gels yet they would be glad to order them for you. I’ve found that most local bike shops are willing to give you a decent discount if you buy three boxes of nutritional products at the same time—and you won’t have to pay for shipping! These gels are also available from R.E.I. and from the Honey Stinger Website.
Tracy Wilkins
July 11, 2012 at 2:40 PM
I haven’t tried their gels, but have used their blocks in the past for running and really liked them. My go-to nutrution on the bike (other than a snickers bar) is the Honey Stinger Waffle.
All Seasons Cyclist
July 11, 2012 at 3:13 PM
In my opinion a Honey Stinger Waffle beats a Snickers Bar (but not by much)
James Warne
July 11, 2012 at 4:45 PM
I will definitely be looking for these up here in Canada. I am always looking for a gel that offers that little bit more. Seems like these might be them! Thanks!
All Seasons Cyclist
July 11, 2012 at 4:59 PM
James — these gels have a very “smooth” taste — and no chemical aftertaste (mainly because Honey Stinger doesn’t add chemicals to their products).
Cherry
July 11, 2012 at 8:12 PM
I’ve only recently tried my 1st gel. I’m more a energy bar person – I feel more satisfied about it. Nonetheless, I want to try these gels – they tend to come in handy during bike races when I’m short on time!
All Seasons Cyclist
July 11, 2012 at 9:37 PM
I like a bit of variety in the food I use while cycling, but I always carry at least one Honey Stinger Waffle and one Honey Stinger Gel (I seldom take a ride of under 40 miles).
willtriforbeer
July 12, 2012 at 10:20 AM
I just tried the Honey Stinger Waffle the other day…good stuff. I think I will try these gels instead of the GU that I normally take. Thanks for the info!
All Seasons Cyclist
July 12, 2012 at 2:11 PM
I’ve tried GU several time before — they always have a chemical aftertaste. The Honey Stinger products always taste like food!
Pedal Paradise
July 13, 2012 at 3:07 PM
Hmmm, I’ve seen these at the bike shop. Perhaps I’ll give them a go. I have a hard time with these gels. They’re called gulps, but I call them sips. That’s all I can bear at once. But these sound like they might go down easier.
All Seasons Cyclist
July 13, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Some gels are so loaded down with chemicals it is like trying to take a dose of bad medicine as you ride. On the other hand, I actually crave the Honey Stinger gels!
dorseyml
November 15, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Hey! Thanks for the suggestion on the Honey Stinger! I love them. I tried the blocks, gels, and waffle. They were so good, I also mentioned you in my latest post. 🙂
All Seasons Cyclist
November 15, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Glad you liked them! The waffles are highly addictive. Thanks for the mention on your blog.
dorseyml
November 15, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Sure!